Healthy Living Info

Are You Actually Hungry?

2012-01-13T22:54:00.000-08:00

When your stomach growls, it's often hunger that's talking. Hunger is your body's way of saying it needs to be nourished.

But there are other things that may prompt you to seek a snack, even when you're not hungry. The American Academy of Family Physicians mentions these "false hunger" signals:

Being thirsty. Satisfy this by simply drinking a glass of water.
Craving or having an urge to eat a certain food.
Feeling emotional, including angry, lonely or sad.
Being at a social event.
Noticing that it's your normal meal time.

Useful Links: Tips to Minimize Nightmares

Tips to Minimize Nightmares

2012-01-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

While parents can't prevent nightmares altogether, they can take steps to help foster sweet dreams.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:

Keep a consistent bedtime and waking schedule.
Implement a calm, quiet, relaxing and consistent bedtime routine -- perhaps including a bath, book and some cuddle time.
Make sure your child's bed is comfortable and cozy. Allow a favorite stuffed animal or blanket in bed.
Don't let your child watch any frightening television shows before bed.
Explain to your child that nightmares are only dreams, and that he or she can't be hurt during a nightmare.

Useful Links: Physical Problems May Cause Insomnia, Exercise May Help You Sleep Better

Physical Problems May Cause Insomnia

2012-01-12T00:54:00.000-08:00

If you often start your day exhausted because of a poor night's sleep, you may suffer from insomnia, a common sleep disorder.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists these common symptoms of insomnia:

Lying in bed awake for a long period of time before you're able to sleep.
Only sleeping in short bouts before waking.
Staying awake for most of the night.
Feeling exhausted, as if you had no sleep.
Waking very early in the morning.

Useful Links: Tips to Protect Kids Who Have Food Allergies

Exercise May Help You Sleep Better

2011-12-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

A new study shows people who exercise regularly may sleep better. Researchers led by Oregon State University followed more than 2,600 adults who ranged from 18 to 85 years old.

Those who met national exercise guidelines -- 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise -- were 65-percent less likely to report frequently feeling sleepy during the day compared to people who got less exercise.

They were also less likely to report having trouble concentrating. Experts say exercise may lead to better sleep by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression levels. It also may help that exercise helps people lose weight, which can lead to improved sleep.

Tips to Protect Kids Who Have Food Allergies

2011-11-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Depending on your child's sensitivity, a food allergy can range from very mild to life-threatening. The American Dietetic Association offers these suggestions to help protect kids who have food allergies:

Always check food labels for potential allergens.
Make sure you inform all family members, teachers and caregivers about the severity of food allergies and symptoms to watch for.
Make sure your child is fully informed, so he or she can be proactive in preventing an allergic reaction.
Work with a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan that excludes allergens.

Tips to Prevent Epilepsy

2011-11-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

Epilepsy may be preventable in some situations, experts say. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentions these potential opportunities for prevention:

Seek prenatal care during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Get all recommended immunizations to ward off serious infections.
Protect against traumatic brain injury. Use bicycle and sports helmets as appropriate, and take steps to reduce the risk of falls.
Manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol to reduce your chances of stroke.

Eating Healthy for Vegetarians

2011-11-19T00:32:00.000-08:00

Vegetarians are no less susceptible than others to malnutrition. The key is to eat a variety of foods that ensure enough calories and proper nutrition, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The agency offers these suggestions for a healthy vegetarian diet:

Choose plant-based protein sources such as soy, nuts, peas and beans.
Get plenty of calcium through leafy, dark-green vegetables, calcium-fortified foods and dairy products.
Make peas and beans important staples of your diet, and make nuts a regular snack food.
Get plenty of vitamin B12 -- found naturally only in animal products -- by choosing fortified foods, such as cereals or soy products.

All of us need to reward ourselves over a time for the stress toll taken both physically and mentally by us. One of the best ways to chill out is to take a vacation and here are some amazing worldwide vacation rentals you can consider booking for your vacations

Tips to add Flavoring to Popcorn without the Fat

2011-11-08T20:10:00.000-08:00

Popcorn can be a healthy snack, but you need to skip the butter and salt. The American Dietetic Association lists these healthier alternatives to flavor your popcorn:

A sprinkle of spice, such as paprika, chili powder or pepper.
Garlic and basil seasoning.
Low-fat parmesan cheese.
A small amount of chocolate chips.
A little bit of peanut butter.

Operation could turn Brown Eyes Blue

2011-11-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

A simple 20-second laser treatment procedure might turn brown eyes blue, a US doctor claims.

Dr Gregg Homer of Stroma Medical, a clinical equipment company primarily based in California, claimed his new "Lumineyes" treatment might be a permanent alternative to colored contact lenses.

The treatment uses a laser to remove melanin, the brown pigment, from the upper layer of the iris, leaving the blue color free to replace it within two to three weeks of the procedure.

But the process is irreversible because the melanin will not grow back and cannot be replaced.

Brown eyes, the most common type across the world, appear so because of the layer of pigment at the front of their eye.

People with blue eyes also have melanin, but it is concentrated at the back of the iris rather than the front, which means the eye absorbs longer wavelengths of light while reflecting shorter ones.

Dr Homer, a former entertainment lawyer, said the cosmetic operation would cost about £3,000 and could be available in countries outside America within 18 months, but the Daily Mail reported that clinical trials have yet to be completed.

He told KTLA Morning News: "A blue eye is not opaque, you can see deeply into it, while a brown eye is very opaque. I think there is something very meaningful about this idea of having open windows to the soul."

Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

2011-10-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Your diet can play a significant role in the health of your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association suggests these dietary tips to help keep your mouth healthy:

Avoid sodas and fruit drinks sweetened with sugar.
Limit consumption of candies, cookies, pastries and other desserts with added sugar.
Eat nutritious snacks that are lower in sugar.
Brush at least twice daily and floss daily.
Drink water often.
Keep a food journal and review it for high-sugar foods. Compare your diet to the food pyramid recommendations.

Causes of Headaches in Children

2011-09-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

Children are considered to be no less prone than adults to dull or throbbing pains of the head.

The Nemours Foundation suggests these common triggers of headaches in children:

Getting insufficient sleep, or rapidly changing the patterns of sleep.
Missing meals or becoming dehydrated.
Taking certain medications.
Being under stress.
Experiencing hormonal changes.
Spending too much time in front of the TV or computer.
Receiving a mild head injury or having an infection.
Spending a long time riding in the car.
Inhaling strong odors.
Smoking.
Consuming caffeine.

Tips to Reduce In-Flight Ear Pain

2011-09-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

Flying can cause discomfort in the ears, and can be especially painful to children with an ear infection.

The Nemours Foundation suggests following ways to help alleviate a child's ear pain during takeoff or landing, when changes in pressure are most likely to trigger ear pain:

Offer plenty of water or other decaffeinated drinks.
Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing.
If your child is at least 3 years old, offer a piece of gum or hard candy.
Offer a baby a bottle or pacifier, or breast-feed.
Encourage your child to yawn often.
Keep your child awake during takeoff and landing, and encourage swallowing.

Eating Walnuts Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

2011-09-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

Though they are hard to crack, walnuts have a handful of medicinal values from curing headache and preventing baldness to having some influence on fertility. Now, a new research has revealed that eating a modest amount of walnuts as a regular part of the diet might reduce a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.

The researchers at the Marshall University found that a daily dose of walnuts - equal to 2 ounces a day in humans - reduces the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice.

Lead researcher Elaine Hardman, Ph.D., of Marshall's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and colleagues studied the mice from the mother, through conception and throughout life. They then compared mice given walnuts to those fed a regular diet.

They found that the group whose diet included walnut at both stages developed breast cancer at less than half the rate of the group with the standard diet. In addition, the number of tumors and their sizes were significantly smaller.

"These reductions are particularly important when you consider that the mice were genetically programmed to develop cancer at a high rate," Hardman said.

"We were able to reduce the risk for cancer even in the presence of a preexisting genetic mutation," she added. Using genetic analysis, they researchers found that the walnut-containing diet changed the activity of multiple genes that are relevant to breast cancer in both mice and humans.

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that may all reduce the risk of the disease.

"The results of this study indicate that increased consumption of walnut could be part of a healthy diet and reduce risk for cancer in future generations," she said. The study was funded by grants from the American Institute for Cancer Research and the California Walnut Commission. The study appears in the journal Nutrition and Cancer .

Women Who Eat Faster More Likely to be Obese

2011-08-31T02:20:00.000-07:00

A new research has found that Middle-aged women who are quick in downing their meals are much more likely to be overweight or obese than women who eat slower.

Otago University researchers analyzed the relationship between self-reported speed of eating and body mass index (BMI) in more than 1,500 New Zealand women aged 40 to 50, an age group known to be at high risk of weight gain.

Study principal investigator Dr Caroline Horwath said that after adjusting for factors such as age, ethnicity, smoking, physical activity and menopause status, the researchers found that the faster women reported eating, the higher their BMI, reported English.news.cn.

The study by the university's department of human nutrition could lead to new and more successful methods of treating obesity, the researchers say.

Benefits of chewing Sugarless Gum

2011-08-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Bacteria that contribute to dental plaque desire for sugar. These bacteria produce plaque acids that aid in tooth decay by breaking down tooth enamel.

Chewing sugarless gum, however, can help promote a healthier mouth, the American Dental Association says. The ADA mentions these possible benefits of chewing sugarless gum:

Chewing helps increase the production of saliva, which can help wash away acids that can damage teeth.
Increased saliva includes more calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.
Sugarless gum contains sweeteners -- such as aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol -- that don't contribute to cavities.

Tips for Safer Use of Cosmetics

2011-07-21T01:48:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic products often include fragrances and preservatives, which might lead to skin problems and other side effects among some users.

