Wellness and Health Matters

Vigorous exercise linked to lower mortality rates

2011-10-24T08:01:00.003-04:00

Vigorous exercise helps people live longer

Researchers in Europe have found vigorous aerobic exercise can lower the chances of dying almost 40 percent. In their study, people who got 300 minutes of aerobic exercise a week had a 39 percent lower chance of dying, compared to sedentary individuals. Read at EmaxHealth

Overeating, obesity may be the result of feeling powerless

2011-10-24T07:56:00.001-04:00

Researchers conducted an experiment to see if low socioeconomic factors might drive over eating. They concluded people often equate more food and even bigger cars and homes with prestige and power. The scientists believe feeling powerless might drive eating behaviors.

The finding is important for curbing rates of obesity. Read at EmaxHealth

Do diabetes drugs cause cancer?

2011-09-18T10:39:00.002-04:00

Researchers looked at FDA adverse event reports, to find a possible link between two diabetes drugs and higher risk of pancreatitis and cancer of the pancreas.

The link between cancer and the diabetes drugs, isn't definite, but the researchers do suggest more studies.

The finding, published in the journal Gastroenterology, links the two diabetes drugs to an increase in the chances of pancreatitis and cancer of the pancreas. Researchers also found an increased risk that patients taking one of the drugs might develop thyroid cancer, compared to those whose diabetes is treated with other therapies. Read the study finding at Emaxhealth

Could apples and pears lower stroke risk?

2011-09-18T10:34:00.000-04:00

Apples and pears might be good medicine for stroke

Study suggests white fruits and veggies may lower the chances of having a stroke

In a first study, research links the color of fruits and vegetables to lower chances of stroke in an observational finding.

If you're looking for a natural and tasty way to protect from stroke, new research suggests apples and pears might be good preventive medicine.

The health benefits of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is well known, but the study is the first to discover that eating fruit with a white edible portion could lower stroke risk by 52 percent. Another recent study shows potassium, found in abundance in bananas, can reduce the chances of stroke. Read the rest at Emaxhealth.com

Yellow eyelid skin and heart attack linked

2011-09-18T10:25:00.000-04:00

What do the eyes say about heart disease?

Research suggests the presence ofyellow cholesterol deposits around the skin of the eyes and on the eyelidsmight predict risk of having a heart attack.

Scientists haven't proven heartattack risk is higher when the skin condition is present, but they do suggesttheir finding could be used to help clinicians diagnose heart disease. Read the rest of my article at Digital Journal

Freeway pollution damages mouse brains

2011-04-09T12:17:00.001-04:00

Freeway traffic nanoparticles damages mouse brains
Image credit: Wikimedia commons

Freeway pollution dangerous for brain health

A daily commute in heavy traffic might be damaging to your brain suggests new research from University of Southern California. Scientists say traffic pollution could lead to the type of brain damage seen with Alzheimer's disease.

Findings published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal showed mice exposed to 150 hours of freeway pollution over a period of ten weeks had damage to neurons in the brain that can lead to memory loss, premature aging, inflammation and developmental delays.

Senior author Caleb Finch, Chair of the ARCO/William F. Kieschnick in the Neurobiology of Aging says you can't see the harmful nanoparticles emitted from vehicles, but they're there "and have an effect on brain neurons that raises the possibility of long-term brain health consequences of freeway air."

The researchers used an aerosol suspended in water to deliver the same type of nanoparticle pollution inhaled by humans to the mice used in the study. The brain changes in the mice that lead to damage came from increased inflammatory cytokines, impaired growth of cell structures in the brain and decreased brain activity in the area of the hippocampus.

The scientists note the negative health effect of freeway pollution on blood vessels and lung health is well documented, but the effect on the brain has not been well studied. The current findings shows pollution from vehicles found in freeway traffic damages the brain, according to the mouse study.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Citation: Morgan TE, Davis DA, Iwata N, Tanner JA, Snyder D, Ning Z, et al. 2011. Glutamatergic Neurons in Rodent Models Respond to Nanoscale Particulate Urban Air Pollutants In Vivo and In Vitro. Environ Health Perspect :-. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002973

Simple test can measure heart disease risk during sleep

2011-04-04T22:50:00.000-04:00

Simple device that attaches to
the finger measures risk of heart disease

Simple test checks heart risks while sleeping

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden designed a simple and inexpensive way to find a person's risk for heart disease during sleep, using a device similar to a pulse oximeter that attaches to the finger.

Rather than just measuring oxygen saturation during sleep, the device also documents four other cardiac related changes related to pulse variations.

Ludger Grote, associate professor at the Center for Sleep and Vigilance Disorders at the Sahlgrenska Academy and senior consultant at Sahlgrenska University Hospital said, "We believe that the patient's values reflect the risk at least as well as the individual's risk factors 'on paper'."

The scientists hope the device can also be put to use to find the effect of weight loss and exercise for reducing cardiovascular disease risks.

The research team is designing a portable device and have started clinical studies to confirm their results.

The results of the test that measures pulse rate, acceleration, variability, pulse wave oscillation and oxygen levels during sleep could provide a quick, simple and inexpensive way to provide heart screening to large numbers of people while they sleep.

Chest: doi: 10.1378/chest.09-3029

Immune profile could predict breast cancer survival

2011-04-03T12:50:00.005-04:00

Immune cells tell
researchers much about
breast cancer

Immune markers could guide breast cancer treatment

Researchers say understanding immunity in women with breast cancer could predict survival and improve treatment options. Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco have found drugs that can alter tumor growth in mice, based on three types of immune cells.

UCSF Department of Pathology Professor Lisa Coussens, PhD, who led the research explains "If our work translates into the clinic, it may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in the treatment of certain cancers."

The researchers plan to enroll women in clinical trials later this year at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and two collaborating institutions.

The findings, published in the journal Cancer Discovery, suggest the body should be immune to cancer. Normally, cancer cells should be destroyed by the body's own immune fighting T-cells that can also become dangerous and damage healthy tissue. When that happens, but body uses macrophages to keep T-cells in check. Fewer T cells would help the body destroy cancer tumors.

For the study, the researchers looked at the killer T cell, macrophages, and another immune cell known as a helper T cells in women with breast cancer.

The abundance of the three types of immune cells found in 677 people with breast cancer predicted which cancer tumors would metastasize or recur after treatment. Tumors in mice most amenable to chemotherapy had fewer T cells.

In the lab, the scientists used a drug to reprogram the immune profile of cancer tumors in mice. The drug made cancer more susceptible to chemotherapy.

The scientists aren't certain whether the strategy will work in humans. The next step is to take the findings from the lab to humans. Researchers know the body should be immune to cancer. The new findings show understanding immune profiles in women with breast cancer might predict survival. Changing immune cells with drugs could help destroy cancer.

Source: AACR News

Antidepressants linked to thicker arteries, suggesting heart disease risk

2011-04-02T17:32:00.005-04:00

Antidepressant use is linked to thicker
arteries that could lead to heart disease.

New findings suggest antidepressant use might increase the chances of heart disease and stroke.

In a study of twins, scientists found taking SSRI's that inhibit the re-uptake of the hormone serotonin, as well as other types of antidepressants, seemed to lead to thickening in the walls of the carotid arteries, known as the intima. The findings suggest increased heart disease and stroke risk associated with the medications.

Scientists will present their findings April 5 at the American College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans. In the study, 59 sets of twins, one using antidepressants and the other none, were compared using carotid artery ultrasound.

The researchers noted the arteries were "four years older" in the participants taking antidepressants. The findings also took into account other lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and lifestyle contributors for vascular disease.

Amit Shah, MD, lead author and a cardiology fellow at Emory University School of Medicine says, "In our study, users of antidepressants see an average 40 micron increase in IMT, so their carotid arteries are in effect four years older."

The researchers aren't certain why the carotid arteries were thicker in the group taking antidepressants and say the findings should be interpreted with caution. They do not recommend people stop taking their antidepressants. You can read more details of the findings at EmaxHealth.com.

Breast cancer, cholesterol and fat linked in mouse study

2011-01-08T08:51:00.001-05:00

Fat and Cholesterol leads to Aggressive Breast Cancer, Found in a Mouse Study

Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson determined how the American diet that high in fat and cholesterol makes cancer tumors grow and spread faster, in a mouse study.

Philippe G. Frank, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University found breast cancer tumors use cholesterol as building blocks to grow, making them more aggressive. Read more

Digestion of Green Tea Protects Brain from Toxins that Cause Alzheimer's Disease

In a first study, scientists found digested compounds in the brew protect cells from toxins that cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease as well as slowing cancer growth, that they weren't sure existed after the beverage was consumed and digested.

Scientists from Newcastle University used technology that simulates the human digestive system to find the anti-cancer and brain protective properties of digested green tea. In the lab, the researchers exposed cells to hydrogen peroxide and a protein known as beta-amyloid that plays a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. (read more)

Men who Exercise Vigorously more Likely to Survive Prostate Cancer

Vigorous exercise is found to lower the chances of dying after prostate cancer by 46 percent.

Exercise lowers the chances of dying from any cause, but in the study, men who performed vigorous exercise following a diagnosis of prostate cancer were found to have the lowest risk of dying from the disease.

The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, included 2,705 men diagnosed with prostate cancer who were part of the 18-year Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. In the study, exercise and prostate cancer deaths were compared among men who reported how much time they spent performing physical activity such as walking, running, biking, swimming, sports and working outdoors. (read more)

32% of 9 month olds obese, found in study

2011-01-01T10:09:00.001-05:00

Obesity at 9 months of age could predict later health problems

A new analysis suggests babies who are obese at 9 months could have later health problems.

The new study showed infants with early obesity were among the heaviest by age 2, putting them at risk for later health issues that include heart disease, diabetes and emotional problems.

Lead author Brian G. Moss of Wayne State University and William H. Yeaton of the University of Michigan analyzed data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort to find 32% of children were either obese or overweight and at risk by 9 months of age. (read more)

Baby boomers turn 65 this year. Is our Nation ready?

Experts say the first round of baby boomers turn 65 in 2011. They also fear the country is not ready to meet their demands, medically or socially.

According to geriatricians at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, baby boomers are aging in waves that they call the Silver Tsunami. Specialized services that include medical care, facilities to accommodate active lifestyles, geriatricians, nurses, therapists, social workers, dieticians and community caregivers are sorely needed as the first round turns 65. (read more)

Exercise stops colon cancer

People who are physically active in adulthood have a lower chance of death from colon cancer, found in a large study.

An analysis of 150,000 men and women showed that beginning an exercise program as simple as walking 30 minutes a day also has benefits for reducing the chances of death from cancer, even after being diagnosed with the disease. (read more)

Electronic Health Records Fall Short for Improving Quality of Hospital Care

2010-12-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

Are Electronic Health Records worth the Investment?

A study from the Rand Corporation shows implementation of electronic medical records in hospitals have, so far, failed to improve patient care, falling short on anticipated improvements in hospital performance.

The findings come from a study that included 2,021 acute care hospitals that revealed implementation of electronic health records did not improve quality of care when compared to hospitals that did not have the technology. The only exception was treatment of patients with heart failure. (read more)

What Your Father Ate could Affect Your own Disease Risks

What your father ate could have a big influence on you own personal risk factors for disease find researchers.
According to new evidence, parental health behaviors before conception may play an important role in the health of offspring to a greater degree than previously understood.

Oliver J. Rando, MD, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology at UMMS and principal investigator for the study says, "Knowing what your parents were doing before you were conceived is turning out to be important in determining what disease risk factors you may be carrying." (read more)

Researchers Look at 'Un-Growth' Hormone to Reverse Aging

Scientists found blocking growth hormone with a compound called MZ-5-156, might actually help people live longer and reverse signs of aging, contrary to current thinking.

The researchers say the study is important because many older adults use growth hormone, thinking it is the fountain of youth, when instead it may be just the opposite and hazardous. (read more)

Curcumin in Turmeric might Treat Fatty Liver Disease

2010-10-30T12:50:00.003-04:00

Dr. Anping Cheng
Credit: Jan Ryerse, Ph.D

Curcumin in the spice turmeric might treat fatty liver disease that affects 30 percent of Americans. The disease can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. Lab studies from Saint Louis University researchers found curcumin can control leptin levels that play a role in the development of liver disease.

Curcumin Stops Liver Damage in Lab Cells

The study, led by Anping Chen, PhD, corresponding author and director of research in the pathology department of Saint Louis University found curcumin stops the production of fat storing cells in the liver, known as hepatic stellate cells (HSC's).

The researchers hypothesize from the findings that the phytochemical from turmeric could be used to treat fatty liver disease.

The mechanism that stopped abnormal liver cells from growing was from the ability of curcumin to interfere with leptin signals. High levels of the hormone leptin are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, and thought to contribute to liver disease.

The authors write, "...we observedthat leptin dose dependently reduced levels of intracellularfatty acids and triglycerides in passaged HSCs, which were eliminatedby curcumin."

Dr. Chen says "While research in an animal model and human clinical trials are needed, our study suggests that curcumin may be an effective therapy to treat and prevent liver fibrosis, which is associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)", also known at fatty liver disease.

Endocrinology, doi:10.1210/en.2010-0191

Test for Early Detection of Bladder Cancer Could Save Lives

2010-09-28T20:21:00.000-04:00

Researchers are developing a test that can detect bladder cancer in its early stages. The test, if validated, could save lives. Bladder cancer, diagnosed early is treatable.

The new test uses current lab test techniques to check for the absence of microRNA. According to Liana Adam, M.D., PhD, assistant professor in urology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, “Measuring expressions of microRNA in bodily fluid represents a very promising tool with widespread implications for screening.

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer. In men, it is the fourth leading cause of solid malignancy.

MicroRNA Dysregulation Accurately Predicts Bladder Cancer

For the study, researchers found common variations attributable to bladder cancer. They found 79 microRNA dyregulations in the blood of cancer patients that have previously been identified. The scientists say the test is, so far, shown to be highly accurate.

According to the National Cancer Institute, it's important to be screened for the disease for symptoms of blood in the urine, frequent urination, or feeling the need to urinate without success, painful urination and low back pain that could be mistaken for other conditions.

Adam said the test needs further validation, but “we could reasonably use this method for widespread screening of bladder cancer" that is curable in the early stages.

American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

Mastectomy Prevents Breast Cancer for Women at High Risk

2010-09-06T14:21:00.002-04:00

Preventive mastectomy and ovarectomy are now confirmed to lower the chances of cancer for women with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. The reduced risk of breast cancer from mastectomy has been controversial, but new research shows women at high risk can protect themselves from breast cancer with preventive surgery.

According to Gail Tomlinson, M.D., Ph.D., interim director of the Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, "We have believed this for 15 years," said Dr. Tomlinson, "but it's been so controversial — removing organs for cancer risk."

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association followed approximately 2,500 women at higher risk for breast or ovarian cancer because of BRAC1 and BRAC2 genetic mutations, between 1974 and 2008.

Thirteen out of 1,372 women who did not have preventive surgery were diagnosed with breast cancer. Of 247 women electing to have cancer preventing mastectomies, none developed breast cancer.

"This is a compromise women are willing to accept and their husbands are willing to accept, because the whole family worries about whether the women are going to get breast cancer," Dr. Tomlinson said.

Dr. Tomlinson is developing a genetic counselling program at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center at the UT Health Science Center, in hopes of helping families understand their understanding of risk factors for other types of cancer as well.

Tomlinson notes that being faced with cancer or mastectomy is a difficult decision, as is the worry of developing breast cancer - especially for young women with careers and families. Preventive mastectomy and removal of ovaries is an option shown in the study that can stop breast cancer for women with the BRAC1 and BRAC2 mutations.

JAMA

Just one Drink Boosts Stroke Risk Within the First Hour

2010-07-18T12:22:00.003-04:00

Just one drink at happy hour can increase the chances of having a stroke according to findings from a small study. Researchers interviewed patients who suffered from stroke finding the risk of stroke within the first hour of consuming alcohol increases by 2.3. percent.

The findings aren't entirely clear though. Scientists know that heavy alcohol consumption increases the chances of having a stroke, but light to moderate drinking has been associated with lower chances cardiovascular problems that can cause blood clots and ischemic stroke.

Among 390 patients interviewed for the study, 14 reported drinking alcohol within the hour of onset stroke symptoms, equating to double the risk compared to stroke victims who did not consume any form of alcoholic beverage.

Murray A. Mittleman, M.D., Dr.P.H., senior author of the Stroke Onset Study (SOS) and director of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass. says, "The impact of alcohol on your risk of ischemic stroke appears to depend on how much and how often you drink".

Dr. Mittleman adds,"The evidence on heavy drinking is consistent: Both in the long and short term it raises stroke risk. But we're finding it's more complicated with light to moderate drinking. It is possible that the transiently increased stroke risk from moderate alcohol consumption may be outweighed by the longer term health benefits."

The reason ischemic stroke can occur within one hour after consuming just one drink is because blood pressure elevates and blood becomes more prone to clot. Ischemic stroke differs from hemorrhagic stroke and occurs when a blood clot interferes with blood flow to the brain.

