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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Simple, Fast, Effective! Weight Loss Tips!

These are just a few changes you can make to your everyday life to help you shift a few pounds. They’re easy to make, won’t break the bank, and you will soon notice a difference when you start to look and feel good!
1. Get out of the house!
Firstly, there is nothing worse for your diet or exercise regime than being stuck in the house all day. Being near that fridge is only going to make you want to snack on something. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve had is to go out somewhere. After breakfast you could take a stroll into town (avoid driving or getting public transport) and go shopping or visit some friends, or if you have kids, take them out somewhere. It’s bound to help you lose some weight and can burn a lot of calories. Also, being out of the house helps you feel better about yourself because you’re getting exercise and some fresh air, also keeping you busy so you don’t feel like eating much. When you return you’re less likely to eat a big meal for lunch because of how much better you should feel.
2. Drink, drink, drink!
I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is no! Not alcohol! But water. Drinking more water is the best way to lose weight, as it flushes through your system allowing food to digest better. It also keeps you hydrated which can make you feel more awake, energised and make you feel good about yourself. It’s also good for clearing up your complexion!
3. The 3 hour rule!
After not eating for three hours, your body goes into “starvation” mode. Which doesn’t mean you’re going to starve, but it just means that your body starts craving and needing more food, even if you don’t feel hungry. Another good tip would be to eat reasonably portioned meals (not too much) every three hours to stop you becoming so hungry you start to binge. This also keeps your metabolism at a reasonable level so that your body can take in the right amounts of food and burn it healthily.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself!
Too many people fail diets because they ban themselves from eating certain foods. Don’t do this, because you’re setting yourself up to fail. Allow yourself a little bit of the things you enjoy or you will crave it too much and binge! Nothing is bad for you in small amounts as part of a balanced diet, so just cut down on the things you feel are bad for you and increase your intake of fruit and vegetables. Easy!
5. Soups and smoothies!
Soups and smoothies are a great way to lose weight as each is low in calories, high in fruit or vegetable content and very, very filling. Eating these foods mean you won’t snack as much and will get your 5-a-day! They’re especially good if you make them yourself, so you know what’s going in them, you know you will like them and your cooking skills are bound to improve. Making food yourself is another tip, as this keeps you busy, meaning you’re less likely to snack if you can’t wait for meal times.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Stay away from energy drinks, doctors say

In a new report, a large group of American doctors urge kids and teens to avoid energy drinks and only consume sports drinks in limited amount.The recommendations come in the wake of a national debate over energy drinks, which experts fear may have side effects.
"Children never need energy drinks," said Dr. Holly Benjamin, of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who worked on the new report. "They contain caffeine and other stimulant substances that aren't nutritional, so you don't need them."
And kids might be more vulnerable to the contents of energy drinks than grownups.
"If you drink them on a regular basis, it stresses the body," Benjamin told Reuters Health. "You don't really want to stress the body of a person that's growing."
For the new recommendations, published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers went through earlier studies and reports on both energy drinks and sports drinks, which don't contain any stimulants.
They note that energy drinks contain a jumble of ingredients -- including vitamins and herbal extracts -- with possible side effects that aren't always well understood.
While there aren't many documented cases of harm directly linked to the beverages, stimulants can disturb the heart's rhythm and may lead to seizures in very rare cases, Benjamin said.
Recently, she saw a 15-year-old boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who came into the hospital with a seizure after having drunk two 24-ounce bottles of Mountain Dew, a soft drink that contains caffeine.
The boy was already taking stimulant ADHD medication, and the extra caffeine in principle might have pushed him over the edge, according to Benjamin.
"You just never know," she said. "It's definitely a concern."
Earlier this year, Pediatrics published another review of the literature on energy drinks.
In it, Florida pediatricians described cases of seizures, delusions, heart problems and kidney or liver damage in people who had drunk one or more non-alcoholic energy drinks -- including brands like Red Bull, Spike Shooter and Redline.
While they acknowledged that such cases are very rare, and can't be conclusively linked to the drinks, they urged caution, especially in kids with medical conditions (see Reuters story of February 14, 2011).
U.S. sales of non-alcoholic energy drinks are expected to hit $9 billion this year, with children and young adults accounting for half the market.
Manufacturers claim their products will enhance both mental and physical performance, and were quick to downplay the February report.
"The effects of caffeine are well-known and as an 8.4 oz can of Red Bull contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee (80 mg), it should be treated accordingly," Red Bull said in an emailed statement to Reuters Health.
Benjamin said that for most kids, water is the best thing to quench their thirst. If they happen to be young athletes training hard, a sports drink might be helpful, too, because it contains sugar.
Read more...