The Womenshealth.gov website offers these suggestions for safer use of cosmetics:

Never apply cosmetics when driving.
Never share cosmetics with another person.
Store cosmetics out of direct sunlight, away from heat and with caps tightly closed.
Skip makeup when you have an eye infection, and throw away old cosmetics if you've developed an infection.
Don't add liquid to any cosmetic, unless so-directed on the label.
Throw out cosmetics if the color changes or they develop an odor.
Don't use aerosol sprays around fire, and take care not to breathe deeply around aerosol sprays or powders.
Avoid additives that aren't approved for use in a particular cosmetic.

Beetroot Juice boosts Performance in Athletes

2011-07-05T04:37:00.000-07:00

According to a recent study conducted in the University of Exeter in UK, it has been revealed that beetroot juice is an energy powerhouse and it can make wonders happen. It is an energy booster that can help the performance of the athletes. With the help of this wonder juice there has been a recorded improvement seen in the performances of athletes.

In the era where athletes take all the pains to work hard and practice, and drink protein shakes to make themselves fit and energetic, beetroot juice comes as a one stop solution for the health and agility of mind, health and the body.

The reason behind this is supposed to be the nitrates that are present in the super veggie these nitrates, when reacted with the body, form nitric oxides, which helps the athlete, perform better at their events. In races where the difference even of a few seconds might mean a win or a loss, beetroot juice can make the difference.

Researcher Professor Andrew Jones said: ‘This is the first time we’ve studied the effects of beetroot juice, and the high nitrite levels found in it, on simulated competition”.

He further added, “These findings show an improvement in performance that, at competition level, could make a real difference – particularly in an event like the Tour de France where winning margins can be tight”.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

2011-06-30T02:37:00.000-07:00

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by symptoms of pain or discomfort in the abdomen that persist for at least three months.

The Womenshealth.gov website says the condition affects up to 20% of adults in the United States. Symptoms may include:

Stomach pain or cramps.
Constipation or diarrhea, or alternating between the two.
A sensation of not being finished with a bowel movement.
Mucus in the stools.
Gas, bloating or swelling in the abdominal region.
Discomfort, unusual fullness or nausea after eating a normal-sized meal.

Factors that might Lead to Skin Cancer

2011-06-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

People who have had severe blistering sunburns or frequent exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays are at higher risk of developing skin cancer, the U.S. National Cancer Institute reminds us.

Here the agency's list of additional factors that increases your risk of getting the disease:

Using tanning beds on a regular basis.
Having had skin cancer before.
Having a close family member with a history of skin cancer.
Having fair skin that burns easily.
Taking medication that increases sensitivity to sunlight.
Having a medical condition that compromises the immune system, or taking a medication that suppresses the immune system.

Olive Oil might Prevent Strokes: Study

2011-06-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

According to a new French study, olive oil could help prevent strokes in elderly people.

Researchers at the University of Bordeaux studied medical records from nearly 8,000 people aged 65 and older.

Olive oil consumption was labeled in participants as “no use,” “moderate use” and “intensive use.” Over the five-year study period, 148 people had strokes.

Results from the study show that people who used olive in both cooking and as a dressing or with bread had a 41% lower risk of stroke compared to those people who never used olive oil in their diet. As a result, researchers said people over age 65 may need a new set of dietary guidelines.

“Olive oil is a big part of the Mediterranean Diet, which is a healthy diet that includes olive oil as their primary fat source, so as a result it’s not surprising to see that this is beneficial,” Carolyn Snyder, a registered dietician at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a news release. And the good news is that olive oil is easy to add to any diet.

“It’s a very simple salad dressing, mixing that with a little balsamic vinaigrette,” Snyder said. “You can use it to dip whole grain breads in with a little bit of seasoning like basil.”

Early exposure to pets might lower risk of future allergy

2011-06-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Having a pet at home during the first year of a child may halve the risk of developing allergic to them later in life, a new study suggests.

The study was published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy.

Researchers from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit assessed 566 boys and girls who were followed from birth until age 18. They found that boys who had dogs and teens who had cats during their first year of life had 50 percent less risk of developing pet allergies later.

Lead researcher Ganesha Wegienka said: "This research provides further evidence that experiences in the first year of life are associated with health status later in life, and that early life pet exposure does not put most children at risk of being sensitized to these animals later in life."

The researchers said that exposure to animals at other times in childhood didn't appear to be as significant as the first year.

However, Wegienka cautioned that this study doesn't prove a cause-and-effect relationship between having a pet and avoiding allergies, just an association between those two factors.

"We don't want to say that everyone should go out and get a dog or cat to prevent allergies," she said.

"More research is needed, though we think this is a worthwhile avenue to pursue."

Anxiety Disorders can lead to Physical Problems

2011-06-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

Anxiety disorders may be mental health conditions, but they can lead to a number of physical problems.

The University of Maryland Medical Center lists these physical complications that can arise from anxiety disorders:

Heart disease.
Risk factors for heart disease, including thickened blood vessels, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal problems.
Headaches.
Respiratory conditions, including asthma.
Obesity.
Allergies, including food allergies, hay fever, eczema and other allergic conditions.

Drinking too much Coffee may lead to Hallucinations

2011-06-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

Coffee may benefit health in a few ways, but watch out. Drinking too many cups could bring on hallucinations.

Five coffees a day or more was found to be adequate to increase the participant's tendency to hallucinate, says Simon Crowe, professor of psychology at the La Trobe University. Hallucinations are false perceptions that an individual has that do not exist. For example, a person may hear, see or smell things that are not there.

According to a La Trobe statement, Crowe and colleagues at the University's School of Psychological Sciences measured the effect of stress and caffeine with 92 non-clinical participants. Participants were assigned to either a high or a low stress condition and a high or a low caffeine condition on the basis of self-report. They were then asked to listen to white noise and to report each time they heard Bing Crosby's rendition of 'White Christmas' during the white noise.

White noise is a type that is produced by combining sounds of all different frequencies together, just as white light is produced by a combination of seven colors. The song was never played. The results indicated that the interaction of stress and caffeine had a significant effect on the reported frequency of hearing "White Christmas."

The participants with high levels of stress or who consumed high levels of caffeine were more likely to hear the song. "The combination of caffeine and stress affect the likelihood of an individual experiencing a psychosis-like symptom," says Crowe.

View this : Mens Suit USA

Mobile Phones may lead to Cancer: WHO

2011-06-03T04:01:00.000-07:00

Mobile phones may lead to brain cancer in humans, a World Health Organization agency said, citing a review of studies.

Exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields from handsets is greater than that from phone towers and base stations, Robert Baan, the senior scientist in charge of the International Agency for Research on Cancer report on the subject, said on a conference call with reporters. The fields are "possibly" carcinogenic, the same category as diesel fuel, chloroform and working as a firefighter, according to the IARC, based in Lyon, France, which classifies cancer risks.

This is the first time an agency working group has surveyed research on radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to make a definitive classification, the IARC said yesterday. The agency didn't issue guidelines for cell-phone use and said more study is needed after finding some evidence for an increased risk of glioma, or brain cancer.

Baked Fish reduces Heart Failure Risk in Women

2011-05-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

A recent study has revealed that postmenopausal women who ate more baked or broiled fish were at a lower risk of developing a heart failure compared to those who ate more fried fish.

Researchers have found that women who ate baked/broiled fish (five or more servings/week) had a 30% lower risk of heart failure compared to women who seldom ate it (less than one serving/month).

The study further suggests that the type of fish and cooking method may affect heart failure risk. Dark fish (salmon, mackerel and bluefish) significantly reduce heart failure risk than either tuna or white fish (sole, snapper and cod).

On the other hand, eating fried fish hikes the risk of a heart failure. Even one serving a week was associated with a 48% higher heart failure risk.

"Not all fish are equal, and how you prepare it really matters," said Donald Lloyd-Jones, senior author of the study. "When you fry fish, you not only lose a lot of the benefits, you likely add some things related to the cooking process that is harmful," he added.

A team led by Lloyd-Jones examined self-reported dietary data from 84,493 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study.

They divided the participants based on the frequency and type of fish consumption. The baked/broiled fish group consisted of canned tuna, tuna salad, tuna casserole, white fish (broiled or baked), dark fish (broiled or baked) and shellfish (not fried). Whereas, the fried fish group consisted of fried fish, fish sandwich and fried shellfish.

The result showed that participants who ate more baked/broiled fish tended to be healthier and younger than their counterparts who ate fried fish.

They were more physically active and fit - more educated and less likely to smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease (irregular heartbeat and coronary artery disease).

The study appears in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure.

Traveling despite Asthma and Allergies

2011-05-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Traveling can expose you to new triggers for allergies and asthma, but planning ahead can help you breathe a bit easier while you're away.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers these travel suggestions:

Pack your asthma and allergy meds in carry-on bags, and keep them in their original containers.
Continue to take your medications on schedule as directed by your doctor.
Prepare for potential problems, such as food allergies.
Keep contact information for your allergist and an emergency contact handy.
If possible, find an allergist at your travel destination.

Say goodbye to asthma and allergies following these tips and have amazing vacations worldwide. Book worldwide vacation rentals.

Health Tip : Assess your Eating Habits

2011-05-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

If you've tried various diets and can't seem to lose weight, maybe it's time to re-evaluate your eating habits.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions:

Keep a diary of all foods you eat, when you ate them, how you were feeling, and what you were doing when you ate. Review the diary after a few days and look for patterns in your habits.
Take note of factors such as how quickly you ate, how much you ate, any meals you skipped, when you ate dessert, and when you ate despite not being hungry.
Think about why you have those eating habits, and choose those that you'd like to change.
Use your diary to figure out what causes you to eat when you aren't hungry (factors such as stress, while watching TV or being bored). Figure out of how to avoid eating in response to those triggers.
Be consistent with your new eating habits, and realize that it may take time for them to stick.

