TODAYS MOST READ HEALTH NEWS

Shopping For Weight Loss A List To Live For

2009-11-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Weight loss starts with shopping. Taking control of what you eat begins with taking control of what you buy.

Every time you toss a low-calorie food into the cart, you're taking responsibility for losing weight—even before you sit down to a meal.

There's a very simple formula for low-calorie eating: Stock up on low-calorie staples. These are the basic packaged, canned, and frozen ingredients that you'll reach for to create tasty, healthful, low-calorie meals anytime.

Let's Go Shopping
Today's supermarkets are filled with choices for the weight conscious. Here are some of the lowest-calorie choices.

Cereals

Cheerios: a whole grain cereal with 110 calories and 3 g fiber per cup

Kellogg's All-Bran with Extra Fiber: 50 calories and 15 g fiber per 1/2 cup

Original Shredded Wheat: 80 calories and 2.5 g fiber per biscuit

Fiber One: 60 calories and 14 g fiber per 1/2 cup

Wheaties: 110 calories and 2 g fiber per cup

Whole Grain Total: 110 calories and 3 g fiber per 3/4 cup

Spreads

Peanut butter

Low-sugar or sugar-free jams and jellies with 10 to 40 calories per tablespoon

Breads

Light breads with 40 to 45 calories per slice: oatmeal, premium white, wheat, rye, multigrain, sourdough, Italian

Whole grain regular breads or rolls

Rice and Pasta

Whole wheat/whole grain pastas: Hodgson Mill, Ancient Harvest

Brown rice

Whole wheat couscous

Pearled or hulled barley

Other whole grains: quinoa, whole grain cornmeal, kasha, bulgur, millet

Frozen Meals

Low-calorie frozen breakfast foods such as those from Kellogg's, Aunt Jemima, and Pillsbury—and a special mention for the low-calorie, whole grain offerings from Van's

Low-calorie, vegetable-focused frozen meals in the 150- to 350-calories-per-package range, especially the Amy's brand

Beans

All beans, dried or canned

Health Valley canned bean/chili combinations

Low-fat or fat-free refried beans

Snacks

Make it a point to eat starchy, crunchy snacks only in conjunction with a food from the Anytime List. For example, have fruit with popcorn or soup with crackers. Fill up on the former, and go easy on the starchy snack.

Protein Foods

Legumes: beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas

Soy products: bean curd/tofu, meat-replacement products by Boca, Gardenburger, Yves, and Lightlife

Seafood: fresh (do not fry!), smoked, canned, frozen

Note: Calorie counts in this story may vary depending on the brand of products used. Remember to check the labels.

STOP RESTLESS LEG SYNDROM GET THE FACTS

2009-06-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) does not refer to a desire to travel to far-off places. Rather, RLS is a rather common condition characterized by discomfort, usually below the knees and in both legs, that occurs only when a person is at rest. Symptoms are rapidly but only temporarily relieved by movement.

The cause of RLS is unknown, but sufferers often have a family history of the disorder and researchers have identified a few genes associated with RLS. Several studies have suggested that RLS is associated with iron deficiency, and some reports describe relief of symptoms when a deficiency is corrected by taking iron pills.

If your RLS-like symptoms are keeping you (or your spouse) awake at night, it would be worth a trip to your doctor even though there is no way to make the diagnosis and no surefire treatment. A blood test might show iron deficiency and make a trial of iron pills worthwhile. And since RLS comes on during situations that make a person sleepy—inactivity, sitting still, boredom—doing some "alerting activities" that wake up the mind can sometimes temporarily alleviate your symptoms at these times. Alerting activities include playing video or card games, doing crossword puzzles or needlework, or even reading a gripping novel. On the other hand, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can all aggravate symptoms, and should be avoided.

If none of these measures work, your doctor might prescribe one of a number of different medications that have shown variable success in relieving RLS symptoms. The problem is not only that these drugs might fail to lessen symptoms but also that their cost and possible side effects might be prohibitive. And, in the absence of a sure way to make the diagnosis, there's always the possibility that you may not even have RLS.

