Health World

Brain Benefits of Exercise

2012-03-14T19:14:00.000+05:00

A recent study conducted at the Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College in Dublin asked a group of male college students who described themselves as "sedentary" to take part in a memory test followed by vigorous exercise. After exercising, they were asked to take the test again.

The study found that volunteers who exercised prior to the memory test performed better the second time around. Those who did not exercise did not show improvement.

What's more, blood samples taken during the test show that immediately after working out, the volunteers had higher levels of a protein known as BDNF, which is known to promote the health of nerve cells.

While scientists are still trying to figure out which parts of the brain are positively affected by exercise, this study conducted by the University of Dublin suggests that higher levels of BDNF brought about by exercise may improve memory and perhaps, overall brain function.

Other Brain Benefits

The cognitive upsides to regular exercise don't stop at memory. In fact, research has found that physical activity can have a variety of brain benefits:

1. Prevents cognitive decline such as dementia or Alzhemier's disease.

2. Improves symptoms associated with depression and bipolar disorder.

3. Combats stress and anxiety.

4. Enhances abilities associated with "planning, scheduling, inhibition, task coordination," according to a study conducted at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.

Get Started Today

Going for a brisk walk three days a week, getting to the gym often, and running or riding your bike regularly can benefit you physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Research has supported this.

However, what if balancing work (maybe even two jobs), a family, and a personal life leaves you with little-to-no extra time or energy? What do you do then? A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that remaining active, even if it means cleaning, gardening, or walking to the store regularly can "[protect] against cognitive impairment."

So whether you're running five miles a day or cleaning five rooms a day, remaining active and keeping yourself moving can, and will, benefit your brain.

Sources:

Activity Energy Expenditure and Incident Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/171/14/1251

Exercise Appears To Improve Brain Function Among Younger People
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061219122200.htm

Growing Stronger - Strength Training for Older Adults
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/why/index.html

Aerobic exercise improves hippocampal function and increases BDNF in the serum of young adult males.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21722657

How to Make Exercise Fun

2012-03-11T09:30:00.000+05:00

People have a million excuses why they slack off on exercise like, "I don't have time," "it's too much work," "it's boring," or "I'd rather be with my friends." But what if exercise was fun? What if you enjoyed it so much that you made the time, looked forward to putting in the effort, found it exciting, and could do it with your friends and family?

These tips will make exercise fun again:

Make it a game. Soccer, tennis, golf, dodge ball, track meets, bowling, racquetball, and basketball are part of an endless list of sporting events that turn plain-old-exercise into game time with friends. These sporting events provide excellent opportunities to bump up your heart rate and stretch those muscles while you go out to play.

You can burn about 280 calories with a half-hour pick-up game of basketball and about 240 playing racquetball. Don't worry if none of your friends are game to join you. Exercise provides plenty of opportunities to meet new people.

Call your local golf course and ask to be added to a foursome. Show up at the park with your ball or sign up for your gym's handball tournament. Once you've found your buddies, schedule regular workouts to keep your game on.

Make it a party. When you exercise with other people, doing something you enjoy, suddenly, is no longer tedious. Try out the Zumba® class at your local community center or sign up for Tango lessons. Dance, kickboxing, spinning, and other group fitness activities pack all the exercise you need into super-social, fun events. Gather a group of friends and host a Wii^TM fitness party in your living room or take turns in each other's homes doing a new workout DVD every week. Nobody says you can't follow your fitness with a glass of something sparkly if that's what it takes to keep the party going.

Make it creative. If you've been doing the same old fitness routine for too long, it's time to mix it up. Get off the treadmill and try something new. Challenge yourself to try things you've never done before like kayaking, Pilates, ballroom dancing, power-yoga, swimming, skiing, and even wrestling. The point is to make your fitness routine challenging, motivating, and rewarding. If you try something and discover it's not for you, cross it off your list and move on to something else. Before you know it, you'll be toned, fit, and inspired.

Barre and Ballet Workouts: Get a Leg Up on Fitness

2012-03-10T09:58:00.000+05:00

Using a combination of ballet moves, weight training, stretching, and isometric body-weight exercises, barre/ballet workouts kick you into ballerina shape. It's not just for dancers, though. This workout may be the toughest one you've ever done in a leotard.

Three popular barre exercise methods are being taught in studios and on DVD all over the world. They all stem from The Lotte Berk Method total body workout. Developed by the late dancer Lotte Berk, this combination of strength-training, dance, back exercises, and Hatha yoga (choreographed to fast-paced, pulse-pumping music) provides an intense, hour-long (or longer) mind-body workout.

Newer methods like The Bar Method, Physique 57, and barre 3 all offer varying intensities on Berk's basics by adding hand weights and/or exercise balls.

Don't worry if you don't have a barre studio nearby or a barre in your own home. A sturdy chair in your living room, some hand weights, (three or eight-pounds, depending on which method you choose) and an exercise ball are all you need.

Each workout includes upper body/arm exercises using hand weights interspersed with stretching exercises.

The Bar Method uses three-pound hand weights while Physique 57 uses eight-pounders. Next, they focus on lower body/leg exercises that mimic those performed by dancers.

This is no lightweight workout. Be prepared to feel your leg, hip, and seat (that's ballet-speak for butt) muscles work harder than they've ever worked before. Then, you'll focus on abdominal exercises.

Physique 57 and barre 3 use an exercise ball for their six-pack workout. You'll finish with a cool-down and leave class feeling long, tall, tired, and toned.

The Bar Method studios have been around since 2000 with franchised studios all over the world. Classes last as long as 85 minutes and provide a solid workout using three-pound weights, push-ups, planks, tricep dips, and more. By focusing on safety and alignment and offering seven different fitness levels, the Bar Method is a good choice for dance or exercise beginners.

Physique 57 (Classic 57-minute workout) uses a wider variety of movements and eight-pound weights. The DVD shows several dancers at various fitness levels, which makes this workout do-able for beginners and non-dancers. Expect to feel the burn at the end of this one-hour workout, but also expect to see sculpted muscles and tight abs with diligent practice. Physique 57 is said to be Kelly Ripa's workout of choice.

Barre 3 is popular with celebrities like Madonna because the challenging workout also focuses on posture and elongation. This 40-minute workout could provide a nice supplement to your cardio workout.

Will Beetroot Juice Improve Your Running?

2012-03-09T09:28:00.000+05:00

Beetroot is the bulbous, reddish-purple part of a beet plant. The other part of the plant is the beet top (or beet greens), which are also highly nutritious. Beetroot juice is obtained by putting beets through a juicer and extracting its liquid.

This liquid is high in nutrients including folate, potassium, and vitamin C. It also has a high nitrate content, which is being credited for boosting runner's performances. Scientists aren't certain, but they think having more nitric oxide (a byproduct created by metabolizing nitrate) in your body helps athletes exercise with less oxygen.

Beetroot's impact on athletic ability was tested in two small studies performed at Exeter University. In these studies, athletes drank a half liter of beetroot juice several hours before taking part in cycling. Tests performed on the athletes determined they were able to exercise using less oxygen than normal and for twenty percent longer than control subjects who drank a placebo of black current juice.

The scientists concluded that the beetroot juice allowed them to reduce the amount of energy their muscles required, which increased their stamina.

Casual runners shouldn't expect that drinking beetroot juice will turn them into marathoners, but scientists think it can improve performance for serious runners. It might also help athletes bump past stubborn performance plateaus.