Red Wine and Chocolate Sharpen your Mind

2011-05-09T03:37:00.000-07:00

Red wine and chocolate make for a deadly combination to keep your mind sharp and alert, a study suggests.

Polyphenols, plant chemicals rich in dark chocolate and wines, dilate blood vessels, speeding the supply of blood to the brain.

"This provides it with a rush of oxygen and sugars, making complex calculations easier and quicker. Besides polyphenols are more effective in combination than alone," the Daily Mail reports.

The theory follows two Northumbria University studies into the effects of polyphenols on the mind. In the first, healthy adults were set a series of tests after taking a capsule packed with Resveratrol, the 'wonder ingredient' in red wine. Scans showed a noticeable increase in blood flow to their brains after taking the supplement.

"Greater improvements may be seen in the elderly," said doctoral researcher Emma Wightman from Northumbria, because blood flow to the brain naturally decreases with age.

Unfortunately for wine lovers, the quantities of Resveratrol used in the study would equate to drinking crates of the stuff. But it is easy to get the same amounts from supplements sold in health food stores.

"And with resveratrol credited with abilities from extending life to burning off junk food," Wightman says. "There is nothing to stop people from stocking up."

"There is research showing quite a lot of health benefits and there is nothing to suggest there are any adverse effects. You are not going to come to any harm," she said.

In order to benefit from the health qualities of chocolate, choose only the dark chocolate. Other types do more damage to the body than good. And when it comes to wine, we know it's fancy, we know it tastes good, but drink moderately and not every day.

Common Causes of Itching

2011-05-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

If itchy skin is irritating you, figuring out what's making you scratch can help you find a solution.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says common causes of itching include:

Having an allergic reaction.
Having dry skin, a skin rash or a skin condition such as eczema.
Having an insect bite or sting.
Being exposed to irritating chemicals.
Having pinworms, scabies or head lice.
Being pregnant.
Having a reaction to a medication.

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

2011-04-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes irritated, inflamed and painful.

The ADAM Encyclopedia mentions these potential risk factors for plantar fasciitis:

Having either high arches or flat feet.
Being obese.
Exposing the feet to repetitive stress, from activities such as running long distances, running on an uneven surfaces or running downhill.
Gaining weight rapidly.
Having tightness in the Achilles tendon.
Wearing shoes that don't offer good arch support or have soft soles.

Health Conditions may cause Paleness

2011-04-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Though fair skin may simply be an indication that you protect your skin from the sun, paleness may be a sign of a health problem that needs to be addressed.

The ADAM Encyclopedia lists these health conditions and problems that may cause pale skin:

Anemia or insufficient red blood cells.
Insufficient blood flow to the skin from being cold, having low blood sugar or fainting.
Shock.
Frostbite.
Chronic disease such as cancer or infection.

Coffee doesn't Raise Blood Pressure: Study

2011-04-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

Regardless of previous concerns, drinking lots of coffee doesn't seem to increase the risk of high blood pressure, says a U.S. study.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has been linked to heart disease, stroke and a shorter life expectancy, and some scientists have proposed that coffee might fuel the problem.

But according to a report in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that combined data from six previous studies, covering 170,000 people, this did not appear to be the case.

"The results suggest that habitual coffee consumption of more than 3 cups per day was not associated with an increased risk of hypertension compared with less than one cup per day," wrote Liwei Chen, from the Louisiana State University School of Public Health in New Orleans, who worked on the study.

But Chen added that more data would be needed in order to draw a firm conclusion, noting that the report "is not saying there's no risk" to drinking lots of java.

What's more, people who drank between one and three cups per day had a slightly higher risk of high blood pressure than those who drank less, a result the researchers couldn't explain.

The studies surveyed the participants to find out how many cups of coffee they drank each day, from less than one to more than five, and then followed them for up to 33 years.

Just more than one in five eventually developed high blood pressure, with the chance of being diagnosed with the condition no different for people who said they chugged more than five cups of coffee a day and those who drank very little.

"I don't think of coffee as a risk factor for high blood pressure," said Lawrence Krakoff, who studies high blood pressure at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and wasn't involved in the new study.

But "if people are drinking 12 cups a day and aren't sleeping, I assume that's an important issue."

The relationship between coffee drinking and blood pressure is complicated by the possibility that it doesn't work the same way for everyone, Chen said.

"People with a different genetic background may react to coffee differently," she said.

"For some people maybe it's safe to drink a lot of coffee, but not for other people."

Factors that may trigger Muscle Cramps

2011-04-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

It's common to have muscles that tighten and cramp, especially if you're an avid exerciser. One of the primary triggers for muscle cramps is overuse, the ADAM Encyclopedia says.

ADAM mentions these additional causes of muscle cramps:

A muscle injury.
Dehydration or nutritional deficiency, including a lack of calcium or potassium.
Alcoholism.
Taking certain medications.
Kidney failure, or an underactive thyroid.
Metabolic problems.
Pregnancy.

Pneumonia Signs and Symptoms

2011-04-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

Pneumonia's symptoms may appear to mimic those of other respiratory infections. But pneumonia can kill, and its warning signs shouldn't be dismissed.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute mentions these possible warning signs of pneumonia:

A high fever.
Chills that cause you to shake.
Worsening bouts of coughing up phlegm.
Shortness of breath from performing everyday activities.
Having chest pain when breathing or coughing.
Suddenly feeling worse after you appeared to get over the flu or a cold.

An apple a day keeps women's cholesterol at bay

2011-04-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

According to a new study, an apple a day can really keep the doctor away - by reducing bad cholesterol levels in women.

Apples are truly a miracle fruit that convey benefits beyond fiber content, said Bahram H. Arjmandi, Margaret A. Sitton Professor and Chair, Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences at The Florida State University, who led the study.

Animal studies have shown that apple pectin and polyphenols in apple improve lipid metabolism and lower the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.

Arjmandi's research is the first to evaluate the long-term cardio-protective effects of daily consumption of apple in postmenopausal women.

The study randomly assigned 160 women ages 45-65 to one of two dietary intervention groups: one received dried apples daily (75g/day for 1 year) and the other group ate dried prunes every day for a year. Blood samples were taken at 3, 6 and 12-months. The results surprised Arjmandi, who stated that 'incredible changes in the apple-eating women happened by 6 months - they experienced a 23 percent decrease in LDL cholesterol'.

The daily apple consumption also led to a lowering of lipid hydroperoxide levels and C-reactive protein in those women.

"I never expected apple consumption to reduce bad cholesterol to this extent while increasing HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol by about 4 percent," said Arjmandi.

Yet another advantage is that the extra 240 calories per day consumed from the dried apple did not lead to weight gain in the women; in fact, they lost on average 3.3 lbs. "Reducing body weight is an added benefit to daily apple intake" he said.

Part of the reason for the weight loss could be the fruit's pectin, which is known to have a satiety effect. The results were presented at Experimental Biology 2011 in Washington, DC.

Eggs contain 14% Less Cholesterol than Thought

2011-04-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Many people avoid dietary cholesterol for fear of increasing their risk for heart disease. However, experts from leading institutions have now dispelled some common myths surrounding dietary cholesterol – they found that such diets don't increase the risk of heart disease. They also found that eggs contain higher Vitamin D levels and less cholesterol than thought.

The distinguished panel of the symposium speakers examined other factors impacting heart disease risk including refined carbohydrate intake, dietary cholesterol metabolism in the body and the effect of egg intake on blood vessels.

Experts from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) presented new nutrition data that indicates eggs are now lower in cholesterol.

The USDA-ARS study found that one large egg contains 185 mg of cholesterol (down from 215 mg), 14 percent lower than previously reported on Nutrition Facts panels. The analysis also revealed that large eggs now contain 41 IU of vitamin D, an increase of 64 percent.

A follow-up study funded by USDA-ARS examined how the new nutrient analysis of eggs impacts the overall dietary cholesterol profile of the American diet.

Prefer Healthy Carbohydrates

2011-04-13T02:38:00.001-07:00

The foods you consume contribute to your overall mood and appetite, the Cleveland Clinic advises. If you feel good and feel contented that you've eaten enough, you may not feel the desire to go back for more, clinic experts say.

Carbohydrates, an essential part of your diet, should be whole grain and contain lots of fiber. Here are some of the clinic's choices:

Whole-grain cereals and breads.
Potatoes with their skins.
Brown rice, bulgur and quinoa.
Fresh vegetables and fruits.
Whole-grain pasta.

Video Games might Aid in Stroke Recovery

2011-04-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

New research suggests playing video games may be an effective strategy in improving motor and cognitive skills in people who have had a stroke.

Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto said that stroke patients who played Playstation, Wii and other video games were up to five times more likely to show improvements in arm motor function compared to those who had standard therapy.

The researchers reviewed 12 existing studies that looked at the effects of electronic games on upper arm strength and mobility.

Between 55 and 75 percent of stroke survivors suffer motor problems in their arms. But conventional therapies like physiotherapy and occupational therapy are often not effective, according to the researchers.

Video games are “challenging, repetitive, task specific and novel,” the researchers said in a statement. They help the brain heal through a process called neuroplasticity, which the researchers define as the brain’s ability to remodel itself after injury by creating new nerve cell connections.

A report on the study is published in the April edition of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Extra Stress can lead to Memory Loss

2011-04-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have shed new light on how stress can contribute to memory loss in old age. The study could assist research into treatments for age-related memory disorders. Many believe that stress is bad for our brains especially as we get older.

Now, researchers have shown how two receptors in older brains react to a stress hormone called cortisol. This has been linked to increasing forgetfulness as we age.

While we know that stress hormones affect memory, this research explains how the receptors they engage with, can switch good memory to poorly-functioning memory in old age. The study found that one receptor was activated by low levels of cortisol, which helped memory. However, once levels of this stress hormone were too high they spilled over onto a second receptor. This activated brain processes that contribute to memory impairment.