LOSE WEIGHT ALL NATURAL TIPS TRICKS AND FACTS

2009-06-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

A healthy weight can be maintained when the body is working optimally, stress is low, and spirits are peaceful and content. It is when the body is out of balance that digestive weaknesses arise, your metabolism shifts, and adipose tissue (fat cells) accumulates

Here is what you can do to achieve a healthy weight:

1. First of all, avoid any fad diets and fast-acting solutions that guarantee incredible weight loss while you watch television and eat deserts.

2. Focus on being fit rather than being thin. Aiming to be thin often means restricted eating, over-exercising, and anxious obsessing about weight - there is nothing healthy about this mindset.

3. Eat five small meals per day. Find a small bowl the size of your two palms when they are placed next to each other - this should be the size of each meal. Eating throughout the day keeps you from becoming famished and overeating at your next meal.

4. Your last meal of the day should be no later than 7 p.m.

5. Eliminate candy, sugar, and soda from your diet. Instead of candy, chew on some fresh peppermint leaves or cinnamon sticks. Use honey sparingly as a replacement for sugar.

6. Eat more complex carbohydrates and ample quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep dairy to a minimum because most dairy products are high in saturated fat, which is not healthy for your cardiovascular system when consumed in larger amounts. Opt for the lower fat dairy products such as low-fat or non-fat milks, cheeses, and yogurt. Avoid fatty foods, processed or fried foods.

7. Drink plenty of water - at least 60 ounces a day. It is especially beneficial to drink plain hot water, as if you are drinking tea without the tea or sugar. Also, drink a tea made from boiling a lemon (with the peel).

8. Eat soup at least once a day. A low-salt nutritious soup rehydrates the body while also nourishing and flushing waste from the body. It has been found that people who eat one or more soups each day lose more weight than those who eat the same number of calories but don't eat soup. (Seek out homemade soup, because canned soups are filled with salt and chemicals.)

9. A 30-minute daily walk can do wonders for your metabolism. Try taking a walk 30 minutes in the morning or 30 minutes in the evening, two hours before bed. For toning you might replace one of the walks with some stretching activities such as tai chi or a mild form of yoga.

Cut the Fat with L-carnitine
L-carnitine, an amino acid produced in your liver, helps regulate fat metabolism and promotes fat loss making it essential in any weight loss program. L-carnitine also helps reduce triglycerides and increase good cholesterol, thereby protecting the heart. Rich sources of L-carnitine include meats, fish, poultry, wheat, avocado, milk, and fermented soybeans.

DRUGS THAT KILL THE SWINE FLU

2009-05-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Scientists are exploring the possibility that drugs that affect the immune system might one day serve as potent weapons to fight the flu, even the swine flu that's currently circulating around the globe.

The concept has worked with a group of lab mice that were treated with the rheumatoid arthritis drug abatacept (Orencia) after being given a lethal dose of influenza A virus, researchers report.

The mice were also loaded up with "memory" T-cells -- white blood cells that were programmed to react to this strain of flu.

Eighty percent of the treated mice lived, compared to only 50 percent of those left untreated, said Donna Farber, senior author of a paper published in the June 1 issue of The Journal of Immunology.

Basically, the drug enabled infection-fighting "memory" T cells to fight off the initial infection, but prevented them from overactivating the immune system, a process that can cause worse illness and even death.

The findings could have implications not only for the seasonal flu, which reappears with regularity each year, but for surprise outbreaks such as the swine flu.

SUMMER DRESSES FOR THE PROM

2009-05-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Strapless square neckline
Glittering empire waist
Flared A-line shape; mid-thigh length
Delicate tiers of tullle
BUY THIS PROM DRESS GREAT DRESS FOR THE SUMMER

LOSING WEIGHT WITH HIGH PROTEIN DIETS

2009-05-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

There is evidence that protein can help people lose weight and gain muscle mass, and research shows that replacement of carbohydrates with protein may also lower triglyceride (fat in the blood) levels. A recent article in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association about the relationship between high-protein diets and weight loss cites several studies, some with promising results.

In one study, greater consumption of protein led to greater losses of both weight and fat compared with a high-carbohydrate, lower-protein diet. These increased reductions of weight and fat were probably due to the lower intake of calories and the increased feeling of fullness (satiety) that come with increased protein intake.