Beetroot juice provides benefits for athletes and non-athletes alike. Studies show that drinking beetroot juice lowers blood pressure and keeps it low for up to 24 hours.

It may also help fight inflammation, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

What's the downside of drinking beetroot juice? It takes a lot of juice to receive all the athletic and health benefits that have been attributed to beet juice and it has a strong, distinct flavor that not everyone loves.

You can mix it with other juices to improve its flavor, but watch out that you're not adding too many extra calories to your diet by drinking all that juice.

Can you get the same benefits by eating beets? Beets are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins and are a healthy ingredient for any diet, but it appears it's the juice (consumed in high quantities) that's responsible for increased athletic performance.

Sources:

A toast to health and performance! Beetroot juice lowers blood pressure and the O₂cost of exercise
Journal of Applied Physiology, December 2010
Leonardo F. Ferreira and Bradley Jon Behnke

Have Diabetes-Related Complications? Exercises to Avoid

2012-03-08T09:18:00.000+05:00

Chances are, you've heard about the benefits of exercise so often, you could list them in your sleep: it can lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol, help you lose weight, reduce body fat, reduce your stress level, and give you more energy. But if you're dealing with any diabetes-related complications, the rules are a little different.

"The benefits of exercise are enormous," says Kellie Rodriguez, RN, CDE, CPT, director of patient education at the Diabetes Research Institute. "But you need to be super-careful about doing exercise that is high impact, or that involves lifting weights and straining, when you have certain complications from diabetes."

Here are a few of the complications that should be a yellow light for you. Depending upon your doctor's recommendation, you'll be able to switch to a different form of fitness. There is an exercise program out there for nearly everyone; it's just a matter of finding one that's right for you.

● Peripheral neuropathy. When this complication occurs, an individual may not have good sensation in the feet, Rodriguez explains. And if you have no sensation, you could injure yourself while running, jogging, or skiing-or even just walking-and not even realize it. "This can be incredibly dangerous," Rodriguez says. "If you have peripheral neuropathy, after exercise you need to look at the bottoms of your feet for scratches, cuts, and blisters." Also be sure to wear cotton socks and well-fitting, comfortable shoes for exercise. One good activity for those who aren't supposed to be jogging, Rodriguez suggests, is swimming.

● Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy). If you develop this condition, you'll want to stay away from weight lifting. "It can raise the blood pressure, which can lead to bleeding in the back of the eye," Rodriguez says. Be sure to check with your eye specialist to find out what types of exercise are safe for you to do.

● Autonomic neuropathy. This condition affects the nerves that control such organs as the bladder, genitals, and intestinal tract. When an individual has autonomic neuropathy, he may no longer feel the symptoms of low blood sugar or he may even have a silent heart attack, Rodriguez explains. Be sure to get medical clearance before doing exercise, and plan a fitness program carefully.

Most individuals will be able to safely do a variety of exercises, says Hope Warshaw, RD, CDE, MMSc, co-author of the "Real-Life Guide to Diabetes." "Your doctor may want you to see an exercise physiologist or physical therapist to help you figure out what exercise is right for you," she says. "For people with type 2 diabetes, exercise has myriad benefits. It's all about finding the right program."

When you do choose an exercise program, be safe by following some simple rules. Wear your medical identification bracelet or necklace, carry your ID in your pocket, and always travel with food or glucose tablets to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly if you exercise for over an hour: you may need a snack before you finish.

Sources:

"What I need to know about physical activity and diabetes." National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/physical_ez/index.aspx

Colberg, Sheri R., Sigal, Ronald J., Fernall, Bo, Regensteiner, Judith G., Blissmer, Bryan J., Rubin, Richard R., Chasan-Taber, Lisa, Albright, Ann L., Braun, Barry. "Exercise and Type 2 diabetes." Diabetes Care. Volume 33, Number 12, December 2010.
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/33/12/e147.abstract

What's Really Causing Your Foot Pain?

2012-03-07T09:15:00.000+05:00

Your feet bear the weight of your entire body and when they're not properly supported or they're expected to bear more than they're designed to carry, they react with pain. The delicate network of bones that make up the feet and allow us to walk and balance can get pushed out of alignment, which can irritate the joints, skin, nerves and connective tissue.

Weight loss, proper hygiene, and the right shoes are among of the most common recommendations doctors make when their patients come in with painful feet and ankles. They might also look for medical conditions associated with foot pain like diabetes and heart disease, (which can cause nerve damage and circulatory problems in the lower extremities) or broken bones. But while those conditions do cause feet to become painful, the most common causes of foot pain are:

Fallen arches, flat feet, or high arches that don't get enough arch support in a shoe
Bunions, calluses and corns, often caused by poorly fitting shoes
Hammer toes that curl down into a claw-like shape
Arthritis, inflammation of the joints in the foot
Plantar warts, which form on the sole of the foot and become painful when stepped on
Bursitis or tendonitis of the ligaments, tendons and surrounding areas
Morton's Neuroma, a bundle of thick nerve tissue between the toes
Gout, a disease process caused by buildup of uric acid in the toe
Sprains, especially in the ankle
Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the connective tissue in the bottom of the foot
Stress fractures, caused by pressure, impact, or trauma
Fungal infections like athletes foot

Foot Pain Prevention

How do you avoid becoming a foot-pain victim? Try these methods:

1. Wear good shoes with low to medium heels and good arch support. Make sure they're appropriate for the activities you engage in. Don't substitute tennis shoes for running shoes or wear your old Keds to play basketball. Instead, consult a sport shoe expert and invest in the right shoe for your sport. Wear high heel shoes and flip-flops as rarely as possible.

2. Practice good foot hygiene. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day, wear clean socks, and contact your doctor if you see any rashes, cuts, sores, or abrasions. Always wear non-skid shoes on wet, slippery surfaces and locker room floors.

3. Exercise regularly and cross train to keep all the muscles in your ankles, legs, and back strong and to prevent overuse injuries in your ankles and feet.

Have your feet checked as part of your regular physical examinations. If you have diabetes or heart disease, have your doctor examine your feet every time you see him/her and as soon as you notice any alterations.

How to Get an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading

2012-03-06T09:14:00.000+05:00

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. The top number (systolic) indicates the maximum pressure the heart exerts while beating. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure in the arteries between beats. Physicians consider a difference of more than 40 mm Hg between the two abnormal (this is called pulse pressure).

Factors That Affect Blood Pressure Readings

Stress and anxiety. A stressful situation can cause a dramatic, temporary spike in your blood pressure. A single incident is not cause for alarm; however, if this happens frequently, it can damage your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. Stress can also cause you to engage in behavior that may further damage your heart, such as smoking or drinking.

The season. Blood pressure tends to be higher in the winter because low temperatures cause your blood vessels to narrow so you need more force to push the blood through your body.

Alcohol. Drinking three or more drinks at once may cause a temporary uptick in blood pressure. Over time, excessive drinking may cause a long-term increase.

Daily patterns. Your blood pressure is usually lower while you sleep and shortly after waking, then rises throughout the day, peaking in mid-afternoon.

Caffeine. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can also cause a short but dramatic increase in your blood pressure.

Measurement errors. Your blood pressure measuring device may not be working properly, or you (or your healthcare provider) may not take your blood pressure correctly, which can cause a false high reading. Even something as innocuous as a tight belt can affect your reading.

