health updates
Buzzwords these days when talking about your health include forgetting/remembering things, tests you should have done, antibiotics, sinuses, osteoporosis, joint discomfort, cholesterol to name a few of the more popular ones. We are collecting short articles from various medical / supplement publications and putting them on this page for your review. [6/20/2007]
You can scroll down the page, or click on the topic of interest to jump right to it.
| Antibiotics | Healthy Bones | Weight Tips |
| Tests/Screenings by Age | Antioxidant Review | Sharper Memory |
| A Good Night's Sleep | Cancer Update |
|
Some doctors aren't choosing the most effective antibiotic for sinus infections -- and many are too quick to write a prescription in the first place, according to a study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery. Although penicillin and its cousins are most effective at treating bacterial sinusitis, less useful antibiotics (erythromycin, for example) are still frequently prescribed. What's worse, both acute and chronic sinus infections are often related to factors other than bacteria, such as viruses, immune deficiencies, or anotomical problems like a deviated septum. "The use of prescription antibiotics far outweighs the predicted incidence of bacterial cases of . . . rhinosinusitis," say the University of Nebraska researchers. "There are concerns about the overuse of antibiotics and the resultant problems, including drug resistance and increasingly virulent bacteria." Breathe easy -- natural alternatives may help prevent and alleviate sinusitis. Identifying and treating food alergies can hep in cases of chronic sinus problems, while using a neti pot or bulb syringe to cleanse and soothe the nasal passages benefits both acute and chronic sinusitis. Flaxseed oil helps reduce pain and inflammation, and vitamin C can help boost immunity and decrease mucus. Herbs may also ffer relief -- anise, fenugreek, and marshmallow help loosen phlegm and clear congestion. " |
|
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy produce free-radical damage to
DNA while they bring about cancer cell death -- and are associated
with severe adverse effects. Many cancer patients are advised
not to take antioxidants and other nutritional supplements while
undergoing these treatments, but a recent review questions this
conventional "wisdom."
Review authors cite 280 peer-reviewed studies -- including 50 human trials involving more than 8,000 patients. This published research indicates that supplemental antioxidants and other vitamins do not, in fact, interfere with the most common conventional cancer treatments. (Iron is the sole exception, as it may increase oxidative stress in people with cancer.) Moreover, 47 out of the 50 human studies suggest that supplemental nutrients can decrease the severe adverse effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation. For example, eight clinical studies on vitamin A showed fewer unwanted side effects and improvements in patient response rates, while 10 studies involving vitamin E demonstrated reduced toxic effects, improved skin condition, and possible hair-loss prevention. Some supplements may even help enhance the killing action of cancer therapies, protect normal tissue and boost survival rates. "In 15 human studies, 3,738 patients who took nonprescription antioxidants and other nutrients actually had increased survival," write review authors. "Antioxidants and Other Nutrients Do Not Interfere with Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy ..." by C.B. Simone et al., Altern Ther Health Med, 1-2/07 |
cancer update from Johns Hopkins Hospital
Useful Information on one of the deadliest diseases of our time:
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion.
When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect
the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.
3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental,
food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet an including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly growing healthy cells in the bone marrow,
gastrointestinal tract etc., and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not
result in more tumor destruction.
9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can
succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and
become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to
spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by
not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.
CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like
NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc. are made with Aspartame and it is harmful.
A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in
color. A better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.
b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the
gastrointestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with
unsweetened So ya milk cancer cells are being starved.
c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is
acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork.
Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds,
nuts and a little fruit help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices
provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells.
To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw
vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F
(40 degrees C).
e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea
is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals
in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.
12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive
enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.
13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from
or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer
cells.
14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Florescence, Essiac, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs, etc.) to enable the body's own
killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apopto sis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal
method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and
positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic
environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.
| Fish oil, rich in
the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, is known for benefits related
to arthritis, cancer, hearth health, multiple sclerosis, and
more. New research "adds to a growing body of evidence
that [omega]-3 fatty acids are also beneficial to bone health,"
according to a recent editorial in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition. The study found a positive link
between serum fatty acid concentrations and bone mineral density (BMD)
in healthy young men. Previous investigations determined a
negative association between higher ratios or omega-6 to omega-3
fats and BMD in elderly men and women. The take-away?
EPA and DHA fatty acids may aid peak bone mass in adolescence and
prevent age-related bone loss. "Recent evidence-based
research . . . supports intervention with adequate amounts of
specific nutrients including vitamin D, strontium, vitamin K, and
essental fatty acids in the prevention and primary management of
osteoporosis," concludes another recent analysis.