The study found that high levels of the stress hormone in aged mice made them less able to remember how to navigate a maze. The memory recall problem was reversed when the receptor linked to poor memory was blocked. The research helps explain why too much stress over a prolonged period interferes with the normal processes in storing everyday memories.

This is despite the fact that a little bit of stress can help us better remembering emotional memories.

We now know that lowering the levels of these stress hormones will prevent them from activating a receptor in the brain that is bad for memory. Understanding the mechanisms in the brain, which affect memory as we age, will help us to find ways to combat conditions linked to memory loss.

Ways to Cut Down on Sodium

2011-04-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

Most people get much more sodium (salt) in their diet than their body requires. This causes the body to retain water, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to manage a lower-sodium diet:

Cook with fresh ingredients, rather than using pre-packaged or prepared foods.
Choose low-sodium foods, or those without added salt.
Substitute or eliminate high-sodium ingredients from recipes.
Create marinades for meat with a base of pineapple juice or orange juice.
If you eat a frozen meal, look for those with 600 milligrams of sodium or less.
Don't flavor foods with seasoning mixes that include salt.
Talk to your doctor before using a salt substitute.

Facts about Feet

2011-04-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

During a lifetime, a human being will walk around 185,000 km, which is enough to circle the earth four times! This averages out at 10,000 steps a day. Of course, some people will walk greater distances that others.
Despite being relatively small in themselves, feet account for a massive 25% of the number of bones in a human body. A foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles. There's plenty to go wrong if they aren't adequately protected.
There are around 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of human feet. These can produce up to half a pint (200 ml) of sweat a day.
When running, the pressure on feet can be up to four times the runner's body weight.
Fingernails and toenails grow more rapidly in warm weather, as well as during pregnancy and adolescence.
As many as nine in every ten women in the developed world, wear shoes that are too small for them.
Statistically, women have four times as many foot problems as men, with high heels partly to blame.
Even though shoes can cause you foot trouble, be extra careful when going barefoot. Places such as communal showers can be a hotbed of nasty diseases like athlete's foot, plantar warts and ringworm. In developing countries, a lack of shoes can leave people vulnerable to all manner of soil-transmitted diseases and parasites, from hookworm and jiggers to podoconiosis and the potentially fatal tetanus.

Less Stress, Better Sleep may help you lose Weight

2011-04-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

Getting sufficient sleep, at least six hours a night, and lowering stress levels may significantly help individuals to lose their extra weight, a new study suggests.

Kaiser Permanente Centre researchers asked about 500 hundred people to follow a low calorie diet and exercise at least three hours a week, while keeping a record of their sleep habits and stress levels.

According to the findings published in the International Journal of Obesity, getting the right amount of sleep and stress reduction guarantees successful weight loss. Lowering stress by itself was associated with more weight loss.

Moreover, reducing stress and overcoming depression, apart from recording exercise minutes and keeping food diaries, are among important factors in maintaining weight loss, researchers wrote.

"We found that people who got more than six but less than eight hours of sleep, and who reported the lowest levels of stress, had the most success in a weight-loss program," said lead author Charles Elder.

"This study suggests that when people are trying to lose weight, they should try to get the right amount of sleep and reduce their stress," said Elder. “Some people may just need to cut back on their schedules and get to bed earlier. Others may find that exercise can reduce stress and help them sleep. For some people, mind-body techniques such as meditation also might be helpful.”

Although, the participants in the study were highly motivated and most had a college degree, the researchers suspect that their finding could be applied to everyone.

Walnuts Pack a Powerful Dose of Antioxidants

2011-03-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

Walnuts are the healthiest of all the nuts when it comes to heart-healthy nutty super foods, research has shown. The Christmas favorites are packed with more potent and abundant antioxidants than any other popular nut, as well as healthy fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Tree and ground nuts are generally said to be among nature's most perfect ready-made foods. Not only do they have all the nutritious elements necessary for a healthy diet; they also contain high levels of protective antioxidants which counter the effects of harmful molecules.

Research suggests regular consumption of nuts can reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and type-2 diabetes. But until now it has not been clear which nut is number one in terms of health giving properties.

To answer this question, scientists analyzed the antioxidant content of nine different types of nut: walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamias and pecans. Study leader Dr Joe Vinson, from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, US, said: "Walnuts rank above peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios and other nuts.

"A handful of walnuts contain almost twice as much antioxidant as an equivalent amount of any other commonly consumed nut. But unfortunately, people don't eat a lot of them. This study suggests that consumers should eat more walnuts as part of a healthy diet."

Dr Vinson's team found that walnuts not only had more antioxidants than other nuts, but more powerful antioxidants. Those in walnuts were between 2 and 15 times more potent than vitamin E, renowned for its antioxidant properties.

The findings were presented at the 241st national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim, California.

Inadequate Diets can lead to Anemia in Older Women

2011-03-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

According to a new study, postmenopausal women who don’t get enough nutrients in their diets have an increased risk of becoming anemic.

Women who are deficient in more than one nutrient are 21% more likely to be anemic than women who have one or no nutritional inadequacies, the study found. And that risk increases to 44% for women who are deficient in three different nutrients, said study researcher Cynthia A. Thomson, associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Arizona.

Anemia occurs when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues in your body. It often results in fatigue and can lead to heart problems, Thomson said. Anemia is "preventable with adequate diet, and thus we need to be aware of risk and routinely assess risk to assure we intervene, hopefully before there are serious health consequences," Thomson told MyHealthNewsDaily.

Women with anemia tend to consume less protein, folate, vitamin B12, iron, vitamin C and red meat than women without anemia, according to the study. Inadequate intake of iron, vitamin B12 and folate each increased the chance of anemia by 10 to 20 percent, the study said.

Researchers examined the nutritional data of 72,833 postmenopausal women who participated in the nine-year Women's Health Initiative study. Of those women, 5.5% were anemic, the study revealed.

Researchers found that inadequacy of three different nutrients was less prevalent in white women (7.4 percent) than in other ethnicities (14.6 percent of Asians/Pacific Islanders, 15.3 percent of African Americans and 16.3 percent of Hispanics), the study said.

This could be a result of dietary differences between different racial groups — for example, Asian, African-American and Hispanic women in the study may eat less red meat or nutrient-fortified cereal products than white women, Thomson said.

The best way to ensure you're getting enough nutrients is not to take a variety of multivitamins, but rather to eat a wide variety of foods in each food group, Thomson said.

Tips to keep Skin Smooth

2011-03-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

Aging skin often means wrinkled skin. But there are steps you can take to minimize blemished, wrinkled skin.

If you want to help keep skin smoother, supple and less wrinkled as you age, the University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions:

Eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Include healthy oils, such as olive oil, in your diet.
Get plenty of regular exercise.
Don't smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
Don't drink alcohol within three hours of going to bed.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and use a moisturizer daily.
On the other hand, don't wash with tap water too often, which can wind up drying out your skin. Washing once a day should be enough.
Wear sunscreen daily. Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's ultraviolet rays are strongest.

Causes for Losing your Sense of Taste

2011-03-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

A food's flavor is produced by a combination of your senses of taste and smell. If you begin to lose the ability to distinguish foods that are sweet, salty, sour or bitter, a number of factors could be at fault.

The University Of Maryland Medical Center offers these possible causes for impaired taste:

Getting older.
Having Bell's palsy.
Having the gum disease gingivitis.
Having a cold or the flu, a nasal or salivary gland infection, sinusitis or nasal polyps.
Being a heavy smoker.
Having dry mouth.
Having an injury to the head, nose or mouth.
Having pharyngitis, an inflammation of the pharynx.
Having a side effect of certain medications.
Having a vitamin deficiency.

Stress May Cause Physical Symptoms

2011-03-23T01:50:00.000-07:00

Significant stress can lead to health problems or worsen those you already have, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Do you always realize when you're under stress? The academy notes these possible warning signs:

Anxiety.
Back pain or headache.
Stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation.
Feeling tired much of the time.
Difficulty sleeping.
Feeling short of breath.
High blood pressure.
Stiffness in the jaw or neck.
Weight loss or gain.

Understanding Sleep Disorders

2011-03-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

A good night's sleep is important for good health, but certain conditions can keep you from getting the sleep you need.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes common sleep disorders and their characteristics:

Insomnia, which involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early.
Narcolepsy, which involves extreme sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness during the day, or suddenly falling asleep during the day.
Restless legs syndrome, which involves an uncomfortable feeling of "creeping" in the legs. This may be accompanied by aches and pains in the legs.
Sleep apnea, often characterized by snoring, involves interrupted sleep from sudden gasps or snorts. The condition may be dangerous since it can interrupt regular breathing.

Warning Signs that Headaches need Attention

2011-03-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

Nearly everyone suffers from an occasional headache. But frequent, severe headaches could be a sign of a more serious health problem.

The Womenshealth.gov Web site says these warning signs should prompt a visit to your doctor:

Headaches that occur multiple times each month and persist for hours or days.
Headaches that are so severe that work, school and home life are affected.
Headaches accompanied by tingling or numbness, changes in vision, vomiting or nausea.
Headaches accompanied by pain surrounding the ear or eye, convulsions or stiffness in the neck.
Losing consciousness or feeling confused during headaches.
A headache that follows an injury to the head.
Headaches that suddenly occur when you've rarely had headaches in the past.

Reasons for Shoulder Pain

2011-03-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

Pain in the shoulder can impact most moves you make, so it's vital to identify the source and treat it.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these possible causes of shoulder pain:

Bursitis, an inflammation of the tiny fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder joint.
Tendinitis, an inflammation of tendons in the shoulder.
A torn tendon.
Impingement, pressure on the soft tissues in the shoulder applied by the top of the shoulder blade.
A dislocation or fracture.
Arthritis.

Get Some Exercise

2011-03-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

If it's hard to stimulate yourself to exercise, a change of venue may be in order. How about the great outdoors?

