A solid argument against "Freedom of Choice"? States with strict guidelines regarding school snacks are gaining ground over obesity. Children in those public schools gained less weight over a three-year period than those in more lenient states. (NY Times)
After being interviewed several times about the Nike "Find Your Greatness" ad, IIN guest lecturer David Katz takes a step back to consider the true message that the commercial conveys. (Huff Post)
It's a strange comparison, but apparently, for those over 40, consuming a high number of egg yolks quickens the thickening of arteries almost as fast as cigarette smoking. (LA Times)
Runners, take note - focusing too much on your favorite sport may turn you into a one-dimensional, injury-prone athlete. (Reuters)
A higher SPF doesn't necessarily mean you're safer from the sun - at least not for long. Scientists explain that the difference between SPF 30 and 100 is fairly small, and we all need to reapply more often. (The Atlantic)
An "inactivity pandemic" is responsible for as many as 1 in 10 deaths worldwide. Yet lack of exercise - and what type of exercise patients should be doing - is a health problem that doctors are relatively lax to address. (NPR)
Spent a few too many late nights at the beach or barbecues? FitSugar can help cure your summer-fun burnout with bed-friendly yoga poses that will stretch you straight into a deep slumber.
Big Agriculture has reportedly contributed more than $25 million to fight Proposition 37, which would require labeling of genetically modified foods (Right to Know). If food politics gets you all revved up, check out Harvard's career guide to Food Law & Policy, as recently shared on Marion Nestle's blog.
Jonathan Bailor’s slogan is one we can all get behind: "More Real Food, Less Complex Math" as he breaks down food labels, daily values, and how they fall short. (Diets in Review)
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
IINSider’s Digest: 18 Facts About Food Waste, Strict School Food Guidelines Lead to Less Weight Gain, and more…
Study Finds Yo-Yo Dieters Can Stick to a Weight-Loss Diet and Exercise Program, but Can They Keep the Pounds Off?
A study of postmenopausal women found that yo-yo dieters are just as likely to stick with a diet and/or exercise program as those whose weight hasn’t bounced around over the years.
Researchers call it "weight cycling." You may know it as yo-yo dieting.
By either name, it's been linked to unfavorable effects on body composition, metabolic rate, immune function, and body esteem, according to the researchers.
Sticking to the Diet
The study included 439 overweight, postmenopausal women who were not physically active. They were randomly assigned to a weight-loss diet and/or moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise for 45 minutes a day, five days a week. For comparison, other women didn't change their diets or exercise habits.At the beginning of the study, nearly 1 in 5 of the women reported they had lost at least 20 pounds three times, classifying them as "severe weight cyclers." A quarter of the women said they’d lost at least 10 pounds three times, making them moderate weight cyclers.
Overall, the women with a history of yo-yo dieting were heavier and had less favorable metabolic and hormonal profiles than the other women. Those differences stemmed from their higher BMI, larger waistlines, and greater percentage of body fat, not weight cycling itself.
By the end of the study, the women with a history of weight cycling had fared at least as well as the other women, in terms of weight loss and improvements in their metabolic and hormonal profiles.
But did the women with a history of weight cycling keep the pounds off, or was it a case of what goes down must come up? The researchers are checking on that.
“We have been able to follow many of the women out to a couple of years,” says researcher Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, a member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s Public Health Sciences Division. “We’re analyzing results from that follow-up now.”
Slimming Down: The Big Picture
The study was designed to test the effects of diet and/or exercise on body weight and composition but not specifically differences related to yo-yo dieting. "That limits a little what they can say," says Victoria Stevens, PhD, strategic director for laboratory sciences at the American Cancer Society. "Other than that, it’s a good study."Some studies have linked weight cycling to an increased risk of death, but few of them distinguished intentional weight loss from weight loss due to illness. Stevens recently published a study of more than 100,000 men and women who were asked how many times they had intentionally lost and regained 10 pounds or more. After accounting for BMI and other risk factors, her research did not find that weight cycling was associated with an increased risk of death.
Source : webmd.com
We Health Coaches are a special bunch. Not everyone can understand our ideals and quirks, but one thing’s for sure, we understand each other!
Even if you’re not a Health Coach, you may be surprised by how many of the following statements you can relate to. If it’s more than half, then you’re already on the road to becoming a health leader!
You know you’re a Health Coach When…
- Your idea of the perfect day starts with a trip to farmer’s market, includes at least one breakthrough client session, and ends with an Ayurvedic massage.
- Grocery shopping can last for hours because you read EVERY label.
- Your pantry hasn’t seen white flour in years.
- When you see your doctor, she ends most recommendations with "but, you probably already know that."
- You never leave the house without water and a healthy snack “just in case.”
- Your new best friend is someone you spent an hour talking to about gluten and lacto-fermentation.
- You keep a jar of coconut oil in your kitchen AND your bathroom.
- If you come down with a cold, you walk right past the pharmacy to the grocery store and stock up on lemons, garlic, and ginger.
- Your holiday wish list includes a Vitamix, a dehydrator, and a gift card to Whole Foods.
- Your friends and family tell you they're healthier and happier just from being around you!
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart abruptly stops, but it is not the same as a heart attack.
Having the skills to revive somebody whose heart has stopped could be literally a life saver.
If your heart stops and you don't get resuscitation:
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest means the heart has suddenly stopped beating, leading the affected person to collapse in an unconscious state.Someone who has had a cardiac arrest will be:
If someone collapses, is unconscious and doesn't have a pulse, they have probably had a cardiac arrest.
You need to call 000, ask for an ambulance and start resuscitation immediately.
The recommended resuscitation procedure is repeated, rhythmic chest compressions, with the aim of keeping the person alive until the ambulance arrives. Mouth-to-mouth respiration is no longer recommended for resuscitation. (For the latest guidelines on how to do chest compressions go to the Australian Resuscitation Council website)
Also, the American Heart Association has produced this video guide to performing chest compression to the tune of the Beegees' song, Staying Alive.
You will need to keep up the chest compressions until the ambulance arrives, so be sure to get some help if you can.
When the ambulance arrives, the paramedics will provide further treatment on site and take the person to hospital.
Causes and outcomes
Cardiac arrest is almost always the result of coronary heart disease. It may be caused by a massive heart attack or a disturbance of the heart's electrical system due to injury or disease (called an arrhythmia) that prevents it from pumping blood normally. Less commonly, cardiac arrest can be caused by a drug overdose, electric shock, or pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).If the person is resuscitated promptly and an ambulance gets there quickly, survival rates can be as high as 70 per cent. Unfortunately, not enough of us have the resuscitation skills for this to be the case.
If the cardiac arrest is due to a massive heart attack that has destroyed extensive heart muscle, there is generally much less chance of successful resuscitation than if it is caused by an arrhythmia.
Sometimes a cardiac arrest takes place when a person is already in hospital, after a heart attack, for example. In this situation, people have a much better chance of survival because there is treatment readily available.