After an hour of consuming alcohol the chances of having a stroke declines, but more than doubles within the first hour. The findings also revealed that stroke risk after having even one drink - whether beer, wine or hard liquor - increases by 2.3 percent.

doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.580092

Reduce Hot Flashes with Weight Loss

2010-07-17T13:46:00.000-04:00

Shedding weight could treat hot flashes
Losing a mere 5 to 9 percent of body weight has been shown to treat hot flashes in menopausal women. New study results show women consuming fewer calories who lost weight also had fewer and less intense hot flashes. Read my story at Examiner.com

Fewer women choose mammogram screening for breast cancer
Fewer women are choosing to have mammograms - findings that trouble researchers who also say better technology is needed for breast cancer screening. Read more

Passive smoke exposure during pregnancy affects lifelong health of unborn babies
Unborn children are vulnerable to the effects of passive smoking. Newer findings show that pregnant women whose unborn babies are exposed to second hand smoke risk a lifetime of health problems. Read more

Everybody Deserves a Massage Week 2010

2010-07-10T17:08:00.000-04:00

Everybody Deserves a Massage 16th Annual Event

July 18 to July 24 is Everybody deserves a massage week. This year Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) have extended an invitation to television media to receive a free massage that include ABC co-hosts on "The View" and NBC's TV talk show host "Morning Joe". Read the entire story at emaxhealth.com

Prepare for Childbirth with Massage

A massage technique in the last four or five weeks of pregnancy to train the lower genital tract for childbirth. During perineal massage a women kneads the tissue below the vagina to prepare the tissue to expand more easily during birth. Read the entire story

Massage Aids Muscle Recovery after Exercise

Scientists have determined that immediate cyclic compression of muscles after intense exercise reduced swelling and muscle damage in a study using animals. A 2008 study funded by the NIH and the Ohio State University Pomerene Chair in Family Medicine, determined that massage has benefits for musce recovery at a cellular level from the animal models. Read the rest at emaxhealth.com

Massage, Stretching and Exercise Best for Persistent Low Back Pain

2010-04-25T07:35:00.000-04:00

Scientists from the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) suggest that a combination of certain types of massage, combined with exercise and stretching, may be the most effective way to treat low back pain that fails to get better on its own. Not all forms of massage work for low back pain relief, but not all forms have been proven to be helpful.

“The cause of back pain is not always immediately clear," explains Professor Peter Sawicki, the Institute's Director. "But low back pain usually gets better on its own within a few weeks." Back pain is only rarely caused by a more serious health problem.”

Types of massage shown to relieve back pain include classic massage, Thai massage, and acupressure. “In classic (Swedish) massage the affected area of skin and muscles are massaged, in Thai massage the limbs are pulled and stretched, and acupressure involves applying pressure to certain points on the body”, but Sawicki warns that relying on massage alone may not be the most effective way to deal with persistent low back pain.

Compared to massage alone, a combination of exercise and stretching seems to be the best way to improve mobility and reduce low back pain.

Because not all forms of massage are the same, Sawicki recommends learning which techniques are most effective for low back pain before making a choice. "So it is worth finding out about the different techniques before deciding to have a certain type of massage."

IQWIG
Types of Massage for Low Back Pain

Exercise to Reduce Low Back Pain

Minocycline Acne Drug Prevents AIDS

2010-03-20T10:31:00.000-04:00

Minocycline, an antibiotic drug used to treat acne, has been found by Johns Hopkins researchers to prevent progression of HIV into full blown AIDS. Treatment of HIV that uses antiviral therapy can keep HIV dormant. Minocycline acts directly on T cells, targeting the immune system. Minocycline prevents AIDS because it keeps the HIV virus dormant via a different pathway than Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).

The researchers found that Minocycline had benefits for macaques infected with SIV (the primate equivalent of HIV), and also had anti-inflammatory properties on T cells, making the acne drug beneficial for early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Gregory Szeto, a graduate student in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine working in the Retrovirus Laboratory at Hopkins says, “Since minocycline reduced T cell activation, you might think it would have impaired the immune systems in the macaques, which are very similar to humans, but we didn’t see any deleterious effect. This drug strikes a good balance and is ideal for HIV because it targets very specific aspects of immune activation.”

“The powerful advantage to using minocycline is that the virus appears less able to develop drug resistance because minocycline targets cellular pathways not viral proteins,” says Janice Clements, Ph.D., Mary Wallace Stanton Professor of Faculty Affairs, vice dean for faculty, and professor of molecular and comparative pathobiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

In order for AIDS to develop from HIV infection, T cells must activate and reproduce. Minocycline stops that process and prevents AIDS, found in laboratory testing of human cells. The findings that minocycline can keep HIV dormant means researchers could also find other drugs that target the same pathways, leading to promising new treatments for HIV that can also prevent AIDS.

Johns Hopkins

Massage and other non-drug techniques helps hospitalized patients with pain

2010-03-06T14:27:00.000-05:00

Results of a new study show that massage and other non-drug techniques helped patients in the hospital with pain relief. Massage, mind-body therapies, acupuncture, acupressure, healing touch, music therapy, aromatherapy, and reflexology were found to reduce pain as much as fifty percent among patients hospitalized at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in a study conducted between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009.

Gregory Plotnikoff, M.D., one of the study’s authors and medical director of the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing at Abbott Northwestern Hospital says, "Roughly 80 percent of patients report moderate to severe pain levels after surgery. We struggle to provide effective pain control while trying to avoid the adverse effects of opioid medications, such as respiratory depression, nausea, constipation, dizziness and falls."

Using a varied approach of integrative medicine techniques was found to reduce pain among cardiovascular, medical, surgical, orthopedic, spine, rehabilitation, and cancer patients.

"Earlier studies narrowly focused on whether specific integrative therapies manage pain in either cancer or surgical patients," says Jeffery A. Dusek, Ph.D., research director for the George Institute. Our real-world study broadly shows that these therapies effectively reduce pain by over 50 percent across numerous patient populations. Furthermore, they can be clinically implemented in real time, across, and under the operational and financial constraints within an acute care hospital."

The integrative pain management program at Abbot Northwestern Hospital is free of charge to patients and delivered by a staff of six registered nurses, board-certified in their specialty area that includes oncology and cardiovascular, holistic nursing. The staff also includes six licensed Asian medicine practitioners; eight certified massage therapists, with an emphasis on acute care massage, and one certified music therapist.

Lori Knutson, RN, BSN, HN-BC, executive director of the George Institute says using non-drug techniques that combine a variety of integrative medicine approaches could ultimately reduce healthcare costs for hospitalized patients. Massage, mind body therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, music therapy and healing touch for pain reduction have no side effects compared to drugs, and could also improve patient satisfaction in the hospital setting.

Allina Hospitals and Clinics

Risk of multiple sclerosis highest for indviduals born in spring

2010-01-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

New research shows that risk for multiple sclerosis is highest for individuals born in the springtime. The study suggests a strong link between environmental risk factors that could be responsible for the development of Multiple Sclerosis.

Emmanuelle Waubant and Ellen Mowry carried out the study that suggests multiple sclerosis development is influenced by the gene HLA-DRB1 and linked to a seasonal influence that is more common among individuals born in spring.

Waubant and Mowry call the study "unique in its attempt to understand how genes and environment interact in MS", though scientists do not have a clear understanding about birth month, genes and risk for multiple sclerosis.

The researchers say vitamin D deficiency that flucuates seasonally and could be present during pregnancy may be a factor that increases the chances of multiple sclerosis developing for those born in the spring.

Lack of vitamin D early in life, combined with a variant of the gene HLA-DRB1*15 could also be a factor that leads to multiple sclerosis. Too little vitamin D in early life might lead to impaired ability of the thymus to eliminate rogue T cells, that attack the body and lead to a loss of myelin on the nerve fibres.

The study authors say the findings that multiple sclerosis risk is higher for those born in the spring could lead to interventions once the role of genes and environmental risk for MS are more thoroughly understood. Past studies have also shown that individuals born in spring are at highest risk for the development of multiple sclerosis. Researchers now find it may be due to expression of the HLA-DRB1*15 allele that is influenced by vitamin D.

Morphine delays wound healing and increases infection risk

2010-01-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

Morphine use and abuse is now found to delay wound healing in the presence of infection because it blocks the release of immune cells. Patients who use morphine for treatment of chronic pain or those abuse opiods are also at increased risk for developing infection from the effect of morphine on delayed healing

Researchers studied the effect of morphine on wound closure in a mouse model of chronic morphine use and abuse, finding that morphine inhibited the release of immune cells, and suppressed the formation of new blood vessels at the wound site. The result of the effect of morphine was inadequate wound healing and increased risk of infection from lack of clearance of bacteria from the site.

Chronic morphine users have been found to have wounds that don’t heal. The reasons are now clearer, and also have implications for evaluating the use of morphine for pain relief among specific populations as well as changes in care practices in individuals who abuse opiods.

The research was led by led by Dr. Sabita Roy at the University of Minnesota. The team of researchers concluded, that “these studies provide an in vivo tool by which further mechanistic experiments can be performed to address why, clinically, heroin-addicted patients often present with infected non-healing wounds. Understanding these underlying mechanisms affords improved treatment options not only for chronic morphine users and abusers, but can also have translational implications for immuno-compromised populations such as the elderly or those who are chronically stressed."

Morphine acts on the central nervous system and can provide analgesia and comfort. It is also frequently abused. The new finding, published February 2010 in The American Journal of Pathology shows that morphine delays wound healing and increases the risk of infection.

Am J Pathol 2010, 176: 786-799

How obesity leads to cancer found by researchers and other news

2010-01-21T22:25:00.000-05:00

Scientists uncover link between obesity and cancer
New research has uncovered the link between obesity and the development of cancer. The new study published, January 22 in the journal Cell, calls obesity a "bona fide tumor promoter", especially when it comes to liver cancer.

The findings show that liver cancer is fueled by inflammation that is also present with obesity. Reducing inflammation might also reduce cancer risk that are already taken by millions of individuals with arthritis and Crohn's disease. Anti inflammatory drugs might also reduce cancer risk for obese individuals. Read more

Too many choices may not foster health and happiness
A new study due for publication in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that freedom of choice does not always foster health and happiness. For some, unlimited choice can paralyze, leading to unhealthy psychological functioning.

Authors Hazel Rose Markus from Stanford University and Barry Schwartz from Swarthmore College say, "Americans live in a political, social, and historical context that advances personal freedom, choice, and self-determination above all else. Contemporary psychology has proliferated this emphasis on choice and self-determination as the key to healthy psychological functioning."Read more

Diabetics with sleep apnea risk more complications
New findings show that diabetics with sleep apnea risk complications from diabetes from poor blood sugar control. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that can remain undiagnosed places Type 2 diabetics at more risk for poor outcomes and may even negate the effects of diabetic medications.

University of Chicago researcher Renee S. Aronsohn, M.D., instructor of medicine says the study "demonstrates for the first time that there is a clear, graded, inverse relationship between OSA severity and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes." Read more

Celexicob (Celebrex) study shows promise for skin cancer prevention and treatment

2010-01-09T13:11:00.000-05:00

Skin cancer may have a new foe. In a study of individuals prone to the development of basal cell carcinoma, the drug celexicob (Celebrex), a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID), was found to reduce the number of basal cell skin cancers in a comparison of two groups of study participants.

The study was developed to find out if the celexicob could help individuals with a rare disorder known as Gorlin syndrome - a hereditary disorder that typically leads to hundreds and even thousands of basal skin cell cancers in individuals diagnosed with the disease. The scientists found "some benefit" from Celebrex for reducing the number of basal cell carcinomas, one of the most common types of cancer that occurs in the general population.

Ervin H. Epstein Jr., M.D., senior scientist at the Children's Hospital of Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California says, "The underlying idea is if we can find something in these high-risk patients that could be translatable to the 'normal' population, then we could ultimately use that form of chemoprevention to reduce the numbers of skin cancer in all people." The findings that celexicob inhibits the growth of skin cancer has public health implications, though there is some concern about the cardiovascular side effects of the medication that include heart attack and stroke.

The researchers examined 60 patients with basal cell carcinoma to receive either 200 mg of oral celecoxib two times a day or placebo. After about two years, the two groups were compared. The scientists found that patients given placebo had a 50 percent increase in basal cell cancer per year compared with a 20 percent increase for those who received celecoxib.

The potential for a therapy that would impact the incidence of this would be huge," said Charles Rudin, MD associate director for clinical research at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins. The anti inflammatory drug celexicob, combined with other agents could also lead to the development of new treatments for basal cell carcinoma.

Cancer Prevention Research

Research suggests gene action through nutrition could cure diabetes

2009-12-13T11:01:00.000-05:00

According to a study by Texas AgriLife Research, understanding the action of the PFKFB3 gene could prevent and possibly cure diabetes. Changes in nutrition, or supplements in the diet that activate the PFKFB3 gene could also control metabolic inflammation could reverse diabetes.

Study author Chaodong Wu, MD says "Because we understand the mechanism, or how the gene works, we believe a focus on nutrition will find the way to both prevent and reverse diabetes. First we will need to identify what effective compounds will trigger the gene to regulate metabolism, then we need to determine what combinations within foods are more effective."

Dr. Wu and colleagues identified the PFKFB3 gene as a regulator of metabolism. Diabetess leads to metabolic dysfunction because the body is unable to use glucose for energy. Inability of the body to metabolize food leads to high blood sugar levels. Activating the gene through nutrition could reverse that type of inflammation that causes diabetes.

According to Dr. Wu, being overweight does not necessarily cause diabetes. The researcher says "metabolic inflammation", that differs from classic inflammation from virus or bacteria, is the cause of diabetes. He believes that a nutritional plan could be developed to prevent or cure diabetes.

The study suggest that changing our diet could lead to a gene action that controls metabolic inflammation and might even sure diabetes. For now Dr. Wu suggests focusing on a healthier diet that includes fish and other seafood. Omega 3 fatty acids found in seafood also control inflammation.

Improved lung cancer survival found with anti estrogen drugs

2009-12-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

Estrogen may play a role in lung cancer deaths. Anti-estrogen drugs used to treat breast cancer were found to reduce lung cancer mortality in women, according to results of a study from Switzerland. The therapy used for breast cancer treatment could also play an important role for improving survival of lung cancer patients.

According to Elisabetta Rapiti, M.D., M.P.H., medical researcher with the Geneva Cancer Registry, University of Geneva, Switzerland, "We found a reduction in lung cancer mortality among women treated with anti-estrogens for breast cancer. This work builds on previous studies that had suggested estrogens have a role in lung cancer development and progression."

The researchers say their findings could have important clinical significance for the treatment of lung cancer. The study included 6715 women diagnosed with breast cancer who were treated with anti-estrogen drugs in Switzerland between 1980 and 2003The anti-estrogen drug used was primarily tamoxifen, used in 46 percent of the women.

Forty cases of lung cancer had developed among women being treated for breast cancer. The incidence of lung cancer was the same with or without anti-estrogen drugs, but women who received it tamoxifen survived longer.

Anti-estrogen drugs could prolong survival in lung cancer patients.Phase II clinical trials are underway to evaluate the effect of anti estrogen drugs for improved lung cancer survival.

American Association for Cancer Research

Senior doctors unite to form International Climate and Health Council

2009-11-26T09:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday a group of physicians launched the International Climate and Health Council. The goal is to drive policy makers toward action on climate change policies that affect human health. In conjunction with colleagues from Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, the group of doctors are speaking out about carbon emissions, climate change, and the impact on human health.

According to the group, failure to address climate change would lead to global catastrophe. Multiple studies show that even low level carbon emissions promote inflammation that affects respiratory health, even in unborn children whose mothers are exposed to particulate matter. Other impacts of climate change on health include increased risk of heart disease and stroke, second heart attack, and asthma.

The Climate and Health Council includes Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, Sir Muir Gray, Director of the Campaign for Greener Health Care, Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the British Medical Association, Dr Fiona Godlee, Editor in Chief of the British Medical Journal and Lancet Editor, Dr Richard Horton.

According to Dr Fiona Godlee, doctors are in a position to push for climate change ..."because some of the necessary changes to the way we live won't please voters.”, adding "we have a responsibility as health professionals to warn people how bad things are likely to get if we don't act now. The good news is that we have a positive message - that what is good for the climate is good for health."

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for reducing risk of disease in humans. The Climate and Helath Council coincides with a with a series of papers published by the Lancet on the health impact reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The senior doctors have united to warn politicians that climate change is needed to protect human health. Serious efforts to curb carbon emissions and produce sustainable lifestyles are needed to prevent catastrophe, according to the doctor's group.

Professor Mike Gill and Dr Robin Stott, co-chairs of the UK Climate and Health Council said, "This is the first step towards a global network of health professionals which by speaking out has the potential to protect and improve the health of people in both rich and poor worlds."

