If you want another reason to quit
smoking, here it is. A latest study says
that regular smokers are likely to face
increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The
risk is very much same for those who are
not chain smokers.
Type 2 diabetes is a life-long disease
marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.
Researchers at the University of
Lausanne in the US have found that
smokers had a 44 percent increased risk
of falling prey to the disease compared
with non-smokers, with the risk rising
with the number of cigarettes smoked.
The study found that the increased risk
for those who smoked at least 20
cigarettes a day rose to 61 percent. For
lighter smokers the risk was 29 percent
higher than the risk for a non-smoker,
BBC News online edition reported.
The increased risk of developing
diabetes in former smokers was 23
percent, the scientists said in their
findings reported in the Journal of the
American Medical Association study.
Smoking is already known to cause 87
percent of lung cancer deaths. It is
also responsible for many cancers and
health problems. Smoking is a greater
cause of death and disability than any
single disease.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tomatoes can significantly reduce heart disease....
A new study in Britain suggests that
regular intake of tomatoes can
significantly reduce heart disease.
The scientists also advised people with
high cholesterol to start taking
tomatoes or drink tomato juice to help
reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Tomatoes have long been considered a
healthy food. Researchers in the new
study included 21 volunteers, aged
between 20-49 and with normal
cholesterol levels.
Each volunteer spent three weeks without
consuming tomato products. Then they
spent three weeks taking either 30gm of
tomato puree or drank 400ml of tomato
juice everyday.
During the experiment, researchers took
regular blood samples of the volunteers
to check cholesterol levels and found
that those added a small quantity of
tomato in their breakfast, lunch and
tea, saw their Low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) levels dropped significantly over
a period of three weeks.
The LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol.
High levels of this cholesterol in the
blood can increase the risk of heart
disease.
Researchers at the University of Oulo in
Finland said the cholesterol levels
dropped by six percent and LDL levels by
13 percent in people who added tomatoes
in their meals, the online edition of
the Daily Mail reported.
“The changes we saw can be regarded as
significant, considering that the time
period was only three weeks and all the
volunteers had normal cholesterol levels
to start with,” scientists said in their
findings published in the latest issue
of the British Journal of Nutrition.
Less than five-millimoles of fat per
litre of blood in individuals is
considered healthy. Nearly 70 percent of
people aged over 45 in the study had
high levels of cholesterol.
regular intake of tomatoes can
significantly reduce heart disease.
The scientists also advised people with
high cholesterol to start taking
tomatoes or drink tomato juice to help
reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Tomatoes have long been considered a
healthy food. Researchers in the new
study included 21 volunteers, aged
between 20-49 and with normal
cholesterol levels.
Each volunteer spent three weeks without
consuming tomato products. Then they
spent three weeks taking either 30gm of
tomato puree or drank 400ml of tomato
juice everyday.
During the experiment, researchers took
regular blood samples of the volunteers
to check cholesterol levels and found
that those added a small quantity of
tomato in their breakfast, lunch and
tea, saw their Low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) levels dropped significantly over
a period of three weeks.
The LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol.
High levels of this cholesterol in the
blood can increase the risk of heart
disease.
Researchers at the University of Oulo in
Finland said the cholesterol levels
dropped by six percent and LDL levels by
13 percent in people who added tomatoes
in their meals, the online edition of
the Daily Mail reported.
“The changes we saw can be regarded as
significant, considering that the time
period was only three weeks and all the
volunteers had normal cholesterol levels
to start with,” scientists said in their
findings published in the latest issue
of the British Journal of Nutrition.
Less than five-millimoles of fat per
litre of blood in individuals is
considered healthy. Nearly 70 percent of
people aged over 45 in the study had
high levels of cholesterol.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Chocolate and sex can boost brain
Forget crosswords. If you really want to boost your brain power, eat dark chocolate, consume cold meat and have plenty of sex, if possible every day.
A team of international researchershas carried out a study and found thatwhile dark chocolate and plenty ofcold meat for breakfast boost grey matter, sex keeps the brain fit in later life, the Daily Mail reported.
According to the study, those wishing to improve their mental ability should also avoid smoking cannabis, watching soap operas and hanging out with those who moan.
Instead, cuddling a baby, cheating at homework, reading out loud and doing a business degree can boost their mind power. The theories of the researchers are contained in the book TeachYourself: Training Your Brain.
"What we eat and drink, how we learn at school and what type of moods we have are all crucial. People can make lifestyle choices that will constantly increase our cognitive capacity throughout our adult lives. Mix with people who make you laugh, have a good sense of humour or who share the same interests as you, and avoid people who whinge, whine and complain, as people who are negative will make you depressed," the book's author and one of the researchers, Terry Horne, was quoted as saying.