Treatment
If you survive a cardiac arrest you will receive immediate emergency treatment, as well as ongoing treatment to address underlying coronary heart disease.Immediate treatments may include thrombolysis (delivery of clot-dissolving medications directly into the blood stream), measures to stabilise any abnormal heart rhythms and pain relief. Tests such as blood tests, an ECG and special scans, can help measure the location and extent of damage to the heart.
Doctors may recommend surgical procedures, including:
People who have had a cardiac arrest will be advised to modify their lifestyle to reduce their risk of future heart disease, these changes include:
Most people will also be prescribed ongoing medication to reduce cardiovascular risk, such as low-dose aspirin and/or beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, cholesterol lowering drugs (statins), ACE inhibitors, oral antiplatelet medications or anticoagulants.
Attending a cardiac rehabilitation and prevention program can help support people in making the changes necessary for them to have the best chance of a full recovery.
Psychological counselling or joining a community support group can also help.
Source : abc.net.au
Vegan Reinvention
Eight years ago, I made the switch to a vegan diet. Soon after, I began to see the world through a whole new lens - who knew that you could actually use food as medicine, as prevention, as an energy booster, as a way to reverse disease? I found myself falling asleep with books like Diet for a New America and vegan cookbooks!
It was actually at the bookstore where I bought my first vegan cookbook (on the bottom shelf) that I discovered a shiny red catalogue with the word “nutrition” on it. When uncovered, it read “The Institute for Integrative Nutrition.” For the next three days, the catalogue and I were inseparable – at least until Monday at 9am when I was able to call and speak to someone at IIN. The rest is history!
Big Dreams Are Fair Game
There are so many wonderful Health Coaches out there and to stand among those honored with this special award is very humbling. As a student at IIN, it was so empowering to be in a room filled with thousands of other people committed to standing for the health of others. The support received during the program is like no other, and there was so much joy in the room, a force for good.
I’ll never forget one particular goal-setting exercise during the training. Although the goals I set seemed so lofty at the time, in that room, in that time and space, there weren’t any limits. Everything you wanted for yourself and your life was possible. That’s what I took away from IIN, a gift to give my clients – anything they want for themselves and their life is fair game!
Sharing Her Strength
Professionally, my work at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has been really exciting and rewarding. In particular, I am very proud of two initiatives: getting published after coordinating a plant-based dietary intervention in Florida schools, and creating a free, online, vegan nutrition program that has had over 200,000 participants in just under three years. Personally, one of the goals I set five years ago at IIN was to complete a triathlon, and now I can say that I have competed in six triathlons and two half marathons!
Advice for Future Health Leaders
Three words – get a coach! It’s been really important for me to continue to be coached, either by fellow Health Coaches, Life Coaches, or swim coaches. During times when these services have not been available, I’ve recruited my friends to hold me accountable and it’s made all the difference. Not only has life become way more fun, but I’ve been able to accomplish far more than I ever thought would be possible. Being coached allows people a way to be involved in your life - and you in theirs - in such a unique and meaningful way. So, as you coach others, consider getting a coach for yourself too!
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
Aloe Cucumber Mask
Ingredients- 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel (or one skinned stalk of an aloe plant)
- ½ cucumber, chopped, seeds removed
- Mix aloe and cucumber together in a blender or food processer.
- Apply the mixture evenly to face.
- Leave on for 30 minutes before washing off with warm water.
Do you have a favorite do-it-yourself beauty product?
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
New research shows the current whooping cough vaccine is not as effective as its predecessor, so what's the best way to protect children against this potentially deadly infection?
Whooping cough is something of an immunisation conundrum.
A highly contagious disease, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, whooping cough is known for its severe coughing attacks with a characteristic 'whoop' at the end. You can get it at any age, but for the very young it can be deadly.
In Australia the take-up rate of the pertussis vaccine is very high, with around 95 per cent of children receiving the full three doses of vaccine by age two (at two, four and six months).
However, pertussis infections in all age groups are once again on the increase globally. Australia recorded 38,000 cases in 2011, the highest number since records began in 1991 and most states are only now recovering from a major epidemic that began in 2008.
So if immunisation programs have been successful, why is whooping cough still a problem?
Prevents severe illness and death
The short answer, according to immunisation expert Professor Peter McIntyre, is because the pertussis vaccine is good at reducing the risk of severe disease and death, but is not necessarily going to prevent infection altogether."It's not like measles vaccine where if you have the vaccine you just won't get measles infection," says McIntyre, director of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases at the University of Sydney.
"The pertussis vaccine is decreasing the amount of infection to some extent, but mostly what it's doing is decreasing how sick you get."
This means children who might otherwise have got extremely sick and ended up in intensive care on oxygen or even died, now get a milder infection or sometimes show no symptoms at all.
Also if you've had the vaccine you're less likely to transmit the disease to those around you.
However, it does mean that a significant proportion of infections will occur in vaccinated individuals.
"You'd expect that because if 95 per cent of kids are immunised and if you find that 95 per cent of the cases are also immunised, then that means that the vaccine's not doing anything," McIntyre says.
But that's not the case. Only about 70 per cent of reported cases of whooping cough occur in people who have had the pertussis vaccine.
"That's telling you that the vaccine is working and if you do the numbers, that equates to about an 80 per cent effectiveness of the vaccine."
At around 82 per cent, global rates of pertussis vaccinationa are lower than Australia's. In 2008, the World Health Organisation estimated around 195,000 children died from the disease, mostly in developing countries, but far more – around 882,000, according to the WHO – would have died had it not been for the pertussis vaccine.
Researchers are still trying to understand why the vaccine doesn't totally protect against the infection. One possible explanation is that pertussis comes in a variety of strains and those strains change a lot over time.
Researchers are also working to understand why the vaccine still protects against severe illness.
Also experts say new tests and more frequent testing for pertussis may account for some of the rise in cases.
Less effective but fewer side effects
Another issue with the vaccine we use in Australia today is that it is in fact less effective at preventing infection than the older vaccine that was phased out in the late 1990s, a recent study by researchers from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) revealed.Associate Professor Stephen Lambert, who co-authored the study, says the difference in effectiveness, and side effects, comes down to how the vaccines are made.
Today's vaccine is known as an acellular vaccine; it doesn't contain whole cells of the whooping cough bacteria as the old vaccine did.
"The whole cell vaccine is [made of] the bacteria that cause whooping cough; it's those cells killed and mixed with a bit of fluid and injected," says Lambert, senior research fellow at QIMR.
"It has tens of thousands of components that stimulate the immune system whereas the acellular consists of three key proteins." (Check out our Immunisation Fact File for more information on how vaccines work.)
Because of its side effects, the whole cell vaccine was abandoned in Australia in favour of the acellular vaccine.