BMJ.org

Bacteria in Cigarettes and more

2009-11-20T19:28:00.000-05:00

New discovery shows cigarettes full of disease causing bacteria
Researchers from France have used a technique called DNA microassay to find that cigarettes are full of a variety of disease causing bacteria. In the past, scientists used small pieces of cigarettes and lab cultures to test cigarettes for bacterial contamination. Some of the disease causing bacteria also found in soil, responsible for food-borne illness and respiratory infections could have widespread implications for human health. Read more

Sexercise for women gets attention
Sexercise for women can prevent future problems and is getting renewed attention for its benefits. With age and repeated childbearing, urinary incontinence and organ prolapse of the bladder or uterus can lead to embarrassment and the need for expensive treatments. Sexercise for women can improve overall sexual function. The exercises can be practiced alone or with a partner, and are regaining some attention. Read more

How drug ads can harm health
Results of a new study shows that drug ads are not doing a good job at helping consumers improve decisions about their health. The findings, released online in the American Journal of Public Health November 12, offer some guidelines to minimize the potential harm to health spawned by drug ads that leave out information or misguide consumers. Drug ad opponents say pharmaceutical companies need to improve consumer information by answering important questions and providing more useful information to the public. Read more

BPA and Sexual Dysfunction in Men Linked and More

2009-11-11T21:40:00.000-05:00

Work exposure to BPA linked to erectile and ejaculation dysfunction
In a first study that involves human exposure to Bisphenol-A, scientists find a link between erectile dysfunction and BPA exposure at work. The findings come from Kaiser Permanente and are published in the journal Human Reproduction, finding quadruple the risk of erectile dysfunction among men exposed to high levels of BPA, the chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics. Read More

Low fat diet better for mood than low carb
New research, published in the November 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine shows that dieters who consumed a low fat diet for a year experienced mood improvement compared to a group given a very low carbohydrate diet. A low fat diet might be best for improving mood, versus a low carbohydrate diet, though both are shown to lead to weight loss. Read More

N95 respirator not best for H1N1 flu protection
Lack of scientific evidence regarding the need for N95 respirators among health care workers has prompted three scientific organizations to urge that OSHA change current recommendations for personal protection from H1N1 flu among health care employees. N95 respirators that require fit-testing are not scientifically proven to be best to protect health care workers from H1N1 flu. Read More

Stop Cancer by Curbing Obesity and Other Health Matters

2009-11-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

Research links over 100000 cancer cases yearly to obesity
According to new research from the American Institute for Cancer Research, several types of cancer are linked to obesity. Weight management plays an important role in cancer prevention, yet public awareness of the link between obesity and cancer is low. Estimates show that that more than 100,000 cancer diagnoses each year are linked to obesity. Read More

Findings show green tea could halt oral cancer
Results of a new study from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that polyphenols in green tea could halt the development of oral cancer in patients with pre-cancerous cell changes. Researchers say that half of patients with pre-malignant lesions known as leukoplakia responded to treatment with green tea extract. The findings suggest that polyphenols found in the popular brew might halt oral cancer. Read More

Tai Chi is good therapy for osteoarthritis knee pain
If you are looking for a non-surgical option for painful knee osteoarthritis, Tai Chi might be the answer to pain and mobility issues. Researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine have found that people over age 65 can increase mobility and reduce pain associated with knee osteoarthritis by performing Tai Chi exercises. Read More

Antioxidants could fight respiratory effect of H1N1 flu and other Health Matters

2009-11-04T22:01:00.000-05:00

Antioxidants fight H1N1 respiratory damage in studies
A series of new studies from University of Alabama researchers, published November 2009, show how antioxidants could help fight respiratory complications of H1N1 flu. Respiratory damage from the virus has taken a toll, leading to death in otherwise healthy individuals. Through a series of experiments, the researchers found that antioxidants, the type found in plant based foods, prevent lung damage from the H1N1 virus. Read more

BPA in canned food awaits FDA decision
The FDA will soon decide what level of BPA in canned food is safe for human consumption. Concerns about BPA and canned food liners and in baby bottles has raised health concerns among consumers. According to an online study from Consumer Reports, BPA was found in most name brand canned food; even some that are labeled “BPA free”. Read more

Gaining competency keeps us happy
A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, October 29, 2009, shows that gaining competency by learning new skills can lead to long term happiness. Learning something new might make us frustrated in the moment, but ultimately leads to greater day to day happiness. The study also showed that feeling connected to others is an important psychological need that can lead to self satisfaction and well-being.
Read more

Anti-cancer food, vitamin D deficiency, resveratrol and diabetes

2009-10-18T11:26:00.000-04:00

How to Fight Cancer with Food
Eating a well balanced and nutritious diet is the best way to fight cancer with food. There are studies that support the notion that we can fight cancer with food by making the right choices. It is easy to incorporate cancer fighting foods into your diet. Remember to focus on fresh foods. Avoid processed and pre-packaged foods that contain chemicals. Read more

How to know if you have Vitamin D deficiency
Research shows how important it is to know if you are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency can cause a variety of health problems, found recently in studies. The best way to know if you have a vitamin D deficiency is by asking your doctor for a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. Normal levels of vitamin D in the blood are 30.0 to 74.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), but there is ongoing research about optimal levels. Read more

Resveratrol in grapes could protect from diabetes
New research shows that rats fed high fat diets experienced lower insulin levels when scientists injected resveratrol from grapes directly into their brains. The findings suggest that resveratrol could be developed to target specific brain proteins, in turn offering some protection against diabetes in humans. Read more

Benefits, Facts and Advantages Of YOGA

2009-10-11T19:47:00.000-04:00

Consider the benefits of yoga as a valuable exercise that just might suit your needs. The gentle stretching of yoga, or more vigorous movements when desired, can be incorporated into your daily life, regardless of fitness level. We all need more exercise, and yoga has many benefits that are worth considering when choosing an exercise routine.

Yoga reduces depression, can improve balance, lead to mindful eating that reduces chances of obesity, and helps us learn to focus. Breathing associated with yoga can lower blood pressure, and help maintain blood vessel health. Yoga can help with sustained weight loss because it teaches us to focus on the moment.

Read the entire story at medicine2life.com

More reasons to eat Mediterranean diet - It reduces depression

2009-10-11T19:41:00.000-04:00

Focus on a Mediterranean diet is now linked to lower depression. Eating wholesome foods is important for good health.

Foods in the Mediterranean diet are consistently linked to better health, including lower risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and even cancer. Eating a Mediterranean diet is now shown to reduce chances of depression - a condition that also increases risk of many other diseases and chronic illness.

Foods in a Mediterranean diet reduce risk of inflammation, preventing wide variations in blood sugar. Researchers are not sure why a Mediterranean diet is linked to lower depression, but a recent study shows the benefits.

Read the whole story at medicine2life.com

Low Vitamin D found in women with breast cancer and other health matters

2009-10-10T20:58:00.000-04:00

Women with breast cancer likely to lack enough Vitamin D
Results of a new study show that women with breast cancer are likely to lack enough Vitamin D to protect from bone loss and protect from fracture. The findings, from University of Rochester Medical Center, suggest that women with breast cancer should work closely with their doctor to ensure that vitamin D levels are adequate. Read more

Flexibility could lower heart disease risk
Findings of a new study reveal that people who can touch their toes from a sitting position have a lower risk for heart disease. Flexibility is normally associated with the muscles. New research shows that flexible muscles might also mean flexible arteries and less risk of heart attack and stroke among older adults. Read more

Soccer benefits for women beat running
A new study compares the benefits of soccer for women to running. Research led by Associate Professor Peter Krustrup, University of Copenhagen in collaboration with 30 other scientists shows that soccer has unique benefits for women that surpass running for fitness. Read more

Well-Being Linked to Sexual Satisfaction in Women and other Health Matters

2009-09-30T20:15:00.000-04:00

Study: Sexually satisfied women experience well-being

Results of a new study show that women who are sexually satisfied experience greater vitality and well-being compared to sexually dissatisfied women. The findings, published The Journal of Sexual Medicine, studied women age 20 to 65 to find the correlation between sexual satisfaction, vitality and well-being in women. Read more

High heels today cause foot pain later

Results of a new study show the importance of making smart shoe choices during our younger years. High heels worn by young women could cause hindfoot pain later in life. The study, published in Arthritis Care & Research, also reveals older men have less foot and heel pain with aging, making high heels, sandals, and slippers suspect for foot and ankle problems that primarily affect women. Read more

Researchers explore pets for health and happiness

Researchers from University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) are exploring how pets contribute to health and happiness. Pets could help us solve many of our societal problems by promoting psychological well being and by encouraging exercise, aiding in the fight against obesity and other chronic illnesses. Pet ownership can make us healthy and happy in ways that are not yet completely understood. Read more

Toad Venom for Cancer Treatment and other Health Matters

2009-09-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

Could toad venom cure cancer?

Scientists from MD Anderson are exploring toad venom for cancer treatment. The researchers say a drug used in China, huachansu, derived from dried toad venom, could slow the progression of cancer for some patients, following results of a Phase 1 clinical trial. Read more

Rub it on: Erectile dysfunction cream uses nanoparticles

Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have developed a nanoparticle delivery system using a cream that can be rubbed on to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The unique delivery system allows controlled release of drugs and delivers nitric oxide to tissues that improves blood flow. Topical erectile dysfunction creams could prove to be safer than erectile dysfunction drugs taken orally. Read more

Green tea safe but unlikely to prevent cancer

According to a review from Cochrane researchers, green tea is safe for habitual consumption, but there is little evidence that shows the brew can prevent cancer. The conclusion that green tea probably cannot prevent cancer comes from a review of 51 studies of more than 1.6 million participants. Read more

Study review reveals cell phone health risks

A ten month review of cell phone studies from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found there are indeed health risks associated with the radiation that come from cell phone use. Some phones emit higher radiation than others, meaning some cell phones pose even greater health risks than others. Read more

Exercise 101: Older women benefit from endurance training

Women who are post menopausal can make significant health gains by engaging in endurance training. With aging, aerobic capacity declines. Anew study shows that women in their 50’s respond as well as younger women to vigorous exercise. The benefits to postmenopausal women in the study included increased vigor, body shape changes, decreased joint pain, and new (smaller) dress sizes without weight loss. Read more

Green Tea Boosts Bone Health and other Health Matters

2009-09-17T22:40:00.000-04:00

Green tea boosts bone health in new study

A new finding from Hong Kong researchers shows that a specific ingredient in green tea can help bone cells grow. The same ingredient also blocked destruction of bone mineral, providing a boost that could help keep bones healthy and strong. Read more

Fatty foods signal brain to eat more

New research explains why we get hungrier when we eat fatty foods. According to a study from UT Southwestern Medical Center, saturated fat tells our brain to ignore signals that tell the brain to stop eating. The effect of consuming a high fat diet can last up to three days, causing us to stay hungry. Read more

Chinese plant root kills H1N1 flu in lab tests

Chinese scientists have found that the root of the Ferula assa-foetida plant, also called “Dung of the Devil”, kills H1N1 swine flu in lab experiments. The plant root, used during the Spanish flu epidemic is shown to have powerful effects against H1N1 flu. The results showed that "Dung of the Devil" was more effective against H1N1 flu than antiviral drugs currently on the market. Read more

Virus could trigger aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers have discovered a virus in prostate cancer cells. The new findings leave many unanswered questions about cancer’s origins. If the virus proves to cause cancer in humans, researchers could develop a vaccine, much like the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer. Read more

Study: How Manuka Honey Fights Infection and Other Health Matters

2009-09-08T18:38:00.000-04:00

Manuka honey infection fighting power studied

Results of a new study show that Manuka honey can inhibit proteins in bacteria, including MRSA. The results show how helpful natural compounds are for helping humans treat disease. Researchers studied MRSA in the lab, finding that Manuka honey has properties that can kill bacteria, and that it is not just the result of sugars found in honey. Read more

Insomnia 101: It can hurt your heart

Results of a new study show that insomnia raises blood pressure during the night, and can lead to heart disease. Over time, insomnia can hurt your heart. Researchers from Université de Montréal, its affiliated Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal Sleep Disorders Centre and the Université Laval recently studied people with insomnia, compared to people who sleep well, finding the connection between lack of sleep and heart disease. Read more

Depression treatment lowers breast cancer inflammation

Results of a new study show that women newly diagnosed with breast cancer experienced decreased markers of inflammation in the blood when therapy sessions were included to treat depression. Inflammation is known to promote cancerous tumor growth. Depression is known to increase inflammation, and can compromise breast cancer treatment outcomes. Read more

Hookah Bars may Not Be Healthy and other Health Matters

2009-08-27T17:41:00.000-04:00

Hookah bar health risks

With cigarette bans in full force in restaurants, the appeal of a hookah bar gains popularity in younger crowds. Appeal among young people has been increasing since the 1990’s, and more bars are popping up in the United States. Smoking herbal tobacco, called shisha, from at a hookah bar could pose health risks, but is currently the subject of some debate. Read the entire story

KFC has a new sandwich to promote dementia

Health conscious consumers should probably be wary of the new sandwich from KFC, called the double down sandwich. The sandwich eliminates bread altogether, putting Swiss cheese, pepper jack cheese, bacon and the ‘Colonel’s Special Sauce’ between two pieces of KFC’s original fried chicken filets to form a sandwich. The new sandwich from KFC offers a lot of meat – and a lot of fat. Read the entire story

Study: Chinese herbs could treat heart disease

Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston are actively studying the ingredients in ancient Chinese herbal remedies used to treat heart disease. The results show that the herbs have heart healing properties, akin to prescription medications typically used to improve blood flow to the heart. The findings open the door for further developing the specific ingredients found in Chinese herbal remedies for treatment of heart disease. Read the entire story

Health News: Protein Injection Instead of Bypass and More

2009-08-15T13:39:00.000-04:00

Protein injection fights heart disease by growing new blood vessels

A researcher from Tel Aviv has found a protein that grows new blood vessels "almost immediately", providing new hope for patients with coronary artery disease and other diseases of the blood vessels. An injectable protein has been shown to grow healthy new blood vessels within a matter of weeks, and has been tested with no side effects in animal studies. The findings could eliminate the need for cardiac bypass surgery, and help heart patients suffering from disabilities. Keep reading

Breast cancer 101: Review shows use of MRI before surgery needs more study

Women who face breast cancer surgery generally undergo MRI to find the extent of cancerous tumors. Results of a new review suggest that routinely imaging women with early stage breast cancer in preparation for surgery may do more harm than good, and that large randomized studies are needed to define the role of MRI for improving outcomes for women with breast cancer. Keep reading

Millions in America risk disease from lack of physical fitness

A new analysis from leading exercise scientist Steven Blair, PED, shows that 40 to 50million Americans are inactive, doubling their risk of disease and early death from inactivity and lack of physical fitness. Blair recently spoke at the American Psychological Society's (APA's) 117th Annual Convention. He says, inactivity among Americans is "the biggest public health problem of the 21st century", and he is asking psychologists for help to get Americans physically fit. Keep reading

Black cohosh no help for hot flashes | Women at risk for cancer choose breast removal | Yoga helps weight loss

2009-08-08T17:46:00.000-04:00

Study: Natural hot flash remedies no help for menopause

Results of a new study show that natural hot flash remedies, black cohosh and red clover offered no relief from hot flashes among women studied. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University found that the natural hot flash remedies also had no effect on memory loss, a frequent complaint among menopausal women. Keep reading

Women at high risk choosing breast removal to beat cancer

According to a report in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, more women are making the choice to have their breasts and ovaries removed rather than risk cancer. The study showed that older women were less likely to opt for mastectomy, but were more willing to have their ovaries removed to beat the chances of ovarian cancer. Keep reading

Yoga can help with sustained weight loss

Results of a new study led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center shows that regularly practicing Yoga could help promote weight loss and maintenance. Preliminary findings of the benefits of Yoga for preventing thick waistlines mid-life were reported four years ago by Alan Kristal, Dr.P.H., and colleagues, prompting the current study. Yoga leads to mindful eating that could help with sustained weight loss. Keep reading

Health Matters: Sugery for migraines | Zinc and immunity | Resveratrol discovery

2009-08-01T10:31:00.000-04:00

Forehead surgery treats migraine headaches

According to the results of a new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, plastic surgeons have been able to cure migraine headaches by performing a modified forehead lift. Plastic surgeon Bahman Guyuron, MD, of Case Western Reserve University, says the type of forehead lift used to cure migraines could also lead to a more youthful appearance. Keep reading

Study says Zinc helps us fight virus and infection

Researchers at the University of Florida Center for Nutritional Sciences find that zinc boosts immunity and could help fight viral and bacterial infection. The study, published in the August 2009 print issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that zinc could be developed to treat antibiotic resistant infections because it stimulates activation of immune enhancing T-cells needed to fight viruses and infection. Keep reading

Resveratrol from red wine could treat major illnesses

Resveratrol in red wine is known for controlling inflammation and promoting health. Until now scientists did not understand how the ingredient in red wine works. New research from scientists in Scotland and Singapore shows that resveratrol from red wine could be used to treat major illnesses such as overwhelming systemic infection (sepsis), appendicitis, and peritonitis (a serious condition related to inflammation in the abdominal cavity). Keep reading

Researchers Study Happiness Through Bloggers | Safe Ozone Levels Harm Lungs | Restless Leg Gene Isolated

2009-07-25T06:37:00.000-04:00

Researchers use bloggers, Twitter to measure happiness

Researchers have found a way to measure collective happiness by mining data from blogs, Twitter and personal online writings. By just looking at the first few words of what bloggers and other internet writers have to say, a group of researchers from University of Vermont have successfully used weblogs of bloggers and other online writers to measure happiness. Read more

Study: Healthy lungs suffer from ozone levels deemed safe

Researchers from University of California Davis show that even healthy lungs can suffer from ozone levels believed to be safe. Ozone levels deemed safe have been found to have a negative impact on lung function after just a few hours of walking, cycling, or performing light exercise. Decreased lung function from exposure to “safe” ozone levels improved over several hours, but questions remain about what happens after repeatedly being subjected to low level ozone polllutants. Read more

First gene found linked to restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is considered a difficult problem to treat. The origins and causes are a mystery. Researchers at the Mayo clinic have uncovered a gene mutation linked to restless leg syndrome. The findings may help scientists better understand the disorder. Read more