The book also contains mental exercises and radical thinking on how diet, the environment, stress andother aspects of modern life affect our mental capacity.
The researchers have claimed that sex has a very positive impact, listing seven chemical reactions the brain undergoes during intercourse which actually helps in improving itsfunctioning ability.
The books says that sex raises levels of oxytocin or the 'trust' hormone which increases a person's readiness to think of novel or risky solutions to a problem.
Elements in dark chocolate also proveto be beneficial. Magnesium and antioxidant chemicals increase the supply of oxygen to the brain and reduce the chances of brain damage through a stroke.
Ditching a low-fat diet is also recommended to boost performance
The book suggests a breakfast of eggs, fish or cold meat, a lunch of protein-based foods such as oily fishand dark green vegetables, and carbohydrates for dinner -- but not caffeine, alcohol or red meat.Children should not do homework on their own -- minds function better when working with parents or classmates, according to the researchers.
The book also says that speaking infront of a class helps pupils becauseof the repetition involved. And adults can boost memory by counting a loud to 99 in threes as fast as they can.
The researchers have recommended that readers should seek a concept known as BLISS -- Body-based pleasure,Laughter, Involvement, Satisfaction and Sex -- which all enable the mind to perform well.
A team of international researchershas carried out a study and found thatwhile dark chocolate and plenty ofcold meat for breakfast boost grey matter, sex keeps the brain fit in later life, the Daily Mail reported.
According to the study, those wishing to improve their mental ability should also avoid smoking cannabis, watching soap operas and hanging out with those who moan.
Instead, cuddling a baby, cheating at homework, reading out loud and doing a business degree can boost their mind power. The theories of the researchers are contained in the book TeachYourself: Training Your Brain.
"What we eat and drink, how we learn at school and what type of moods we have are all crucial. People can make lifestyle choices that will constantly increase our cognitive capacity throughout our adult lives. Mix with people who make you laugh, have a good sense of humour or who share the same interests as you, and avoid people who whinge, whine and complain, as people who are negative will make you depressed," the book's author and one of the researchers, Terry Horne, was quoted as saying.
The book also contains mental exercises and radical thinking on how diet, the environment, stress andother aspects of modern life affect our mental capacity.
The researchers have claimed that sex has a very positive impact, listing seven chemical reactions the brain undergoes during intercourse which actually helps in improving itsfunctioning ability.
The books says that sex raises levels of oxytocin or the 'trust' hormone which increases a person's readiness to think of novel or risky solutions to a problem.
Elements in dark chocolate also proveto be beneficial. Magnesium and antioxidant chemicals increase the supply of oxygen to the brain and reduce the chances of brain damage through a stroke.
Ditching a low-fat diet is also recommended to boost performance
The book suggests a breakfast of eggs, fish or cold meat, a lunch of protein-based foods such as oily fishand dark green vegetables, and carbohydrates for dinner -- but not caffeine, alcohol or red meat.Children should not do homework on their own -- minds function better when working with parents or classmates, according to the researchers.
The book also says that speaking infront of a class helps pupils becauseof the repetition involved. And adults can boost memory by counting a loud to 99 in threes as fast as they can.
The researchers have recommended that readers should seek a concept known as BLISS -- Body-based pleasure,Laughter, Involvement, Satisfaction and Sex -- which all enable the mind to perform well.
10 Essential Health Tips .....
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it.Meanwhile, move more.
Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods,burgers and other fatty meats (i.e.pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs andsausage). Dairy products such as cheese,cottage cheese, milk and cream should beeaten in low fat versions. Nuts andsandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine,butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitutebutter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise.
Thought for the day: Lean, mean,fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on thisverdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware.Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soakin a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend;play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut.Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible.
Thoughtfor the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thorough fares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent.
Thought forthe day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add tolongevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for theday: Buckle down and buckle up.
7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing.Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't?
Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men)can help protect against heart disease,more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer.
Thought for the day:A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life.
Thought forthe day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you.
Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
Handphone radiation
This morning I heard a sad real story from my colleague. She told me one of her friend always miscarriage when the baby 2-3 months old for few times continuously in few years time. The couple went to check with many doctors and lastly one of the doctor check on the death baby and found out the baby's body cells keeping die when baby growing up until he/she cannot be survived. This is because her uterus has been affected by HANDPHONE radiation. The doctor told she has nochance to get baby no matter how because the radiation affected her uterus which the major portion of her uterus cells already death, cannot carry healthy baby. All this because of she has been keeping her handphonein her working jacket which theposition just right to the uterus positon for few years time. Please beware and take note the consequencesis not worth.