McIntyre cites an Australian study done in the 1980s that shows at least three-quarters of children experienced side effects such as fever and irritability, while as many as half had high fevers and inconsolable crying.
"A lot of parents saw problems like that with their baby and said 'I don't want to have that again'," says McIntyre.
"If you look back at stuff published back then, the number of kids who were actually getting three doses of whole cell vaccine when they were supposed to was probably only around 60-70 per cent."
"So you had lots of kids who either got one dose or no doses, which isn't going to help at all."
So the newer vaccine is a trade-off, says McIntyre.
"The trade-off is between very high uptake of a vaccine that doesn't cause side effects and does seem to be quite good at protecting against severe disease and quite good at protecting in the short term but in the longer term is perhaps not as good," he says.
As a result of immunisation, the few whooping cough deaths that do occur in Australia are in the very young – those under six months of age who have not had their first dose of the vaccine. According to McIntyre, there were nine deaths from pertussis in children under one year between 2008-2011.
Protecting young children
Even if it doesn't stop all infections, experts agree immunisation is the best way to protect young children from whooping cough and the severe illness and death it can cause.In an attempt to reduce whooping cough in the very young, some states are offering a pertussis booster to new parents and grandparents.
Experts also recommend a bit of common sense when it comes to newborn babies and suggest that they be kept away from people who seem unwell, especially if they are coughing and sneezing. (Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if someone has whooping cough by their symptoms alone.)
In the meantime, McIntyre says medical authorities are looking at other ways to reduce the infant death rate even further, for example by giving the vaccine to pregnant women or to babies in the first weeks of life.
(For more information on the signs, symptoms and treatment of whooping cough – go to our Fact File.)
Source : abc.net.au
At least 1 in 5 people is obese in every U.S. state, the CDC reported today.
Are Americans more obese than last year? Maybe, maybe not: The numbers can't be compared, because the BRFSS changed since last year, reaching out to people who only have cell phones and using a better system to analyze the data.
Both those things mean the statistics should be more accurate -- but also make comparisons to earlier years meaningless. The new 2011 data will be the baseline to which future BRFSS reports will be compared.
The CDC doesn't actually ask anyone whether they're obese. They ask their height and weight instead. This lets researchers calculate their body mass index or BMI. Obesity starts with a BMI of 30.
Obesity State-by-State
Here are the CDC's state-by-state obesity levels, listed in order of obesity:| RANK | STATE | % OBESE |
| 1 | Mississippi | 34.9 |
| 2 | Louisiana | 33.4 |
| 3 | West Virginia | 32.4 |
| 4 | Alabama | 32.0 |
| 5 | Michigan | 31.3 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 31.1 |
| 7 | Arkansas | 30.9 |
| 8 | Indiana | 30.8 |
| 8 | South Carolina | 30.8 |
| 9 | Kentucky | 30.4 |
| 9 | Texas | 30.4 |
| 10 | Missouri | 30.3 |
| 11 | Kansas | 29.6 |
| 11 | Ohio | 29.6 |
| 12 | Tennessee | 29.2 |
| 12 | Virginia | 29.2 |
| 13 | North Carolina | 29.1 |
| 14 | Iowa | 29.0 |
| 15 | Delaware | 28.8 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 28.6 |
| 17 | Nebraska | 28.4 |
| 18 | Maryland | 28.3 |
| 19 | South Dakota | 28.1 |
| 20 | Georgia | 28.0 |
| 21 | Maine | 27.8 |
| 21 | North Dakota | 27.8 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | 27.7 |
| 23 | Alaska | 27.4 |
| 24 | Illinois | 27.1 |
| 25 | Idaho | 27.0 |
| 26 | Oregon | 26.7 |
| 27 | Florida | 26.6 |
| 28 | Washington | 26.5 |
| 29 | New Mexico | 26.3 |
| 30 | New Hampshire | 26.2 |
| 31 | Minnesota | 25.7 |
| 32 | Rhode Island | 25.4 |
| 32 | Vermont | 25.4 |
| 33 | Wyoming | 25.0 |
| 34 | Arizona | 24.7 |
| 35 | Montana | 24.6 |
| 36 | Connecticut | 24.5 |
| 36 | Nevada | 24.5 |
| 36 | New York | 24.5 |
| 37 | Utah | 24.4 |
| 38 | California | 23.8 |
| 39 | District of Columbia | 23.7 |
| 39 | New Jersey | 23.7 |
| 40 | Massachusetts | 22.7 |
| 41 | Hawaii | 21.8 |
| 42 | Colorado | 20.7 |
Source : webmd.com
Cooking with the seasons is not only the most delicious way to eat, but it also encourages balance, provides energy, and strengthens your immune system. To find out what’s in season, just head to your nearest farmers market.
Health Coach Clea Shannon celebrates the end of summer with one of August’s most nutritious fruits: fresh figs. Full of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, figs are a healthy, tasty treat for everyone in the family.
Ingredients
- 1 Fresh Fig, rinsed
- 1 Orange
- 3 Basil Leaves
- 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
- Cut the orange in half.
- Slice the orange like you would a grapefruit - around the outer edge of the flesh, and then along the natural seams of each wedge.
- Scoop out the orange pieces and place in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Finely chop the fig. Add to bowl.
- Toss with a splash of balsamic vinegar, to taste.
- For a unique presentation, scoop the fruit mixture back into the remaining orange peel “bowls”.
- Finely chop basil.
- Sprinkle each “bowl” with chopped basil.
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
Having recently left her job in Corporate America, Nicolle is channeling her energy and athletic expertise into the field of Health Coaching. She recently started her own business, Ride the Wave Nutrition, with the goal of providing Olympic-sized support and encouragement to her clients.
What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?
Prior to enrolling at IIN, I was working for an Investment Banking firm in New York. Before that, I spent twenty years training and competing for Olympic level water polo. I competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Athens 2004 Olympics. I earned a silver medal and a bronze medal!
That’s quite an impressive background! What inspired you to explore the Health Coach Training Program?
My stepfather passed away very suddenly last June after losing a battle to Pancreatic Cancer. I have always been interested in nutrition due to my sports background, but after losing my stepfather I was determined to make changes in my own life as well as creating a life to benefit others.
Enrolling at IIN was a major turning point in my life. I had been looking for something that I could be passionate about since I was no longer competing in the Olympics. Now I have all the tools to be successful, and I can apply energy to something really meaningful to me.
How did your life change after enrolling?
The biggest change was increased awareness. My health improved, and my family’s health improved as well. I am increasingly aware of the health and happiness of everyone around me.
Which teachers had the greatest impact on you?
I really connected with Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Dr. Mark Hyman. I also really enjoyed learning from Deepak Chopra. I wish I had discovered him when I was still competing in the Olympics.
You mentioned your connection to Deepak's teachings. Can you share one of his lessons that you will use to encourage and inspire your clients?