" |
testing, testing, at every age
| The
Basics
Annual Physical: Have blood pressure, height/weight checked at a minimum every other year Hearing: Tested annually till age 18, then every 10 years until age 50; after that, every three years. Dentist: Oral exam & teeth cleaning every six months. Vaccinations: Tetanus booster every 10 years Mental Health: Check in with yourself. (take a quick, confidential test at: depression-screening.org) Gynecologist: Annual appointment to include a pelvic exam, breast exam & Pap smear. (More than one sexual partner? Add STDs test to the above.) |
In Your 40s, Add Mammogram: Some recmmend screenings occur every one to two years starting at 40. If you've had no family history of the disease, others say you could wait until 50 for the routine screenings. Diabetes screening: Every three years, beginning at 45, check blood glucose levels. (Overweight? Have family members with the disease? Start routine screenings earlier) Ophthalmologist: Test for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions every two years. Strees echocardiogram: Schedule one before you turn 50. The test uses ultrasound to analyze the heart's strength and function; it can be useful in screening for heart disease. |
| In
your 20s, Add
Cholesterol: Experts agree (American Heart Association) that your lipid profile - LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels be measured every 5 years begging at 20. Ophthalmologist: At least one visit between ages 20-29 to test for glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Dermatologist: The American Cencer Society recommends a monthly skin mark self-exam and a skin cancer screening every three years beginning at age 20. |
In your 50s, Add Digestive health: Schedue an annual fecal occult blood test to screen for signs of colon cancer. Have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years and a colonoscopy every ten years. Bone density scan: At menopause, get a baseline scan; then have routine screenings every few years thereafter to catch signs of osteoporosis. If you have any risk factors: low body weight, eating disorder history, mother having the disease, unexplained fracture after age 40 -- begin screening earlier. Some practitioners, suggest that those at low risk wait until they're 65. Hearing: After age 50, have it checked every three years. |
| In
your 30s, Add
Thyroid: At 35, begin having our thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels tested every five years. Heart: Before age 40, get a baseline electrocardiogram (EKG) and ask your doctor to save an electronic copy for you on disc or online. Even healthy women have unpredictable readouts, and this record can make it easier for a doctor to know when something is amiss later on. Gynecological note: After age 30, if you have no family history of cervical cancer and if your Pap smear results have been normal for at least 3 consecutive years, you can reduce the frequency of the test to every two to three years. |
In Your 60s, Add Ophthalmologist: Shift to annual or bi-annual appointments Heart: By age 60, a woman's risk of heart attack equals a man's. Start having your lipid profile checked annually. Vaccines: Get a one-time pneumococcal vaccine when you turn 65 to prevent pneumonia, and begin annual flu shots. |
With all the talk about epidemic weight problems, we found this in a small company related paper that is good for just about anyone (exerpts from "Solving a Weight Problem: Companies Can Combat the Rising Costs of Obesity in the Workplace," a white paper by Thomas B. Gilliam, Ph.D.)
Five Keys to a Healthy Lifestyle:
| 1. | Long-term time line! It takes about 24 months to lose weight and establish healthful lifestyle habits that allow people to maintain their new bodies. Fad diets and get-thin-quick programs are doomed to fail. |
| 2. | A philosophy centered on small, gradual changes. People cannot transorm their lifestyles overnight. Slow and steady wins the race. |
| 3. | Emphasis on education. When people understand how weight loss works, as opposed to "following orders," they're more likely to buy in and voluntarily make change. Teach it; don't preach it. |
| 4. | A family-centered approach. Today's children are tomorrow's workers -- and today's family insurance policy liabilities. Choose a program that helps them eat right and exercise too. |
| 5. | The Fun Factor. If people don't get to bond with co-workers over recipes, walk together at lunch or engage in some friendly departmental competitions, they're less likely to stick to it. Select a program that makes it fun. |
sharper memory wanted from WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
March 13, 2007 -- Want a sharper memory? Lace up your sneakers. Exercise may boost memory, and a new study shows how.
The researchers found that exercise boosts blood flow to a brain area involved in memory -- even in people who aren't in top shape.
Three months of exercise was all it took for people with low levels of aerobic fitness to increase blood flow to that part of their brain and improve their scores on memory tests, the study shows.
Additional tests on mice show new brain cells growing in the same memory-related brain area after two weeks of exercise.
Add it all up, and you've got a good reason to get moving, says researcher Scott Small, MD, of Columbia University in New York.
"I, like many physicians, already encourage my patients to get active and this adds yet another reason to the long list of reasons why exercise is good for overall health," Small says in a Columbia news release.
Studying Exercise and
Memory
The new study appears in the early online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
First, Small's team put running wheels in the cages of 23 mice. For comparison, another 23 mice had no access to running wheels.
As expected, the mice with the running wheels in their cages took full advantage of their exercise gear. They ran on the wheels without any training or encouragement.
Two weeks later, the scientists gave the mice a dye shot to mark new brain cells in the memory-related brain area. After four more weeks, the scientists checked the mice's brains.
The exercising mice had more evidence of new brain cells and more blood flow in the memory-related brain area. The mice with no running wheels in their cages had no new brain cells and no increased blood flow in that brain area.