And women in these studies who had insulin resistance or diabetes had significantly greater losses of both weight and abdominal fat compared with other women with the same conditions who were on a high-carbohydrate, lower-protein regimen.
Try these tips to ensure that the protein you consume is lean:

-Use fat-free or low-fat Greek yogurt as a dressing for salads or add this yogurt to a fruit shake made with skim or 1-percent milk, berries, and a little no-calorie sweetener.

-Replace regular burgers with veggie burgers. (Morningstar Farms® Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burgers are terrific.)

-Use low-fat cheeses such as Laughing Cow, Cabot 75% Fat-Reduced Cheddar, Jarlsberg Lite, Alpine Lace, and Veggie Slices Soy Cheese.

-Use hummus (made from chick peas) as a salad dressing or in place of tuna salad. Hummus is downright delicious and, ounce for ounce, provides more protein without all the fat and calories of mayo

RAW FOOD DIETS THERE EASY TO START WHY THEY WORK

2009-05-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking about adopting a healthier diet than the one you're eating now, you may have thought about starting a raw food diet. Maybe you're eating the standard American cooked food diet or maybe it's a fairly healthy diet but you'd like to eat even healthier. Maybe the hard part is knowing just how to start a raw food diet or what to eat. In any case you'll be healthier by incorporating more living or raw foods into your diet.

One of the best ways to start out is just by slowly adding fruits and vegetables to your current diet. You can add three or four fruits to your breakfast meal and/or have an all-fruit smoothie. Your smoothie can be an all fresh fruit combination of fresh and frozen. Although fresh is best. You can use 2 bananas for a base and add to it. For lunch you can have a small salad or cole slaw and more fruit along with what you would normally have.

In any case you want to eat all your raw food first so you don't leave much room for other foods that are cooked. The raw food will be better for you. You'll find you start craving certain fruits and vegetables after eating them for awhile.

For dinner you can have a huge, I mean enormous salad. Use red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, romaine, spring mix or spinach leaves as a base then add a cut up tomato and avocado and any other vegetables you like. Eat this first before any of your dinner food. This is my main course at dinner time. I usually don't have room for much else and if I do I still only have raw fruit or other raw foods.

For snacks in between meals you can have any kind of fruit, fruit smoothies, green smoothies, green juice or carrot juice, raw nuts or raw desserts of which there are many you can make easily.

Of course these are just a few ideas. There are lots of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds to choose from and hundreds of raw food recipes you can make.

The most important thing is to just start. It does not have to be complicated and you don't have to follow a raw food diet plan or program. There is no right or wrong way. There are dozens of way to eat a vegan, raw food diet.

There is nothing to buy except the food you want to eat, no supplements to take. Just good healthy food that provides hundreds of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients all ready to go to work boosting your immune system to fight off anything that might come along. It's a natural detox diet and natural colon cleanse too. No need to buy expensive colon cleanses. I've been eating a 100% raw food diet for many years. I cured my breast cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and all my other ailments.

CHRONIC PAIN CURES WHAT WORKS WHAT WONT

2009-05-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

If you're suffering with chronic pain or an acute pain episode from time to time you may have seen your doctor to try to get some pain relief. You may have found that your doctor was not trained in pain management. Others may have found that their doctors weren't sure about what treatment they could give them that would stop, diminish, control or get rid of their pain.

Your pain may be in your back, lower back, chest, abdomen, leg, shoulder, stomach, knee, hip, foot, head, arm or ribs. It could be nerve, muscle or joint pain or any combination of any of these or another area of pain. It may or may not be part of a disease or condition or due to a traumatic injury.

In any case there are certain approaches for chronic pain that are used among western doctors and traditional medicine and then there are approaches that are used by naturopathic doctors.

In any case you may find your doctor not sure whether or not to give you a prescription for opioids - which are medicines or drugs such as morphine, Percocet and Vicodin. The doctor may have some reluctance to do this and many want to seek more natural and less invasive methods.

But if the pain is severe they may feel obligated to stop it or try to stop it even knowing the possible consequence - the consequence being physical dependence, outright painkiller addiction or adverse reaction and possible side effects. Drugs just mask the symptoms to a degree but don't do any healing, another downside.