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Vitamins won't prevent pregnancy complication

Friday, May 27, 2011

Scientists Discover 'Ultra-Bad' Cholesterol

FRIDAY, May 27 (HealthDay News) -- A new, "ultra-bad" form of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol has been discovered in people with a high risk for heart disease, according to British researchers.

They found that the cholesterol, called MGmin-LDL, is super-sticky, making it more likely to attach to the walls of arteries and form fatty plaques, which could lead to heart attacks and stroke.

The discovery provides a possible explanation for the increased risk of coronary heart disease in diabetics and could help researchers develop new anti-cholesterol treatments, the researchers suggested.

In the study, which was funded by the British Heart Foundation, University of Warwick researchers created MGmin-LDL in a lab through glycation, which is the adding of sugar groups to normal LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. The process changed the cholesterol's shape, making it stickier and more likely to build fatty plaques, narrow arteries and reduce blood flow and turning it into what they called "ultra-bad" cholesterol.

The findings, released online May 26 in Diabetes, could have significant implications for the treatment of coronary heart disease, particularly in older people and those with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the researchers said, the results of their study shed light on how a common type 2 diabetes drug, metformin, fights heart disease by blocking the transformation of normal LDL into the super-sticky LDL.

"We're excited to see our research leading to a greater understanding of this type of cholesterol, which seems to contribute to heart disease in diabetics and elderly people," the study's lead researcher, Naila Rabbani, an associate professor of experimental systems biology at Warwick Medical School, said in a university news release.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

5 Websites About Healthy Eat







We all know we should be eating healthy food ... but we all also know that it's easier said than done. Before you give up on good eating and head for the drive-through, check out these awesome websites that'll help you eat healthy.


  • EatBetterAmerica.com
    This site "healthifies" recipes to make them lower in fat, sugar and calories. They also have weight management tips, 30-minute meals, coupons and a community where you can connect with other people to share your healthy eating tips and goals.
  • MyPyramid.gov
    Remember that old food pyramid you learned about in school? Fugetaboutit! Today you can customize your own food pyramid with the interactive tools on this official government website. They offer daily food plans for adults, kids and new moms and lay out how much of each food group you should be eating based on your age, weight and activity level.
  • Self Nutrition Data.com
    This user-friendly nutrition website has tons of tools to help you eat better, including an awesome nutrient search calculator where you can get nutritional 411 on just about any food, personalized recipe lists, food comparison charts and a customized daily needs calculator where you can figure out your daily nutrient requirements.
  • SparkRecipes.com
    This site lets you input a recipe and calculates the nutritional value for you, so you can create a healthy eating plan for yourself. It also offers healthy recipes, a thriving community and fun food facts to help you make smart choices and learn how to eat healthier.
  • FatBurgr.com
    If there's anything that'll make you think twice about hitting your fave fast food joint, this site is it. They give you the low-down on the nutritional value and calories in restaurant meals so you can make healthier food choices. (And we hate to break it to you, but that "healthy" Chicken Caesar salad you love? It's got 1010 calories! Yikes!)

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

51 Healthy Living Cheat Sheets to Improve Your Life

No matter your salary, you can always take steps to improve your life and health. You don’t have to be a health care professional to learn how to live healthy. If you want to improve your life, creating a better situation for yourself, you can do so. There are plenty of resources available for you. Here are 51 healthy living cheat sheets that can help you improve your life:

Fitness

One of the best things you can do to enhance your life is to get proper exercise. Physical activity can help you feel better, and help you reduce your chance of some diseases.