With warmer weather on the way, the American Diabetes Association suggests these outdoor activities may get you moving:

Go for a walk outside.
Pull months' worth of weeds in the garden.
Go for a hike on a wooded trail.
Play a game of Frisbee.
Try kayaking or canoeing.
Head to the park for a walk or a game of tag with the kids or grandchildren.

Dog walkers 34% more likely to reach exercise benchmarks

2011-03-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

Instead of spending thousands of dollars on various weight loss pills or going through severe diets, the best way to stay healthy and lose weight is to own a dog and make sure to take it on regular walks.

The study, performed by researchers from Michigan State University, studied the habits of dog owners and found that those who regularly take their dogs to walks are 34% more likely to satisfy the benchmark set by the federal government related to physical activity.

The researchers also found that while younger dog owners managed to get the most benefits from taking their dogs to walks, middle age people had the least amount of time for such walks.

“Obviously you would expect dog walkers to walk more, but we found people who walked their dog also had higher overall levels of both moderate and vigorous physical activities. There appears to be a strong link between owning and walking a dog and achieving higher levels of physical activity, even after accounting for the actual dog walking”, lead researcher Mathew Reeves said.

Does Acne Need a Doctor's Advice?

2011-02-24T20:28:00.000-08:00

If your acne is well controlled by gently washing with soap and water, and by using over-the-counter lotions or creams, you may not have to visit your doctor.

On the other hand, the University of Michigan Health System says you should see your doctor if:

Your acne keeps getting worse.
You have large, fluid-filled pimples that may feel hard to the touch. This is called cystic acne.
Your acne keeps you from social activities, such as parties or dates.
You are depressed or very embarrassed because of acne.
Either or both your parents had severe acne that caused permanent scars.

Causes of Diabetics becoming Hyperglycemic

2011-02-23T21:28:00.000-08:00

It's essential for diabetics to keep their blood sugar (glucose) levels stable. That means taking all medication as prescribed, and following a healthy lifestyle.

When blood glucose levels become too high, the medical condition is called hyperglycemia. The American Diabetes Association offers this list of potential causes:

If you're a type 1 diabetic, getting insufficient insulin.
If you're a type 2 diabetic, the insulin your body produces may not be processed effectively.
Overeating or lack of exercise.
Having an illness or infection.
Being under emotional stress.

Causes of Arthritis Pain

2011-02-21T20:55:00.000-08:00

It's no secret to any person with arthritis that pain comes with the territory. But what makes arthritis so painful? The Arthritis Foundation offers this list of contributing factors:

Arthritis causes painful inflammation (swelling) of the joints.
Arthritis over time damages joint tissue, causing additional pain.
Arthritis leads to a feeling of fatigue, which makes pain feel worse and more difficult to manage.
Arthritis can lead to symptoms of stress or depressions, making you focus more on pain and lament not being able to do the things you once enjoyed.

Diet Soda increases Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke : Study

2011-02-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

New research has found that drinking diet soda may in fact be unsafe; increasing you risk of suffering cardiac events such as heart attacks or strokes.

Researchers led by Hannah Gardener of the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine did a study on more than 2,500 people, focusing on the impact that drinking diet soda had on their health. The idea was to see if it had any health impact, especially on those who consumed daily. What researchers found is that diet soda may be indeed dangerous and unsafe to consume.

They discovered that those who consumed diet soda on a daily basis were 61% more likely to suffer vascular events, and 48% more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. This research is something that is clearly going to worry many of those who drink diet soft each and every day.

Researchers have stressed though that this study does not prove anything in regards to a link between diet soda and heart attacks or strokes. The belief is that the increased risk could be due to poor lifestyles of these people who consume diet soda every day. They could be smokers, consume alcohol, have poor diets, etc.

Future studies will look into whether or not diet soda has any real impact on the development of these diseases.

iPod addicts may become Deaf

2011-02-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

A new study conducted by Dr. Tony Kay, an audiologist, has unveiled that teenagers listening to loud music for long periods by using iPod can turn them into deaf in later years of life.

He explained that such youngsters are at high risk of suffering from tinnitus and thus are prone to deafness in later stages of life. Tinnitus is a hearing problem in which continuous ringing in ears occurs. Mr. Kay claimed that the number of young people suffering from hearing ailments is continuously increasing.

Mr. Kay explained that the people who are regular commuters usually set the volume of their audio players at high levels to snuff the background noise and that volume is high to reach the ears of the people sitting three seats away from them. He added that since last two decades the number of teenagers and youngsters in their early twenties suffering from hearing complications has increased.

According to Kay, by reducing the time of listening to the music through headphones or earphones, reducing the volume of music player, the risk of getting hearing problem can be minimized.

Mr. Kay said, “Youngsters who listen to music on personal music players do not understand the damage they are causing. In the last two decades we have seen more people in their late teens and early 20s with tinnitus because they have been exposed to music that is too loud.”

Teens with dogs are more active

2011-02-10T20:51:00.000-08:00

A new study on dog ownership and adolescent physical activity has revealed that the key to get your inactive teen off the couch is bringing a 'fun loving' dog home.

"You can think of your dog not only as your best friend, but also a social support tool for being active," said John Sirard, the study's lead author and an assistant professor at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

In the study, Sirard and his colleagues assessed 618 pairs of Minneapolis adolescents and their parents about the number of dogs in their home and how much time they spent in physical activity. For a week, 318 of those teens also wore accelerometers — devices used to collect data on time spent moving.

It turns out that teens from dog-owning families recorded greater amounts of movement on the accelerometer devices, even after researchers took into account demographic variables, like gender, race and socioeconomic status. This might mean that teens with dogs could log about 15 additional minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, according to the authors.

Finding ways to encourage teens' physical activity levels is critical, since time spent exercising drops precipitously after the elementary school years, said Cheryl B. Anderson, Ph.D., a visiting assistant professor of pediatrics at the Children Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine.

"You may walk it, you may not, but the fact that you have this animal in the house makes you get up off the chair more. Every bit of activity is important," Anderson said.

Common Causes for Edema

2011-02-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

Edema is the medical term for swelling that result from fluid build-up in your tissues. It is most common in the feet, ankles and legs. But it can occur anywhere in the body.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says common causes for edema include:

Consuming too much salt.
Getting sunburn.
Having health problems such as cirrhosis, kidney disease or heart failure.
Being pregnant.
Having lymph node problems.
Having an adverse reaction to certain medications.
Being on your feet for long periods, especially in warmer weather.

Symptoms that may indicate Preeclampsia

2011-02-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

Preeclampsia arises when a pregnant woman's blood pressure spikes rapidly. It can lead to stroke, organ failure and other life-threatening conditions in both the mother and baby.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says possible warning signs of preeclampsia include:

Headaches.
Vision abnormalities.
Quickly gaining weight.
Swollen face and hands.

Drinking milk everyday can protect against Cancer

2011-02-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

Researchers in New Zealand have conducted the study and found that children who drink half-a-pint of milk daily are 40% less likely to suffer bowel cancer as adults, the ‘American Journal of Epidemiology’ reported.

According to them, milk has a powerful protective effect against cancer and the key to its anti-cancer property lies in daily consumption over long periods.

“Our results suggest daily consumption of milk in childhood may reduce bowel cancer incidence, possibly by the action of calcium,” the ‘Sunday Express’ quoted Prof Brian Cox, who led the study, as saying.

In fact, in their study, involving a group of students, the researchers discovered that the subjects were 40% less likely to suffer a tumor later in life if they had milk every day for six years or more. The findings support prior evidence from the World Cancer Research Fund that milk protects against cancer. Campaigners said the research highlighted the benefits of school milk.

Dr Judith Bryans, director of the Dairy Council, said: “School milk is hugely important because it ensures children have an adequate supply of nutrients. One glass of milk has the same amount of calcium as a kilogramme of spinach.”

However, a spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK said: “The best ways to reduce bowel cancer risk are to keep a healthy weight, drink less alcohol and be physically active.”

Side Effects of getting too much Caffeine

2011-02-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

You may be consuming caffeine in everything from your favorite soda or a mug of coffee to the medicine you took to ease your migraine. Caffeine is a stimulant, and the University of Maryland Medical Center says too much of it can lead to following side effects:

Rapid heart rate.
Tremors.
Trouble sleeping.
Urinating frequently.
Vomiting or nausea.
Anxiety and restlessness.
Feeling depressed.

Coffee enhances Women’s Brainpower

2011-02-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

Drinking coffee can enhance the brainpower of women in stressful situations, but scrambles men's thinking, says a new study.

Researchers in Britain have found that while sipping a cappuccino or downing an espresso boosts women's performance when working with others, the same drinks could impair men's memories and slow their decision-making.

In their study, the researchers from Bristol University examined what coffee does to the body when it is already under stress, such as during a tense meeting, the 'Daily Mail' reported. They recruited 64 men and women and put them in same- gender pairs. Each pair was given a range of tasks to complete, including carrying out negotiations, completing puzzles and tackling memory challenges, and told they would have to give a public presentation relating to their tasks afterwards.

Researchers then gave the pairs either caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee and observed them throughout the experiment.

They found the men's ability to perform well under stress was 'greatly impaired' if they had drunk the caffeinated coffee. For example, they took an average of 20 seconds longer to complete puzzles than those on the decaffeinated coffee. Women, on contrary, completed those puzzles 100 seconds faster if they had been given caffeine.

Experts think the reason coffee affects the work performance of men and women differently are due to the way each respond to stress.

Other Useful Links: Suit, Cheap Suit, Italian Suits, Black Suits,Boy Suits

Sleeping enhances Important Memories : Study

2011-02-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

A new study has revealed that brain evaluates information during sleep and retains the ones they know could be useful in the future. The study has thrown light on how the brain decides what to keep and what to forget.