I heard Deepak Chopra speak at the IIN conference in NY. He spoke about leadership and the soul, and his words really resonated with me. I was often told that I was a quiet leader on all of my sports teams, someone who led by example. I am confident that the leadership skills I developed as an athlete will translate into my health coaching practice.
What are you doing now?
I graduated from IIN in June 2012, and I left my job in corporate finance in July 2012. I am currently in London at the Olympic Games, reconnecting and networking with other athletes and coaches. In September, my partner and I will be moving to San Francisco where I will be working as a fulltime Health Coach.
What makes you and your practice unique?
My experiences as an Olympic athlete will be invaluable to my clients. My target market includes young professionals who love sports and continue to compete on some level. From marathon runners and triathletes to weekend warriors who play for their company softball teams, I am excited to connect and support people in achieving their goals.
What is a key factor in determining your clients’ success?
While in London for the 2012 Olympics, I have seen firsthand the power of support. It is incredible what you can accomplish with the right support system. I will take that support system and apply it to health coaching!
What do you love about your work?
I love small changes that lead to huge changes. Seeing those changes in clients is so rewarding.
What are some small changes you've made in your life that have turned into bigger changes?
One of the small changes that I have made since studying at IIN is learning how to nurture myself. As an Olympic athlete, the mentality is often to push yourself above and beyond the limits at all times to achieve your goals. Since retiring in 2004, I have been working on finding a healthy balance.
Is there a need for Health Coaches where you live?
After traveling the world with sport, I have learned that the whole world needs Health Coaches, especially in the stressful environment of corporate America.
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
IINsider’s Digest: Grad teams up with Martha Stewart, McDonald’s sales slump, and more…
We're all familiar with the connection between kids' toys and junk food - from Cracker Jacks to Happy Meals. But the Lunchables brand is raising the bar, with their massive "Never Be Bored Again" sweepstakes. (New York Times)
The Senate and House are going head-to-head over a fresh produce program that services schools in low-income areas. The House would like to introduce frozen, canned, and dried goods, but the Senate fears the ruling would fund a range of unhealthy choices. (Washington Post)
Pressure to reduce sodium and saturated fat levels in the American Diet have dairy producers in a bit of a tight squeeze. “If you really want to make bad cheese, make a low-fat, low-sodium one,” said Lloyd Metzger, a professor of dairy science at South Dakota State University. (New York Times)
Type 2 diabetes isn't just a disease for those who are overweight, and research suggests it may be even more deadly in those who are normal weight. (New York Times)
They may be the only one's allowed to sell fries at the Olympics, but that hasn't stopped McDonald's from hitting its first sales slump in almost a decade. (Huffington Post). In related news, Tyson, America's largest producer of meat, has noted a 61% decrease in profits this past quarter - a dip too large to be caused solely by ethical protest against the company's practices. It means, as a country, we're eating less meat. (New York Times)
Those who shop at Trader Joe's brave long lines for high quality and brand recognition at a low price. But these same loyal shoppers, and organizations such as Greenpeace, are holding the brand to its commitment to green, sustainable practices. It's one small step for a single grocery chain, but suggests the larger influence and power of consumer opinion. (The Atlantic)
Stepping up as an organ donor is a selfless, generous act. But an increasing number of obese donors will be refused the right to donate, given the complications it may cause for their own health. (New York Times)
The American Midwest has become dangerously focused on corn, to the point of overproduction. Yet corn, a notoriously bountiful crop, is highly sensitive to drought. The current weather in the corn-belt may thus prove a stiff kick-in-the-pants for monoculture agriculture.
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
Some of the ways in which alcohol affects diabetics are:
- The problem of alcohol intake in diabetics is not limited to rise of blood sugar, as it can actually reduce the blood sugar below normal level too. That happens if you consume excess alcohol.
- Other than the impact of alcohol, some variants such as beer and sweet wine contain sugar which would obviously raise blood sugar.
- As alcohol charges up your appetite, it may make you eat more than you need. This would affect your ability to control blood sugar.
- The effect of oral diabetes medications and even insulin can be adversely affected by alcohol.
- Level of triglyceride can be affected by alcohol.
- Blood pressure can also be increased by alcohol.
- Certain medications that you use for controlling diabetes, be it sulfonylureas, insulin or sulfonylureas, and meglitinides can react with beer and have an adverse impact on your body. That is why ADA recommends not having beer on an empty stomach if your blood glucose is low.
- Some complications that your can of beer may cause are nausea, flushing, slurred speech and increased heart rate.
Though all possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; Onlymyhealth assumes no liability for the same. Using any information of this website is at the viewers’ risk. Source : feedproxy.google.com
Experts suggest that people who have recovered from dengue fever often complain about increased shedding of hair. Some can even develop a condition called telogen effluvium (or alopecia) which is characteristerised by massive hair loss. A person with dengue fever can develop alopecia either due to the metabolic or hormonal stress during disease course. Even the medications that are given for the treatment of dengue fever can lead to this condition. Telogen has adverse effect body hair but loss of scalp hair is common after someone recovers from dengue or post recovery too.
When a person is under stress (for about duration of six months) the chances of developing alopecia increase. Dengue fever is one of the causes of tellogen effluvium. In most of the cases of tellogen effluvium recovery is spontaneous.
Though all possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; Onlymyhealth assumes no liability for the same. Using any information of this website is at the viewers’ risk. Source : feedproxy.google.com
In order to lose weight, the most effective way is to prepare a diet chart and stick to it. By specifying your activities and calories intake in the meals during the day, the list gives you a good idea of what you need to do. It helps to keep you on track. You can also use a diet chart for weight loss available in the market or on the internet.
Benefits of Using a Diet Chart for Weight Loss
- Staying focused on the goal: It helps an overweight person to stay focused on what needs to be eaten throughout the day. This is important as most overweight people become so because of habitual overeating.
- Information on healthy foods: The low calorie foods listed on the diet chart gives information about the healthy foods that they need to eat. The information on which food is high in protein but low in fat and cholesterol is not widespread, but a list of such foods is usually present on weight loss diet charts.
- Preparation of balanced diet: A diet chart would help you make a balanced diet plan which would include all the six important nutrients in their right proportion. They are fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, proteins and fibers.
- Choice of diet chart according to your weight loss goal: Diet charts for weight loss are available for different purposes. There are some which focus to reduce weight in a week, 10 days, a month or more. You can choose yours based on your inclination. It would be always recommended to adopt a long-term weight loss plan, so that the healthy food and exercise regimen becomes a lifestyle and not a fad.
You need to set a weight loss goal and find a diet plan for weight loss that can help you achieve that. Such a plan would always accompany a diet chart. You can see your progress in graphical form with the help of these charts.
You have to plot the chart only once a week and make comments on how far you have progressed on what more needs to be done. You can always refer to the chart as the weeks pass by. Another important feature of such a weight loss diet chart is the BMI scale. It evaluates your weight as normal, underweight, overweight or obese based on your height and age.