Dearest family members, please do not overlook the handphone radiation which will affect our health or body organs.Please put away your handphone whenever you don't need it much. Guys,please do not keep your handphone near to the kidney position and pants pocket as this will hurt and affect your "production" if you plan to get baby.
The other doctor also advice another friend to keep away handphone to her new born baby to avoid radiation to baby's brain and cells. Do not let the baby or toddler play with the handphone for long time. Because the small young baby or toddler still very fragile and most probably they cannot take the radiation Please remind yourself do not sleep together with your handphone or put next to your bed. Keep away any other electronic goods (such as tv also) which got radiation away from your bedroom to reduce risk as we have to sleep few hours a day in our bedroom at night.Do not think that you switch off the TV it will be no radiation actually it is still around in your room just not eyes visible.
Even the small alarm clock not to be advised to put just next to your headwhile sleeping. Care about yourself and people that you love.
Dearest family members, please do not overlook the handphone radiation which will affect our health or body organs.Please put away your handphone whenever you don't need it much. Guys,please do not keep your handphone near to the kidney position and pants pocket as this will hurt and affect your "production" if you plan to get baby.
The other doctor also advice another friend to keep away handphone to her new born baby to avoid radiation to baby's brain and cells. Do not let the baby or toddler play with the handphone for long time. Because the small young baby or toddler still very fragile and most probably they cannot take the radiation Please remind yourself do not sleep together with your handphone or put next to your bed. Keep away any other electronic goods (such as tv also) which got radiation away from your bedroom to reduce risk as we have to sleep few hours a day in our bedroom at night.Do not think that you switch off the TV it will be no radiation actually it is still around in your room just not eyes visible.
Even the small alarm clock not to be advised to put just next to your headwhile sleeping. Care about yourself and people that you love.
Singing can cure...........breathing problems
Singing can cure various ailments ranging from breathing problems and depression to memory disorders and nicotine addiction, suggest several researches done across the world
According to a study by scientists atthe Western Ontario University in Canada, singing tones muscles at the back of the throat and this helps long-suffering partners of snorers get a silent night.
“Surgical interventions to treat snoring include removing tissue from the upper throat or toughening it by creating scartissue. Singing offers a harmless,healthy, non-invasive, inexpensive and enjoyable way to restore the throat’stone,” study author Alise Ojay said.
Humming tunes can also help lift depression while singing in a choir canprovide a cure for people with asthmaand other serious breathing problems,reported the online edition of theBritish tabloid The Sun.
Citing the finding of a study by researchers at the University of Western Sydney, the tabloid said singing couldalso soothe desperately ill infants. The scientists found that songs help babies in intensive care cope with their life-saving treatment.
Another study by Canadian scientists found that patients with severe Alzheimer’s, a degenerative memory disorder, were able to recognise songs from their youth and join in.
The Sun report said researchers at Frankfurt University in Germany havefound that singing lowers stress levelswhile American health campaigners have been using songs to help smokers stub out.
Neighbourhood choirs have been formed to promote the benefits of quitting and to encourage a support system where choir members help each other beat their nicotine addiction.
A two-year pilot project cut smokingrates from 34 to 27 percent across three mainly African American neighbourhoods,while smoking rates in comparable areasfell by just one percent over the same period.
According to a study by scientists atthe Western Ontario University in Canada, singing tones muscles at the back of the throat and this helps long-suffering partners of snorers get a silent night.
“Surgical interventions to treat snoring include removing tissue from the upper throat or toughening it by creating scartissue. Singing offers a harmless,healthy, non-invasive, inexpensive and enjoyable way to restore the throat’stone,” study author Alise Ojay said.
Humming tunes can also help lift depression while singing in a choir canprovide a cure for people with asthmaand other serious breathing problems,reported the online edition of theBritish tabloid The Sun.
Citing the finding of a study by researchers at the University of Western Sydney, the tabloid said singing couldalso soothe desperately ill infants. The scientists found that songs help babies in intensive care cope with their life-saving treatment.
Another study by Canadian scientists found that patients with severe Alzheimer’s, a degenerative memory disorder, were able to recognise songs from their youth and join in.
The Sun report said researchers at Frankfurt University in Germany havefound that singing lowers stress levelswhile American health campaigners have been using songs to help smokers stub out.
Neighbourhood choirs have been formed to promote the benefits of quitting and to encourage a support system where choir members help each other beat their nicotine addiction.
A two-year pilot project cut smokingrates from 34 to 27 percent across three mainly African American neighbourhoods,while smoking rates in comparable areasfell by just one percent over the same period.