Health Matters Blog: Fish Oils Reduce Risk of Dementia, Aloe Vera gel toothpaste, MRSA

2009-07-18T13:14:00.000-04:00

Large study - Eating fish reduces dementia risk

A large recent study shows that regular fish consumption can reduce our risk of dementia, a condition that affects 24 million people worldwide. The benefits of fish oil have been widely studied. The new study is the first to explore dementia and dietary fish intake in low to middle income countries. Read more

Study shows Aloe Vera soothes pain and fights cavities

A new study shows that aloe vera gel in tooth gel can soothe pain and fight cavities. The findings, published in the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry, show that aloe vera tooth gel was as effective, and even outperformed some other commercial toothpaste when it comes to controlling mouth bacteria. Read more

How to avoid MRSA at the gym

MRSA (methicillin resistant staph aureus) has not gone away, and may even be here to stay. We have all been warned of the risks, and should continue to remain vigilant about spreading infection. MRSA might be hiding in your gym where you spend some quality time in search of healthy workout. Read more

Health Matters: Breast cancer, Childhood Obesity

2009-07-13T15:19:00.000-04:00

Migraine Diagnosis Means Lower Risk of Breast Cancer

Scientists from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center have conducted a second, more diverse and larger study that links migraine headaches with lower risk of breast cancer. The research follows previous findings examining breast cancer risk and migraine headaches among women age 55 to 74, in targeted geographic locations. Read more

Childhood Obesity Not Genetic Says Study

Results of a new study show that behavior learned from parents of the same sex may be responsible for childhood obesity rather than genetics. According to the International Journal of Obesity mothers who struggle with weight are more likely to have daughters who become obese. The same holds true for father and son. Childhood obesity does not seem to be genetic, but rather the result of influence from the parent of the same sex. Read more

Overweight Kids Suffer Depression, Loneliness

A new study shows that children who are overweight can suffer from depression and loneliness. A new study from University of Missouri shows that girls especially are affected, beginning as early as kindergarten. As obesity rates climb, researchers try to uncover the negative consequences of being overweight in childhood. Read more

Can fewer calories extend life? High cholesterol foods may put us at risk for liver disease, Check out top lip balms for lip cancer prevention

2009-07-09T20:01:00.000-04:00

Calorie restricted diet curbs disease and aging in monkeys

A twenty year study concludes that a calorie restricted diet helped primates live longer and disease free. The research comes from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, showing that monkeys placed on a nutritious restricted calorie diet experienced fifty percent less incidence of diseases normally associated with aging - cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and loss of brain mass. Read More

High cholesterol foods linked to liver cancer and cirrhosis

For the first time, researchers have found a link between consuming foods high in cholesterol and liver disease. Diets high in protein and cholesterol are now associated with cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Conversely, eating more carbohydrates may lower the risk of liver disease. Read More

Thirty two percent of balms no protection from lip cancer

We all know a day in the sun requires skin protection. Lip cancer is a reality and can happen without the right protection, yet thirty- two percent of lip balms offer low protection, or contain toxic ingredients. Sun exposure is a major cause of lip cancer. Read More

Health Matters - Plenty of people use vibrators, Women who sleep less risk heart disease, Heartburn drugs can get you hooked

2009-07-01T22:03:00.000-04:00

Survey shows vibrator use common among women and men

Good sexual health is an integral part of overall health and happiness. Results of two new studies reveal that 53 percent of women, and 45 percent of men, use a vibrator. The studies also show that using a vibrator enhances sexual health, and is associated with other positive health behaviors. Keep reading

Less sleep boosts heart attack risk in women

Researchers at the University of Warwick Medical School in the U.K have found that poor sleep can increase risk of heart attack in women - but not in men. Women who reported at least eight hours of sleep most weekdays had significantly lower inflammatory markers that increase risk of heart disease, measured by high reactive CRP levels and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the bloodstream. Keep reading

Heartburn drugs may be addictive

Results of a new study show that popular heartburn drugs known as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) may be addictive. According to the report, published in the journal Gastroenterology, taking acid reducing drugs for just eight weeks can result in dependency. When the drugs are stopped, symptoms of heartburn, reflux (regurgitation), and stomach upset occurred in forty percent of patients with no previous symptoms. Keep reading

Mind Massage - Happiness Gene, Obesity Gene, Coffee Breath Mint, Alcohol and Deaths

2009-06-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

My Articles on the Internet:

Happiness Gene Discovered

Researchers at Tel Aviv University suggest that happiness may be in our genes. Professor Yoram Barak of Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine is trying to find the happiness gene, which he says may be fifty percent responsible for happiness and a positive outlook. Happiness is not always easy to come by. For those without a genetic predisposition, finding happiness may be even more difficult. Read more

Obesity Linked to Brain

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have isolated a new gene found in the central nervous system that increases risk of obesity. The gene is the third that links obesity to the brain. The new discovery of the obesity gene may explain the connection between the brain and obesity in individuals who possess a variance of the NRXN3 gene. Read more

Coffee Breath Mint Could Eliminate Halitosis

Breath specialist Professor Mel Rosenberg of TAU's Sackler Faculty of Medicine says contrary to popular belief, coffee does not cause bad breath. In fact, coffee may be more effective than a breath mint because it can really cure halitosis rather than masking it. Components in coffee are now found to reduce bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. Read more

Alcohol Causes One in Twenty Five Deaths

Alcohol abuse is now found to cause one in twenty five deaths worldwide. A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada (CAMH) shows that the increased incidence of alcohol related deaths is primarily attributed to more women consuming alcohol. Alcohol addiction occurs mostly in younger people. The study targets alcohol as a major contributor to disease worldwide. Read more

Treating Periodontal Disease may Help Rheumatoid Arthritis

2009-06-14T06:28:00.000-04:00

New research shows that fifty-six percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also have periodontal disease. Studies continue to show the link between inflammation and gum disease and overall health. Individuals with periodontal disease also displayed more symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including elevated anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies, according to findings from researchers at Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Hospital, Iasi, Romania.

Treating rheumatoid arthritis was also found to help periodontal disease in the study. After six months of RA treatment with anti-TNF therapy, used to prevent destruction of joints from rheumatoid arthritis, 20 out of 25 individuals studied showed significant improvement in the health of their teeth and gums.

According to Dr Codrina Ancuta who led the study, "There is a growing body of evidence to demonstrate an association between periodontal disease and systemic conditions involving inflammatory rheumatic disease (especially RA), cardiovascular disease and diabetes”. The link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis is not surprising, given the mounting evidence that inflammation from periodontal disease can also lead to other systemic disease.

Studies presented recently at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Copenhagen, Denmark (EULAR) also showed that just having periodontal disease increased the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Among forty-five individuals studied who had rheumatoid arthritis, blood testing revealed that having moderate to severe periodontal disease was also associated with increased markers in the blood, indicating more severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Unfortunately, many individuals forgo dental exams, especially those who are uninsured. Investing in the health of your teeth and gums has widespread implications for better health. The new study shows a significant link between periodontal disease and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Taking care to prevent periodontal disease, combined with known treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, appears to limit symptoms for both diseases.

European League Against Rheumatism

Creative Problem Solving Easier with REM Naps

2009-06-08T18:10:00.000-04:00

A new study shows that taking a nap can help with creative problem solving. Rather than waiting to figure things out, new problems can be easier solved by taking a quality nap – more precisely, a nap complete with REM (rapid eye movement).

The study, conducted by Sara Mednick, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego and the VA San Diego Healthcare System, and first author Denise Cai, graduate student in the UC San Diego Department of Psychology reveals that REM sleep affects the brain in such a way that creative processes are stimulated.

Dr. Mednick says, "We found that – for creative problems that you've already been working on – the passage of time is enough to find solutions. However, for new problems, only REM sleep enhances creativity." We have to wonder if a nap might become acceptable at work when new problems arise – Dr. Menick’s research suggests that the brain works better to solve problems by connecting associations between previously unrelated ideas during REM naps.

It is not just the quiet and lack of distraction associated with a nap that makes problem solving easier. To test the association between problem solving and taking a nap, the researchers gave a word association task to three groups of study participants, called a Remote Associates Test (RAT). The groups were asked to find a word to associate with three other words.

All of the groups were tested in the morning and again in the afternoon. One group was given quiet time, one group just rested, and a third group had a nap with REM sleep prior to the afternoon session. "Although the quiet rest and non-REM sleep groups received the same prior exposure to the task, they displayed no improvement on the RAT test. Strikingly, however, the REM sleep group improved by almost 40 percent over their morning performances”, says Denise Cai.

The authors concluded that taking a nap, complete with REM sleep, helps brain function by forming new networks, facilitating creative problem solving.

Tai Chi Reduces Arthritis Pain

2009-06-01T19:22:00.000-04:00

Researchers from The George Institute in Sydney, Australia suggest that Tai Chi can improve quality of life for arthritis sufferers and reduce arthritis pain. Though no large studies have been performed, an analysis of existing data suggests that Tai Chi not only reduces arthritis pain, relaxes, but it also leads to an improved outlook regarding overall health status.

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that can be practiced alone or in groups. Reduction in arthritis pain is shown to occur with exercise, but Tai Chi is not considered a conventional form of exercise regularly prescribed for those suffering from arthritis in clinical settings.

The study, published in the June issue of Arthritis Care & Research, analyzed the results of seven controlled studies that used Tai Chi as a primary intervention for reducing arthritis pain, disability, physical function and quality of life. The findings show that Tai Chi can reduce arthritis pain.

The study, led by Amanda Hall of The George Institute in Sydney, Australia suggests that Tai Chi exercises should be supported to help arthritis pain. The authors write, “The fact that Tai Chi is inexpensive, convenient, and enjoyable and conveys other psychological and social benefits supports the use this type of intervention for pain conditions such as arthritis.”

Placebo controlled trials are needed to further the study of Tai Chi for reducing arthritis pain and improving functional status. The analysis shows that Tai Chi should be investigated as a useful modality to help arthritis sufferers improve quality of life, improve functional status, and reduce musculoskeletal pain associated with arthritis.

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/77005015/home

Prostate Cancer Risk Drops with Herbal Preparation

2009-05-23T17:58:00.000-04:00

A promising herbal preparation has been shown to reduce risk of prostate cancer in phase 1 clinical trials. Men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), between age 40 and 75 dropped their risk of developing prostate cancer by taking the herbal preparation Zyflamend.

The study comes from the Center for Holistic Urology at Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia. The herbal preparation was not shown to produce toxicity or side effects among twenty-three men studied with HGPIN, a condition known to precede prostate cancer.

Aaron E. Katz, M.D., senior author of the study says "Since we know that men with HGPIN have an increased risk for developing prostate cancer, new strategies formulated to decrease cancer risk, prevent or delay surgery, and improve quality of life, will be greatly beneficial for these men.” The herbal preparation was found to reduce spread of abnormal prostate cells that can be precursors to cancer, perhaps because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The men reduced their risk of prostate cancer by taking Zyflamend for eighteen months, three times a day. The herbal preparation consists of holy basil leaf, curcumin rhizome, (Turmeric), ginger rhizome, green tea leaf, rosemary leaf and essential oil, Hu Zhang root, Chinese goldthread root, barberry root, oregano leaf, and skullcap root. Previous studies showing the anti-inflammatory effects of Zyflamend have also been performed, dating back to 2005.

Prostate cancer risk drops with the herbal preparation, according to the study, though the number of participants was small. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2009 there will be 192,280 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Finding ways to reduce risk of prostate cancer using a safe herbal preparation may be worth discussion with your doctor.

Columbia University Medical Center

Vitamin D may Stop Cancer in Early Stages

2009-05-22T02:32:00.000-04:00

Researchers at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego suggest that cancer in its earliest stages may be linked to low levels of Vitamin D, versus genetic mutations. The link between low Vitamin D levels and cancer may be related to loss of communication between cells, which in turn allows cancer to become aggressive. Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may stop cancer in its early stages.

Lead researcher and epidemiologist Cedric Garland, DrPH, professor of family and preventive medicine at the UC San Diego School of Medicine explains, “The first event in cancer is loss of communication among cells due to, among other things, low vitamin D and calcium levels. In this new model, we propose that this loss may play a key role in cancer by disrupting the communication between cells that is essential to healthy cell turnover, allowing more aggressive cancer cells to take over."

The new view that low levels of vitamin D can lead to cancer rather than genetic mutations is dubbed DINOMIT. The proposed view of how cancer develops may have important implications for cancer prevention and treatment.

According to Dr. Garland, D" stands for disjunction, or loss of intercellular communication; "I," for initiation, where genetic mutations begin to play a role; "N" for natural selection of the fastest-reproducing cancer cells; "O" for overgrowth of cells; "M" for metastasis, when cancer cells migrate to other tissues, where cancer can kill; "I" refers to involution, and "T" for transition, both dormant states that may occur in cancer and potentially be driven by replacing vitamin D.” The study suggests that by ensuring that Vitamin D levels are not low, it may be possible to stop cancer in its earliest stages.

Maintaining vitamin D levels can be accomplished by supplementing with vitamin D3 at 2000 IU/day, and perhaps help with cancer prevention by keeping communication between cells intact. Dr.Garland suggests, “Vitamin D may halt the first stage of the cancer process by re-establishing intercellular junctions in malignancies having an intact vitamin D receptor."

More research is needed to establish how vitamin D and calcium could reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes for patients with breast, colorectal and prostate cancer, but for now Dr. Garland suggests annual testing for Vitamin D levels.

Source: University of California San Diego

Cedric Garland, Dr. P.H., discusses the expected vitamin D serum level for cancer prevention. Series: Vitamin D Deficiency - Treatment and Diagnosis [2/2009] [Health and Medicine] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 15767]

Chewable Aspirin Best during Heart Attack

2009-05-16T13:03:00.000-04:00

Researchers find that swallowing or chewing aspirin during a heart attack work equally, as long as you choose a chewable brand of aspirin. A recent study measured how quickly three different aspirin types enter the bloodstream to help thwart heart attack, finding that chewable aspirin is best.

Education aimed at the public has make the message clear – aspirin can prevent damage from a heart attack by providing beneficial blood flow to the heart muscle when a heart blockage is suspected. Until now, no one was sure which type of aspirin provided the best protection during a heart attack.

Researchers from University of California measured aspirin levels in the bloodstream among a group of volunteers. The study, led by Dr. Sean Nordt, looked at the effect of regular whole aspirin swallowed, regular aspirin chewed, then swallowed, chewable aspirin swallowed completely, and chewable aspirin, chewed then swallowed. They found that chewable aspirin, swallowed completely or chewed enters the bloodstream rapidly, making it the best choice for heart attack.

The researchers say the simple findings can lead to better care of patients experiencing heart attack. Aspirin, when given early, can help in the prevention of heart attack, and the new study shows that chewable aspirin is best. If you have had a previous heart attack, or are at risk, keeping chewable aspirin at hand may be beneficial, provided you are not allergic, or have any history of bleeding problems.

Stroke can also be prevented by taking aspirin, but the American Heart Association does not recommend chewable aspirin for treating stroke symptoms. Some strokes can be caused by bleeding. Chewable aspirin could only make things worse.

If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 before doing anything else. You may then be advised to take an aspirin. We now know that chewable aspirin is best heart attack prevention, thanks to the new research.

Wiley-Blackwell

Four Simple Ways to Prevent Heart Attack:

Buy Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Known to Reduce Heart Attack Risk

Pathfinders Mind Body Program Helps Women with Breast Cancer

2009-05-15T19:55:00.000-04:00

Researchers at Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center find that women with cancer can benefit through improved quality of life by participating in programs that address mind, body and spirit.

Amy Abernethy, M.D., an oncologist at Duke University Medical Center, lead investigator of the study says that Pathfinders, a program that takes a holistic approach to caring for women with metastatic breast cancer, helped women cope with their diagnosis of cancer, showing that a mind, body, spirit approach can help meet the psychological needs of women diagnosed with cancer.

The Pathfinder program utilizes hope, balance, inner strengths, self care, support, spirit and life review to teach women how to cope with being diagnosed with cancer.

“Even though the women were getting sicker and experiencing more symptoms related to their cancer, they reported that they felt less distress and despair as a result of being able to better cope with the cancer," explains Dr. Abernethy.

Tina Staley, director of Pathfinders says the goal is to teach women diagnosed with cancer effective ways to communicate with physicians, nurses, and Pathfinders, using a common language. The program also encourages women to seek alternative and complementary services.

"There is a growing body of data that shows cancer patients have unmet psychosocial needs, and with programs like Pathfinders we are able to care for the whole person. As a result, we found that this group of women reported a higher quality of life three months after being diagnosed than was expected”.

The study enrolled fifty women with a life expectancy of less than six months, diagnosed with breast cancer. The women met with a Pathfinder and social worker monthly, in addition to receiving e-mails, and telephone conversations to provide support. The women were taught how to find their inner strength, helping them to deal with breast cancer, and improving quality of life.

Duke Medicine News and Communications

Learn to Eat for Breast Cancer Prevention:

Vibration Plate Exercise Better for Weight Loss, Belly Fat

2009-05-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

Results from a study performed by the European Association for the Study of Obesity show that vibration plate exercises work better for sustained weight and belly fat loss than aerobic exercise and dieting, or dieting alone. The new study emphasizes that performing vibration plate exercise properly is essential. Combined with calorie restriction and aerobic activity, the results are encouraging, and may provide an alternative to using weights, because vibration machines contract muscles.