If you experience a high blood pressure reading, try again later. Take a walk or practice slow, deep breathing so you're calm before you try again. Drinking water and avoiding certain foods, such as dark chocolate, garlic, and bananas beforehand may help ensure an accurate reading. If you continue to get high readings and you've ruled out outside factors as possible culprits, then see your physician. You can make simple lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure, or if appropriate, seek medical care.

Sources:

Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D. "High blood pressure." Mayo Clinic. Web. 26 August 2011.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/white-coat-hypertension/AN02014

Mayo Clinic. "High blood pressure." Web. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/AN01786

Ray, Claiborne. "Pressure Problems." New York Times. Web. 13 December 2010.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/14/science/14qna.html

10 Ways to Eat Well When Life Is Stressful

2012-02-23T10:03:00.000+05:00

If you eat in response to stress, you are not responding to real hunger but instead to a coping mechanism—comfort food.

A study reported in Physiology Behavior found that 73 percent of participants reported eating more sweets and fewer meal-type foods, such as meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, during periods of stress.

Whether you overeat or eat poorly during times of stress, it helps to do a little "self-monitoring," and pay attention to your eating habits and the types of foods you eat.

Stress management tactics such as exercise or meditation usually require a long-term plan. But you can start with these tips to help you take control of emotional eating:

Maintain a normal eating schedule. Start with a healthy breakfast and eat a meal or a healthy snack every three to four hours. Eat enough to feel satisfied but not stuffed.
Don't skip meals. When you skip or delay meals, you become overly hungry and are more likely to overeat and less likely to make healthy food choices.
Keep healthy snacks on hand and ready to eat. If you start to randomly eat during stressful times, stock up on nutritious snacks such as cut-up raw vegetables, vegetable juice, fresh and dried fruit, whole-grain cereals, reduced-fat cheese sticks, and yogurt.
Plan your snacks. Schedule "mini meals" once or twice during the day so that you won't get too hungry. Rather than grabbing a handful of chips or cookies from the store, sit down to a healthier combination of foods such as a dozen grapes and a small container of yogurt sprinkled with cereal.
Pay attention to hunger. If it's not your normal meal or snack time but you are reaching for food, ask yourself if it's real hunger or emotional hunger. There are ways to tell: Real hunger comes on gradually, while emotional hunger is usually sudden and intense. Emotional eating involves cravings for specific types of foods as opposed to the combination of foods normally eaten at a meal.
Eat slowly and mindfully. Use mealtimes and snack times as rest periods. That way, you'll slow down and focus on your food rather than on the events that are causing you stress.
Pay attention to feelings of fullness. If you're eating while stressed, you are more likely to eat when you're not really hungry, and to keep eating even when you're full.
Enjoy your favorite foods in moderation. There's no point in denying yourself simple pleasures when you're under stress. Enjoy your favorite comfort foods in reasonable portions and in the context of an otherwise healthy diet.
Drink plenty of water. When you go to grab food, grab a cup or bottle of water instead. Use the time while you're drinking water to figure out if you're really hungry or just desire food for comfort.
Avoid consuming excess caffeine or energy drinks when you are already feeling over-stimulated.

Sources:

Oliver, G and Wardle, J; "Perceived Effects of Stress on Food Choice" Physiology & Behavior 1999 66(3)511-515 Web 25 Nov 2011
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938498003229

Purdue University Student Wellness Office: Cut it! Keep it Small; don't eat it all.
http://www.purdue.edu/swo/nutrition/KnowItAll/HealthyEatingWeightManagement/CutIt.pdf

Temple University: Emotional Eating: Hunger vs. Stress Web 25 Nov 2011
http://www.temple.edu/hr/EmotionalEatingHungervs.Stress.htm

Apple Cider Vinegar: Is It a Super Tonic?

2012-02-22T10:00:00.000+05:00

Used as a salad dressing, apple cider vinegar could also be used as a natural remedy to help ease a sore throat, relieve sinus congestion, calm intestinal troubles, and rid your scalp of dandruff. Also, if you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar could even help keep your blood sugar balanced.

Although cider vinegar has not been subjected to a great deal of scientific investigation, many documented personal anecdotes and clinical reports seem to confirm what advocates of natural folk medicine have been saying for centuries about its curative powers.

If you want to test the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for any of the following conditions, use these formulas as guides:

Sore throat. Gargle with a small amount of slightly diluted apple cider vinegar sprinkled with a pinch of hot (cayenne) pepper.

Cold and cough. According to Penny C. Royal, author of Herbally Yours, homemade cough syrup made with apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices can help soothe a persistent cough. Combine 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and cayenne pepper, two tablespoons of water, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Cover and refrigerate the mixture until ready to use, then take one teaspoon at a time.

Dandruff. After shampooing, rinse your hair with a combination of one part cider vinegar to three parts water, or two tablespoons of vinegar diluted in six tablespoons (or 1/3 cup plus one teaspoon) of water.

Diarrhea. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and stir in a tablespoon of honey.

Food Poisoning. Apple cider vinegar's antimicrobial properties may help offset gastrointestinal symptoms associated with food poisoning, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They recommend adding two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water, and drinking this combination several times a day.

Other Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Besides treating minor medical disorders, diluted apple cider vinegar will clean hard surfaces around your house such as kitchen counters and appliances.

Try dabbing a little under your arms for natural odor protection. Vinegar alters the pH of your skin, which discourages the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

As a home remedy, apple cider vinegar may help soothe the symptoms of many common ailments, but it is never a substitute for professional medical care. If your symptoms persist, or if you have a fever or a serious medical condition, speak to your doctor.

Also, too much apple cider vinegar over time can lower your blood potassium levels and increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. If you regularly swallow straight cider vinegar for any reason, Harvard University's Dr. Richard Lee recommends that you rinse your mouth with plain water to preserve the enamel on your teeth.

Sources:

The Campus Barber/Duke University: Dandruff
http://www.duke.edu/~papabell/cbarber/faqs_dandruff.htm

Hlebowicz, J, et al.; "Efect of Apple Cider Vnegar on Delayed Gastric Emptying in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study." Gastroenterology 2007; 7:46. Web. 7 Nov 11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2245945/?tool=pubmed

Lee, R. "Is Vinegar Good for the Arteries?" Harvard Health Publications. Web. 7 Nov 11.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/lower-back-pain-yoga-therapy-can-help

McMillen, B. "Home Remedy for a Cough." University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Bradfor, PA (Royal, Penny C. "Herbally Yours" 1982; Sound Nutrition) Web. 7 Nov 11.
http://www.pitt.edu/~cjm6/sp99cough.html

University of Maryland Medical Center
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/food-poisoning-000064.htm

Considering a Cardiac Implant? What You Should Know

2012-02-21T09:49:00.000+05:00

For some patients with serious heart conditions, a defibrillator (a device that helps the heart do its job) can be lifesaving. As with all medical interventions, however, there are benefits and risks. You may have heard about recent studies that report increased rates of infections in patients who've had one of these devices surgically implanted.

There are two main types of implanted defibrillators: ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) and CRT-Ds (cardiac resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator). A defibrillator monitors the electrical activity of the heart. If it detects a potentially dangerous change in the heart's rhythm, it will send small pulses of electricity to shock the heart back into its normal rhythm. Defibrillators are nicknamed "emergency rooms in the chest" because they can intervene when a patient's heart fails, potentially saving the patient's life.

The use of defibrillators doubled between 1993 and 2008. During the same time, the number of implanted device-related infections tripled. While most surgical wounds are likely to become contaminated from bacteria on the skin or in organs, some may progress and become clinical infections. Cardiologists estimate the risk of surgical site infections at five to 20 percent. Infections can prolong patients' hospital stays and may even lead to death. Patients who undergo surgery are also at risk for respiratory, urinary tract, and other bacterial infections.