  1. Training Cheat Sheet: This cheat sheet from Men’s Fitness is designed to help you get back to strength training and get in shape if you are just starting at (or going back to) the gym.
  2. Wii Fitness for Dummies: This cheat sheet is a great way to learn how to use Wii Fit to increase your fitness. Maximize the efficiency of your Wii Fit program.
  3. Exercise Cheat Sheet: Shape magazine offers an exercise cheat sheet full of quick, effective exercises you can do yourself to help you get into shape.
  4. A Time Crunched Mama’s Exercise Cheat Sheet: This are quick exercise you can do to maximize your efforts to get into shape — even if you are short on time.
  5. Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour: The Mayo Clinic offers this helpful cheat sheet that lists how many calories different exercises burn.
  6. 20 Daily Activities You Can Do That Burn Calories: You can cheat on your exercise program by doing something a little more fun than just straight exercising. This list includes gardening, house cleaning, car repairs and kissing.
  7. Calories Burned: Don’t want to do one activity for an hour? This cheat sheet will help you figure out how to burn calories the fastest, with counts for what you burn in 10 minutes running, playing volleyball, gardening or dancing.
  8. 8 Ways to Exercise While You Commute: Tone up during your commute. Here are some exercises to do while you are on your way to work.
  9. Pregnancy Exercise – 5 Things You Must Know: Before you start exercising while pregnant, use this cheat sheet to help you do so without putting your baby at risk.

Nutrition

Eating right can help you feel better and fight disease. Live healthier with little tweaks to your diet.









  1. Chew the Right Thing: A Nutrition Cheat Sheet: A great sheet offering an at-a-glance look at the official dietary guidelines from the USDA.
  2. Eating Healthy One Step At A Time: Use this cheat sheet to help you make diet changes gradually so that they become long-term habits.
  3. Cheat sheet: do what the pros do: eat more in order to lose more: This cheat sheet takes a look at what you can do to fine tune your diet so that you can still eat and stay in shape.
  4. Diet Cheat Sheet: This basic sheet breaks it down so that you can see exactly how what you eat affects your weight.
  5. Carb-Counters Cheat Sheet for Fruits and Vegetables: No, you shouldn’t cut fruits and veggies out of your diet. But if you are interested, here is a cheat sheet of carbs amounts for fruits and vegetables.
  6. List of High-Protein Foods and Amount of Protein in Each: If you are interested in your protein intake, this cheat sheet can help you figure out what is in each type of food.
  7. List of High Carbohydrate Foods: Learn about carbs, how they can benefit you, and which foods have a higher amount of carbs.
  8. Ten Worst and Best Foods: A quick cheat sheet of some of the worst foods you can eat for your health — and some of the best foods that you can eat.
  9. The Nutrition Cheat Sheet: A quick reference to different vitamins and minerals, where they come from, and how they benefit your body.
  10. Dietary Fiber Cheat Sheet: Learn about different types of fiber, what they do to help you, and how you can get what you need.

Mind and Spirit

You need rest, relaxation, and refreshment. Here are some ways that you can rejuvenate yourself in order to live a better and feel healthier.









  1. Meditation for Dummies Cheat Sheet: A cheat sheet designed to help you prepare for meditation, and use meditation to your benefit.
  2. A Cheat Sheet for New Meditators: Use this cheat sheet to help you begin a meditation practice, or to remind you of sound meditation techniques.
  3. Sleeping Smart Cheat Sheet: This sheet is provided by the National Sleep Foundation and offers tips to help you refresh yourself through quality sleep.
  4. Cheat Sheet for Power Naps: Learn the art of the power nap with this helpful cheat sheet.
  5. Bite-sized wisdom: 25 super inspiring quotes to memorize: When your spirit is in need of a lift, these quotes can help you find inspiration.
  6. Win the Mind Games: This helpful cheat sheet provides tips for improving your brain power and staying sharp.
  7. 120 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power: Condition your mind with these helpful hints.
  8. Tai Chi for Beginners: Get the basics of this mind/body exercise that can help rejuvenate you and help you feel a better sense of well-being.

Relationships

Good relationships are part of a happy, full life. Here are some ways to help your relationships work a little bit better.