The researchers looked at the effect of the Power Plate 51, studying four groups of people over six months. The groups were given dietary counselling, delivered daily, and personalized for calorie restriction. One group only dieted, another dieted and performed vibration plate exercises, a third group performed aerobic exercises combined with calorie restriction, and a fourth group was used as a control, doing nothing for weight and belly fat loss.

Lead author of the study, Dirk Vissers, a physiotherapist at the Artesis University College and the University of Antwerp in Belgium led the study, and says this is the first time vibration plate exercises have been compared to other types of weight loss. The study showed that vibration plate exercise machines that are becoming popular in gyms work well for sustained weight loss, when used properly, and with supervision.

Vissers says, vibration plate exercise machines “are increasingly found in gyms across the industrialized world and have gathered a devoted following in some places, but there has not been any evidence that they help people lose weight. Our study, the first to investigate the effects of vibration in obese people, indicates it's a promising approach. It looks like these machines could be a useful addition to a weight control package." Vibration plate exercise was better for weight and belly fat loss, perhaps because the vibration adds something extra to workouts.

The study yielded better results for those performing vibration plate exercises, combined with dieting when compared to dieting alone. Vibration plate exercisers also lost more weight than the group performing aerobic exercise with calorie restriction. The group properly instructed on the use of vibration plate exercise machines not only lost the greatest amount of weight and belly fat, but they sustained most of the weight loss at one-year follow-up. Dieters did lose weight, but weight loss was not sustained. The control group in the study only gained weight.

Vibration plate exercise, over six months, yielded an eleven percent weight loss, trimming approximately seven percent of belly fat. After twelve months, total weight loss was sustained at 10.9 percent. The aerobic exercise group, who swam, ran, and performed resistance training three days a week lost seven percent of their initial body weight, sustaining weight loss at 6.9 percent after twelve months.

Vibration plate exercises resulted in trimming 47.8 sq. cm of belly fat when combined with a calorie-restricted diet alone, during the first six months of the study. Physiotherapists helped the group in performing lunges, calf raises, abdominal crunches, squats and pushups. Aerobic exercise and dieting resulted in 24.3 sq. cm of belly fat loss.

The researchers hope to continue studies on obese people, using vibration plate exercises on larger groups. Vissers explains if vibration plate exercises seem easy, you are not performing the exercises correctly. "Supervision in the beginning is imperative and the longer the better. What we see in gyms very often - people just standing on the machine holding the handles - is not going to do anything."

Calorie restriction, combined with proper use of vibration plate exercises might work better than aerobic exercise and dieting because of increased circulation to abdominal viscera, changing the harmful effect of hormones that lurk in belly fat. You can watch a short video about vibration plate exercise below.

What is the Power Plate? - Click here for more free videos

Weight Loss is Easier with Competitions

2009-05-03T12:14:00.000-04:00

Results of a new study show that people who enroll in weight competitions lose weight easier. Analysis of the Shape up Rhode Island 2007 weight competition showed encouraging results that weight loss competitions work.

The internet-based program showed that weight loss competitions could help people lose weight at low cost, while targeting large groups of people, helping in the fight against obesity.

Rena Wing, professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the Waren Alpert Medical School of Brown University examined the results of the weight loss competition in Rhode Island. “We evaluated the results and showed that this is an effective way to reach large numbers of people.” The weight loss competition was developed by conceived and implemented by Rajiv Kumar, a study co-author and a medical student at the Alpert Medical School.

The weight loss competition reduced obesity rates from 39 percent to 31 percent. Increases in activity resulted in the greatest amount of weight loss. Shape up Rhode Island was started in 2005. Teams compete for weight loss, pedometer steps and exercise minutes.

Team members who completed at least twelve weeks of the weight loss competition lost a modest amount of weight, and included 70.2 percent of the original participants. Those who were heaviest lost the most amount of weight.

Weight loss competitions encourage people to keep moving, promoting more exercise and weight loss. The researchers hope the study will spawn similar programs that involve large numbers of people in weight loss competitions. Losing weight is easier when performed as a group, and as a competition.

For the weight loss competition, 62 per cent of employers paid the $15 fee for their employees. The current study shows encouraging results for fighting obesity through weight-loss competitions.

http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2009/05/obesity

Study Shows Dairy Intake Best for Bone Health

2009-05-02T13:30:00.000-04:00

Eating foods fortified with calcium, or taking calcium supplements may not be as good as dairy intake according to a new study from Purdue University. Researchers looked at the difference in bone health between rats fed a nutritious diet supplemented with calcium carbonate and rats given dairy products.

The study showed that dairy intake led to the best bone health between the two groups of rats. After ten weeks of diet followed by comparison of bone measurements, the rats given non-fat dry milk had longer, stronger, and denser bones than those fed calcium carbonate.

Kids drink plenty of milk early in life. According to the study, dairy intake then declines, likely from peer pressure. Bone health later in life is best facilitated by a steady intake of dairy products throughout life, suggested by the current study.

Professor Connie Weaver, head of the food and nutrition department at Purdue University says, "A lot of companies say, if you don't drink milk, then take your calcium pills or calcium-fortified food. There has been no study designed properly to compare bone growth from supplements and milk or dairy to see if it has the same effect. We found it was an advantage having milk or dairy while bones were growing over calcium carbonate, and it protects you later in life."

Weaver also says it is not just about the way calcium is absorbed. Rats given half as much calcium in adulthood still maintained better bone health, compared to rats who did not receive dairy products when they were younger.

"It's not due to increased calcium absorption. It's more about protecting against bones losing calcium, according to our results of calcium metabolism. Bones are in constant turnover, especially when they are growing. Youth need to have bone formation to outweigh bone loss."

More research will reveal why dairy products, equivalent to 1300 mg. of calcium daily from milk, yogurt and cheeses leads to better bone health, compared to food fortified foods and calcium carbonate supplements. Natural whole food sources of nutriton seem to offer our best options for optimal health, and in this study, dairy intake is shown to be best for bone health.

http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2009a/090428WeaverDairy.html

Enjoy a video all about milk.

Diabetic Study Shows Laughter is Good for the Heart

2009-04-19T09:40:00.000-04:00

Laughter has been studied as a way to better health. Laughter Yoga clubs have been gaining popularity worldwide. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, and a new study shows that laughter is literally good for the heart. Laughter can reduce heart disease risk among diabetics. The study showed that regular laughter lowered all markers of inflammation among the diabetics studied, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease.

Laughter induces the release of beta-endorphins, improving mood. Laughter also releases the beneficial hormone HGH (human growth hormone), necessary for optimal cellular function.

Diabetics who chose funny videos to watch for twelve months were compared to diabetics who received standard medical care alone. Both groups of diabetics received medication for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure management throughout the study.

Researchers Lee Berk, DrPH, MPH, a preventive care specialist and psychoneuroimmunologist, of Loma Linda University, and Stanley Tan, MD, PhD an endocrinologist and diabetes specialist at Oak Crest Health Research Institute found that the diabetics, who regularly engaged in laughter from watching self-chosen humorous videos, were able to raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and lower stress hormones after two months.

After twelve months, the diabetics who regularly laughed had a twenty-six percent increase in HDL cholesterol. C-reactive protein levels (a marker of inflammation) was lowered by sixty-six percent as the result of laughter. Compared to the diabetics who received standard medical treatment alone, and not prescribed a regular regimen of laughter, the scientists saw a three percent rise in HDL, and a twenty-six percent reduction in C-reactive protein.

The study builds on previous research about the beneficial health effects of laughter. Dr. Berk, a pioneer of laughter studies beginning in the 1980’s says, “The best clinicians understand that there is an intrinsic physiological intervention brought about by positive emotions such as mirthful laughter, optimism and hope.
"Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on health and disease and these are choices which we and the patient exercise control relative to prevention and treatment,” sats Berk.

Regular laughter, combined with a positive outlook is now shown to be good for the heart – seen in the newest study that included twenty high-risk diabetics who lowered their risk of heart disease as a result of regular laughter.

http://www.the-aps.org/press/releases/09/14.htm

Enjoy a heart healthy laugh:

Rejection Teaches us to Spot a Phony Smile

2009-04-16T20:58:00.000-04:00

Can you spot a phony smile? If so, you may be feeling rejected.

Last year Psychological Science published a study (October 2008), showing that social rejection improves one’s ability to recognize a phony smile.

Psychologist Michael J. Bernstein and his colleagues from Miami University set out to see how well rejected individuals could identify a phony smile. The researchers asked a group to think about a time they felt isolated socially. Another group was asked to think about a time when they were included in social activities, and felt accepted. As a control, a third group was asked to merely think about what they did the previous morning.

The group of psychologists then showed movies to the study participants. Some movies contained people smiling genuinely, while others displayed fake smiles. The results showed that socially rejected people were better able to spot a phony smile.

The researchers concluded that rejected people are more motivated to sniff out disingenuous behaviors, like a phony smile. Conversely, detecting genuine smiles might mean a chance for acceptance.

“It seems essential to detect legitimate signs of positivity that indicate possible reaffiliation with other people. Otherwise, rejected individuals could miss out on new chances for acceptance or 'waste' affiliation efforts on people who are not receptive."

Feelings of social acceptance lead to better overall physical and mental health. Avoiding people with phony smiles should simply make us all feel better.

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/media/releases/2008/bernstein.cfm

Can you spot a phony smile?

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Help Cancer Patients Maintain Muscle Mass

2009-04-11T09:34:00.000-04:00

A new study shows that omega 3 fatty acids can prevent loss of muscle mass and preserve body composition in patients who undergo surgery for esophageal cancer.

Scientists from Dublin conducted a randomized double-blind study to find astonishing effects of omega 3 fatty acids for helping cancer patients maintain muscle mass following lengthy and usually debilitating major surgery for cancer of the esohagus.

Lead researcher John V. Reynolds, Professor of Surgery at Trinity College Dublin and St James’s Hospital and colleagues compared nutritional supplements given to cancer patients before and after cancer surgery. The study showed that a purified form of EPA from Omega 3 fatty acids, given orally in liquid form, resulted in preservation of muscle mass. Patients who were given a nutritional boost without omega 3 fatty acids experienced weight loss comprising 100% loss of muscle mass.

Dr. Reynolds explains, “The surgery is a serious operation lasting several hours and can take weeks to recover from surgery and up to six months to recover pre-illness quality of life. Weight loss is extremely common both before and especially after this type of surgery, and any approach that can preserve weight, in particular muscle weight and strength, may represent a real advance”.

Dr. Reynolds suggests that omega 3 fatty acids, given five days before any major surgery, immediately after, and for three weeks thereafter, could help any patient having major surgery recover more quickly. Maintaining muscle mass after major surgery led to fewer complications, less inflammation and fever, quicker recovery among the group who received omega 3 fatty acids. The purified EPA from omega 3 fatty acids used in the study was more expensive, but in the end, the researchers say omega 3 fatty acids, used as nutritional support for surgery patients, could save health dollars.

For the study, the researchers used two types of nutritional supplements with the same amount of calories, protein and other nutrients, beginning five days before the patients were scheduled for surgery for esophageal cancer. One group took the omega 3 fatty acid supplement.

For fourteen days after cancer surgery of the esophagus, nutrition was given to the patients through a feeding tube. Both groups continued nutrition for three weeks after surgery. The patients given omega 3 fatty acids maintained body composition, but the control group had severe weight loss after esophageal cancer surgery, losing an average of four pounds of muscle mass.

Dr Aoife Ryan PhD, a research dietitian at St James’s Hospital, Dublin says the benefits seen from omega 3 fatty acids among the cancer patients are significant.

“The results were extraordinary in the sense that no previous nutritional formulation had revealed such an outcome, with supplemented patients maintaining all aspects of their body composition in the three weeks following surgery. Patients given the standard supplement without omega 3 lost a significant amount of weight comprising 100% muscle mass. In fact, 68% of patients suffered ‘clinically severe’ weight loss post surgery in the standard group (without omega 3) versus only 8% in the omega 3 group. The significant finding was that the patients did not lose just fat, as one would expect with weight loss, but instead they depleted their muscle stores significantly. Research has shown that a loss of 5lbs of weight produces significant effects on quality of life and a patient’s ability to mobilise and perform simple activities of daily living. Losing 4 lbs of muscle is even more significant”.

The researchers would like to see more studies to determine whether nutritional supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids, given throughout cancer treatment should be considered. He says the findings are unlikely to be unique to patients who undergo cancer surgery. Any patient in need of major surgery for problems unrelated to cancer might benefit from the added nutritional provided by omega 3 fatty acids including liver transplantation or major cardiac surgery.

Source: Trinity College Dublin

You can buy essential fatty acids from: Good Health USA, including Krill oil, Eskimo oil, and Hemp oil. Omega 3 fatty acids have many benefits including promotion of good cholesterol levels. Omega 3 fatty acids control inflammation in the body. Omega 3 fatty acids also reduce the risk of heart disease, and may also help protect men from developing advanced prostate cancer.

Never take nutritional supplements that can interfere with bleeding or other medications without your doctor's knowledge.

Sports Drinks not so Healthy for Teeth

2009-04-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

According to a new study, from NYU dental researchers, sports drinks that are widely consumed as healthy alternatives to soda may not be so healthy for your teeth.

The study shows that the citric acids in sports drinks weaken tooth enamel, leading to a condition known as erosive tooth wear. The more sports drinks you consume, the greater the risk of tooth erosion, and soft teeth.

Dr. Mark Wolff, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Cariology & Comprehensive Care at New York University College of Dentistry says this is the first study performed to measure the effect of sports drinks and dental health. It might be the citric acid in sports drinks responsible for tooth erosion.

The scientists used cow’s teeth to study the effect of the sports drinks on tooth enamel, cutting the cow’s teeth in half, then submerging one-half in water, and the other half in a sports drink. The tooth soaked in the sports drink showed a significant amount of enamel erosion, probably from the citric acid in the sports drink.

“To prevent tooth erosion, consume sports drinks in moderation, and wait at least 30minutes before brushing your teeth, to allow softened enamel to re-harden," says Dr. Wolff. Limit consumption of sports drinks to keep your teeth healthy, avoiding erosion of tooth enamel now associated with sports drinks.

Sports drinks may be healthier than soft drinks for your body, but not for the health of your teeth. Acid-neutralizing remineralizing toothpaste might protect from erosive tooth wear associated with sipping sports drinks, and can be discussed at the dentist's office.

http://www.nyu.edu/

Help for Weather Related Headache

2009-03-28T13:03:00.000-04:00

Widespread rain and pending storms commonly produce headaches, and can trigger migraines. Knowing if you are prone to weather related headaches is the first step for managing a painful headache associated with changes in the barometer.

Studies do support findings that many an emergency room visit is the result of a weather related headache. Many people can attest to the fact that headaches triggered by weather changes are very real.

A large study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, published in the March issue of Neurology, revealed that air temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, fine particulate matter, black carbon, and nitrogen and sulfur dioxides could predict the incidence of emergency room visits related to headache.

The first step is awareness that changes in the barometer triggers your headache. Keep a record of your headache patterns to share with your doctor, and develop a plan to avert headaches from weather changes with the right medication.

Ibuprofen is an excellent choice to quell a weather related headache, provided there are no contraindications. Keep some on hand, especially when you know the weather is about to change. It is best to take an over-the-counter headache remedy before a weather related headache strikes.

Muscle tension can also cause weather related headaches, from the mere fact that running errands, commuting to and from work, and staying indoors in the rain is stressful.

Exercise, combined with gentle stretching, and deep breathing can help relieve and prevent weather related headaches.

Again, speak with your doctor if you are not certain about the cause of your headache, but know that weather-related headaches and migraines are common.

Below is a helpful video that can help you manage migraines or headache related to changes in the weather and barometric pressure, using self-massage.

You can also consider a combination of white willow, boswellia, and lobelia from mother nature to ease pain and reduce stomach upset from aspirin or ibuprofen for weather related headache relief.

Drinking with Friends may Help the Heart

2009-03-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

Scientists do not know exactly why drinking alcohol can help us live longer, and benefit heart health. A new study shows that drinking alcohol, combined with spending time with friends has even greater benefits toward good health.

The research showed that Japanese men with good social support who consumed light to moderate alcohol had less risk of dying from heart disease.

Until now no one has studied the role of drinking with friends and heart health. “Collectively, these socializing customs may help to create a stress-free space for those persons surrounded by dozens of stresses, especially in the workplace," says Takeshi Tanigawa, a professor in the department of public health at Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine.

Hiroyasu Iso, a professor of public health at Osaka University and corresponding author for the study says, "In Japan, drinking is divided into two main patterns. One pattern is drinking alone and/or with family at home during the evening. Another pattern – especially for middle-aged businessmen – is social drinking with co-workers, friends, and neighbors. Social drinking is common."

The study authors think drinking with friends lowers stress, boosting the known benefits of light to moderate alcohol consumption …”so drink with good friends for health," advises Tanigawa.

Past studies show that happiness and vivaciousness lead to a longer life. Combining the company of good friends with a few drinks makes sense for better health.

The authors enrolled 19,356 men 40 to 69 years of age in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study for the study. They found that men who socialized and consumed light to moderate alcohol had less risk of heart disease and stroke compared to men who consumed alcohol but had less social support.