Defibrillators can fail, especially CRT-Ds. In one study of 3,253 patients who received a CRT-D, 416 had a device-related event by 18 months, and of those, 390 needed surgical intervention. By four years, 50 percent needed surgery to replace the batteries. During the same time, only 10 percent of patients with an ICD needed an intervention (13 percent for dual-chambered ICDs). Furthermore, the rate of infection in patients with a CRT-D was higher. The researchers emphasized, however, that these events were not associated with worse clinical outcomes and did not change the risk of death.

Some heart specialists are also concerned that many patients who receive defibrillators don't actually need them. In one study, researchers found that nine out of 10 patients received no medical benefits from the device.

The FDA collects information about defibrillators, but it's not easy to analyze the data and not all device problems are reported. Furthermore, it's hard to calculate the costs and benefits of cardiac implants and to determine who is actually going to benefit most. If your cardiologist recommends an implanted cardiac device, have a frank discussion with him about all the potential benefits and risks.

Sources:

Bakalar, Nicholas. "Risks: Infections Follow Rise in Cardiac Implants." New York Times. Web. 29 August 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/health/30risks.html?_r=2

HealthGrades. "Defibrillator Implant." Web.
http://www.healthgrades.com/procedures/profile/Defibrillator_Implant

Feder, Barnaby J. "Defibrillators Are Lifesaver, but Risks Give Pause."New York Times. Web. 12 September 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/business/13defib.html

Douglas, David. "Complex Cardioverter Defibrillators More Problem Prone." Medscape Medical News. Web. 7 June 2011. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/744136

Grens, Kerry. "Reports of Defibrillator Failures Incomplete." Medscape Medical News.Web.13 September 2011. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/749585

Gifford, C.,BA (Oxon) BMBCh, Christelis, N., MBBCH FRCA FFPMRCA FANZCA, and Cheng, A., MBBS FRACP MPH PhD. "Preventing Postoperative Infection." Continuing Education Anaesthia, Critical Care & Pain 11(5) (2011): 151-156. Medscape Medical News. Web. 27 September 2011. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/750224

Eat to Beat Bowel Cancer

2012-02-20T09:44:00.000+05:00

Fruits and vegetables provide some of the most important nutrients you can consume, namely, disease-fighting antioxidants in the form of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (substances found only in plants that are known to protect your cells from destruction).

One of the many diseases that antioxidants can help prevent is bowel, or colorectal, cancer. But it gets even more specific than that. An Australian survey study, published in the October 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that different fruits and vegetables may affect certain parts of the bowel.

Previous studies that link bowel cancer risk and fruit and vegetable consumption have had conflicting results. The Australian researchers point out that this could be because until now, no study has looked specifically at the relationship between diet and the different parts of the bowel where tumors could form.

Your gastrointestinal tract is a long tube that stretches from your mouth to your rectum, with lots of twists, turns, bulges, and folds in between. The food you eat travels this entire course to be broken down, digested, and stripped of its nutrients along the way. Those nutrients are absorbed through your intestinal wall and travel through your bloodstream to wherever they are needed. What's left of your meal is eliminated, along with any indigestible fiber contained in the food.

Your bowel has three main parts and each part is divided into distinct areas. Your distal colon includes the large intestine, sigmoid colon, and descending colon in your distal colon. Your proximal colon includes the cecum, appendix, ascending colon, and transverse colon. Your rectum leads to your anus, which is the end of your large intestine and the end of your gastrointestinal tract.

More clinical studies need to be performed to confirm these results, but upon analyzing the diets of almost 2,000 adults who participated in this study, the Australian researchers found the following associations:

Eating more cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts may be linked to a lower rate of cancer in both the distal and proximal colons.
Eating more apples and dark yellow or orange vegetables, such as winter squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots may be linked to a lower risk of developing distal colon cancer.
Higher total fruit and vegetable intake may be linked to a lower risk of distal colon cancer, but not proximal colon cancer or rectal cancer.
Increased consumption of fruit juice may be linked to an increased risk of developing rectal or anal cancer.

Sources:

Annema, N. et al; "Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and the Risk of Proximal colon, Distal Colon, and Rectal Cancers in a Case-control Study in Western Australia." Journal of the American Dietetic Association 111(10):1479-1490 October 2011 Web 20 Oct 2011
http://www.adajournal.org/article/S0002-8223(11)01215-6/abstract

Science Daily: Fruits and Vegetables Reduce Risks of Specific Types of Colorectal Cancers, Study Finds 26 Sep 2011 Web 20 Oct 2011
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926083346.htm

How Safe Are Food Preservatives?

2012-02-19T09:24:00.000+05:00

Preservatives keep food products fresh long enough for them to get from the factory to the supermarket and eventually find a place on your dining table. They do this by slowing down the natural breakdown of fats, delaying the ripening process of fresh foods, and destroying or slowing down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that would otherwise grow on food.

Sometimes, preservatives are used strictly to keep foods safe, but they are also used to maintain the quality of a food. For instance, bacon and other processed meat products that contain preservatives stay fresh and safe to eat for longer periods of time than similar products that are preservative-free. Canned foods, however, stay safe to eat for years because of the temperatures and technology involved in the canning process. Any preservatives used in canned foods are most likely there to preserve the color, texture, or overall integrity of the product but have little or nothing to do with safety.

Salt and sugar are natural preservatives that help prevent spoilage if used in high enough amounts in certain foods, such as salt in dried meats and sugar in fruit jams. While you may want to limit the amounts of salt and sugar you consume in your overall diet, government leaders and consumer advocacy groups have few grounds for limiting their use by manufacturers in individual food products. When it comes to the level of chemical preservatives in some products, however, the food police step in.

Chemical food preservatives are included on the ingredient list required on all packaged foods. Some common preservatives you will see listed that are limited by government regulation include benzoates, sorbates, propionates, sulfites, sulfur dioxide, nitrites, nitrates, propyl gallate, BHA, BHT, erythorbic acid, and citric acid.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer watchdog organization, categorizes these preservatives as follows:

Safe: citric acid, erythorbic acid, sorbic acid

Cut back: salt, sugar

Use with caution: BHT

Certain people should avoid: sodium benzoate, sulfites, sulfur dioxide

Avoid: BHA, propyl gallate, sodium nitrate, and sodium nitrite

In reviews of animal and human studies, CSPI found some associations between BHA, propyl gallate, sodium nitrate, and sodium nitrite and an increased risk of developing cancerous tumors. But because there is not enough evidence showing a direct cause and effect between these preservatives and the onset of disease, they remain in use.

Sources:

Center for Science in the Public Interest: Chemical Cuisine
http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm

Oberg, C. "Food Preservation," Weber State University. Web. 11 Nov 2011
http://faculty.weber.edu/coberg/3853%20Food%20Preservation.htm

How to Decode Cancer Statistics

2012-02-18T09:20:00.000+05:00

Trying to make sense of cancer statistics can be overwhelming. Adding to the confusion, many media reports lack context, and even reputable journals can promote misleading and overblown claims about cancer treatment. Understanding statistics, however, can help you evaluate treatment options and assess the reliability of the information you obtain.

Survival rates
When you learn you have cancer, you want to know what your chances are for a cure and how long you can expect to live. Survival rates give you a general idea about prognosis for people who have the same disease as you, but they don't tell you your chances for a cure or remission and they don't consider extenuating circumstances that may affect your outcomes.