Though all possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; Onlymyhealth assumes no liability for the same. Using any information of this website is at the viewers’ risk. Source : onlymyhealth[dot]com
Kamasutra Sex Positions
- Twining of a creeper: A woman clings to a man much like a creeper encircling a tree, the man lowers his head down towards her with the desire of kissing, and makes a “sut sut” sound, the woman embraces him. She looks lovingly towards her man in this position, which is called the “twining of a creeper”.
- Climbing of a tree: A woman places one of her feet on the foot of the lover and the other one on his thighs; passes one of her hands round his back and the other is kept on his shoulders. She makes a cooing or singing kind of noise and acts as though she wanted to climb into the man and give a kiss, this position is called “climbing of a tree”.
- Mixture of sesamum seeds with rice: When in bed, the lovers embrace each other in a way that the arms and thighs of one of them surrounds, and as though encloses, the arms and thighs of the other, and it is as though the body parts were rubbing against each other. This position is called “mixture of sesamum seeds with rice”.
- Mixture of milk and water: A man and woman love each other so passionately that they grip themselves in such an embrace as though they will enter into each other’s bodies. In this amorous act, the woman is usually seated on the man’s lap, in front of him, or in bed. This fervent embrace is called “mixture of milk and water”.
There are many graphic details in the Kamasutra texts on ways of copulation between men and women. After explaining them in detail, it is cautioned that a horse in his swiftest motion, does not pay heed to potholes, pits and ditches in the road; similarly a loving couple may go on having sex without any regards of it having an unhealthy impact on them. That is why it is very important to get the complete knowledge of Kamasutra before trying out the sex positions. The sex positions are not suitable for all persons at all times, and the couples who intend to try them need to know the right time and suitability for each of them.
Read more articles on
Though all possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; Onlymyhealth assumes no liability for the same. Using any information of this website is at the viewers’ risk. Source : feedproxy[dot]google[dot]com
Cancer is a common event in elderly, and its risk increase manifolds with age. Knowing some important things about cancer in the elderly is helpful to take care of family member or a close friend who lives with it.
Things to Know about Cancer in Elderly
1. Why do older people are vulnerable to cancer?
Cancer may be inherited, or caused by persistent exposure to cancer-causing things, such as tobacco smoke. In most cases, everyday damage to our cells/genes that builds up, leads to cancer. Our bodies usually repair and prevent further damage. During old age, body loses repairing ability. As affected cells continue to grow, cancer may develop fast.
2. What are the treatment options for cancer in elderly?
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the treatment options for old age cancer patients. Treatment options are effective only if cancer is identified early. Treatment may not work if disease advances initial stages. Health care provider will conduct a thorough medical examination to make a decision on treatment option. Health problems and medications also affect the cancer treatment patients receive.
3. How can old age cancer patients deal with cancer pain?
Bearing pain is one of the biggest challenges before older cancer patients, which gets multiplied with treatment and medications. Health experts prescribe pain relievers, such as NSAIDs to cope with cancer pain. Non-adherence to prescription may lead to complications, such as headaches, constipation and confusion. Powerful pain relievers, such as oxycodone, are considered to be fatal for old patients. Palliative care becomes is advised for old age patients needing help to get rid of pain, distressing symptoms and psychological issues.
4. How to take care of old-age cancer patients?
Well-educated and aware caregivers must help patient’s recover from treatment or sustaining health condition. Family members must keep a responsive dialogue with health care provider so that his health condition is never compromised. Cancer patients not just need medical support, but also social and emotional backing.
5. What is the meaning of having to live with cancer in old age?
Don’t leave elderly during their illness. For this, you need to understand how cancer complications are experienced by older people. It is important to encourage elderly during their illness, making them understand about what is meaningful for her/him.
6. How advancement of cancer can be identified in elderly?
Advancement of cancer should be identified with regular screenings, such as chest X-ray, digital examination, mammography and pap smear. The routine screening may also be done along with blood tests, urine tests and medical imaging.
Read more articles on Cancer
Though all possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; Onlymyhealth assumes no liability for the same. Using any information of this website is at the viewers’ risk. Source : feedproxy[dot]google[dot]com
Could cutting calories extend your lifespan? So suggests new research about the benefits of fasting.
Long viewed as a way to both physically and spiritually detox from the rigors of daily life, fasting traditions exist in in nearly every culture and have been a sacred form of primary food for most world religions.
Yet researchers have long known that animals on a low-calorie, nutrient-rich diet live longer, and new research suggests the same is true for monkeys. Over 20 years, monkeys who consumed 30% fewer calories were three times more likely to survive and had half the rate of cancer and cardiovascular disease than the monkeys who ate freely. Moreover, they also maintained better brain volume in areas associated with movement and memory.
Researchers aren’t sure why cutting calories delays the aging process, but some speculate that eating less reduces the production of damaging free radicals. Others attribute it to lowering levels of a growth hormone called IGF-1, spurring the body to switch from “growth mode” to “repair mode.”
Could the same be true for humans? Though researchers are wary to overgeneralize their conclusions, anecdotal evidence suggests it could be true. British journalist Michael Mosley documented his own experience with intermittent fasting in the BBC program Eat, Fast, and Live Longer when he followed the so-called 5:2 diet for five weeks, eating normally five days a week and consuming 500 calories or less for the other two. Not only did Mosley find the regimen surprisingly easy; he also lost nearly 14 pounds and his glucose and cholesterol levels improved.
Ayurvedic expert and Integrative Nutrition visiting teacher John Douillard advocates a milder form of restriction and encourages people to fast between meals – in other words, no snacking, and especially no late-night snacking. Douillard argues that eating an early dinner (or no dinner at all) allows the body to stabilize blood sugar levels and burn fat during the night, and breakfast should be just that – the breaking of a long daily fast.
Just as there’s no one-size-fits-all diet, intermittent fasting certainly isn’t suitable for everyone, and we tend to agree with Mosley’s conclusion that “fasting, like eating, is best when done in moderation.”
Do you ever fast? How does it make you feel?
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
Whether you want to make big changes in life, or you’re already living your dream, you likely have a few things that you’d like to accomplish. And we’re here to help!
While having goals is inherent to being human, it can sometimes be a mystery as to why some people achieve them and others don’t. It can be especially disheartening to watch the people around you find success, while you struggle with the motivation to achieve your version of happiness.
That’s why we’ve put together the following steps to help you take hold of your future and turn your dreams into reality. You can totally do it! Here’s how:
1. Have health. Regardless of what your goals might be, good health creates the positive energy necessary to materialize them. If your body and mind are clear, all other pursuits become easier. Make sure to eat nutrient-rich whole foods, drink plenty of water, stay active, and make time for relaxation.
2. Decide. While many of us have an idea of what we want, it doesn’t often translate into action and results. Taking a moment to pause and decide which goals to prioritize is a crucial first step in accomplishing them. Just be careful to avoid focusing on fears or limiting beliefs, and instead visualize your aspirations as already fulfilled.