If you're seeking a naturopath they may want to try alternative medicine methods for pain such as herbal remedies and acupuncture. Acupuncture is being used much more often these days for acute pain and chronic pain but may require repeated and possibly expensive treatments to stop or control pain if at all.

Most conventional doctors are family practitioners and not able to keep up with current pain management techniques. They come to rely on painkillers and other drugs to stop chronic pain in their patients.

Even some studies that have been done have been stopped midstream, because the patients in the study were experiencing too much pain to continue. Herbal remedies and supplements have not been adequately tested for the long term to determine if they will work. This is ironic because better pain management may be why alternative medicine is often tried.

Unfortunately there is no good answer and it's up to the chronic pain patient to find their best pain management treatment. This may require visiting several doctors and related health professionals, often assembling together a team of acute or chronic pain management professionals. However although doctors are still struggling with the best pain management there are still many natural treatments you can do yourself to get the best chronic pain treatment and relief.

SWINE FLU PREVENTION IT'S JUST THIS EASY

2009-05-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hand-washing is a simple and effective way to help prevent diseases, such as colds, swine flu, and food poisoning. The swine Flue is real proper hand washing can keep you safe and healthy prevent swine flu with theese easy steps.

Washing hands:

Often, especially during cold and flu (influenza) season, can reduce your risk of catching or spreading a cold or the flu.

Before and after preparing or serving food reduces your risk of catching or spreading bacteria that cause food poisoning. Be especially careful to wash before and after preparing poultry, raw eggs, meat, or seafood.

After going to the bathroom or changing diapers reduces your risk of catching or spreading infectious diseases such as salmonella or hepatitis A.

Wash your hands after:

Touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed parts of your arms.

Using the bathroom.

Coughing, sneezing, or using a handkerchief or disposable tissue.

Eating, drinking, or using tobacco (for example, smoking).

Handling soiled kitchen utensils or equipment.

Handling other soiled or contaminated utensils or equipment.

Handling or preparing foods, especially after touching raw meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, or eggs.

Changing diapers, handling garbage, using the phone, shaking hands, or playing with pets.

Proper hand-washing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps for handwashing:

Wash your hands with hot running water and soap. Children should use warm running water.

Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds.

Pay special attention to your wrists, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.

Leave the water running while you dry your hands on a paper towel.

Use the paper towel as a barrier between the faucet and your clean hands when you turn off the water.

If soap and water are not available, use gel hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand wipes containing 60% to 90% ethyl alcohol or isopropanol. Most supermarkets and drugstores carry these products. Carry one or both with you when you travel, and keep them in your car or purse.

If using the gel sanitizer, rub your hands until the gel is dry. You don't need to use water. The alcohol in the gel kills the germs on your hands.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms What All Women Need to Read

2009-05-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

Since abnormal cervical cell changes rarely cause symptoms, it is important to have regular Pap test screening. If cervical cell changes progress to cervical cancer, symptoms may develop.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

1.Abnormal vaginal bleeding or a significant unexplained change in your menstrual cycle.

2.Bleeding when something comes in contact with the cervix, such as during sexual intercourse or when you insert a diaphragm.

3.Pain during sexual intercourse.

4.Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood.

5.Symptoms that may occur when your cervical cancer has progressed include:

6.Anemia because of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

7.Ongoing pelvic, leg, or back pain.

Urinary problems because of blockage of a kidney or ureter.

8.Leakage of urine or fecal content into the vagina because an abnormal opening (fistula) has developed between the vagina and the bladder or rectum.

9.Weight loss.

What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer can often be cured when it’s found early. It is usually found at a very early stage through a Pap test.

What causes cervical cancer?
Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. You can get HPV by having sexual contact with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms.

You can have HPV for years and not know it. It stays in your body and can lead to cervical cancer years after you were infected. This is why it is important for you to have regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. If you treat these cell changes, you may prevent cervical cancer.

The Healthiest Restaurants In The World Yep McDonalds Made The List

2009-05-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Eating out invariably raises a number of tricky questions: sit-down or drive-thru? Burgers or pizza? Thin or stuffed crust? Choosing one over the other could mean saving hundreds of calories in a single meal, and up to 50 pounds of flab in the course of a year and countless health woes over the course of a lifetime. That’s why Eat This, Not That! launched an investigation and put 66 major chain restaurants under the nutritional microscope—so that you and your family can continue to eat out, but do so knowing the types of insider tips and savvy strategies that can help melt fat all year long. And the good news is that many fan favorites scored top marks!