  1. Divorce for Dummies Cheat Sheet: Get through that divorce, with help from this cheat sheet to help you know what needs to be decided.
  2. Relationship Cheat Sheet: Understand what it means to cheat on your significant other.
  3. Improving Your Relationship for Dummies: This cheat sheet helps you find ways to improve your relationships with others.
  4. The Happy Couple Cheat Sheet: Get 15 steps to help you improve your time together as a couple.
  5. 9 Marriage Rules You Should Break: You’ve heard about the “rules” of a good marriage. Here is a cheat sheet for nine that you should break.
  6. 10 Tips for Raising Children of Character: Improve your relationship with your children, and learn how to raise good kids.
  7. Things That Make Talking About Sex to Teens Tough and What to Do About Them: Have “the talk” in a constructive manner.
  8. Top 10 In-Laws Coping Tips: This cheat sheet can help you keep your relationship with your in-laws — and your spouse — on better ground.
  9. How to Network Like a Pro: Use professional relationships to help you advance through networking.

Green Living

Many people feel better and healthier when they are engaged in greener practices.








  1. 15 Reasons to Eat Organic Food: A cheat sheet offering compelling reasons to eat organic food.
  2. Organic Food Buying Cheat Sheet: Lifehacker presents this helpful cheat sheet to for reading organic food labels.
  3. Plastic Recycling Cheat Sheet: Helpful hints to ensure that you are recycling properly.
  4. What to Recycle Quick List: A cheat sheet that can help you see what items you should be recycling.
  5. Going back to school? Here’s a green cheat sheet: When your kids go back to school, these tips can help make the experience a little greener.
  6. Cheat sheet of non-toxic tips and eco-wisdom: Quick look at keeping your home free of toxins with different products.
  7. Energy Efficiency Tips: Increase the energy efficiency of your home, with a variety of different improvement ideas, from no cost to expensive.
  8. 7 Cheap and Green Landscaping Tips: A handy cheat sheet to help you green the outside of your home.
  9. 7 Tips fro Growing a Health Organic Garden: Go green by growing your own food in an organic garden.

Disease

Are you managing a disease? Here are some ways to improve your life, even though you may be challenged in your health.







  1. Diabetes for Dummies Cheat Sheet: This sheet looks at ways to more effectively get your diabetes under control — and maybe improve your situation.
  2. Prediabetes for Dummies: Do your best to avoid dull-blown diabetes with this helpful cheat sheet.
  3. Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies: Learn to live a full life, even with MS.
  4. Living Gluten-Free For Dummies: This helpful cheat sheet can help you if you are living gluten-free for any reason (including Celiac disease).
  5. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cheat Sheet: A look at risk factors and tips about beating this cancer.
  6. STD Cheat Sheet: Learn about STDs, how they are spread, and treatments for them.
See more...