3. Make a plan. Like a traveler without a map, you won’t get far if you don’t know how to get there. Create your plan by writing the main goal at the top of a blank page. Below that, write several big steps required to fulfill that goal. Do you need to do research? Save money? Connect with others? You can separate these steps into projects and tasks, create due dates for each task, and keep yourself motivated by having your list with you at all times. You can also enjoy the gratification of crossing tasks off the list as you complete them.
5. Follow through. Determination is crucial for achieving the results you long for. No matter how big the obstacles that stand in your way, stay focused on your ultimate goal and commit to taking action every day to achieve it. Step by step, you will succeed - we promise.
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
The Olympics are almost over, but turn inspiration into motivation to make exercise a more regular part of your own life.
Making exercise a regular part of your life isn't easy, but Olympic fever can definitely help transform intention into action, says Sydney exercise physiologist and online personal trainer, Andrew Cate.
So read on for some ideas on how you can kickstart an active lifestyle that will give you lasting benefits for years to come.
Set some goals
"Olympians have an incredible goal, something to aim for, that really helps motivate them," says Andrew Cate. "That goal for them is a gold medal or to attend the Olympics. They plan for that, they have a date for it. They have outcomes they need to meet to get there, steps along the way they need to meet."So find something to aim for, "whether it be a fun run or to participate in some other event, or to get back into a certain item of clothing or to get back into playing sport to try a new sport," he says.
Make your goals specific, says Paul Batman of the education body Fitness Institute Australia. Give yourself a timeframe – for example, 'in the next fortnight I will do three swims and a walk to the park'. Mark your exercise on a calendar that hangs prominently in the house. When you reach a certain goal, reward yourself in some way that has meaning for you.
Involve others
Want to stay motivated? Try getting other people involved in your training program. If at least some of your exercising is social, you might enjoy it more, and that means you're more likely to keep it up.Says Cate: "I saw Leisl Jones talking about how she loves the relays. It goes from an individual sport to a team sport. You could see her eyes light up. The enjoyment factor increases."
Enlisting others for advice and guidance can also give you a boost. "Olympians don't do it all themselves," says Cate.
"They get support to keep them accountable, to keep them motivated, to give them direction. Maybe try group training, try a personal trainer, or online training."
Know yourself
Do you live in the moment instead of thinking about the long-term consequences of your lifestyle choices? Do you get bored and need a range of activities and strategies to keep you motivated?Different people have different 'thinking styles', which means different strategies will work to keep you motivated.
To find out your dominant thinking style and get personalised tips for keeping your health routine on track, try our quiz: What motivates you?
Just do it
While it's important to set goals, too much pondering can be dangerous. The most important thing is to get started."Olympians train intensely but you don't have to start out like an Olympian," says Andrew Cate. "Just get started and build up a training base and then you can focus on making it harder down the track."
In other words, making activity a habit should be your first step.
Jeff Coombes, professor of exercise science at the University of Queensland, says the safest way to start getting active is with regular bouts of 10 minutes at a light to moderate intensity. This means walking (or some other activity) at a level where you can still have a conversation.
"You could then try to build that up to maybe two bouts of 10 minutes or 10 minutes plus five. Start trying to do this every second day – so three times a week – and work your way up. Your goal is to eventually complete 150 minutes each week at a moderate intensity."
Avoid the "all or nothing" approach, warns University of NSW exercise scientist Martha Lourey-Bird. Research shows chunks of activity at least 10 minutes long are best, but anything is better than nothing, she says.
Don't make excuses
While it's natural for Olympians – or any of us – to look for explanations when things don't go to plan, putting energy into finding solutions rather than excuses is vital, says Andrew Cate."Instead of saying 'I'm too busy, I can't do it', have a solutions mindset to overcome obstacles," he says.
Getting up half an hour earlier and going for a walk is one way of fitting some exercise into a busy day. Chances are the activity will make you sleep better, so you won't notice the lost shuteye.
Others find wearing their exercise clothes to bed makes it easier to get up and work out on a cold winter's morning.
"If you need help finding solutions, brainstorm with family and friends," Cate says.
Mix it up
If the thought of jogging every day sounds dreary, remember there are a myriad of different ways to be active. If boredom is an issue, "why not try something you've seen on the Olympics – some paddling or something a little bit different," says Cate.Interested in rock climbing, ballroom dancing or sailing, but don't know where to start? Our exercise guide has information that will help you get started.
If you're not sure of what exercise you want to do then use our finder to search for activities that meet your needs, be they to meet others, to build strength and endurance or improve your flexibility.
Remind yourself of the benefits
Pull off 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a day – that's a level when you can just hold a conversation – and you cut your odds of developing heart disease by a whopping 40 per cent. You'll also help ward off diabetes, stroke, and improve your mental health.Clock up 60 minutes a day, and you also help protect yourself against bowel cancer, plus breast cancer if you are a woman or prostate cancer if you are a man. You'll also further reduce your risk of heart disease.
Regular exercise will also help you have healthier muscles, joints and bones, sleep better, keep your weight in check, have more energy, have a sense of wellbeing and be better able to cope with stress. So what are you waiting for?
Source : abc.net.au
As many Health Coaches know, the range of sports and body types represented by the Olympics is proof that there isn’t a one-size-fits all way to exercise. While running a marathon might work for your best friend, you may find that you’re better suited for yoga or swimming.
According to John Douillard, visiting teacher and board member at Integrative Nutrition and author of Body, Mind, and Sport, each of the Ayurvedic doshas – or types – work better with different types of exercise.
Vata (Winter)
Some ideal exercise for Vata include yoga to calm the mind; dancing for stress-free movement; and easy walking to keep your body in a steady rhythm.
Pitta (Summer)
Ideal exercises for Pitta types include swimming to cool the overheated body; long distance bicycling for speed and strength; and hiking in nature for stamina while calming your inner competitor.
Naturally calm and easygoing, Kapha, or Spring, types have strong endurance and physical strength. They tend to retain water and dislike “exercising for the sake of exercising”.
Kapha types can try jogging to clear up congestion and get blood pumping; hatha yoga to energize and strengthen; and basketball for cardio that doesn’t feel like a work out.
What’s your type? Take this body type quiz from John Douillard’s web site.
Do you tend to do exercise for or against your natural type? Let us know in the comments.
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
Abandoning her stylish New York City career in high-end fashion to enrich her primary food in small-town Virginia, Holli found herself happily married but chronically ill.
Despite various medications and numerous doctors, it wasn’t until Holli delved into her own personal interest in nutrition that she was able to achieve optimal health. Her desire to share this experience with others led her to IIN, and I couldn’t be more proud of her contributions to our community.