"Our results show that memory consolidation during sleep indeed involves a basic selection process that determines which of the many pieces of the day's information is sent to long-term storage. Our findings also indicate that information relevant for future demands is selected foremost for storage," said lead author Jan Born, of the University of Lubeck in Germany.

The researchers conducted two experiments to test memory retrieval in a total of 191 volunteers. In the first experiment, people were asked to learn 40 pairs of words. Participants in the second experiment played a card game where they matched pictures of animals and objects - similar to the game Concentration - and also practiced sequences of finger tap.

In both groups, half the volunteers were told immediately following the tasks that they would be tested in 10 hours. In fact, all participants were later tested on how well they recalled their tasks.

Some, but not all, of the volunteers were permitted to sleep between the time they learned the tasks and the tests.

They found that people who slept performed better than those who didn't. But more prominently, only the people who slept and knew a test was coming had substantially improved memory recall.

The researchers also recorded electroencephalograms (EEG) from the individuals who were allowed to sleep. They found an increase in brain activity during deep or "slow wave" sleep when the volunteers knew they would be tested for memory recall.

Stop Googling your Symptoms: Doctors Warn

2011-02-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

Doctors have warned that they are seeing too many "cyberchondriacs," those patients who misdiagnose their illnesses after Googling their symptoms.

The Australian Medical Association is concerned that the plethora of online medical information is doing more harm than good, with patients increasingly referring to the Internet for advice before consulting a trained GP.

"You can't make a diagnosis using the Internet," AMA vice-president Steve Hambleton said. "Patients turn up with sheets of paper convinced they have a particular problem. "Doctors have to explain why patients haven't got something — before explaining what they have got. It certainly increases stress for the patient.

"Medical practitioners go through a minimum of 10 years of training before they can practice independently. You can't match that with an Internet search engine."

Over the past 12 months most health-related Google searches in Australia were for information related to "symptoms", "blood" and "cancer". Moreover, online queries about "hemorrhoids (sic)" and "thyroid symptoms" have doubled since 2009.

Google's user experience researcher, Dan Russell, said the onus to assess the accuracy and credibility of online information was on the individual. "We now as individuals have access to huge amounts of information and you can pull up thousands and thousands of pages about Alzheimer's or irritable bowel syndrome," Mr Russell said.

"The irony is that people once learned how to look at the page of a book, document or journal and understand roughly how believable it was... but now for basically no money any wacko can write anything and put it on the web."As an individual at home looking at all this stuff, you have to constantly ask, 'Can I believe this?'"

Mosman GP Penny Shaw said simple symptoms were often misconstrued by patients using the Internet, resulting in severe anxiety.

"I've had patients who have come in with a headache thinking they have a brain tumor and many who've had tingling in their fingers and thought they had multiple sclerosis," Dr Shaw said.

Look Out for Barrett's Esophagus

2011-01-31T20:21:00.000-08:00

Barrett's esophagus may result from complication of gastroesphageal reflux disease (indigestion). When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can cause changes in the esophageal lining, triggering Barrett's esophagus. In some cases, it can lead to cancer.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says these warning signs could indicate Barrett's esophagus:

Having three or more instances of heartburn per week.
Having heartburn over a number of years.
Difficulty or painful swallowing.
Losing weight without trying.
Bloody or very dark stools.
Unexplained vomiting.

Causes of a Stress Fracture

2011-01-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

A stress fracture often results from a sudden increase in activity. Abrupt overuse of the muscles means they can no longer absorb the shock of a particular activity. This causes a small crack to develop in nearby bone.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers this list of common reasons for stress fractures:

Suddenly exercising more frequently or more intensely.
Exercising on a new type of surface, such as when a tennis player changes from soft clay to a harder surface.
Using worn or inappropriate exercise equipment, such as shoes without adequate support.
A sudden increase in physical stress, such as when a sports player is abruptly given more playing time.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

2011-01-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression. It causes major mood swings, varying from depression to manic (elevated) mood. The Journal of the American Medical Association says the following symptoms may be a sign of bipolar disorder:

Manic phase:

Unusually elevated mood.
Anger or irritability.
Speaking and thinking quickly.
Quickly jumping from topic to topic.
Engaging in high-risk behaviors and making poor choices.
Not feeling the need to sleep much.

Depressive phase:

Feeling very sad and down, without interest in things you once enjoyed.
Feeling anxious, guilty, and hopeless or crying.
Abrupt changes in your weight.
Abusing drugs.
Having thoughts about suicide.

Body piercing creates Health Risks

2011-01-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

Body piercings are becoming increasingly popular and trendy, but they also pose potential health risks.

The Journal of the American Medical Association says possible risks from body piercing include:

The wound may not heal properly.
You may have pain.
Nearby tissue may swell.
You may have an allergic reaction to the metal.
A scar may develop.
Piercings in and around the mouth may damage the teeth.

Tips to Help Reduce Snoring

2011-01-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

People snore irrespective of their age and gender. Both the quantity and quality of sleep gets affected by snoring. Some people snore really loud that people around them are unable to sleep. It is caused due to narrowing of the airway passage that can occur either due to bad posture while sleeping or abnormalities of the soft tissue of the throat.

Given below are few remedies for snoring:

Obese people tend to snore more loudly. Losing weight helps reduce the fatty tissue at the back of the throat and thus reduces snoring.
Suffering from a bad cold or a stuffy nose makes it difficult to breathe. This creates a vacuum in the throat, which in turn leads to snoring. Using nasal sprays helps to clear out the blocked nasal passage and makes it easier to breathe.
Sleeping at odd hours can worsen one's snoring. Having fixed and a regular sleeping routine would help to promote better quantity and quality of sleep.
Avoid smoking, as smokers tend to suffer from a higher chance of smoking.

Meditation connected With Structural Changes In The Brain

2011-01-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks' worth of light meditation can modify the structure of your brain, seemingly for the better. Thirty minutes a day can in fact increase people's capacity for learning while shrinking the parts of the brain accountable for stress.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital asked their sixteen study participants to take part in an eight-week meditation program centered on building non-judgmental recognition of one's own feelings and sensations. The participants only had to meditate for 30 minutes a day.

After the program was over, the researchers imaged the participants' brains. The gray-matter in the hippo-campus had consistently increased, which implies an increase in their capacity for learning and memory building. Meanwhile, the density of the amygdala had actually decreased, specifically in the areas governing anxiety and stress. However, there wasn't any apparent change in the insula, the part of the brain in charge of self-awareness. That seems like an obvious part of the brain for meditation to affect, but the researchers suspect more long-term meditation would be required to alter its structure.

Indeed, it's important to keep in mind just how little the participants were really asked to do. It wasn't as though they were locked away in a yoga prison or anything similarly strenuous - rather, they just did a total of 28 hours of meditation spread out over eight weeks, and yet this was enough to alter the structure of their brain. It's a powerful reminder that our brains are incredibly malleable and structurally responsive to even modest changes in our lifestyle.

Tips to Protect against Peanut Reactions

2011-01-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

If your kid is allergic to peanuts or nuts, taking strict precautions can help avert a life-threatening reaction.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:

Ban nuts from your home, or take safety measures to avoid cross-contamination of foods.
Avoid serving your child meals that you didn't make, or meals for which you haven't seen a complete ingredient list.
Talk to all food service people in a restaurant about the nut allergy. Before you eat, make sure they're confident they can avoid cross-contamination.
Prepare your child's snacks and meals for school, and for outings with friends.
Have the child or caregiver carry an epinephrine pen. Prepare an action plan, in the event of anaphylaxis, for your child's teachers, principal or day-care workers.

Elders need to Focus on Nutrition

2011-01-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

It's essential to eat properly at any age, in particular seniors. The American Academy of Family Physicians says malnutrition in elders can result in a range of additional health problems:

Unintended weight loss.
Fatigue.
Muscle weakening and lack of strength.
Feeling depressed.
Memory loss.
Compromised immunity from infection.
Anemia.

Tips to prevent Varicose Veins

2011-01-19T23:24:00.000-08:00

Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen and tortuous. The term commonly refers to the veins on the leg, They can make standing and other activities painful.

Although not all cases are preventable, the womenshealth.gov Web site suggests few tips to help prevent varicose veins:

Apply sunscreen to your skin daily.
Do exercise regularly to aid in making your legs stronger and improve circulation. Concentrate on activities that benefit the legs.
Sustain a healthy body weight.
Don't cross your legs, and elevate your legs when you can.
Move about frequently, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing.
Don't dress in clothes that are too tight. Also avoid high-heeled shoes.
Put on elastic support stockings.
Eat more fiber to help prevent constipation, which can trigger varicose veins. Also, decrease salt intake in your diet.

Tips to Manage Stress

2011-01-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

Stress can bring you down emotionally, and it can also affect your physical health. The American Heart Association offers these suggestions for dealing with stress:

Talk to yourself in a positive way. Say to yourself, "I'll do the best I can," when dealing with a significant problem or task.
Find things that make you happy, and do them often, whether it's beginning a craft project, watching a favorite movie or a taking on a new hobby.
Relax yourself each day, using techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
Carry out activities to help stop stress as it occurs, such as by taking a quick walk or stepping away from a problem for a few minutes.

Slow down while you Eat

2011-01-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

If you have decided to lose weight, then taking time to relish your food may be a simple way to help you eat less.

The American Dietetic Association suggests how to eat slower:

Put down your utensils between each bite.
Use chopsticks instead of Western utensils.
Chew your food completely before swallowing.
Make meal time a social time. Engage in conversation to stretch out the meal and interrupt your eating.

Your diet's role in Gestational Diabetes

2011-01-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which women without previously diagnosed diabetes exhibit high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. It is first detected while a woman is pregnant.