The study authors add that light to moderate drinking, combined with Karaoke adds benefit. Singing promotes deep breathing, and might even make us laugh more, also reducing stress and leading to better heart health.

Abstract: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122268274/abstract

Non Surgical Device Increases Penis Size in Study

2009-03-14T08:38:00.000-04:00

A new study shows that is possible for men to increase penis size without the expense and complications of surgery. The study showed that the Andro-Penis Device increased penis size by thirty-two percent in men who wore the penile extender for six months.

According to the study results, published in the March issue of BJU International, men who wore the Andro-Penis Device for six months increased their penis size by thirty-two percent. Poll results showed the men were satisfied with the results.

Researchers from San Giovanni Battista Hospital at the University of Turin, Italy, suggest that the Andro-Penis Device may be a better option than surgery to for men who desire to extend penis length.

Consulting Urologist, Dr Paolo Gontero, says, “Twenty-one highly motivated patients, with an average age of 47, were enrolled and 16 completed the 12-month study. Having undergone psychosexual counselling, to make sure that the treatment would be beneficial, the men were asked to wear the Andro-Penis device for between four and six hours a day for six months.”

The non-surgical penis-lengthening device consists of a plastic ring, two traction rods and a silicon band used to hold the penis in place. The men were instructed to gradually increase penis traction over the six-month period. The researchers measured results at one, three and six months to determine how much length the Andro Penis Device added. The Andro Penis device increased penis length by thirty-two percent.

Men who used the Andro penis device also experienced better erections in addition to thirty-two percent increase in penis length. Erectile function scores improved up to thirty-six percent. Penis girth did not yield high satisfaction scores.

Four men dropped out of the study because of bruising, and inability to comply with the penis extending treatment protocol.

Dr. Gontero says, "A number of surgical procedures are available that aim to elongate the shaft of the penis or enlarge the penile girth. However these have a number of disadvantages, including a lack of standardisation, potential risk of complications and high patient dissatisfaction.” The rest of the men were very satisfied with the penis extending ability of the Andro Penis Device.

"Our study showed that the penile extender device produces an effective and durable lengthening of the penis, both in the flaccid and stretched state," says Dr Gontero.

The Andro Penis Device should be considered as a first-line treatment to extend penis length say the authors. The device is also effective for treating curvature of the penis. The Andro penis device is FDA approved as a medical device.

Visit AndroMedical Website for more or to purchase

Source: www.bjui.org

How Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids prevent heart attack

2009-03-06T07:21:00.000-05:00

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids from fish oil and plant sources contribute to health in several ways, helping to prevent heart attack, and treat existing heart disease. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are beneficial for brain health, cardiovascular health, and can help other inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, in addition to preventing heart attack.

Omega 9 fatty acids come from vegetable oils; found in olive oil (extra virgin or virgin), olives, avocados, almonds, peanuts, sesame oil, pecans, pistachio nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts. The body produces Omega 9 fatty acids in limited amounts. Omega 9 fatty acids from plant sources can prevent heart attack by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (fatty plaque in the blood vessels).

Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids from fish oil and plant sources can keep heart disease at bay, lowering triglyceride levels, and reducing inflammation in the lining of the blood vessels, in turn helping to prevent heart attack.

There is good evidence that Omega supplements should be taken after heart attack to reduce the chances of progressive heart disease. According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, pharmacological omega-3 supplements can benefit patients when taken within three months of a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are known as PUFA’s (polyunsaturated fatty acids). Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids come from external sources – diet and supplements. The body cannot synthesize Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, essential for good heart health and for preventing heart attack.

To gain the health benefits of omega 3-6-9 fatty acids, increase your daily intake of fatty fish, walnuts, canola flaxseed , and soybean oil, olive oil and nut - or add Omega 3-6-9 supplements, to help prevent heart attack.

ALA, EPA and DHA are the three major types of Omega 3 fatty acids that come from food. ALA (Alpha linoleic acid) is converted to EPA and DHA, and is the most essential Omega 3 fatty acid needed for brain health and normal growth and development, and to prevent heart attack. ALA is a simple fatty acid.(1)

The American Heart Association recommends 1 gram of Omega 3 fatty acids daily for anyone with existing heart disease, either from dietary intake or from Omega supplements; guided by your physician.(2)

Preventing and treating heart attack with dietary sources of Omega fatty acids, or by taking supplements, can greatly reduce the chances of having a second heart attack.

After a heart attack, intake of Omega fatty acids should equal 7 grams per week. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends 1 gram of omega-3-acid ethyl ester supplementation daily for secondary prevention of heart attack. A focus on Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids should be continued for up to four years, and started within three months following a heart attack. (3)

Most of us do not consume enough Omega fatty acids. We are well below the recommended amount of intake of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, necessary to prevent heart disease and heart attack. (3)

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids reduce triglycerides levels by reducing production in the liver. Lower triglycerides helps to prevent heart attacks. Heart attacks happen when blood clots form in the blood vessel lining, then travel, blocking blood flow to the heart.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids work to prevent blood platelets from clumping together, forming clots that travel and cause heart attack.

Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids help prevent heart attack by promoting healthier blood vessels, decreasing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and by keeping blood vessels relaxed. (5)

The evidence is there. We need a balance of Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids for good heart health. Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids can help prevent heart attack. Speak with your physician about Omega 3-6-9 supplements.

Order Omega 3 -6-9 supplements
See our press release

(1) SC Cunnane. Problems with essential fatty acids: time for a new paradigm? Prog Lipid Res 2003;42:544-68.
(2) Summary of recommendations for Omega-3 fatty acids intake: American Heart Association. 2007 [accessed 20/10/07]; Available from: www.americanheart.org
(3) Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation 2002;106:2747-57.
(4) Knapp HR. Dietary fatty acids in human thrombosis and hemostasis. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65:1687S-1698S.
(5) Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation 2002;106:2747-57.

Resource: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil/NS_patient-fishoil

Eat Carbs Protein and Fat but Watch the Calories for Weight Loss

2009-02-26T07:10:00.000-05:00

A new study shows that we can eat what we want, as long as we watch our calories. The results of a new study show that people given their choice of one of four diets all lost an average of 13 pounds in six months, sustaining weight loss after two years.

Emphasis on the diet consumed by study participants either focused on high fat high protein, high fat, average protein, low fat, high protein, or low fat, average protein.

A clinical trial led by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Pennington Biomedical Research Center of the Louisiana State University System, made a comparison of study participants who were overweight, following them for two years. The results showed that it did not matter whether the diet was low carb, high protein, low fat, or other, as long as calorie intake was controlled. The study also showed that dietary counseling helped those in the study group maintain weight loss.

Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says, "These results show that, as long as people follow a heart-healthy, reduced-calorie diet, there is more than one nutritional approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.”

The study appears in the February 26, 2009 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, and included 811 men and women from minorities and various ethnic groups. The results also showed that the study participants had lower triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and increased HDL (good) cholesterol as the result of losing weight by following a calorie restricted diet.

The combination of regular moderate exercise, and reducing calories helped everyone lose weight in the study. The group was also able to sustain weight loss. The results are encouraging when sifting through which diet works best for you. Remember to include fiber into your diet, to promote heart health and help with weight loss goals.

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2009-releases/diets-weight-loss-carbohydrate-protein-fat.html

Scientists Warn of Staph and MRSA Risks from Marine Waters

2009-02-14T18:52:00.000-05:00

Researchers from the University of Miami warn us of the risk of Staph and MRSA exposure from marine waters. MRSA (methicillin resistant staph aureus) has evolved from staphylococcus aureus bacteria that become over colonized and cause serious infections in animals and humans, and are resistant to treatment with methicillin.

Infections from MRSA have caused more deaths than HIV/and AIDS this year. Scientists continue to explore the health risks and sources of MRSA exposure. Researchers now warn of the health risks of Staph and MRSA, confirmed by cultures taken from a large public beach, and other marine water recreational areas to find sources of Staph and MRSA outside of hospital and community settings.

The study authors write, “Infections by MRSA are now the most common cause of skin and soft tissue ailments in people who go to the nation’s emergency rooms for care. As infections with these organisms increase, the search for all the sites or sources where they may survive and be shared among individuals is paramount”.

The hypothesis that recreational swimming might contribute to the spread of MRSA led the researchers to investigate 1303 adults for signs of staph infection and/or MRSA, comparing results between two groups randomly assigned as bather or non-bather.

The study results found a 37% association between staph infections, and a 2.7% association of contracting MRSA from other bathers at the beach. Dr. Lisa Plano, associate professor of pediatrics and microbiology and immunology at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine says, "Our study found that if you swim in subtropical marine waters, you have a significant chance -- approximately 37 percent - of being exposed to staph -- either yours or possibly that from someone else in the water near you."

In addition, the researchers confirmed that children in diapers, sand, and other bathers are also a source of Staph aureus and MRSA in small and large swimming areas using marine water.

Wash before and after swimming to reduce your risk of spreading and contracting MRSA or other staph skin infections. Be wary of swimming in public pools if you have open wounds or sores.

The study concluded, “These findings support our hypothesis and demonstrate that human health risks occur in non-point source recreational marine beaches,” from exposure to staph and MRSA.

Source: http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/ohh/events/pdf/mrsaabstractfinal.pdf

Zen Meditation Reduces Pain Sensitivity in Study Group

2009-02-06T22:51:00.000-05:00

Researchers have discovered that Zen meditation reduces pain sensitivity in and out of meditation, when compared to others who do not meditate. The study, published in the January edition of Psychosomatic Medicine, explored the difference in pain perception brought about by the centuries old practice.

According to Joshua A. Grant, a doctoral student in the Department of Physiology, co-authored the paper with Pierre Rainville, a professor and researcher at the Université de Montréal, “While previous studies have shown that teaching chronic pain patients to meditate is beneficial, very few studies have looked at pain processing in healthy, highly trained meditators. This study was a first step in determining how or why meditation might influence pain perception."

The researchers enrolled thirteen skilled Zen meditators with at least 1,000 hours of Zen meditation practice. The participants underwent a pain test that was then compared to thirteen non-meditators. Ten women and sixteen men between ages of 22 to 56 were involved in the Zen meditation and pain study.

The pain test involved applying heat to the calves of the study group intermittently, and at various temperatures. The researchers observed lower pain sensitivity in the Zen meditators, both in and out of meditation, compared to those who did not meditate.

The authors say, “Slower breathing certainly coincided with reduced pain and may influence pain by keeping the body in a relaxed state. While previous studies have found that the emotional aspects of pain are influenced by meditation, we found that the sensation itself, as well as the emotional response, is different in meditators.”

Grant says, “If meditation can change the way someone feels pain, thereby reducing the amount of pain medication required for an ailment, that would be clearly beneficial.”

The study showed that Zen meditation may be a useful adjunct for treating chronic and acute pain. Zen meditation reduced pain intensity by eighteen percent even when the participants were not meditating.

Source:
Study finds Zen meditation alleviates pain

First Study Shows how Allicin in Garlic Benefits Health

2009-01-31T12:56:00.000-05:00

Garlic has been touted for its benefits on health for centuries. Results of a new study reveals the real health benefit of garlic comes from allicin, the compound in garlic that makes it so pungent.

The new study comes from Queen's Chemistry professor Derek Pratt, Canada Research Chair in Free Radical Chemistry. According to Dr. Pratt, “We didn’t understand how garlic could contain such an efficient antioxidant, since it didn’t have a substantial amount of the types of compounds usually responsible for high antioxidant activity in plants, such as the flavanoids found in green tea or grapes. If allicin was indeed responsible for this activity in garlic, we wanted to find out how it worked.”

The scientists discovered that allicin decomposes to form sulfenic acid, the substance that reacts with free radicals. Sulfenic acid is the substance produced by allicin found in garlic that provides the health benefits.

Dr. Pratt says,” I think we have taken the first step in uncovering a fundamental chemical mechanism which may explain garlic’s medicinal benefits.” Until now, no one has known exactly why garlic has health benefits.

The researchers also found that garlic outperformed other related vegetables for health benefits in the study. Onions, leeks, and shallots did not have the same antioxidant power and medicinal qualities as garlic.

The authors surmise that allicin is more readily decomposed to form sulfenic acid when we consume garlic, versus other related vegetables. The result is greater health benefits from higher levels of antioxidants.

The new study show garlic and garlic supplements really do have health benefits that we can now understand.

We know garlic can benefit health – now we know why. Garlic provides a super antioxidant effect from sulfenic acid, a compound formed from the decomposition of allicin.

Source:
Queen’s chemist sheds light on health benefits of garlic

Get a Steaming Cup of Coffee and Stay Mentally Sharp

2009-01-24T18:09:00.000-05:00

A new study shows that drinking 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day, especially in midlife, can keep us mentally sharp. The research, performed at the University of Kuopio, Finland, shows a whopping 65% reduction in the chances that we will develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in later life, by simply adding coffee to our daily diet.

The researchers followed 1409 individuals by way of questionnaires for a period of 21years. The group answered specifics about dietary habits, including the amount of coffee they consumed throughout the day. The results showed that coffee drinkers in midlife showed a lower chance of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life, compared to those who drank little or no coffee.

The groups involved in the coffee and dementia study were divided into those who drank 0-2 cups (low), 3-5 cups (moderate) and greater than 5 cups (high) of coffee each day. The evaluation also included those who drank tea, but tea drinkers were so uncommon that no association could be found between dementia and tea drinking.

The researchers found such a positive risk reduction in declining mental ability among coffee drinkers in midlife, that they plan to pursue things further, honing in on exactly what substance in coffee helps us stay mentally sharp with aging.

According to associate professor Miia Kivipelto, from the University of Kuopio, Finland and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, "We aimed to study the association between coffee and tea consumption at midlife and dementia/AD risk in late-life, because the long-term impact of caffeine on the central nervous system was still unknown, and as the pathologic processes leading to Alzheimer’s disease may start decades before the clinical manifestation of the disease. Given the large amount of coffee consumption globally, the results might have important implications for the prevention of or delaying the onset of dementia/AD.

Staying mentally sharp with age suddenly seems easy. Now where did I place my coffee cup?

Source:
Midlife Coffee and Tea Drinking and the Risk of Late-Life Dementia

Stress and Negativity Increases Chance of Dementia

2009-01-20T06:40:00.000-05:00

According to a new study, people who are easily stressed, negative, or introverted have a 50% increased risk of developing dementia when compared to others who are socially active calm, and extroverted.

The research, published January 19 in the American Academy of Neurology, included 506 people without dementia at the beginning of the study. The participants were given questionnaires regarding lifestyle, involving how socially active they were, measuring their degree of extraversion, and happiness with their social lives.

The questionnaire targeted people who were easily distressed, nervous, negative or emotionally unstable, comparing those who were reserved, introverted, and introspective to those who were socially active and optimistic. Over a period of six years, 144 developed dementia.

According to study author Hui-Xin Wang, PhD, with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, “In the past, studies have shown that chronic distress can affect parts of the brain, such as the hippocampus, possibly leading to dementia, but our findings suggest that having a calm and outgoing personality in combination with a socially active lifestyle may decrease the risk of developing dementia even further.. But these are early results, so how exactly mental attitude influences risk for dementia is not clear.”

According to estimates, by the year 2030, one in seven Americans will have some form of dementia. The take home message from the study again shows the negative impact of stress on overall health and well-being. The authors remind us, “The good news is, lifestyle factors can be modified as opposed to genetic factors, which cannot be controlled”.

Source: Socially Active and Not Easily Stressed? You May Not Develop Dementia

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Say I Love You – Learn How to Give a Massage

2009-01-17T18:18:00.000-05:00

Put on some music, get some warming massage oil or lotion, and get ready to say, “I love you” with a massage. Massage is easily learned.

Nothing helps two people connect more powerfully than touch. Pain can interrupt a relationship, interfering with communication and fun activities. The good news is you do not have to be an expert to provide a loving, connecting massage to your partner.

When muscles in the back and neck become tense from stress, the effect can be disrupting. Often, a simple muscle spasm in the neck can produce a headache that is resistant to over the counter medications. Stretching is helpful, but cannot always relieve a muscle spasm, and might even make things worse. Massage can help release muscle spasms that cause pain extending into various parts of the body.

Massage is relaxing, invigorating. Massage promotes the release of endorphins, produced by the body naturally. Endorphins help relieve pain. Massage provides mental and physical well-being, improves circulation, and may even boost immunity.

Watch the video a few times. Surprise your partner with a loving massage. You will see it is not difficult to learn how to deliver a loving and therapeutic massage to your partner.

What better way is there to say you love someone than with a massage? Massage delivers a gift of intimacy, as well as better physical and mental health. Try putting a price tag on that.

Order our Kama Sutra massage oil sampler

Researchers Identify Gene that Shields Cancer from Chemotherapy

2009-01-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) have identified a gene responsible for shielding cancer cells from the effects of chemotherapy. Cancer cells, in a state of quiescence, have the ability to protect themselves. Until now, scientists have not understood which gene causes quiescence in cancer cells. If medications can be given to control the way cancer cells protect themselves from eradication, chemotherapy agents will be more effective.

The new research shows that when cancer cells do not contain P53, a protein that suppresses tumors, in addition to a gene called MEF, cancer cells become easier to kill with chemotherapy.