Progression-free survival rate describes the length of time during and after treatment in which patients live with a disease that does not get worse. Disease-free survival rate is the percent of people who experience complete remission after finishing treatment.

The 5-year survival rate is probably the most common cancer statistic. It describes the percent of people in a study or treatment who are still alive five years after diagnosis or treatment for a disease, regardless if they still have the disease. For example, of 100 people who have bladder cancer, 80 were living five years after diagnosis. Scientists and oncologists often tout 5-year survival rates as evidence of success of treatment.

However, while 5-year survival rates are a valid measure for comparing cancer therapies in randomized trials, they can be misleading for describing how well cancer patients fare. Physicians are diagnosing cancers earlier and earlier, so they're finding more and more cases of cancer. They're also diagnosing benign cancers that never would have progressed (or progressed too slowly to cause problems). Both can make the 5-year survival rate look better than it actually is and does not consider patients' quality of life.

Mortality rates
The statistic cancer patients should be most interested in is mortality rate: the number of deaths with cancer as an underlying cause occurring in a specific population in a year.

We would expect mortality rates to decline with improvements in cancer control, but according to H. Gilbert Welch, MD, author of Should I Be Tested for Cancer?, screening has not reduced mortality and in fact, in some instances, mortality rates have increased.

"Mortality rates for thyroid, prostate, and breast cancers have hardly budged since 1973, yet 5-year statistics have skyrocketed," he said in an interview. "Since 1950, the 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer has risen from 40 to 98 percent, yet the death rate remained stable."

Sources:

Fischhoff, Baruch, Brewer, Noel T., and Downs, Julie S. "Communicating Risks and Benefits: An Evidence-Based User's Guide." Food and Drug Administration. Web. August 2011.http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Reports/UCM268069.pdf
http://www.healthnewsreview.org/toolkit/tips-for-understanding-studies/

Evans, Imogen, Thornton, Hazel, Chalmers, Iain, and Glasziou, Paul. "Testing Treatments." Web.
http://www.testingtreatments.org/

National Cancer Institute. "Glossary of Statistical Terms." Web. 8 December 2009.
http://cancer.gov/statistics/glossary

Mayo Clinic. "Cancer survival rate: What it means for your prognosis." Web. 6 April 2011.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer/CA00049

Welch, H. Gilbert, Schwartz, Lisa M., and Woloshin, Steven. "Are increasing 5-year survival rates evidence of success against cancer?" JAMA 283(22) 2000: 2975-2978. Web.
http://www.vaoutcomes.org/papers/JAMA2975.pdf

National Cancer Institute. "Cancer Mortality Rate." Web. 4 December 2009.
http://cancer.gov/statistics/glossary/mortality

Cancer.net. "Understanding Statistics Used to Guide Prognosis and Evaluate Treatment." Web. 27 July 2011.http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Newly+Diagnosed/Understanding+Survival+Statistics

Lowe, Rachel Myers. "Cancer Screening Questioned." Cancerpage.com. Web. 14 December 2005.
http://www.cancerpage.com/news/article.asp?id=9164

Is the Blood-Type Diet for You?

2012-02-17T09:17:00.000+05:00

The basis of the blood-type diet, developed by the naturopathic physician Dr. Peter D'Adamo, is that blood delivers nutrients to every cell in the body. Because chemical reactions occur naturally between blood and food, blood types respond differently to certain types of diets. In other words, different blood types break down foods differently.

According to this theory, if you eat the wrong type of foods for your blood type, you suffer the equivalent of an allergic reaction. Your body essentially rejects the food and this process may cause any number of health problems, slow down your metabolic rate, and potentially cause weight gain.

The Diet Plan

The solution, according to Dr. D'Adamo, is to eat a specific diet according to your blood type to help restore and maintain the natural metabolic processes that keep you healthy. He recommends four different diets according to blood type.

The blood-type diet also includes exercise plans suitable for different blood types, with the goal of improving health and fitness levels and maintaining your best weight.

Although the blood-type diet advocates eating fresh, natural foods and eliminating processed foods for people with all blood types, it is a controversial plan because, for some blood types, it also recommends eliminating entire food groups.

For example, if you have blood type A or O, you are supposed to avoid dairy products, eliminating the best food sources of calcium and vitamin D. If you have blood type O, you are supposed to eliminate grains and beans, which are some of the best sources of B vitamin, iron, and plant protein.

In order to get the recommended daily amounts of these nutrients, you may have to take dietary supplements. Which is why, when Dr. D'Adamo first published his blood-type diet back in 1996, he also began promoting his own line of supplements to go with it.

What Health Experts Say

Dietitians and other nutrition experts believe that nutrients should come from food first and that vitamin and mineral supplements can provide a form of dietary insurance and fill in any nutritional gaps that result when you cannot eat a balanced diet.

Although elimination diets are often necessary for people with specific health problems, there is no scientific evidence available to prove the theory that diets should be prescribed by blood type. That doesn't mean it's not a valid theory, but it means there is no basis for recommending the diet.

When a diet plan recommends that whole populations of healthy people eliminate entire food groups, it raises a red flag for most health professionals because it creates a situation where supplements are not being used as extra insurance but, rather, as an essential component of the plan.

One question you can ask yourself if you are thinking about following the blood-type diet, or any restrictive diet, is this: Which seems the more natural, most effective way for you to get and stay healthy—eating a variety of whole foods or taking supplements to get the nutrients you need?

Sources:

Eat Right for Your Type
http://www.dadamo.com/

New York University Langone Medical Center: The Blood type Diet. Web. 11 Nov 2011
http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=214387

University of Bridgeport: The Dr. Peter D'Adamo NaturopathicScholarship. Web 11 Nov 2011
http://www.bridgeport.edu/admissions/healthsciences/dadamo.aspx

Make This Summer the Summer of Love

2011-06-17T20:47:00.000+05:00

The weather's not all that heats up in the summer. This can also be the season of love, whether you're single and looking for a relationship or in a committed partnership.
"Summer's a great time to develop a new relationship or to spice up the one that you already have," says Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great. "Summer brings with it such a sense of optimism."
Here's how to make this the steamiest summer ever in terms of romance.

1. Make the weather work to your advantage. Open your doors and windows to the warm breezes, put flowers everywhere, and inhale deeply. "Summer has such wonderful smells," Orbuch says. "And positive smells can increase the attraction between two people."

2. Shed those winter blues and resolve to be optimistic. "Just waking up to sunshine can have a positive effect on mood," Orbuch says. "And that optimism rubs off on other people as well." It's natural to want to be close to someone who's got a sunny, positive outlook on life, so strive for an upbeat attitude.

3. Summer's the perfect opportunity to show a little more skin, so make every inch count. Wear strapless tops in flattering colors, flirty sundresses, strappy sandals, and, of course, bathing suits. And there's nothing wrong with adding a fun, floppy hat to your outfit.

4. If you can afford it, take a weekend share in a summer rental with a group of singles. "A summer house is a great way to meet people," says Brooke Wise, MBA, founder of Wise Matchmaking. "You're all in a house together by the beach, and weekend relationships can turn into serious relationships when the fall comes."

5. Use your creative juices to add an element of surprise into activities that can increase passion and romance. Plan a couples massage night, go to a wine tasting together, or stay up late watching erotic videos together.