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the breast tissue. Although the breast is made up of similar tissues in both males and females, breast cancer occurs mostly in females.
Causes
Like other cancers, breast cancer is anuncontrollable growth of breast cells,and is caused due to the mutation ofcertain genes present in your breastcells. This mutation can either begenetically inherited, i.e. it might have come from your parents, or it happened during changes in your body,like aging or due to life in general.Breast Cancer can also occur due to hormonal changes in the body, like during menopause.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast Cancers can be divided into four types based on the location they occur and whether it is a local one or not.
1. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, or DCIS
2. Lobular Carcinoma in situ or LCIS
3. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma or IDC
4. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma or ILC
Breast Cancer normally occurs either inthe milk duct (Ductal), or in thelobules (Lobular) or glands that makemilk. Both can either be ?in situ?,meaning it remains where it started anddoes not spread, or it may be?invasive?, meaning it spreads into the surrounding tissues. Carcinoma is a word used for any cancer that begins in the skins or tissues covering internal organs.
Early Detection
There are no ways to prevent breastcancer. However, breast cancer can be treated effectively if it is detected inan early stage. Self Breast Examinationfor lumps and unusual changes should becarried out each month, preferably atthe same time each month to minimizeeffects of menstruation. A clinicalbreast examination should be done onceevery year from ages 29 - 39, and onceevery year from the age of 40.
Diagnosis
Primary diagnosis is done usingmammography, an x-ray of the breast. Ifbreast cancer is suspected or diagnosed,this is followed by MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET Scans.
Treatment
The main form of treatment used for Breast Cancer is surgery. Depending on the size of the tumour, it can belumpectomy, also known as breastconserving surgery, where only the tumour is removed, or mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed. Both formsof surgery are usually followed by radiotherapy, which is a form of treatment by exposure to radiation, tostop the cancer from spreading. Another major form of treatment is chemotherapy,where treatment is done through various forms of drugs. These drugs interfere with the growth of cancer cells, and thus help curing cancer. Breast cancer can also be treated using hormone therapy, using chemicals to stop activities of certain hormones. Hormonetherapy can only be used if the cancercells are responsive to hormones, and have varied side effects, ranging from vaginal dryness and weak bones to infertility. Even after effective removal of Breast Cancer, patients should be in constant touch with thep hysician to make sure that the cancer does not return.
Causes
Like other cancers, breast cancer is anuncontrollable growth of breast cells,and is caused due to the mutation ofcertain genes present in your breastcells. This mutation can either begenetically inherited, i.e. it might have come from your parents, or it happened during changes in your body,like aging or due to life in general.Breast Cancer can also occur due to hormonal changes in the body, like during menopause.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast Cancers can be divided into four types based on the location they occur and whether it is a local one or not.
1. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, or DCIS
2. Lobular Carcinoma in situ or LCIS
3. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma or IDC
4. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma or ILC
Breast Cancer normally occurs either inthe milk duct (Ductal), or in thelobules (Lobular) or glands that makemilk. Both can either be ?in situ?,meaning it remains where it started anddoes not spread, or it may be?invasive?, meaning it spreads into the surrounding tissues. Carcinoma is a word used for any cancer that begins in the skins or tissues covering internal organs.
Early Detection
There are no ways to prevent breastcancer. However, breast cancer can be treated effectively if it is detected inan early stage. Self Breast Examinationfor lumps and unusual changes should becarried out each month, preferably atthe same time each month to minimizeeffects of menstruation. A clinicalbreast examination should be done onceevery year from ages 29 - 39, and onceevery year from the age of 40.
Diagnosis
Primary diagnosis is done usingmammography, an x-ray of the breast. Ifbreast cancer is suspected or diagnosed,this is followed by MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET Scans.
Treatment
The main form of treatment used for Breast Cancer is surgery. Depending on the size of the tumour, it can belumpectomy, also known as breastconserving surgery, where only the tumour is removed, or mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed. Both formsof surgery are usually followed by radiotherapy, which is a form of treatment by exposure to radiation, tostop the cancer from spreading. Another major form of treatment is chemotherapy,where treatment is done through various forms of drugs. These drugs interfere with the growth of cancer cells, and thus help curing cancer. Breast cancer can also be treated using hormone therapy, using chemicals to stop activities of certain hormones. Hormonetherapy can only be used if the cancercells are responsive to hormones, and have varied side effects, ranging from vaginal dryness and weak bones to infertility. Even after effective removal of Breast Cancer, patients should be in constant touch with thep hysician to make sure that the cancer does not return.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