The U.S. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse says dietary changes can be a key to deal with the disease. The agency offers these examples of what a gestational diabetes meal plan may comprise of:

Restricting sweets.
Eating three small meals each day, with one-to-three snacks in between.
Watching the amount of carbohydrates that you eat, and when you eat them.
Increasing fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Drinking coffee decreases Diabetes risk

2011-01-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

Numerous researches have shown that coffee defends against type 2 diabetes. Yet no one has really understood why.

Now, researchers at UCLA have found a possible molecular mechanism behind coffee's protective effect.

A protein called sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) regulates the biological activity of the body's sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen, which have long been thought to play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The plasma levels are required by the body in order to function properly. Consumption of coffee results in an increase in plasma levels of SHBG.

First author Atsushi Goto, a UCLA doctoral student in epidemiology, and Dr. Simin Liu, a professor of epidemiology and medicine with joint appointments at the UCLA School of Public Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, showed that women who drink at least four cups of coffee a day are less than half as likely to develop diabetes as non-coffee drinkers.

When the findings were adjusted for levels of SHBG, the researchers said, that protective effect disappeared.

Some Devices May lead to Pacemaker Problems

2011-01-13T20:34:00.000-08:00

A pacemaker is a tiny implanted device that helps stabilize an irregular heartbeat.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggest people with a pacemaker should avoid close and prolonged exposure to devices with strong magnetic fields. These devices have the potential to interfere with a pacemaker's operation. Examples include:

MP3 music players and cellular phones.
Home appliances, such as a microwave oven.
High-tension electrical wires.
Electrical generators or metal detectors.
Industrial welding machines.

Chronic Cough could indicate Lung Disease

2011-01-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

If all sorts of lung disease were combined, it would be the 3rd largest killer in the United States, the U.S. National Women's Health Information Center says.

It's vital to identify and treat symptoms of lung disease early. The American Lung Association suggests this list of possible warning signs:

Having a persistent cough that lasts at least a month.
Having trouble catching your breath or finding it difficult to breathe.
Producing mucus continually for at least a month.
Making a noisy, wheezing sound when you breathe.
Coughing up blood.
Having persistent chest pain that lasts a month or more, particularly when you inhale or cough.

High-sugar diets raise risk of Heart Disease

2011-01-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

A new study says teenagers who consume high sugar foods in their diets may be at an increased risk of heart disease later in life.

The study showed that teens who consume elevated amounts of added sugars in drinks and foods are more likely to have poor cholesterol and triglyceride profiles, making them vulnerable to heart diseases later.

And overweight or obese teens with the highest levels of added sugar intake had increased signs of insulin resistance.

"Adolescents are eating 20 per cent of their daily calories in sugars that provide few if any other nutrients," said Jean Welsh, at Emory University School of Medicine.

2,157 teenagers (ages 12 to 18) were studied; results found that the average daily consumption of added sugars was 119 grams (28.3 tsp. or 476 calories), accounting for 21.4 per cent of their total energy.

Teenagers with the highest levels of added sugar consumption at more than 30% of total energy had 49.5 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) compared to 54 mg/dL of HDL levels in those with the lowest levels of added sugar consumption — a 9% difference.

Two days of dietary data were used among a subsample of 646 adolescents and the key findings remained consistent: Those with higher intake of added sugar had higher LDL levels of 94.3 mg/dL compared to 86.7 in those with the lowest levels, a 9% difference. Triglyceride levels in those with the highest consumption were 79 mg/dL compared to 71.7 mg/dL among the lowest, a 10% difference.

Infections might strike Bones

2011-01-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection usually caused by bacteria or, less frequently, a fungus.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says these factors increase your risk of developing osteomyelitis:

Being diabetic.
Undergoing hemodialysis.
Injecting drugs.
Having a poor supply of blood.
Having had a recent trauma.

Eating carrots and plums makes people more attractive

2011-01-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

People who eat fruit and vegetables such as carrots and plums are considered more attractive, say scientists.

Their research has revealed that men and women whose skin has a yellow glow are thought to be particularly attractive and healthy – and yellow pigments called carotenoids, found in certain fruit and vegetables play a key role in giving the skin that hue.

Study's co-author Ian Stephen said that just 2 months of increased consumption could produce visible results. It could lead to new strategies for encouraging the young to eat more fruit and vegetables, he said.

"Telling people they might have a heart attack in 40 years' time if they don't eat more healthily is one thing," the Daily Mail quoted him as telling The Grocer magazine.

"What we can do is say, "This is what you could look in a couple of months if you increased your fruit and veg intake",' he added.

As part of the study by St Andrews and Bristol universities, 40 volunteers rated 51 Scottish Caucasian faces for healthiness and attractiveness.

Tips to prevent COPD

2011-01-07T22:01:00.000-08:00

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a general term for the narrowing of the small bronchi, the smaller airways that carry air to the lungs. The two major diseases that make up COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The American Lung Association suggests these steps to help defend you from COPD:

Don't smoke, and quit if you currently smoke.
Stay away from secondhand smoke, and don't allow other people to smoke in your home.
Avoid exposure to lung-damaging chemicals.
Take steps to help promote clean air in your community.
Schedule a visit with your doctor if you suspect that you may have COPD, particularly if you are 45 or older and have a history of smoking.

Health care reform changes for 2011

2011-01-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

FLINT: While the conflict goes on over health care on Capitol Hill, some key provisions of the reform law have gone into effect for 2011.

Lawmakers feel that the alterations will give seniors the medical care they need, and health officials are optimistic the new laws will make Mid-Michigan residents live longer lives.

Vast changes are taking place in the health care industry. As part of the Health Care Reform Law, starting this year many Medicare recipients will pay less for prescription drugs.

“If they have high costs and fall in the gap of medicine, they're going to be able to cut their costs in half, and they are going to be able to get doctor’s visits and cancer screenings without any out of pocket costs,” said U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.

As there is going to be a focus on preventative health services, health officials say there may be fewer people in the waiting room. “If we intervene earlier in these diseases we can reduce health care costs,” said Mark Valacak, the Director of the Genesee County Health Department.

Also starting this year, restaurants with 20 or more locations will be required to post calorie counts on their menus, with Flint being one of the top ten cities for obesity rates, the Genesee County Health Department hopes this will make a difference. “Being informed, having the information there, will allow us to make better food choices,” said Valacak.

Tax season is almost here, now small businesses will get a tax cut to help pay for health insurance for their employees.

“We want to turn this around so that families have freedom from worrying about whether or not they will be able to get medical care,” said Senator Stabenow. And he says health insurance companies are now held accountable.

“If they spend too much money on administrative or profits they are going to have to refund money to families with insurance,” said Senator Stabenow. Moreover, the Health Care Reform Law also includes a provision that lets early retirees stay on their former employer’s insurance plan until they qualify for Medicare.

Tips for Healing Heel Pain

2011-01-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Heel pain is generally caused by activities that continually pound the heel. Such injuries include Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.

Whatever the cause, these suggestion from the U.S. National Library of Medicine may aid to ease your heel pain:

Rest your feet for at least a week.
Apply ice to the sore heel, twice a day for about 10 or 15 minutes at a time.
Take over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, to ease inflammation and pain.
Wear shoes that fit correctly.
Place an orthotic, heel cup or felt padding in the heel of your shoe.
Work with a physical therapist to help prevent the injury from recurring.

Identify Symptoms of Shingles

2011-01-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

Herpes zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox is responsible for Shingles.

After chickenpox subsides, the virus becomes inactive (dormant), until an unknown factor triggers its recurrence as shingles-- a painful, blistering rash.

The ADAM Encyclopedia says you're more likely to develop shingles if you're 60 or older, had chickenpox before you were 1 year old, and have a condition that's caused a weakened immune system.

ADAM says these symptoms are typical of shingles:

One-sided pain, tingling, or burning.
Pain in the abdomen.
Difficulty moving facial muscles.
Droopy eyelids.
Fever and chills.
Lesions near the genitals.
Headache.
Hearing loss.
Joint pain.
Inability to fully move the eyes.
Swollen glands.
Taste and vision problems.

Signs of aging evident in facial bones as well

2011-01-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

A new study has unveiled that wrinkles and sagging result not only from changes in the skin, but also from aging-related changes in the facial bones.

Robert B. Shaw, Jr. and colleagues of the University of Rochester Medical Center, analyzed computed tomography scans of the facial bones in young (age 20 to 40), middle-aged (41 to 64), and older (65 and up) age groups.

The detailed measurements in three-dimensional reconstructions of the CT scan showed some important differences in the facial bone structure (or facial skeleton) between age groups.

"The facial skeleton experiences morphologic change and an overall decrease in volume with increasing age," wrote the researchers.

One prominent change was an increase in the area of the "orbital aperture"- that is, the eye sockets. In both men and women, the eye sockets became wider and longer with age.

Aging also affected the bones of the middle part of the face, including reductions in the glabellar (brow), pyriform (nose), and maxillary (upper jaw) angles.

The length and height of the mandible (lower jaw) decreased with age as well. Although these changes occurred in both sexes, many occurred earlier in women-between young and middle age. In men, most of the changes occurred between middle age and old age.

"The bony components of the face are important for overall facial three-dimensional contour as they provide the framework on which the soft-tissue envelope drapes," wrote the researchers.

By using materials and techniques for skeletal augmentation, plastic surgeons can improve the outcomes of facial rejuvenation, they noted.

Healthy Habits can help Parkinson's Symptoms

2011-01-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, making certain lifestyle change can aid you in managing symptoms.

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions:

Eat a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly, but don't try to do more than you have the energy for.
Allow your body to rest, and do your best to minimize stress.
Consider physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
Think about special accommodations, such as utensils to make eating easier or the addition of handrails at home.
Consult with a social worker or counselor to find out if they may be of help.

Study reports age 16 "tipping point" of unhealthy lifestyle

2011-01-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

Researchers at University of the Basque Country have said that parents should enforce good lifestyle habits even before children turn 13.