Monday, May 23, 2011

25 Scientifically Proven Ways to Make Yourself Smarter

By Tara Miller
Almost everyone would love to take advantage of ways to boost their brain power and become smarter, no matter how smart they already are. Below are 25 scientifically proven ways you can do just this. From surprising activities such as watching TV or riding a motorcycle to brain-healthy nutrition choices, try a few of these ideas and see if you notice any improvement in your intelligence.
What You Can Do
These activities all offer ways to improve your cognitive abilities, so pick up a crossword puzzle, drink some water, and listen to some music to make yourself smarter.
  1. Watch specific types of TV shows. Outlined in the book Everything Bad is Good for You: How Today’s Popular Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter by Steven Johnson, TV shows that include certain elements such as many overlapping plot strands, a relatively large number of primary characters, moral ambiguity, and no narrative hand-holding produce benefits for the views that build intelligence. Some examples of these types of shows include E.R., Alias, The West Wing, Six Feet Under, and 24.
  2. Play video games. Not all video games may qualify for this, but researchers showed that 9 and 10 year-olds who played Dr Kawashima’s More Brain Training on the Nintendo DS displayed "dramatic" results when looking at math improvement and classroom behavior. The number challenges, problem-solving, and memory puzzles are likely what makes this game different from some others.
  3. Social networking. According to a study reported in Discover Magazine, social interaction boosts synaptic activity, then sleep helps eliminate any unnecessary synapses, thereby boosting the positive ones. Granted, this study was done on fruit flies, but the idea is that by interacting socially, humans are creating more synapses, therefore increasing brain power.
  4. Ride a motorcycle. The developer of Nintendo’s Brain Training software, Ryuta Kawashima, conducted an experiment on Japanese men in their 40s and 50s who had motorcycle licenses but hadn’t ridden in years. The men were split into two groups–one riding a motorcycle to work every day and one not. The motorcycle riders showed improved cognitive functioning and they also indicated that they made fewer mistakes at work and felt happier.
  5. Age. Researchers have discovered that as the human brain ages, several processes begin to occur to improve the way the brain functions. Older brains have learned more, use more complex modes of processing, and the two hemispheres of these brains begin to work together more efficiently. The result is that when people reach their 40s and well beyond that, their brains are just beginning to work at peak efficiency, resulting in more wisdom and intelligence.
  6. Drink water throughout the day. Just about everyone has heard that drinking water is good for your body, but some researchers say that drinking water throughout the day keeps your body hydrated more effectively, thereby providing more of the benefits of drinking water–including carrying nutrients and oxygen to your brain.
  7. Get enough sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep (generally between 7 to 8 hours a night) allows your brain time to process the day by strengthening memories, and the connection between neurons, resulting in better recall. Find out your optimal amount of sleep, then engage in healthy sleep-promoting behaviors such as getting exercise and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed to help boost your intelligence.
  8. Listen to music. Several studies have shown a connection between listening to music can improve memory and boost skills in math and science. Listening to music also works to improve listening skills and focus as well as promotes relaxation.
  9. Practice dual n-back exercises. These exercises were created by psychologist Susanne Jaeggi specifically to improve intelligence and are now available in several games, such as the open source version from Brain Workshop or a paid version for the iPhone called IQ boost.
  10. Learn a foreign language. While most research focuses on teaching languages to young students, learning a new language at any age will provide your brain the opportunity to make new neural connections, which increases intelligence.
  11. Practice Transcendental Meditation. This form of meditation requires practitioners to sit quietly with eyes closed while chanting a mantra. Studies have shown that Transcendental Meditation can improve the performance of high school and post-secondary students.
  12. Stretch your memory. Learn from London taxi drivers, who must memorize all the streets in the city before taking on their job. Researchers have learned that these taxi drivers have a larger than normal hippocampus, suggesting a strong link between using memory and growing intelligence.
  13. Work crossword puzzles. Working crossword puzzles on a regular basis keeps the mind sharp and holds dementia at bay as well. Don’t worry if you think you aren’t good at them, start easy and work your way up to more difficult ones.
  14. Play chess. If you don’t already know how, learn how to play chess to help boost your intelligence. While many studies look at teaching students the game in order to help raise intelligence and problem-solving, it is also an excellent way for adults to do the same.
What You Can Eat  .....  See more...

Friday, May 20, 2011

Sacred Heart Diet – Quick fast weight loss

Okay, before i go into this diet in detail, be aware it IS a fad diet, however its one of the more healthy ones, and its VERY effective. I used this to kick my plateau.I would never reccomend this unless you absolutly had to kick a plateau, or need to loose weight for surgery etc (which is why i did it).
Its very hard to stick to, and i had been happily sticking to a 1200 calorie a day diet for 8 months at the time of doing this, and i STILL found it excessivly hard to stick too. On the bright side, im on day 6 now and ive lost 4.5kg/10lb.
It generally seems to deny you:
* All fats
* All Starches
* All Wheat based products
* All Processed foods

If correctly followed, it will clean out your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well-being. After only 7 days of this process, you will begin to feel lighter by at least 10 pounds (4.5kg) and possibly 17 pounds(7.7kg), and experience an abundance of energy. (though i felt tired for the first couple days on this diet)

SOUP:
  • 1 or 2 cans of stewed tomatoes
  • 3 plus large green onions
  • 1 large can of beef broth (no fat)
  • 1 pkg. Lipton Soup mix (chicken noodle)
  • 1 bunch of celery
  • 2 cans green beans
  • 2 lbs. Carrots
  • 2 Green Peppers
Season with salt, pepper curry, parsley, if desired, or bouillon, hot or Worcestershire sauce. Cut veggies in small to medium pieces. Cover with water. Boil fast for 10 minutes. Reduce to simmer and continue to cook until veggies are tender.
This soup can be eaten anytime you are hungry during the week. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want. This soup will not add calories. The more you eat, the more you will lose. You may want to fill a thermos in the morning if you will be away during the day.
DRINKS:
  • Unsweetened juices
  • Tea (also herbal)
  • Coffee
  • Cranberry juice
  • Skim milk
  • Water, water, water
DAY ONE
Any fruit (except bananas). Cantaloupes and watermelon are lower in calories than most other fruits. Eat only soup and fruit today.
DAY TWO
All vegetables. Eat until you are stuffed with fresh raw, cooked or canned veggies. Try to eat green leafy veggies and stay away from dry beans, peas or corn. Eat veggies along with the soup. At dinnertime tonight reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Don’t eat any fruits through today.
DAY THREE
Eat all the soup, fruit and veggies you want. Do not have a baked potato. If you have eaten as above for three days and not cheated, you should find that you have lost 5-7 pounds.
Read more...