6. If you're going out on a first date with someone, schedule something that takes advantage of the gorgeous weather. "Plan a picnic outside, or go to an arboretum," Orbuch says. "It's a little out of the ordinary and chances are it will help you reach your goal, which is a second date."

7. If you're single, take advantage of outdoor activities, like rooftop bars, movies in the park, and hiking clubs.

8. If you're a couple, take advantage of slower work schedules to do something together that you've been putting off due to lack of time. "Plan a getaway to a bed and breakfast," Wise says. "Or take a picnic to the park, just the two of you."

9. If you're a couple and you're feeling as if things are getting ho-hum and stale, plan something exciting together. Take a road trip, go up in a hot air balloon, or take a plane ride that lasts for at least two hours before you reach your destination, Wise says. That way, you'll feel far enough away from the kids to really relax together. (There's no time like the summer, when the kids are out of school, to leave them with grandparents for a few days.)

10. If you're single, save up and go on a singles trip, Wise suggests. "A trip to a faraway land, where you're traveling with others who are single, is a great way to meet someone," she says.

View the original article here

Alarm Clocks for a Gentler Wake-Up

2011-06-16T03:09:00.000+05:00

If you're tired of being jolted from your sleep by the sudden sound of a jarring alarm clock, there's a more pleasant way. Try beginning your day with a simulated sunrise, emanating from a natural light clock or enticing aromas to soothe you into the world of the awake.

How it Works
Usually starting 30 minutes before your set wake-up time, the light from a natural light alarm clock starts to mimic sunrise, gradually getting brighter. On some models, you can set a timer that allows you to wake up gradually over a period of time as short as 10 minutes or as long as an hour and a half. At the same time, natural sounds such as those of a jungle, rainforest or ocean, wind chimes, or songs from a selected radio station, start out at low volume and gradually reach a pre-set higher volume. So with a 30-minute wake-up, if you need to be out of bed by 6:30 a.m., the light and music start at 6:00.

Plug In
Natural light alarm clocks have built in radios with speakers. Some also come with docks for iPods, iPhones, and USBs. There are even brands that contain aromatherapy beads that wake you to the soothing scent of lavender or familiar smell of freshly brewed coffee. In some models, you can add your own essential aromatherapy oils.

Pick a Style
A variety of designs from robotic to light box to lamp-like. Some are spherical, presumably to resemble the sun. Others have a more clinical appearance, and when they are not lit, could be mistaken for a personal humidifier or vaporizer with a built-in clock.

Choose Well
If you have a hard time getting up no matter how well an alarm works, look for a natural light clocks that also comes with a snooze button or even a beeper that goes off when all else fails. The bottom line is: do some research to find a wake-up light that works best for you. Be sure to try out the sound effects before you buy. Not everyone likes to fall asleep or wake up to simulated sounds of birds chirping or rain falling, or to the smell of perfume and flowers. On the other hand, if you don't get good radio reception where you sleep, you may need those nature sounds or that iPod dock.

Sleep Tight
Just as natural alarm clocks help you wake up to gentle sounds and gradually increasing light, some can also be set to provide gradually decreasing light and sounds to help you fall asleep at night. Some models include white noise and low-intensity night light options.

Sources:

Shattell, Mona M. "Peaceful Awakenings: Taking the "Alarm" out of the Alarm Clock" Issues in mental Health Nursing, 2007 28:1271-1272. Web 11 May 2011

http://uncg.academia.edu/MonaShattell/Papers/304141/Peaceful_Awakenings_Taking_the_Alarm_out_of_the_Alarm_Clock

View the original article here

TMJ: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

2011-06-16T00:04:00.000+05:00

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a jaw disorder that at its most basic may cause minor pain and at its most involved may include myriad overlapping conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Because pain in the jaw can result from so many things, it's critical to have a thorough physical exam to figure out the root cause before a diagnosis is made. Yet doctors admit that much of the time, TMJ has them stumped. Here's what to know about this mysterious malady:

TMJ is fairly common. About 35 million people in this country suffer from some form of TMJ problem. And while it can affect anyone, most TMJ sufferers are women of childbearing age.

TMJ can have a multitude of symptoms. A person with TMJ typically experiences jaw pain upon chewing or opening the mouth. This pain can radiate to other areas, including the ears, neck and shoulders. The person may also experience a popping, clicking or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth, jaw stiffness or an inability to open the mouth all the way, a bite that doesn't feel aligned, and difficulty speaking and swallowing. But jaw trouble isn't always present-there are other signs of TMJ that may at first glance have little to do with the jaw. These include headaches, difficulty hearing, dizziness, and vision troubles.

Doctors aren't always sure what causes TMJ. A common cause of TMJ is arthritis, which may simultaneously affect other areas of the body. TMJ also may result from injury. Or it could be a result of genes, your own particular hormonal mix, infection, and even certain dental treatments.

Hypersensitivity to pain is typical in TMJ sufferers. Doctors believe this characteristic of TMJ patients is linked to the fact that they frequently suffer from other chronic pain conditions.

TMJ's progress varies from person to person. Many TMJ sufferers have mild or moderate symptoms. These often resolve on their own or after the patient practices self care such as eating soft foods, avoiding opening the mouth wide, and applying heat or ice. Unfortunately, some TMJ sufferers experience a progressive worsening of the condition and long-term pain. In such cases, jaw surgery may be recommended.

Sources:

The TMJ Association, www.tmj.org
Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com

View the original article here

Scientists closer to unearthing mysteries of cot death

2011-04-12T22:13:00.000+05:00

The findings could improve understanding of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and lead to better screening and preventions.

The body automatically cuts off breathing when you swallow in order to stop food going down the "wrong way" into the windpipe and lungs.

Ordinarily this happens for just a fraction of a second and even when you do choke, breathing is restored once the blockage is coughed up.

But scientists believe there may be a fault in this "reflex" in some babies that causes the breathing to stay off too long and this could be a cause of the mysterious cot death.

Now they have identified how this reflex works and believe further study could discover why it goes wrong – and how to prevent it.

Professor Paul Pilowsky, of Macquarie University, Sydney, said: "Until now, the centres in the brain that coordinate breathing and swallowing were poorly understood.

"But our research has finally teased apart the two mechanisms in the brain, demonstrating how they work together when something goes down the wrong way.

"The eventual hope is to have the ability to manipulate these two systems separately to prevent the excessively long breathing arrest that may cause SIDS."

The mechanism is vital to everyone, but babies in particular as they have a tendency to regurgitate liquids after feeding and saliva tends to pool in their throats.

The two parts of the brain are the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), which is the area that receives sensory information about the presence of airway irritants, and a combination of the caudal nucleus ambiguus and the other is the Bötzinger Complex (BötC).

To understand how the central nervous system controls breathing and swallowing, the team recreated the brain and body's response to a choking in rats using electrical stimulation of the nerve using an electrical charge.

About 300 babies aged under one die of cot death each year in the UK.

No single cause has been identified.

Most cases occur when the baby is under the age of six months, and can happen anywhere, not only in a cot.

The risk is greater in boys, premature babies and those of low birth weight and babies whose parents smoke.

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) did not believe there was any evidence to support the latest theory.

The scientific adviser Prof George Haycock said: "No doubt the work will interest other specialists in the field of experimental physiology but there is no good reason to believe that it has any real relevance to SIDS in human infants."

The findings were published in The Journal of Physiology.

View the original article here

Cuts forcing patients to wait for treatment, NHS admits

2011-04-12T19:11:00.000+05:00

In some cases hospitals are being told to delay treatment in order to save money, while in others GPs are telling patients they cannot be operated upon until their conditions worsen.