Sharing Lived Wisdom
When I first heard about IIN, I had just gone through my own healing process, and my son was developing chronic issues related to the same food intolerance. I had discovered how profound food can be in our lives, and how important it is to take care with our food and learn to eat well for our body. My experience in the program was one of the best times of my life. I loved the shared values, the incredible support and knowing that what I had personally discovered was being taught at IIN by leading health experts.
The Gift of Gratitude
IIN provided me the opportunity to share what I had learned with others, and I’m amazed, honored, and humbled to win the HLA. It may be the best feeling in the world to be honored for doing something you love, and something you hope gives value to others.
A Holistic Success
There is no one success that I am most proud of, but rather the whole of my achievements since graduation. Helping a mother discover her young son’s food intolerance and changing his life forever. Guiding my own son and husband to change their health through their eating habits. Reaching hundreds of women in my cleanse, and watching and listening to busy women all over the world change their diet and feel amazing.
Businesswise, my biggest accomplishments were signing a book deal with a publishing house (due out in 2013) and being asked to be a monthly guest on a TV talk show. I am also proud of the profile written about me in More magazine, in that it inspired hundreds of women to reinvent themselves and follow their passions. Overall, I’m proud of being able to inspire clients through my coaching, to step up and take charge of their health through food.
Advice for Future Health Leaders
Not everyone is as excited about nutrition as you, so “walk your talk” gently. Any improvement is significant, and many people need to go slowly. Also, be true to yourself, and develop your own style. The more “you” you are, the more significant your message will be, and the more people will listen. Don’t copy someone you admire, but allow yourself to be inspired to find your voice.
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
The New York Times reports that the dairy industry’s efforts to create “healthy cheese” have been met with bland, rubbery results. “‘If you really want to make bad cheese, make a low-fat, low-sodium one,’ said Lloyd Metzger, a professor of dairy science at South Dakota State University.” Is that really what we want? Slim cheese?
The dairy debate is a heated one, with increasing public awareness that dairy is a non-essential element of a healthy adult diet. Traditional food enthusiasts like Integrative Nutrition visiting teacher Sally Fallon Morell of the Weston A. Price Foundation argue for the benefits of raw milk, among other full fat, nutrient-dense whole foods. But no one in the field of health and wellness is arguing for the regular consumption of processed cheese, regardless of if it contains less fat or sodium.
Moreover, if reducing sodium and saturated fat intake is the goal, we don’t need to process or reinvent natural foods. Instead, we can increase our intake of fresh fruits and veggies, legumes or whole grains.
With that in mind, for those of us who do eat dairy, shouldn’t we prefer the occasional treat of high quality, traditionally crafted cheese to the frequent consumption of flavorless low-fat, low-sodium, highly processed cheese?
For information about dairy and dairy alternatives that will work best for you.
Do you eat dairy? If so, do you favor full-fat products?
Source : blog.integrativenutrition.com
Yoga typically combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or relaxation. Researchers are studying how yoga may be used to help improve health and to learn more about its safe use. If you’re thinking about practicing yoga, here are 5 things you should know:
Studies suggest that yoga may be beneficial for a number of conditions, including pain. Recent studies in people with chronic low-back pain suggest that a carefully adapted set of yoga poses can help reduce pain and improve function. Other studies also suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might have other health benefits such as reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and may also help relieve anxiety and depression.
Studies show that certain other health conditions may not benefit from yoga. Research suggests that yoga is not helpful for asthma, and studies looking at yoga and arthritis have had mixed results.
Yoga is generally considered to be safe in healthy people when practiced appropriately. However, people with high blood pressure, glaucoma, or sciatica, and women who are pregnant should modify or avoid some yoga poses.
Practice safely and mindfully. Everyone’s body is different, and yoga postures should be modified based on individual abilities. Carefully selecting an instructor who is experienced and is attentive to your needs is an important step toward helping you practice yoga safely. Inform your instructor about any medical issues you have, and ask about the physical demands of yoga.
Talk to your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use, including yoga. If you’re thinking about practicing yoga, also be sure to talk to your health care providers. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Source : nccam.nih.gov
Rising Obesity Levels, Dropping Cholesterol Levels Have Researchers Looking for Answers
Have improved among children and in the United States over the past two decades, despite rising rates during the same period, the CDC says.Total Cholesterol Down, HDL Up
Among kids and teens between the ages of 6 and 19, significant declines were identified in average total cholesterol levels, while beneficial increases were seen in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol.The study did not explore the reasons for the improvement, but researchers say two positive trends may have played a role.
"We know that factors that contribute to blood cholesterol in children include , , consumption of saturated fats, and exposure to secondhand smoke," says Brian K. Kit, MD, of the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.
He tells WebMD that the emphasis on replacing and other saturated fats with healthier fats in commercially available foods, as well as public health initiatives to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, may have contributed to the decline.
Rise in Obesity Cause for Concern
Pediatric cardiologist Sarah de Ferranti, MD, of Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, says while there is reason for optimism in the new findings, the rise in during the same period remains a major cause for concern.According to the CDC, the obesity rate among children and teens in the U.S. has tripled since 1980.
"There is certainly a concern that the obesity epidemic will overwhelm any benefits we might see from this positive trend," she tells WebMD. "As overweight kids become overweight adults, this is certain to have a negative impact on and ."
American Heart Association president Donna Arnett, MD, echoes the sentiment. She is a professor and chair of epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
"There is reason for optimism in the finding that cholesterol levels seem to be on the decline in our youth, despite the unfavorable trend in obesity," she says. "Looking to the future, we need to do all that we can to see if this trend continues."
More Study Needed, Expert Says
The CDC researchers assessed cholesterol and blood fat levels during three time periods among kids and teens between the ages of 6 and 19.Between the time of the first survey, conducted between 1988 and 1994, and the third, conducted between 2007 and 2010, the prevalence of youths with elevated total cholesterol levels declined from around 11% to 8%. The prevalence of teens with elevated blood fats and (bad cholesterol) also decreased.
De Ferranti says future research should focus on identifying the cause or causes for the decline to guide health policymakers in the future.
"These studies could help us understand which types of interventions have the biggest impact," she says.
Source : webmd.com
"Fifteen million more American adults were walking in 2010, and that's a great first step," CDC director Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, told reporters during a news briefing. "It's a great way to get started meeting the 2 1/2 hours per week of physical activity."
And, Frieden says, people who walk are more likely to meet that goal; 60% of walkers get the recommended amount of exercise each week, about twice as many as those who don't walk.
"That's much higher than those who don't get that 10-minute walk," he says, adding that for people who follow the guidelines, "physical activity really is a wonder drug that makes you healthier and happier... even if you don't lose weight, physical activity decreases your , , , and other chronic diseases."
The CDC estimates that more than 145 million American adults -- 62% of the population -- took at least one 10-minute or longer walk per week in 2010. That's a 6% increase since 2005. And increases occurred across all populations.