Thursday, May 19, 2011

25 Item To-Do List EVERYONE Should Be Doing

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day, and while you walk, smile.
It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God (or to your higher power or meditate) about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,
' My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________ '

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that
is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan
salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires,
issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control
Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life is not fair, but it is still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don ' t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument.
Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it will not spoil the present.

14. Don ' t compare your life to others. You have no idea what
their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ' In five
years, will this matter? '

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD (depending on your beliefs) heals everything - but you have to ask Him (translate to your religion).

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick.
Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night, before you go to bed complete the following statements:
I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings.
You will be smiling before you know it.      
Read more...

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Blood test for Alzheimer’s in development

Testing blood samples for a natural, brain-protecting steroid could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research.

What do we know already?

Around 750,000 people in the UK have dementia, a condition that damages memory and the ability to think. For about half of these people, their dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Although Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, it’s difficult to diagnose. It usually develops gradually, and early symptoms can be mistaken for the mild memory problems that lots of people get as they grow older.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s at an early stage can make it easier to plan the person’s care – for example by providing support that helps them stay independent for as long as possible. Researchers are looking for new tests that can help diagnose Alzheimer’s reliably. A new study shows that a blood test may be useful in finding out whether someone has Alzheimer’s disease.

What does the new study say?

After a process called oxidation, blood samples from Alzheimer’s patients were lower in a natural steroid called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA helps the brain work and protects it from damage.

The difference in DHEA levels between Alzheimer’s patients and healthy people means that a simple blood test could be used to help diagnose the disease, the researchers say.

In blood taken from healthy people, oxidation led to a 53 percent increase in DHEA. However, when the test was repeated on blood from people with Alzheimer’s, there was a much smaller increase in DHEA – around 14 percent for people with mild Alzheimer’s, and just 4 percent for severe Alzheimer’s.

The researchers think the test works because, in people with Alzheimer’s, the body has used up the chemicals needed to produce DHEA in an effort to protect the brain. So, when treated in a lab, blood from healthy people can produce more DHEA, but not blood from Alzheimer’s patients.

How reliable are the findings?


The study looked at just 86 people. It’s not clear yet exactly how reliable the test would be in practice. The differences in DHEA between healthy people and those with the early May 12, 2011 - page 1 of 2 stages of Alzheimer’s may not be big enough for the test to accurately identify Alzheimer’s until the more advanced stages, which would limit its usefulness.

There were also signs that the test could give different results for men and women, although with the relatively small number of people in the study it’s hard to be sure.

Where does the study come from?


The researchers were based in the United States and Canada. Their study appeared in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, published by IOS Press.

What does this mean for me?


The test is still experimental, and isn’t likely to be used by doctors without more research. However, it raises the possibility of new tests for Alzheimer’s that could be used alongside the current methods of diagnosis, which include a medical history and tests of memory.

There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, although drugs can slow the disease’s progression slightly, and help the person live independently for longer without needing care in a nursing home. Getting the right care and support can also make a difference to both the patient and those caring for them..... Read more....

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Is your weight a health risk?

According to a new study from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 9 out of every 10 Australian adults are living with at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Among these risk factors, obesity ranks very highly among tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, low fruit consumption, low vegetable consumption, risky alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.

Obesity related health risks

Obesity is a serious medical condition, and in addition to increasing our risk of cardiovascular disease is also associated with a wide range of chronic and life-threatening conditions and severe health complications.

In fact, Obesity has been linked with all of the following diseases and conditions:        

  • Heart Disease
  • Certain cancers (post-menopausal breast, colon and endometrial cancer)
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Breathlessness
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Reproductive hormone abnormalities
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Osteoarthritis (knees)
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Insulin resistance
  • High uric acid levels and gout
  • Impaired fertility
  • Low back pain
  • Increased anaesthetic risk
  • Foetal defects associated with maternal obesity
  • Abnormal lipid / body fat profile

Techniques for assessing our weight related health risk.