From the Couch to the Treadmill
Next, the researchers focused on people. They recruited 11 healthy volunteers aged 21-45 (average age: 33) with below-average levels of aerobic fitness.
First, participants completed memory tests and an aerobic fitness test. They also got brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Next, participants shed their sedentary ways. The researchers assigned them to work out for an hour, four times weekly for three months, at Columbia University's fitness center.
The workout routine: Warm up for five minutes at a low intensity on a stationary bike or treadmill, stretch for five minutes, do 40 minutes of aerobic training (on a stationary bike, treadmill, stair machine, or elliptical trainer), and cool down and stretch for 10 minutes.
Work Out, Boost Memory
After three months of exercise, participants repeated the memory tests, aerobic fitness tests, and MRI brain scan.
Those follow-up tests showed an increase in blood flow to the memory-related brain area, better scores on the memory tests, and improvements in aerobic fitness.
The researchers didn't use a dye test to check for new brain cells in the exercisers' brains. So the study doesn't prove that exercise boosted human brain cell production, though exercise apparently had that effect on mice.
The next step is to figure out what exercise regimen is most beneficial for memory, Small notes. He suggests that doctors may one day be able to prescribe specific types of exercise to improve memory.
Meanwhile, be sure to check in with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you've been physically inactive for a while.
a good night's sleep - 10 tips
Set yourself up to get a good night's sleep.
By Michael Breus, PhD
WebMD Feature (7/10/07)
Want to know how to sleep better? We all have trouble sleeping from time to time. But you can make it easier to get a good night's sleep every night with these simple steps. Here are 10 tips for better
sleep: We all have trouble sleeping from time to time. But you can make it easier to get a good night's sleep every night with these simple steps.
1. Cut caffeine. Simply put, caffeine can keep you awake. It can stay in your body longer than you might think -- up to about 14 hours.
So if you drink a cup of coffee at noon and are still awake at midnight, caffeine might be the reason.
Cutting out caffeine at least four to six hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep easier.
If you have already had too much caffeine, try eating some carbohydrates like bread or crackers to help reduce the effects.
2. Avoid alcohol as a sleep aid. Alcohol may initially help you fall asleep, but it also causes disturbances in sleep resulting in less restful sleep.
3. Relax before bedtime. Stress not only makes you miserable, it wreaks havoc on your sleep.
Develop some kind of pre-sleep ritual to break the connection between all the day's stress and bedtime.
These rituals can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as an hour.
Some people find relief in making a list of all the stressors of the day, along with a plan to deal with them — this can act as "closure" to the day.
Combining this with a period of relaxation — perhaps by reading something light, meditating, aromatherapy, light stretching, or taking a hot bath — can also help you get better sleep. And don't look at the clock!
That "tick-tock" will just tick you off.
4. Exercise at the right time for you. Regular exercise can help you get a good night's sleep.
The timing and intensity of exercise seems to play a key role in its effects on sleep.
If you are the type of person who gets energized or becomes more alert after exercise, it may be best not to exercise in the evening.
Regular exercise in the morning even can help relieve insomnia, according to a recent study.
5. Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable. For many people, even the slightest noise or light can disturb sleep — like the purring of a cat or the light from your laptop or TV. Use earplugs, window blinds or curtains, and an electric blanket or air conditioner — everything possible to create an ideal sleep environment.
And don't use the overhead light if you need to get up at night; use a small night-light instead.
Ideal room temperatures for sleeping are between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 75 or below about 54 can disrupt sleep.
6. Eat right, sleep tight. Try not to go to bed hungry, but avoid heavy meals before bedtime.
An over-full belly can keep you up. Some foods can help, though. Milk contains tryptophan, which is a sleep-promoting substance.
Other foods that help promote sleep include tuna, halibut, pumpkin, artichokes, avocados, almonds, eggs, bok choy, peaches, walnuts, apricots, oats, asparagus, potatoes, buckwheat, and bananas.
Also, try not to drink anything after 8 p.m. This can keep you from having to get up to use the bathroom during the night.
7. Restrict nicotine. Having a smoke before bed -- although it feels relaxing — actually puts a stimulant into your bloodstream.
The effects of nicotine are similar to those of caffeine. Nicotine can keep you up and awaken you at night.
It should be avoided particularly near bedtime and if you wake up in the middle of the night.
8. Avoid napping. Napping can only make matters worse if you usually have problems falling asleep.
If you do nap, keep it short. A brief 15-20-minute snooze about eight hours after you get up in the morning can actually be rejuvenating.
9. Keep pets off the bed. Does your pet sleep with you? This, too, may cause you to awaken during the night, either from allergies or pet movements.
Fido and Fluffy might be better off on the floor than on your sheets.
10. Avoid watching TV, eating, and discussing emotional issues in bed.
The bed should be used for sleep and sex only. If not, you can end up associating the bed with distracting activities that could make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
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