Drinking, eating junk food and all other unhealthy life habits that are already being detected in early adolescence and that are especially predominant amongst women and young people between the ages of 19 and 26.

Marta Arrue and colleagues studied 2,018 young people from the CAV-EAE. She collated and analyzed habits of life according to sex and age (adolescents from 13 to 17; young persons from 18 to 26).

According to the thesis, the least healthy habits turned out to be eating ones, followed by ingestion of alcohol, sedentarism, risks involving sexual relations, the consumption of tobacco and drugs and, finally, low quality or insufficient sleep.

Arrue concluded that special attention has to be paid to adolescents of 16 years; the age in which either healthy activities are opted for or risk behavior patterns arise. She also said that risk factors tend to be associated in a simultaneous manner, although healthy behavior also. Apart from the psychological factor, she suggests that cultural and economic factors should be considered, as well as legal.

The results show that adolescents and young people with healthy life habits have higher self-esteem, better psychological well-being, greater satisfaction with their bodies and fewer psycho-pathological indicators.

Positive thinking helps cure Illness

2010-12-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

A new study from researchers at Bangor University in North Wales, UK suggests that keeping optimistic attitude on life and putting a brave face during adversities can ward off all kinds of illnesses.

According to psychologists, positive attitude can even overcome serious diseases like diabetes, arthritis and heart conditions. Previous studies have established that positive thinking can make the healing process of the body faster by easing the symptoms through placebos. Resilience can keep illnesses at bay.

The study, conducted on Britons, aged 50 to 90 years, found that resilient people are more likely to bounce back from the illnesses and feel better in spite of various aches and pains.

Dr Gill Windle, lead researcher at Bangor University, North Wales, stated that the inner strength required to fend off all illnesses takes years to develop and cannot be turned on overnight.

"Resilience is the key but it's probably something which builds up over a lifetime – in some cases because of experiences in childhood," the Daily Express quoted Windle as saying. “A positive attitude on life could help you to bounce back from the challenges of ill health,” Windle added.

Almond-rich diet could prevent Diabetes

2010-12-30T20:55:00.000-08:00

Intake of almonds could help prevent diabetes and heart disease, a study has found. The nuts might cut cholesterol and help the body to use insulin, thus stopping diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity and a lack of exercise, is partially the result of the body becoming resistant to its own insulin, the hormone which converts sugar into energy.

Researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey studied 65 adults with raised blood sugar, a condition called pre-diabetes. The group which took almond-enriched diet for 16 weeks became more sensitive to insulin while their cholesterol was lowered.

About 55 million people in Europe have type-2 diabetes. This is expected to rise to 66 million by 2030. Another 60 million have pre-diabetes, giving them a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

Health Tip: Playtime is Essential

2010-12-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

Playtime is more than a source of pleasure for kids and their parents. It teaches toddlers social skills, how to pay attention and to use their imagination, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

It's vital to offer your child time and toys to help promote growth and development, the AAP advises.

Create a play space that's safe and secure for your child, the group says. It should be a place where your child can play freely without the risk of injury, and where you can easily keep an eye on your child.

Even simple toys can encourage imagination and wonder. Examples include blocks, crayons, plastic dishware, and pots and pans.

And don't forget to include activities outside the home, such as a story hour at the local library, a trip to the playground, or a park.

Vegetarian diet good for Kidneys

2010-12-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

A new study has found that sticking to a vegetarian diet can help kidney disease patients avoid accumulating toxic levels of phosphorous in their bodies.

Kidney disease patients must limit their phosphorous intake, as high levels of the mineral can result in heart disease and death. Though medical guidelines recommend low phosphorus diets for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), phosphorus content is not listed on food labels.

Sharon Moe (Indiana University School of Medicine and Roudebush Veterans' Affairs Medical Center) and her colleagues studied the effects of vegetarian and meat-based diets on phosphorous levels in 9 patients with CKD.

Patients followed a meat-based or vegetarian diet for one week, followed by the opposite diet two-to four- weeks later. Blood and urine tests were performed at the end of each week on both diets.

Despite equivalent protein and phosphorus concentrations in the two diets, patients had lower blood phosphorus levels and decreased phosphorus excretion in the urine when they were on the vegetarian diet compared with the meat-based diet.

The authors concluded that their study demonstrates that the source of protein in the diet has a significant effect on phosphorus levels in patients with CKD.

Health Benefits of Regular Physical Exercise

2010-12-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

Regular physical activity provides enormous health benefits. Studies show that regular physical activity:

Improves your chances of living longer
Improves quality of life
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Helps lower high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol
Helps protect you from developing certain cancers
Helps prevent or control type 2 diabetes (adult-onset diabetes)
Reduces the risk of arthritis and alleviates associated symptoms
Helps prevent osteoporosis (gradual loss of bone mass/strength)
Improves mobility and strength in later life
Alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety
Benefits weight reduction and weight management

Eating orange is better than popping Vitamin Pills

2010-12-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

Eating an orange is much healthier than simply taking vitamin C pills. A host of antioxidants in orange work together to retard ageing and would possibly keep heart disease and cancer at bay, the Journal of Food Science reports.

"There is something about an orange that's better than taking a vitamin C capsule, and that is really what we're trying to figure out," said Tory Parker, assistant professor of nutrition, dietetics and food science at Brigham Young University in US.

Parker explained that every time we eat carbs and fat, we increase the amount of free radicals in our blood. Over time, that increases our chance for hardened arteries and heart disease. But eating fruit protects us from that effect for a few hours after every meal.

Parker noted supplement companies often mix "high concentrations of extracts from blueberry and blackberry and orange and throw them all together and hope it's good."

The researchers identified several combinations of antioxidants that were the most synergistic - the compounds hesperidin and naringenin, in particular, appeared to contribute the most punch in the combinations.

Those are the mixtures Parker would continue to research in human studies to evaluate whether their health effects mimic those of eating an orange.

Dairy Products May Lower Diabetes Risk

2010-12-21T21:05:00.000-08:00

A natural substance present in dairy products appears to protect against diabetes, say researchers. Trans-palmitoleic acid is present in milk, cheese, yoghurt and butter but cannot be prepared by the body.

Study Details:
A study of over 3,700 people found higher levels of trans-palmitoleic acid was linked with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. People with the highest levels cut their risk by 60%, Annals of Internal Medicine reports.

Lead author of the research, Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, said: "The magnitude of this association is striking. "This represents an almost three-fold difference in risk of developing diabetes among individuals with the highest blood levels of this fatty acid."

Deepa Khatri, clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, said: "People should not take the findings of this research as a reason to exceed the recommended portion amounts of dairy food in order to prevent their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

"Milk and dairy foods can be high in fat, which if eaten in excess can contribute to weight gain. So it's advisable to choose lower-fat dairy foods instead.

Experts say more research is needed to see whether these trans-palmitoleic acids can play a useful role in preventing Type 2 diabetes. In the meantime, they recommend that all people, with or without diabetes, should have a healthy balanced diet, low in fat, salt and sugar with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Tips to prevent Dandruff

2010-12-20T20:46:00.000-08:00

Dandruff is a tricky hair problem. But it is not impossible to get rid of. A few lifestyle modifications, constant hair care, healthy habits and a balanced diet can keep your scalp dandruff-free. Given below are few tips that would help you to avoid dandruff.

Avoid being in the sun without applying a hair serum. Wear caps or scarves before stepping out of the house. Sunrays are harsh on scalp skin and can harm hair structure.
Avoid exposing hair to cold weather. It can cause hair problems including dandruff. Make use of head gears in extreme weather conditions.
Wash your hair at least twice a week. In humid weather washing your hair thrice a week is advisable. Select a shampoo which is suitable for your hair texture.
Condition your hair after every wash. Some may need mild conditioning and some may need deep conditioning, according to their hair texture.
Apply a leave-in conditioner for shiny, radiant hair.
Don’t comb your hair when they are wet.
Always use a wide toothed comb.
Avoid chemical treatments such as coloring, highlighting, straightening or perming, if your scalp is prone to dandruff.
Practice stress reducing methods such as meditation and yoga. These healing treatments can have positive effects on physical health and your hair condition too.

Garlic might reduce Risk of Arthritis

2010-12-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

A diet containing more garlic, leeks and onions might help in reducing the risk of having arthritis.

The daily mail reports: University of East Anglia and King College, London did their investigation about the link of diet rich in garlic and joint diseases like arthritis. Their studies confirmed the link of garlic and painful joint diseases and observed that women who ate much garlic had their minimum level of having hip osteoarthritis.

Arthritis is the disease that affects most of the women than men. Around 8 million people are affected in Britain. Joint diseases affect knees, hip and spine and it causes pain and it restricts the movement of the joints it affects.

The study by the Arthritis Research Britain had a detailed study about 1000 healthy female twins and assessed about their diet and early symptoms of arthritis in their knees, hip and spine. The detailed study revealed that earlier symptoms of osteoarthritis are less in women who had much garlic in their diet than who did not have it.

The researchers found the presence of a compound called diallyl disulphide in garlic and the laboratory findings with this compound showed to help in reducing cartilage damages.

“If our results are confirmed by follow-up studies, this will point the way towards dietary intervention or targeted drug therapy for people with osteoarthritis,” said Frances Williams, lead author of the study.

Five tips for Healthy Skin

2010-12-16T21:07:00.000-08:00

The skin is one of the most powerful indicators of health. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle options can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems. Given below are few tips that can lead to a great looking skin.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause freckles, wrinkles, age spots and rough, dry skin. It can also lead to skin cancer. Hence, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats while going out at this time.Apply sunscreen when you're in the sun.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin, so keep it gentle. While bathing, use warm instead of hot water. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. Don’t use strong soaps, as they may strip oil from your skin. Instead, opt for mild cleansers. In case you have dry skin, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type and makes your skin look and feel soft.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Drink ample of water.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To have a healthy skin and a healthy state of mind take steps to manage your stress.