According to the American National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) the assessment of risk associated with being overweight involves using three key measures:

  1. Body mass index (BMI)
  2. Waist circumference, and
  3. Risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity.

The BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height and waist circumference measures abdominal fat. Combining these with information about your additional risk factors yields your risk for developing obesity-associated diseases.

What is Your Risk?

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death. The score is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits. These limits include:

  • Potentially overestimating the body fat in athletes and those with muscular builds.
  • Potentially underestimating body fat in older people and others who have lost muscle mass.
  • Not taking into consideration weight gain during pregnancy. Pregnant women should contact a health professional to assure appropriate weight gain during pregnancy.

For your convenience, a BMI calculator is available for you to use free of charge on this website.

The BMI calculator is very easy to use and there are full instructions listed on the BMI Calculator page.

To navigate to and use this calculator simply click on this link: BMI Calculator or go to the main menu and you'll find a direct link to the BMI calculator under Weight Loss > Tools > BMI Calculator.

2. Waist Circumference

Waist circumference is a good indicator of your abdominal fat which is another predictor of your risk for developing heart disease and other serious medical conditions.

To correctly determine your waist circumference, place a measuring tape snugly around your waist at the level of your belly button.

As a general guide, health risks are said to increases with a waist measurement of over:

  • 102 centimetres or 40 inches in men and
  • 88 centimetres or 35 inches in women.

The table below, Risks of Obesity-Associated Diseases by BMI and Waist Circumference, provides you with an idea of whether your BMI combined with your waist circumference increases your risk for developing obesity associated diseases or conditions.


Classification of Overweight and Obesity by BMI, Waist Circumference, and Associated Disease Risks
Disease Risk*
BMIObesity ClassMen <102cm
Women <88cm
Men >102cm
Women >88cm
Underweight<18.5-- -
Normal 18.5 - 24.9-- -
Overweight 25.0 - 29.9-Increased High
Obesity 30.0 - 34.9I High Very High
35.0 - 39.9II Very High Very High
Extreme
Obesity
40.0+III Extremely
High
Extremely
High

Source: NHLBI.
* Disease risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and CVD.
+ Increased waist circumference can also be a marker for increased risk even in persons of normal weight.

3. Other Risk Factors

Besides being overweight or obese, there are additional risk factors to consider, namely:

  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • high LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
  • low HDL-cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
  • high triglycerides
  • high blood glucose (sugar)
  • family history of premature heart disease
  • physical inactivity
  • cigarette smoking

Overall assessment and NHLBI recommendations.


If you fall into the obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30) or overweight categories (BMI of 25 to 29.9) and have two or more of the other risk factors listed above, the NHLBI recommends weight loss.

Even a small weight loss (just 10 percent of your current weight) can help to lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity.

Overweight people who do not have a high waist measurement, and have less than 2 risk factors may need to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight.

To be sure about your particular situation, talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk and if you should lose weight.

Conclusion.

According to a new study from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 9 out of every 10 Australian adults are living with at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

For a growing number of us, this risk factor is, or includes obesity.

Obesity is a serious medical condition that is associated with a wide range of chronic and life-threatening conditions and severe health complications.

If you think that your current weight may be putting your health at risk, you now know how to assess that risk yourself using the information and tools provided above.

As always though, in addition to conducting an initial self-assessment, we encourage you to speak with your doctor and get professional advice on the status of your most valuable asset - your health.

Thanks for visiting weightloss.com.au.

© Copyright Ultimate Weightloss.

Reproduction of this article is permitted free of charge provided that it is reproduced unchanged and in its entirety, it is accompanied by a website link back to www.weightloss.com.au and is properly credited to Weightloss.com.au.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

What is pregnancy?