"Because walking or moving with assistance is possible for most persons, does not require special skills or facilities, and can serve multiple purposes, it represents a way many U.S. residents can achieve a more physically active lifestyle, regardless of sex, race/ethnicity, age, or education level," the report's researchers write.
About two-thirds of adults in the West get out and walk, the highest rate in the country. But the South showed the greatest increase of any region, up about 8% in five years. That's good news for a region that, Frieden points out, consistently shows higher rates of , , high , and other chronic health problems.
"This is significant progress we are reporting," he says.
Walking, Other Exercise Vital for Good Health
The ideal walk, says Frieden, is a brisk one. "You should get a little winded," he says.And the ideal exercise is one that you like doing. "The key concept is to do something you enjoy, to build it into your routine, and to keep doing it throughout your life."
Frieden says there's a need for increased community efforts to promote walking. For example, he says, joint-use agreements between schools and communities have shown success in some regions. These allow people access to tracks for walking after school hours. He would also like to see more communities planned in such a way that shops, schools, and other places are within walking distance of home.
"Many U.S. residents are missing the opportunity to improve their health through regular physical activity," the researchers conclude. "Modifying environments and policies to improve the spaces and increase the number of places for walking might facilitate continued increases in the percentage of U.S. residents who are physically active."
"There is no single drug that can do anything like regular physical activity," Frieden says. "Walking is the easiest, most accessible, and most popular physical activity."
Source : webmd.com
A new study suggests that a common asthma drug may be able to help children with avoid surgery.
Children with may be tired by day, have trouble paying attention in school, and have other behavioral problems because they are not getting enough quality at night.
Surgery to remove the and is often recommended, but many parents are reluctant to subject their kids to any type of surgery.
New research in the September 2012 issue of Pediatrics suggests an allergy and drug -- montelukast (, which just went generic) -- may lessen symptoms in children with non-severe apnea and potentially allow them to skip the surgery.
Sleep apnea is marked by pauses in breathing while asleep. Sleep apnea is often a result of an obstruction in the airway, with severity of children's sleep apnea linked to the size of tonsils and adenoids. These pauses can occur throughout the night and disrupt sleep.
Asthma Drug Improves Apnea Symptoms
Forty-six children with non-severe sleep apnea received the asthma drug or a for 12 weeks. The kids who received the drug showed improvements in tests measuring the degree of their sleep apnea, their sleep-related symptoms, and the size of their adenoids compared to their counterparts who didn't. There were no side effects seen among kids who took the study drug.Study authors are quick to caution that this study is small and it's preliminary. Bigger studies following more children for longer periods of time are needed before this treatment is offered to any kids with sleep apnea.
Michael Rothschild, MD, also urges caution in interpreting the new findings. He is the director of pediatric otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
It's too early to recommend montelukast for the treatment of sleep apnea in kids. But, "it does make sense," he says. "The drug reduces inflammation in the nose and adenoids."
That said, longer follow-up is needed. "Let's do a big, long-term study in a bigger group of kids and follow them for six months or one year."
Until then, if you think your child has sleep apnea, the first step is to confirm this suspicion. "With kids, the risk is not stopping breathing, but more that it is disturbing their sleep," he says.
Sleep apnea in children may be measured in several ways. These include:
- The gold standard sleep study conducted overnight in a lab
- A home sleep study where children are hooked up to a monitor while they sleep
- Videotaping of the child in the throes of what parents believe to be an apnea episode
Drug May Be Band-Aid, Not Cure
Parents also need to know that while no one wants their children to undergo surgery, removal of tonsils and adenoids is safe. "Parents often say 'anything but surgery,' and 99.9% of the time, they are terrified of anesthesia," Rothschild says.Yosef Krespi, MD, is the director of the Center for Sleep Disorders at the New York Head & Neck Institute of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
He says the allergy and asthma drug may be more of a Band-Aid, but is likely not a cure for sleep apnea in kids. "The follow-up is too short and the number of cases is too limited," he says.
There are often several factors that , and this only addresses one of them, he says.
Source : children.webmd.com
Some medicines, when taken long term, may increase the risk of lip in white people, according to new research.
The finding, however, is buffered with some reassurance. "I want to emphasize that lip cancer is rare," says Gary D. Friedman, MD, an emeritus researcher and former director of the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research. He led the study.
Lip cancer rarely spreads, he says. It is usually recognized early and treated promptly.
"I do not want to alarm people to the extent they are going to stop taking their medicine for ," he says. The study findings are not a reason to stop any medicines that make people more sensitive to the sun, he says.
The study is published online in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Every year in the U.S., about 35,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancers, including lip cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Blood Pressure Drugs & Lip Cancer: Study Details
In a previous study, Friedman had noticed an increase in lip cancers among people on certain high blood pressure medicines.For this study, he evaluated the types of blood pressure prescriptions dispensed and lip cancers found in patients at Kaiser Permanente from 1994 until early 2008.
He focused only on lip cancers, Friedman says, because data on skin cancers was not available.
Friedman focused on five high blood pressure drugs or drug combinations that are commonly prescribed. Besides hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril, they included:
- Hydrochlorothiazide- (, )
- Nifedipine (, , , others)
- (, )
Blood Pressure Drugs & Lip Cancers: Results
During the study, 712 patients on blood pressure drugs were diagnosed with lip cancer. The researchers compared them to nearly 23,000 others who did not have lip cancer.After finding a reduced risk of lip cancer among all minority groups, Friedman only evaluated white people.
For those who took the drugs for five years or longer, the risk compared to those who didn't take blood pressure drugs varied by drug.
- Those on hydrochlorothiazide had more than four times the risk.
- Those on hydrochlorothiazide-triamterene had a nearly three times greater risk.
- Those on nifedipine, 2.5 times higher risk.
- Those on lisinopril, 1.4 times greater risk.
The average age at diagnosis was 68. Most people had a cancer type known as squamous cell.
Cigarette , a known risk factor for oral cancers, further boosted risk for lip cancer, Friedman says.
"Cigarette smokers had about a 1.5-fold increased risk," he says.
No information was available on occupations or on sun exposure.
The findings would most probably extend to skin cancers elsewhere, he says. Other research has shown a link, he says. This type of study, too, can only show a link, not cause and effect.
Friedman suggests wearing a hat wide brimmed enough to shade the lips. Lip balms and lipsticks often contain sunscreen.
Among other medicines that make people more sensitive to the sun, he says, are certain antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics.
The National Cancer Institute supported the study. Friedman has consulted for Allergan, but the company had no role in the current study.
High Blood Pressure Drugs & Lip Cancer: Second Opinion
"It's certainly an important link if it is real," says Peter Galier, MD, an internal medicine specialist at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica. He reviewed the findings.
Other research needs to verify it, says Galier, an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine.
Until that is done, he says, one message would be to "protect your lips as you protect your face."
"Another big message is, if you are on these drugs please stop smoking, because your risk of lip cancer skyrockets."
Source : webmd.com