According to Stephen Nimer, MD, Chief of the Hematology Service and Member of the Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program at MSKCC says, "This is the first time that anyone has established that p53 has a role in defining a cell's state of quiescence. Furthermore, it is surprising that some cells that lose p53 can actually be killed more readily than those that have p53 intact. "Our findings have important implications for developing therapeutic strategies that could eliminate quiescent cancer stem cells."

P53 is now known to control the MEF gene’s pathway by helping cancer cells remain dormant, promoting resistance to chemotherapy.

Dr Nimer says, “Our findings suggest that by targeting those specific genes that control quiescence in cancer cells, we may enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, thereby promoting their effectiveness."

The Kettering scientists also found two other genes that suppress tumors and contribute to cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy, Necdin and Gfi-1, both of which contribute to quiescence of cancer cells. When the researchers lowered the expression of Necdin and Gfi-1, in cancer cells lacking MEF, they found a significant decrease in quiescence of cancer cells.

The research is important. One of the drawbacks of cancer treatment has been resistance of cancer cells to drugs after chemotherapy is started. Scientists have been trying to find ways to ensure that chemotherapy continues to work.

The new findings provide new hope for treating cancer. By suppressing the newly discovered genes, cancer cells can be more easily destroyed by chemotherapy.

Source:
Research Shows Cell's Inactive State is Critical for Effectiveness of Cancer Treatment

Studies Show Caralluma is Safe and Effective for Weight Loss

2009-01-08T18:42:00.000-05:00

Caralluma is a naturally occurring substance shown to be safe, non-toxic and effective for weight loss. Caralluma fimbriata is edible cactus. It grows on the roadside, in gardens and wild in portions of India.

Caralluma is widely ingested as part of a daily diet, eaten raw, pickled, cooked or with added spices. Local names for Caralluma fimbriata include kallimudayan, KaraIlamu, Yugmaphallottatna, Ranshabar, makad shenguli, shindala and makadi. Caralluma fimbriata is currently on the FDA docket for approval as use as weight loss supplement.

Indian tribal members used Caralluma fimbriata to stave off hunger during long hunts, eating it in chunks. Caralluma is also said to enhance endurance.

Caralluma Fimbriata is known as a food to be eaten during times of famine, as an appetite suppressant and thirst quencher in Western India. For centuries, no adverse health problems have occurred related to Caralluma fimbriata. Huntsmen in India carry caralluma to avoid the need to take food, eating it daily until their trip is ended.

Caralluma extract contains CaratubersideA, and B. Studies performed on caralluma compounds CaratubersideA and B, were found to lower blood sugars in rats. Elevated blood sugar is a component of metabolic syndrome, a prevalent factor that prevents weight loss. (1) Caralluma works on the hypothalmus of the brain, the area that controls appetite.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, explains the caralluma increases energy expenditure, and increases muscle mass. He says “Caralluma Fimbriata is “without a doubt, one of the best strategies I can think of for losing body fat….”

According to Georgetown Medical Professor, Harry Preuss, MD, “Caralluma has undergone two human double blind, randomized, placebo controlled human clinical trials. Caralluma safety has been reviewed by three toxicology studies done per exacting OECD guidelines and has achieved self-affirmed GRAS [Generally Recognized As Safe] status. I believe that Caralluma is safe to consume at the recommended dosage.”

Caralluma fimbriata can reduce hunger feelings, ensuring your weight loss efforts will not be sabotaged. It’s important to use caralluma as directed, discussing your plans for exercise and weight loss with your family physician.

If you have tried to lose weight. and have not been successful, try using caralluma fimbriata as part of a total exercise, diet and fitness program.
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Caralluma Research:

Effect of Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite, food intake and anthropometry in adult Indian men and women

Olive Leaf Compound Naturally Protects from Colon Cancer

2009-01-08T14:31:00.000-05:00

Researchers from the University of Granada found that compounds in olive leaf can naturally protect from colon cancer. Maslinic acid, found in olive leaf and olive skin wax was found to inhibit the progression of abnormal cells that can become cancerous.

The natural protection provided by the olive leaf compounds is appealing because there are no toxic side effects. Not only is olive leaf cancer protective, but the current researchers found that the olive leaf compound, maslinic acid, only affects cancerous and pre-cancerous cells, leaving healthy cells intact. Maslinic acid from olive leaf was found to control the growth of cancerous cells that have already developed.

Though the current research focused on colon cancer, the scientists say maslinic acid from olive leaf can be used to control other types of cancer. The natural protection from olive leaf wax and skin is believed to be the result of the powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in high levels in the olive skin wax.

The Faculty Science Center at the University of Granada is currently the only facility that produces the maslinic acid substance from olive leaf and olive skin wax.

So far, the findings have been studied on mice. The research, led by Professor Lupiáñez Cara, and performed by PhD student Fernando Jesús Reyes Zurita, may prove useful in humans as a safe and natural way to prevent and treat cancer, pending further research.

The research results, published Feb. 2008 by the University of Granada, are scheduled for 2009 publication in the journal Cancer Letters, titled "Maslinic acid, a natural triterpene from Olea europaea L., induces apoptosis in HT29 human colon-cancer cells via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway".

Source:
A natural compound extracted from olive inhibits cancer cells growth and prevents their appearance

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Jaw Infection from Osteoporosis Drugs more Prevalent than Believed

2009-01-02T09:21:00.000-05:00

According to a report published January 1 in the Journal of the American Dental Association, women are at risk from jaw infection, even with short-term use of commonly used osteoporosis drugs. Fosamax, used for osteoporosis treatment, is the 21st most prescribed drug on the market, according to statistics from IMS Health.

The new study usurps previous information, stating that the risk of jaw infection from osteoporosis drugs is “negligible”. The current study suggests that jaw infection leading to osteonecrosis (bone destruction), is more common that suspected. Women are especially at risk following invasive dental treatments, such as tooth extraction and other mouth surgery with even short-term use of osteoporosis drugs.

Parish Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry with the USC School of Dentistry says, "Here at the School of Dentistry we're getting two or three new patients a week that have bisphosphonate-related ONJ, and I know we're not the only ones seeing it." A major concern stems from the fact that few physicians warn women of the risk of jaw infection when taking osteoporosis drugs.

Studies from the American Dental Association found that nine out of 208 patients from the school of dentistry, who took osteoporosis drugs for any length of time, developed osteonecrosis of the jaw. "We've been told that the risk with oral bisphosphonates is negligible, but four percent is not negligible," says Dr. Sedghizadeh.

When women take osteoporosis drugs, mouth bacteria become more resistant to antibiotic treatment. Bisphosphonates stay in the body for a long period, enveloping bacteria within a matrix that protects the infection from the effect of antibiotics. The result of osteonecrosis of the jaw is bone destruction from lack of blood supply. Osteonecrosis causes the bone to collapse, and literally means “bone death”.

Many dentists have suspected that osteoporosis drugs cause jaw infection to a greater degree than pharmaceutical companies have led us to believe. Dr. Sedghizadeh hopes further studies will be conducted to confirm their findings.

Women should be cautioned about the risk of jaw infection, or osteonecrosis, when taking osteoporosis drugs, even for short-periods of time. If you take Fosamax, or other drug for osteoporosis, make certain you tell your dentist before undergoing any dental procedure.

Oral bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw

Latisse Approved for Longer Eyelashes Available 2009 by Prescription

2008-12-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

Beginning 2009, Latisse, the newest addition to eyelash enhancement, will be available to women for longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. Allergan, the company that makes Latisse, has capitalized on their glaucoma eye drops, Lumigan, after discovering that the active ingredient promoted longer eyelashes. As seen by the video below, some physicians have used Lumigan "off label" to help women experience the benefits of the newly approved Latisse, which contains the active ingredient in Lumigan.

According to Allergan, "Latisse users can expect to experience longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks." However, longer eyelashes from Latisse might also cause some problems, such as darkening of the eyelids, which may or may not go away. Should you accidentally apply Latisse to an area other than the upper eyelid, at the lash line, you might find yourself with hair growth in undesirable areas. In addition, it is possible to experience irregular eyelash growth. Once you stop using it, your eyelashes will return to their normal state. Side effects of Latisse included itchy eyes, and eye redness.

Latisse may be a boon to those who experience hair loss from chemotherapy during cancer treatment, but so far Latisse is not recommended for children or cancer patients until further studies are conducted.

Lumigan, the drug that spawned the development of Latisse, has been found to darken the iris, leading to brown eyes. The color change may take months to occur, but once it occurs, it is not reversible. Latisse does not go directly in the eye, and trials did not report any changes in eye color when using Latisse cosmetically for eyelash growth, but a warning that eye color changes may occur accompanies use of Latisse.

You will not be able to purchase Latisse over the counter. Instead, it will require a prescription from your doctor or cosmetic surgeon.

Latisse was unanimously approved by the FDA. According to Scott Whitcup, M.D., Allergan's Executive Vice President of Research and Development, "LATISSE(TM) fulfills a significant and previously unmet need in the medical aesthetic marketplace with a product approved by the FDA that increases the growth of eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker."

Scientists are not exactly sure how Latisse works to promote eyelash beauty, but the active ingredient, Bimatoprost, is a lipid compound that binds with prostaglandins, found in the outer layer, or sheath, of the hair root.

Sales of Latisse are expected to top $500 million annually, as women flock to the pharmacy for the experience of longer, thick eyelashes.

Source: Allergan Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approval of LATISSE(TM) -- First and Only Treatment Approved by the FDA for Hypotrichosis of Eyelashes

Mixing Prescription Drugs and Supplements Poses Risks to Elders

2008-12-24T16:47:00.000-05:00

Mixing prescription drugs with vitamins and other supplements poses risks, especially to elders on multiple medications. Mixing prescriptions with supplements can be harmful, especially for patients who take the blood thinner warfarin, or drugs for high blood pressure that can be dangerous when mixed with potassium supplements.

According to a recent survey, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, over fifty percent of adults mix some sort of prescription drug with over-the-counter supplements. Four out of five American adults take at least one prescription drug that could potentially cause harm when mixed with prescription medication. Use of prescriptions is highest among elders age 75 to 85. Fifty percent of older adults take five or more prescriptions.

Dima M. Qato, Pharm.D. M.P.H., of the University of Chicago, and colleagues write, "Several factors have likely contributed to this increase in the rate of [the use of five or more medications] among older adults over the last decade. These include intensification of therapy for common chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease), increased access to medications because of policy changes (e.g., Medicare Part D and assistance programs), and growth of the generic drug market." The increase in prescription medicine use over the last decade is cause for concern because many supplements have not been studied for their interaction with prescribed drugs.

Though most supplements do not cause harm when mixed with prescriptions, the study authors believe the issue deserves attention. "Our findings suggest that concurrent use of prescription and nonprescription medications in older adults remains a public health problem and could be an important focal point for further improvements in drug safety for seniors."

By identifying popular supplements, the researchers hope to establish a pattern of use that can be used to ensure safety when physicians prescribe medications.

They conclude, "Medications are a critical modality for prolongation of life and improved quality of life for many older adults. By establishing patterns of prescription and nonprescription medication use among older adults, these data may help support efforts to increase the safety and quality of pharmacotherapy for older adults."

If you take supplements, it is important to let your doctor know. Many physicians simply forget to ask what, if any, supplements are being used by their patients. It is never a good idea to mix prescription drugs with vitamins and other supplements without first discussing the pros and cons with your doctor. The new study shows there is a growing concern about the effects of taking multiple prescriptions mixed with supplements that may have unknown risks to elders.

New Concept Allows a Healthy Christmas Shopping Experience

2008-12-21T09:51:00.000-05:00

The snow is delightful this time of year, and Suzy Snowflake looks beautiful. Snow can make Christmas shopping a daunting task. Surfing the net is a chore also, but we have an answer for your Christmas shopping needs. Reizit is a new concept that allows a better Christmas shopping experience for everyone.

Reizit is a community-marketing site where you can search, post products, and vote on consumer goods. The site (and concept) is new, and it ensures you will not have to spend hours out in the cold shopping for Christmas gifts, nor do you have to risk injury bustling about crowded malls.

I am especially enamored of the list of health products, including BPA free (stainless steel) drinking bottles from the Breast Cancer site, the Homemedic palm size percussion massager, and the Lomi Kona Escape Massage Lounger Chair.

If you are an online merchant, you may want to share your Christmas specials at Reizit. You will have an opportunity to describe your product, helping others with their Christmas shopping needs, raising awareness about your own products. Make sure you register so you can vote on the products that are listed. If you have purchased any of the merchandise submitted, leave a comment so everyone in the Reizit community benefits.

Christmas shopping should be fun, easy, and healthy when you eliminate stress by browsing and evaluating what others have to say about consumer products.

If you are looking for a healthy, stress free, Christmas shopping concept, you will definitely find a great list of products and gadgets for the holidays, reviewed by other consumers at Reizit. The site includes health products from a variety of merchants. Merry Christmas, and best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday.

Study Reveals Neuropsychological Basis of Selflessness

2008-12-18T07:15:00.000-05:00

According to new research, selflessness can be learned through activities such as meditation and prayer. Researchers at MU School of Health Professions studied people with brain injuries, discovering that people with injuries to the right parietal region of the brain experience higher levels of spiritual transcendence. When we pray or meditate, activity in the right parietal region of the brain decreases, opening us to experiences that can promote psychological health and well-being.

According to Brick Johnstone, professor of health psychology in the MU School of Health Professions, “The brain functions in a certain way during spiritual experiences. We studied people with brain injury and found that people with injuries to the right parietal lobe of the brain reported higher levels of spiritual experiences, such as transcendence.”Johnstone feels the link is important, because it means that if we make a conscious effort we can connect with things beyond ourselves. The implication is that people in health care, or anyone engaged in peace studies, or religion can use meditation or prayer to decrease activity in the parietal lobe of the brain. In turn, a state of selflessness is created, benefiting individual mental health, while providing a genuine focus on the needs of others.

Johnstone further explains, “This research also addresses questions regarding the impact of neurologic versus cultural factors on spiritual experience. The ability to connect with things beyond the self, such as transcendent experiences, seems to occur for people who minimize right parietal functioning. This can be attained through cultural practices, such as intense meditation or prayer or because of a brain injury that impairs the functioning of the right parietal lobe. Either way, our study suggests that ‘selflessness’ is a neuropsychological foundation of spiritual experiences.”

The MU research was the first to use people with traumatic brain injuries to study the neuropsychological basis of spirituality. It also shows that we can all learn how to transcend, or go beyond our senses to improve our own state of well-being, as well as helping others.

Modern definitions of transcendence refer to truth, unity and goodness. According to Johnstone, “It is important to note that individuals experience their God or higher power in many different ways, but that all people from all religions and beliefs appear to experience these connections in a similar way. Our research focused on the personal experience of spiritual transcendence and does not in any way minimize the importance of religion or personal beliefs…”

Source:

Selflessness - The Core of All Major World Religions - Has Neuropsychological Connection, MU Study Finds

Prescriptions for Exercise Effectively Increase Activity in Older Women

2008-12-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

Prescriptions for exercise seem to have a positive impact on middle-age women, up to age 79. According to a study published online Dec. 12 in BMJ the, 'green prescription' programme’ has been shown to produce significant improvements in levels of physical activity and quality of life among 'relatively inactive' adults aged 40-79 in primary care over a 12 month period.” The program is currently used in New Zealand by primary care physicians, and has proven successful for improving quality of life.

When inactive women ( those who do not engage in thirty minutes of exercise at least five days per week), were given a written prescription outlining recommended exercises, the study authors saw a “10% incremental increase in adherence to physical activity among those receiving the intervention compared with the control group”.

Beverley A. Lawton, from the University of Otago in Wellington, New Zealand, and colleagues point out the cost effectiveness of the program, and note that women show better adherence when they are given written exercise instructions. The program, led by a nurse, includes interventions regarding specific exercise activities, followed by a six-month visit, and phone support for nine months.

The study showed revealed improved quality of life, and better physical function scores. One drawback was that the women who exercised experienced more falls than the control group, an area that needs improvement. The authors say, “Because encouraging brisk walking and other general physical activity can increase the risk of falls (particularly in people with a history of falls), we need a pragmatic approach. The next round of research and development needs to look at managing this risk."

Physical exercise is necessary to combat obesity and reduce risk our risk of a wide array of diseases. Steve Iliffe, from University College London, United Kingdom, and colleagues note, "the health benefits of exercise are so great that it is probably the most important self help treatment available”, in an editorial that accompanied the results of the exercise prescription program.

To get the women involved, a visit to the office helps the nurse identify exercise goals. The visit averaged seven to thirteen minutes. A hand-written prescription is then given to the patient. Telephone support is provided over a nine-month period. A visit to the physician is then provided at six months. At 12 months, then 24 months - 93% of the women given an exercise prescription remained in the study, versus 89% of those who were not given an exercise prescription. Average age of the women was 58.9 ± 7 years, and included 1089 women, followed over a two-year period.

The authors concluded, "Reducing physical inactivity by 10% across a primary care population of less active adults could have considerable health impact,” especially when combined with media support, dietary and physical activity programs.

The study shows that older women may need extra motivation and support to remain physically active. Implementing a prescription based exercise program appears to have genuine value for improving strength and quality of life in women over age 58.

BMJ. Published online December 12, 2008.