Pregnancy is the term used to describe when a woman has a growing fetus inside of her. In most cases, the fetus grows in the uterus.
Human pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, or just more than 9 months, from the start of the last menstrual period to childbirth

What are the signs of pregnancy?
The primary sign of pregnancy is missing one or more consecutive menstrual periods. However, because many women experience menstrual irregularities that may cause missed periods, women who miss a period should see their health care provider to find out whether they are pregnant or whether there is another health problem.
Others signs and symptoms of pregnancy may include:
  • Nausea or vomiting, morning sickness
  • Sore breasts or nipples
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Food cravings or aversions
  • Mood swings
  • Frequent urination

How do I know I’m pregnant?
A pregnancy test is the best way to determine if you are pregnant. Home pregnancy test kits are available over-the-counter and are considered highly accurate. A health care provider can also do a pregnancy test.
NICHD research in the 1970s found that high levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadatropin (HCG) in the urine were associated with pregnancy. This research led to the development of the home pregnancy test that is commercially available today.
If you think you may be pregnant, or have a positive home pregnancy test, see a health care provider.

What is prenatal care and why is it important?
Prenatal care is the care woman gets during a pregnancy. Getting early and regular prenatal care is important for the health of both mother and the developing baby.
In addition, health care providers are now recommending a woman see a health care provider for preconception care, before she is even trying to get pregnant.
Health care providers recommend women take the following steps to ensure the best health outcome for mother and baby:
  • Getting at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day to help prevent many types of neural tube defects. Health care providers recommend taking folic acid both before and during pregnancy.
  • Being properly vaccinated for certain diseases (such as chicken pox and rubella) that could harm a developing fetus—it is important to have the vaccinations before becoming pregnant
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and diet and getting regular physical activity before, during, and after pregnancy
  • Avoiding smoking, alcohol, or drug use before, during, and after pregnancy

What is a high-risk pregnancy?
All pregnancies involve a certain degree of risk to both mother and baby. But, factors present before pregnancy or that develop during pregnancy can place the mother and baby at higher risk for problems. Women with high-risk pregnancies may need care from specialists or a team of health care providers to help promote healthy pregnancy and birth...... Read more...

The nose knows: Allergy season here with vengeance

By CAROLYN THOMPSON, Associated Press Carolyn Thompson, Associated PressSat May 14, 2:34 am ET
There may be a whiff of truth to claims by allergy sufferers who sniffle that this season is, well, a bigger headache than years past.
And now, more bad news: It's also lasting longer, prolonging the misery of the millions of people for whom spring is a punishment, not a pleasure.
Heavy snow and rain in some parts of the country have nourished a profusion of tree pollen, while a sudden shift to warm, sunny weather has made its release more robust. The deluges and, in some places, flooding have pumped up the volume on mold. Add in the wind, and the suffering skyrockets.
Warnings about the difficult season have come from allergy specialists from New York to Atlanta, Chicago to California.
"This past week has been one of the worst ever," rasped Lynne Ritchie, 70, as she bought allergy medicine this week at a Manhattan drugstore.
Dr. Stanley Schwartz hears that from patients all the time — every year, in fact, he noted with a wry smile.
"Literally, every year is the worst year," said Schwartz, chief of allergy and rheumatology for Kaleida Health and the University at Buffalo. "Now it may actually be, but when it's there and you're feeling it, you don't remember what last year was like."
What is certain is that allergy seasons in general have been getting longer and more challenging, said Angel Waldron, spokeswoman for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.
"We do know that climate change and warmer temperatures are allowing trees to pollinate longer than usual," she said. "Although people feel things are worse than ever before, it's actually because of the longer season. It's a longer time to endure."
Pollen counts and allergy attacks vary widely from region to region, locality to locality and day to day, and no one entity tracks the full complexity of their ups and downs across the country. But everything is ripe this year for a historic season.
It's been an exceptionally rainy spring in much of the country, with several states east of the Mississippi River setting records for the wettest April since 1895. That means luxuriously blooming trees and a similar effect on mold.
"The mold will grow under the fallen leaves from last season," Schwartz said. "So if it's very wet, it isn't just the blooming plants but it's also the mold, and many people are allergic to multiple airborne allergens."
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation lists Knoxville, Tenn.; Louisville, Ky.; Charlotte, N.C.; Jackson, Miss.; and Chattanooga, Tenn.; as its "2011 spring allergy capitals," using a scoring system that measures airborne grass, tree and weed pollen; mold spores; the number of allergy medications used per patient; and the number of allergy specialists per capita......  Read more...

Friday, May 13, 2011

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