The Primary Care Trust Network, an umbrella group that represents health service managers who buy treatment, admits the moves are “undesirable” and will be “unpopular” with the public.

But managers insist they are only acting “reluctantly” as a result of “financial constraint”, and deny allegations by private providers that they are biased against them.

It comes as the NHS struggles to make an unprecedented £20billion of savings over the next three years, at the same time as the Government imposes a radical reorganisation of commissioning and management structures.

Already, NHS patients can be treated for non-emergency operations such as hip and knee replacements in private hospitals in order to speed up treatment.

But it is claimed that Primary Care Trusts, which currently commission care, are finding ways to delay referrals and reduce demand for services in order to save money.

An official tribunal called the Co-operation and Competition Panel is looking into allegations that NHS managers are trying to reduce the amount of business private providers receive.

In a submission to the panel, the PCT Network denied it was discriminating against the private sector – but it did admit that managers are rationing treatment to save money.

This includes increasing waiting times between referral and treatment, to slow down the number of patients being treated and thus the amount of money being spent in the health service, and increasing the threshold of pain or illness that patients are in before they qualify for treatment, so that fewer have to be seen.

Its letter, written by David Stout, Director of the PCT Network, says: “From the information we have received from PCTs, it is the case that in a context of financial constraint, a number have reluctantly decided to temporarily reduce activity levels this year to help contain costs, by asking providers to extend (or not further reduce) their waiting times (while keeping them within the constitutionally required 18-weeks) or imposing in-year caps on (in effect deferring) activity.

“PCTs, working with their practice-based commissioners, are also rightly reviewing referral thresholds and guidelines, and adopting a variety of different referral management processes to help maintain adherence to these, to ensure that patients who need and will benefit most from secondary interventions are prioritised for treatment.”

But he added: “Where choice of provider is appropriate, patients are still being offered this once a decision to refer has been taken, albeit with a longer waiting time or higher treatment threshold.

“For this reason, while the PCTs acknowledge that these actions are undesirable and may be unpopular with patients and providers, they do not believe they are breaching the rules which require commissioners to be transparent and non-discriminatory and to promote choice of provider where appropriate.”

David Worskett of the NHS Partners Network, which represents private firms that treat NHS patients, told the BBC: “It is absolutely the case that in this period of transition that independent sectors are facing significant difficulties. The practices seem to be bias against the independent sector.”

View the original article here

Eyebrow Plucking, Waxing, and Threading

2011-04-12T18:59:00.000+05:00

The toil of achieving the perfect set of eyebrows is enough to make anyone weary. Yet millions of women (and men, too!) show up at the salon every few weeks to be threaded or waxed—while others stay home to take on the challenge with tweezers. Many would agree that no method of eyebrow shaping is perfect, but what are the pros and cons of each?

Plucking

This method of eyebrow shaping is the most economical way of grooming your eyebrows. You can buy tweezers at any drug or beauty store, which are ideal for removing coarse hair or small groups of hair. However, tweezing can be time- consuming and oftentimes takes precision and skill to get the shape you want.

Additionally, your skin's reaction to this very act can be unpredictable, potentially resulting in hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, scarring, ingrown hairs, and distorted follicles.

Waxing

Like plucking, waxing removes the hair from the hair shaft proving-and it could 2-3 weeks before hair begins to grown back. Although this method is the most expensive, it's considered to be the most effective as well because unlike plucking, waxing removes larger quantities of hair from the hair shaft. Instead of opting for a DIY home waxing kit, though, allow an experienced operator from a sanitary beauty salon to work her magic on you. She will provide quicker and more precise results.

Also, keep in mind the waxing-zones that are off-limits. They include areas where there are moles and warts as well as skin that's irritated, sunburned, or broken. The same potential effects of eyebrow plucking (hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, scarring, ingrown hairs, and distorted follicles) can exist for waxing. However, experts say this mode of hair removal may reduce regrowth because repeated waxing helps to destroy hair follicles.

Finally, if you're using a retinoid skin treatment that is systemic or topical, refrain from waxing for at least months after you've stopped treatment. This way, you'll avoid any possible skin tearing or scarring.

Threading

This ancient technique involves the use of a lengthy, twisted loop of thread that is rapidly rotated across the desired hair. Then, the tight coil pulls or breaks off the trapped hair. Some consider this method to be very painful while others are barely bothered. And interestingly, side effects are similar to plucking and waxing.

Conclusion

While no method is without fault, each has merit, too. A talk with your dermatologist can help you further determine which will yield the best results and be gentlest on your skin.

Sources:

Nonlaser Hair Removal Techniques
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1067139-overview

View the original article here

How to Use a Neti Pot for Asthma

2011-04-12T15:03:00.000+05:00

The neti pot, a tried-and-true method that's effective in relieving nasal passages, is also a do-it-yourself asthma remedy that can be used to rinse your nasal passages and prevent related respiratory symptoms.

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin followed a small group of people suffering from allergic asthma who tried using some form of nasal irrigation, such as that accomplished with a neti pot, to help themselves feel better. Their findings, released in the Wisconsin Medical Journal in April 2008, revealed that some participants reported significant relief after using this treatment in relieving asthma symptoms.

Try the neti pot for yourself and see if it helps to treat your own allergic asthma symptoms. You can buy one for $20 or less at most health food stores, drug stores, or websites selling natural remedies. Once you have the container, which looks almost like a small tea pot with a long, narrow spout, you'll either need a store-bought nasal saline solution or you can make your own with a combination of warm water and non-ionized salt.

Here's how to use this easy asthma remedy:

Fill the neti pot with your saline solution.Lean your head sideways over your sink area.Direct the spout of the neti pot into the nostril that's on top.Let the water slowly drain into the cavity and then flow out the other nostril.Turn your head the other way and repeat in the other nostril.Clean or sterilize the neti pot after each use.

The mucus and other allergens trapped in your nose should come out with the saline, helping to clear your passages. For asthma that's allergic in nature, this can help prevent related respiratory symptoms.

While many doctors believe that most neti pot usage is harmless, there are possible side effects. For instance, you could find yourself coping with irritated nasal passages, a stinging sensation, or even nosebleeds after using. This can often be avoided by adjusting the water temperature and salt levels. Side effects could also be a sign that you need to reduce the frequency of this treatment.

Keep in mind that you may need to use this tool daily over the short term just to treat a presenting problem, but once you have the symptoms in check, you should scale back to using the neti pot just a few times a week to maintain the effects.

Scientists at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) also warn that using a neti pot too often-such as every day for longer than a week at time-or not cleaning it well after each use can change the balance of your nasal chemistry and could put you at increased risk for getting a sinus infection. Therefore, if you experience this complication, you may need to reduce or even stop using your neti pot.

Sources:

Li, James T. "What is a Neti Pot? And Why Would You Use One?" Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 22 Dec. 2009. Web. 2 Feb. 2011.

Rabago D, Guerard E, Bukstein D. "Nasal Irrigation for Chronic Sinus Symptoms in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, and Nasal Polyposis: a Hypothesis Generating Study." Wisconsin Medical Journal. 107; (2008):69-75. Web. 2 Feb. 2011.

View the original article here

Simple strategies can reduce BPA levels

2011-04-12T14:09:00.000+05:00

Families that switch to a diet high in fresh, organic foods and make other simple changes in the kitchen can reduce their levels of the potentially harmful chemical bisphenol A (BPA), suggests a small study out this week in Environmental Health Perspectives, published by the National Institutes of Health.