Recommended:
WALKING & ACTIVE LIFE- Trim, Fit & Healthy

Massage for Sinus Problems in Children

2008-12-06T17:01:00.000-05:00

No mother likes to see their child in pain. Winter weather brings colds, flu and sinus congestion to children and adults alike. Unfortunately, medications may not always work to relieve your child's sinus pain. Some medications have the opposite reaction when given to children, such as Benadryl, which can cause excitability versus the usual effect of drowsiness. Even worse, you might just not have sinus medication on hand to give your child. You may want to try a nurturing and pain relieving sinus massage. Learn to massage your child's face and scalp to help reduce sinus congestion and inflammation.

Before you decide whether to massage your child to relieve sinus congestion, consider some safety tips. If your child is feeling ill, he or she may not be receptive to a sinus massage. Do not massage the sinuses if your child has a fever.

Warm your hands before you massage the scalp of your child to relieve sinus congestion. You can use a warm massager, moving it gently around the face. Look at your child, focusing on his face to make sure your child is comfortable. You do not want to perform the sinus massage too fast, or with too much pressure. Most parents know when their child is uncomfortable, but make sure you ask your child to share with you how he or she is feeling.

First, gently massage the scalp. Put your fingers on the head and make circles to massage the scalp. Massaging your child's scalp will calm, preparing for the next part of the sinus massage.

Cover all areas of the scalp. Massage the top and the temples. Use soft glides toward the end of the massage.

The video below shows how to massage the cheeks. The goal is to get your child's sinuses to drain, as you provide warmth to the face during the massage. The circular motion, and gentle pressure beside the nose helps mobilize secretions that cause stuffy nose and sinus headache. Once that occurs, the sinuses are able to drain, relieving sinus pressure.

After you have massaged the scalp, move to the face. Apply pressure to each side of the nose for a few seconds. Move your hands outward and up to your child's forehead, then repeat. Watch the next video to see the technique used for sinus massage in children. Massaging the nose can relieve allergy symptoms for your child.

You can also apply a warm washcloth to the face after you massage the sinuses. The heat will facilitate drainage and open up your child's sinuses. Try our sponge massager. You can warm it, and use it on the face, forehead, scalp and back of the neck if you feel massage impaired.

With a bit of practice, and good communication, it may be possible to help your child get relief from sinus congestion and allergies by performing a simple sinus massage.

Decrease Holiday Stress with a Massage

2008-11-30T12:20:00.000-05:00

Preventing disease has become a focus of Western health care. Eastern medicine has promoted disease prevention for centuries. Massage has many benefits that you can tap into to stay healthy and relaxed through the upcoming holidays. Preventing illness, especially during the holidays, can be a challenge.

Massage benefits the recipient as well as the person delivering the massage. Both people benefit from the energy. It does not take long how to learn to give each other a massage. A twenty-minute session can do wonders to decrease holiday stress and promote overall wellness.

Provide some holiday warmth by learning how to deliver a healthful massage. Some of the known benefits include stimulation of the lymphatic system, important for removing toxins from the body. Other massage benefits include stimulation of endorphins, naturally occurring substances that act much like opiates to provide pain relief and relaxation. Providing massage to a family member with health issues can alleviate the need for using pain medication that can disrupt social interaction, especially during the holidays when family time is cherished.

Learning ways to manage stress is essential for disease prevention. Stress contributes to heart disease, enhances depression, and influences every aspect of our lives. Stress management, through massage, translates into well-being for the holidays as well as year long. A short massage can alleviate fatigue, and provide more energy to accomplish needed tasks such as holiday shopping, decorating, house cleaning and baking goodies for your loved ones.

Anyone who suffers from arthritis will appreciate the benefits of massage. PMS always worsens when we are stressed – massage can help with fluid retention and lessen cramping. Massage can enhance recovery from surgery, and calm aggression in elders with Alzheimer’s disease.

You need to make sure you have massage oil or lotion. Warming oils are a favorite. Try some aromatherapy, such as lavender, to help promote a calming effect. Aromatherapy diffusers can be used anytime in the home, and are a welcome addition during a beneficial massage.

You do not have to be a massage therapist to learn how to provide a stress-relieving massage. Make certain you do not attempt to massage anyone who is under medical treatment, or recovering from a serious illness, without professional instruction.

Consider the benefits of massage, especially during the holiday season – it can be a real tension reliever.

Sleep, Exercise Protects from Breast Cancer

2008-11-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

Women who exercise regularly, and get at least seven hours of sleep each night, can significantly reduce their risk of breast cancer. The combination is important. Women, who exercise without needed slumber, put themselves at higher risk. The findings come from the American Association for Cancer Research, presented at the Seventh Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.

According to James McClain, Ph.D., cancer prevention fellow at the National Cancer Institute and lead author of the study says, "Short duration sleep appears to have opposing effects of physical activity on several key hormonal and metabolic parameters...” Dr. McClain explains that exercise probably influences hormones and immune function, though the exact reason exercise protects from cancer is not completely understood. Lack of sleep seems to thwart the benefits of exercise when it comes to breast and other types of cancer prevention. Sleeping less than seven hours a day was found to increase overall risk of cancer.

The researchers studied 5,968 women, specifically looking at the link between a good night’s sleep and cancer risk. The participants initially responded through a survey in 1998. The women were then tracked through the Washington County Cancer Registry and Maryland State Cancer Registry. The results found a significant link between sleep, physical activity and cancer incidence. The scientists concluded, “Current findings suggest that sleep duration modifies the relationship between physical activity and all-site cancer risk among young and middle-aged women."

Unfortunately, getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always easy. Insomnia is common problem. We put off sleep to “get things done”. Estimates show that approximately 32million people in the US suffer from insomnia. (1)

Prescription medications have side effects. Some interfere with mental acuity. Finding ways to guarantee quality sleep is attainable. The health benefits should not be underestimated.

Consider the following if you suffer from insomnia, difficulty falling asleep or interrupted sleep patterns. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 182, 460 women will be diagnosed, and die from breast cancer this year.

Exercise regularly.

Avoid eating late at night

Find ways to reduce stress – take a Yoga class, practice deep breathing, or simply
listen to restful music before going to bed..

Avoid caffeine, chocolate and alcohol late at night.

Keep a regular schedule of sleep – go to bed at the same time each night.

Limit fluid intake after dinner.

Try some Chamomile tea.

Block out noise – turn off the TV.

Read a good book.

Learn to meditate.

Ask your doctor if natural sleep aids are safe for you. Melatonin, valerian, and kava are known to help.

Have a warm glass of milk, yogurt, or light protein snack before bed. It’s important to avoid fatty foods.

Stop trying to do everything. Get rid of unnecessary chores, and simply learn to slow down.

If depression contributes to insomnia, please see your doctor for help.

Try some aromatherapy –lavender oil, diffused in the bedroom, sprayed, as a bath salt, or body lotion can promote rest and relaxation.

Focus on getting adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium from food or supplements.

Ask your partner for a back massage, a wonderful way to drift off to sleep.

(1) Insomnia Statistics

Source:
Exercise and Rest Reduce Cancer Risk

Helpful:
Melatrol Sleep Aid
Freedom From Insomnia
Lavender Oil

Whole Grains Reduce Heart Failure Risk

2008-10-28T07:36:00.000-04:00

Food sources are increasingly becoming recognized for disease prevention. It’s difficult to give enough emphasis to the benefits, given our current rates of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. According to a new study, eating whole grains can modestly reduce your risk of heart failure, a condition that affects 5 million Americans. Past studies suggest that heart failure risk can be reduced by eating whole grains. Results of a large analysis, published in the November 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, examining 14,000 White and African American adults shows that though the results were modest, whole grain consumption can certainly help.

Jennifer A. Nettleton, Ph.D writes, "Although risk estimates were modest, the totality of literature in this area suggests it would be prudent to recommend that those at high risk of HF increase their intake of whole grains and reduce intake of high-fat dairy and eggs…” In addition to eating more grains, it would also be prudent to reduce dietary fat and egg intake – the study found that heart failure risk increased by 23% per one serving of eggs.

Risks for heart failure include coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity and insulin resistance. Good dietary habits are extremely important for protection from heart disease. According to the study, anyone at high risk for heart failure should reduce their intake of high fat and dairy products, focusing more on the benefits of whole grains. Follow the American Heart Association’s dietary guidelines for a healthy heart. It’s never too late to start.

Source:
Eating whole grains lowers heart failure risk, according to new study

Asthma Drugs Found to Increase Muscle Strength

2008-10-19T12:33:00.000-04:00

According to research from the University of Melbourne, it may be possible to improve muscle strength, preventing weakness and disabilities associated with aging. Preliminary research shows that commonly used asthma drugs, beta-agonists, reverse muscle wasting and weakness in rat studies. Dr James Ryall of the University’s Department of Physiology has published his findings in the scientific journal, Physiological Review.

We have much to learn about the changes that occur when we age. The current research may lead to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms associated with muscle loss. According to Dr. Ryall,”While the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia have yet to be identified, they are likely to be highly complex and involve multiple different signalling pathways, presenting numerous targets for novel drug discovery.” Sarcopenia is the term to define muscle wasting and weakness.

None of us expect to find a magic pill that will prevent aging, but targeted research such as this just may surprise us all. Dr. Gordon Lynch who supervised the study, believes the findings are a significant contribution to to tapping into successful aging, pointing out that “Muscle wasting can deprive a person of functional independence and increase their risk of falls and fractures. It is one of ageing’s most serious consequences.”

The research is in no way a message to use beta-agonists for other than their intended purpose, as they can be dangerous to cardovascular health - the message is that researchers are one-step closer to understanding ways to help our aging population enjoy quality of life and maintain independence.

Dr. Ryall, as the result of his research, has been awarded the University of Melbourne’s 2007 Chancellor’s Prize for research. He will continue his doctoral studies at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

Until we find that magic pill, it’s important to remember that resistance training, whole foods to include five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, regular exercise, and fighting obesity are currently the best ways known to maintain quality of life, prevent injuries, and keep a sharp mind.

Muscle strength is important as we age, so don’t forget to focus on building muscle earlier rather than later. Studies show developing muscle in our 50’s will greatly add quality of life to our senior years.

Source:

Muscle Breakthrough

Related:

Simple Walking Improves Memory
Baby Boomers Should Focus on Building Muscle Now
Study - Men with Muscles Live Longer

Massage Your Way Through Childbirth

2008-10-05T16:02:00.000-04:00

We all know that childbirth causes muscle stretching, lacerations, and pain. Studies show that women (and their partners) who massage the muscular area below the vagina (the perineum), experience less tears and need for episiotomy during childbirth. In addition, ice massage can help relieve labor pain, and can be easily learned by your partner.

Physicians often make cuts (episiotomy) when it appears that too much stretching during childbirth will result in injury. Minor tears happen but rarely cause long-term problems.

According to Michael M. Beckmann, MD, and Andrea J. Garrett of the QE2 Jubilee Hospital in Queensland, Australia, "Perineal massage during the last month of pregnancy undertaken by the woman or her partner for as little as once or twice a week reduced the likelihood of perineal trauma (mainly episiotomies) and ongoing perineal pain." The study was published online January 2006 in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

In January, 2007 the Cochrane database again searched for information about the benefits of perineal massage before childbirth, concluding, “Antenatal perineal massage reduces the likelihood of perineal trauma (mainly episiotomies) and the reporting of ongoing perineal pain and is generally well accepted by women. As such, women should be made aware of the likely benefit of perineal massage and provided with information on how to massage.” It was found that women who practiced perineal massage experienced 15% fewer episiotomies. Both partners can be involved to make childbirth less traumatic, facilitating quicker recovery and maternal activity.

How is Perineal Massage Performed?

Begin the practice at 34 weeks gestation. Either the woman or her partner can provide the massage. The instructions provided by one of the studies are as follows:
"Woman or partner performed daily 5- to 10-minute perineal massage from 34 weeks [of pregnancy]. One or two fingers are introduced 5 centimeters [about 2 inches] into the vagina, applying alternating downward and sideward pressure using sweet almond oil."

Massage devices have not been studied, so their usefulness is unknown. To date, manual massage is recommended. According to speculation, perineal massage should work not only for first-time delivery, but for subsequent pregnancies as well. The women studied were experiencing their first pregnancy.

Ice Massage for Labor Pain

Ice massage of the web between the thumb and forefinger, referred to as Ll4, or Hoku, and has been found to help the pain of labor and delivery. Researchers studied twenty women who were being admitted to the labor and delivery unit at Humana Hospital, Dade City, FL, in 1992. Ice massage to the Hoku meridian was performed for thirty minutes during each contraction.

Pain reduction was found to be significant. The ice massage was carried out on either hand, depending on what activities were being performed by the recipient at the onset of contractions.

Of note, though the exact meridian, or massage point is on the inside of the thumb, the skin may be fragile and sensitive to cold. To facilitate pain reduction, and reduce the potential for skin damage, massage was performed by snugly placing a bag on the web between the thumb and forefinger, filled with crushed ice. The web space is thicker, and less prone to trauma. (1)

The technique can easily be taught to family members – a consideration for anyone who is expecting. The end result, as perceived by the massage recipients? – pain became one of discomfort versus distress.

Adding the benefits of each of these massage suggestions during childbirth can contribute to a healthier, happier experience. It involves both partners, and possibly avoids the administration of potentially harmful medications, and the need for episiotomy.

Resources:

Ice Massage for the Reduction of Labor Pain
Massage Cuts Need for Episiotomies

(1)10/20/09 Addendum:
According to Bette Waters, when massaging the hand,

"If you approach the area from the top of the hand you will be massaging tissue that can be fragile to friction and cold. You approach the site from the inside of the palm where the ice and friction is applied to the tissue made of different skin cells, the massage can be done intermittently for several hours with no harm to the skin. In the research paper a graphic demonstrating this technique appears".

Bette Waters is a Certified Nurse-Midwife, and author of Massage During Pregnancy., and author of the above referenced article from Medscape - Ice Massage for the Reduction of Labor Pain.

Grants Available for Nature-Connected Education, Counseling

2008-09-30T08:05:00.000-04:00

Reduce Greed and Increase Personal, Social and
Environmental Well Being

Dr. Michael Cohen

Dr. Michael Cohen has been called a "maverick genius". His approach to health and longevity rivals none - it's sensible. His professional and personal endeavours toward finding and helping others discover balance and better health (physical and emotional) cannot be argued as viable. We've tried medications to treat depression and stress, consumerism to make us happier (and it doesn't), and multiple forms of counselling - all with some success, but we've yet to hit the target.

Through nature, Dr. Cohen has helped others de-stress, support the environment, and yes, even stop smoking - all leading to better health - environmentally and personally.

September 28, 2008, Friday Harbor, WA - Michael J. Cohen, Ph.D.,
director of Project NatureConnect, today announced a special social
and environmental education grant program for individuals who have
had good experiences in nature. The program teaches them how to
green their personal and professional relationships in order to
remedy, and help others remedy, our personal, social and
environmental shortcomings. Participants learn how to think like
nature works to produce the unpolluted perfection of its balance and
beauty.

Cohen notes that the program is essential because the bias in the way
we presently think makes us excessively conquer and exploit nature.
This detrimentally separates our psyche from the self-correcting
grace, spirit and restorative powers of nature in and around us. The
loss leaves us wanting, and when we want there is never enough. It
results in our destructive greed, stress and lack of self-worth along
with our excessiveness and disorders.

Cohen says, "There is hope. Even a walk in the park demonstrates that
our troubles subside when we truly reconnect with nature." In his new
book, Educating Counseling and Healing with Nature, he documents how Project NatureConnect's science enables us to make sensory contact with nature, backyard or back country and increase well being at
every level. The process helps our thinking interlace with the genius
of nature's peace, spirit and renewing ways. It empowers us to
recycle any garbage that has contaminated our sensibilities. It,
long-term, restores our senses so we may relate more sensitively and
sensibly.

Dr. Cohen can be reached at 360-378-6313, nature@interisland.net.
Project NatureConnect's grants, methods and materials are available
at SaneEarth.com

I urge you to explore Project Nature Connect. We all need hope - especially now.

Related:
Stress Linked to Later Heart Disease According to 911 Survey

Stress and You - Learn to S-L-O-W Down

Alternative Treatment for Sleep Apnea Awaits FDA Approval

2008-09-28T13:07:00.000-04:00

Positional sleep apnea sufferers may soon find an alternative to CPAP machines, currently considered the most effective treatment for patients who stop breathing during sleep. Though CPAP (a machine that blows pressurized air through a mask to open the airway) is effective, approximately 50% of those suffering from positional sleep apnea use the machines incorrectly. Many patients find them burdensome and uncomfortable, causing non-compliance. Six percent of our population probably has positional sleep apnea, manifested by snoring at night, and excessive daytime fatigue.

A new device, “Zzoma”, is under study, created by former Temple Fellow Joseph G. Crocetti. Research is being conducted by Samuel Krachman, D.O., professor of medicine and director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital. The device is worn around the chest like a belt. A firm, foam material supports the back, preventing patients from moving onto their back – the body position that causes snoring and cessation of breathing.

Sleep apnea is a serious problem, leading to heart disease and high blood pressure. It can interfere with job performance, and lead to a host of other health problems if left untreated. Sleep apnea is an often missed diagnosis.

Dr. Krachman is hopeful the FDA will approve the sleep apnea aid, which he has been using on patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, for study purposes, over the past year.

Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg/Temple University
Samuel Krachman, D.O., holds Zzoma, a belt-like device worn during sleep to alleviate positional sleep apnea.

Source:

Research underway to give sleep apnea sufferers relief and rest

Resource:

American Sleep Apnea Association