Some studies have linked BPA to reproductive abnormalities and a heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.

In the new study, researchers at the Breast Cancer Fund and the Silent Spring Institute tested levels of BPA in the urine of five families of four that had a high likelihood of regular exposure to BPA as a result of consuming canned foods, canned sodas, or frozen dinners; eating meals prepared outside the home or drinking from polycarbonate water bottles; or microwaving in plastic.

On the first two days of the study, the families ate their normal diets and provided urine samples that were tested for BPA. For the next three days, the families consumed only freshly prepared organic meals and snacks, avoiding any foods packaged in cans or plastic and using only glass and stainless steel food storage containers. Then, on the final two days, they returned to their normal diets.

The study found that when the families ate the fresh-food diet and avoided exposure to cans, plastic packaging, or polycarbonate bottles, BPA levels in their urine dropped on average by over 60 percent, and when they returned to their normal diets, their BPA levels soon returned to to original levels.

The study also measured levels of another endocrine-disruptor found in plastic packaging: the phthalate bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP for short. Results showed that markers for DEHP also dropped by more than 50 percent during the change-in-diet phase.

A previous Consumer Reports investigation found that found that almost all of the 19 name-brand foods we tested contain some BPA, and that children eating multiple servings per day of canned foods with BPA levels comparable to the ones we found in some tested products could get a dose of BPA near levels that have caused adverse effects in several animal studies.

Sources:
Food Packaging and Bisphenol A and Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure: Findings from a Dietary Intervention [Environmental Health Perspectives]

—Andrea Rock

View the original article here

Spring Ahead Without Falling Behind on Sleep

2011-04-12T10:52:00.000+05:00

When Daylight Savings Time arrives, you can reset your alarm clock, your computer clock, and your wall clock, but it's not so easy to reset your internal clock.

The hormone melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland in your brain, regulates your sleep-wake cycle by responding to daylight. When you set the clock back from daylight savings time in winter, and it gets darker earlier, you gain an extra hour in the day. Use it wisely, and you might even gain an extra hour's sleep. But when you turn the clock ahead again in the spring, you lose an hour and you will most certainly lose it as sleep time. It will be harder to get up in the morning and harder to stay alert throughout the next day. And it could take a few days to get over that, especially if you already have trouble getting a good night's sleep.

If you normally fall asleep easily, one way to handle that lost hour is to go to bed an hour earlier than you have been, and get right into the new cycle. For example, let's say you normally go to bed at 11 p.m. At 10 p.m. on the evening when you will officially turn the clock ahead (technically at 2 o'clock in the morning), simple turn the clock to 11 p.m. and go to bed. If you fall asleep within a reasonable amount of time and get up at your normal time the next day, you won't have lost any sleep and it will be much easier for you to cycle into the new time zone from thereon in.

If it usually takes a while for you to fall asleep at night, or you are just better at making gradual adjustments, prepare for the time change in advance. Starting three or four nights prior to turning the clocks ahead, go to bed 15 or 20 minutes earlier. You will be easing yourself into a schedule that actually puts you in bed an hour earlier than you are used to. When 10 p.m. rolls around and you change it to 11, you'll be ready to go to bed.

These three steps can help you adjust quickly to daylight savings time by helping you get into bed and fall asleep whatever time works best, and wake up feeling refreshed the next day.

1. Take a warm bath or shower just before bed. The drop in temperature when you come out of the bath will help your body relax, and you'll be better able to fall asleep a little earlier.

2. If the time change has you waking up in the middle of the night, try to go right back to sleep. If, after 20 minutes, you are still awake and not feeling drowsy, get out of bed and do something calming and restful, such as reading or knitting.

3. Get up and out right away in the morning. Exposure to sunlight early in the day will help your inner clock adjust to the new sleep-wake cycle.

Sources:

Loyola University Medical Center. "The Dangers of Daylight Saving Time." 10 Mar 2010. Web. 24 Feb 2011
http://www.lumc.edu/Template/luhs/newsrelease/reportdetail.cfm?autonumber=973441139

University of Michigan/Sleeps Disorders Center
http://www2.med.umich.edu/prmc/media/newsroom/details.cfm?ID=636

View the original article here

Want to lose weight - get a good night's sleep

2011-04-12T08:09:00.000+05:00

Scientists have found that you can double your chances of reaching your target weight if you get between six and eight hours sleep a night.

If you have any more, you will become too inactive and if you have any less your stress levels will increase along with cravings for unhealthy food.

The research in Portland, USA, by Kaiser Permanente, a health care consortium, found that people trying to lose at least 10lb were more likely to reach their goal if they had lower stress levels and slept moderately.

Nearly 500 obese adults with an average age of 55 took part in the study.

They were asked to attend 22 counselling sessions, reduce their diet by 500 calories a day and increase the amount of exercise they took to at least three hours a week.

They also had to keep a diary of their habits, including their sleep patterns and stress levels.

After six months, 60 per cent of the participants had lost at least 10lb.

Researchers found that the successful dieters were more likely to report that they had slept between six and eight hours each night.

Almost three quarters of dieters who had both low stress levels and six to eight hours sleep a night were likely to achieve the 10lb weight loss target.

They were also twice as likely to be successful as participants who reported the highest stress levels and got six or less hours sleep a night.

"This study suggests that when people are trying to lose weight, they should try to get the right amount of sleep and reduce their stress," said lead author Dr Charles Elder.

"Some people may just need to cut back on their schedules and get to bed earlier. Others may find that exercise can reduce stress and help them sleep.

"For some people, mindbody techniques such as meditation also might be helpful."

The study has been published in the International Journal of Obesity.

View the original article here

Could Neurofeedback Retrain Your Brain?

2011-04-12T07:46:00.000+05:00

Picture the scene from TV. A patient suffering from some mental malady is holed up in a windowless office, electrodes placed strategically about her head, while a screen records responses to various stimuli. It's fiction, but the premise is anchored in scientific accuracy.

The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) defines neurofeedback therapy (NFT) as a form of biofeedback that "uses monitoring devices to provide moment-to-moment information to an individual on the state of their physiological functioning." Essentially, neurofeedback works to alleviate irregularities in the brain such as depression, ADHD, and autism, by conditioning the patient's brain through a variety of patterned stimuli.

Before any patient undergoes NFT, a doctor will provide an objective brain assessment to determine her psychological status. During the procedure, electrodes are placed on the scalp of the patient and are connected to a computer which will record the brain's activity.

Once the brain's activity is fed into the computer's software, subtle messages are sent from the machine into the patient to regulate abnormal brain patterns. According to the ISNR, depending on "various principles of learning, and practitioner guidance, changes in brain patterns occur and are associated with positive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive states." The messages sent from machine to patient will vary depending on the condition of the patient.

Although the procedure may sound extremely complex, the intended results are not. NFT seeks to teach a brain with a particular abnormality how to behave normally.

Neurofeedback is very expensive and not many mental health professionals offer it. However, recent research has found the benefits of the treatment for people who suffer from:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderAutismEpilepsyDepressionAnxietyPost-traumatic stress disorder

Sleep disorders

If you think you could benefit from NFT, discuss an action plan with you doctor. She will provide you with the necessary information concerning the risks, the benefits, payment plans, and what you can expect from the procedure.

Sources:

Allen Press (2008, February 28). Neurofeedback Helps Those With Autistic Disorders

View the original article here