To separate the commendable from the deplorable, we calculated the total number of calories per entrée. This gave us a snapshot of how each restaurant compared in average serving size—a key indicator of unhealthy portion distortion. Then we rewarded establishments with fruit and vegetable side-dish choices, as well as for providing whole-grain options. Finally, we penalized places for excessive amounts of trans fats and menus laden with gut-busting desserts. What we ended up with is the Eat This, Not That! Restaurant Report Card, which will show you how all of the nation’s largest eating establishments stack up nutritionally.

Check out those restaurants that scored a B+ or higher:

A-
Chick-fil-A
Between the breakfast and lunch menus, there are only two entrées at Chick-Fil-A that break 500 calories, a rare feat in the fast-food world. What this means is that you can't possibly do too much harm—especially if you stick to the chicken. And unlike the typical fast-food chain, Chick-Fil-A offers a list of sides that goes beyond breaded and fried potatoes and onions. (Just beware the large cole slaw, which adds an extra 600 calories to your daily intake!) That's why we dub the Atlanta-based chicken shack one of our all-time favorite fast-food restaurants.

Also, be sure to check out our exclusive list of the best and worst restaurants for kids to find out why Chick-fil-A receives an even higher grade when it comes to kids’ meals.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: The worst thing you can do is supplement your meal with a milkshake—not a single cup has fewer than 600 calories. And instead of nuggets or strips, look to the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwiches, which average only 320 calories apiece.

A-
Subway
A menu based on lean protein and vegetables is always going to score well in our book. With more than half a dozen sandwiches under 300 calories, plus a slew of soups and healthy sides to boot, Subway can satisfy even the pickiest eater without breaking the caloric bank. But, despite what Jared may want you to believe, Subway is not nutritionally infallible: Those rosy calorie counts posted on the menu boards include neither cheese nor mayo (add 160 calories per 6-inch sub), and some of the toasted subs, like the Meatball Marinara, contain hefty doses of calories, saturated fat, and sodium.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: Cornell researchers have discovered a “health halo” at Subway, which refers to the tendency to reward yourself or your kid with chips, cookies, and large soft drinks because the entrée is healthy. Avoid the halo, and all will be well.

A-
Jamba Juice
Jamba offers a viable and tasty solution to the dearth of fresh fruits and vegetables in the American diet: Stick it all in a blender and let us slurp it up. But make this your rule: If it includes syrup or added sugar, it ceases to be a smoothie. Jamba Juice makes plenty of real-deal smoothies, but their menu is sullied with more than a few faux-fruit blends. Just make sure you choose the right one.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: For a perfectly guilt-free treat, opt for a Jamba Light or All Fruit Smoothie in a 16-ounce cup.

And unless you're looking to put on weight for your new acting career, don't touch the Peanut Butter Moo'd. On the list of the 20 Unhealthiest Drinks in America, it sits worryingly close to the top.

A-
Au Bon Pain
Sure the menu has its pitfalls, but what menu doesn't? The bottom line is that Au Bon Pain combines an extensive inventory of healthy items with an unrivaled standard of nutritional transparency. Each store has an on-site nutritional kiosk to help customers find a meal to meet their expectations, and the variety of ordering options provides dozens of paths to a sensible meal.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: Most of the café sandwiches are in the 650-calorie range, so make a lean meal instead by combining a hot soup with one of the many low-calorie options on the Portions menu. And if you must indulge, eschew the baked goods in favor of a cup of fruit and yogurt, or serving of chocolate-covered almonds.

B+
Boston Market
With more than a dozen healthy vegetable sides and lean meats like turkey and roast sirloin on the menu, the low-cal, high-nutrient possibilities at Boston Market are endless. But with nearly a dozen calorie-packed sides and fatty meats like dark meat chicken and meat loaf, it’s almost as easy to construct a lousy meal.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: There are three simple steps to nutritional salvation: 1) Start with turkey, sirloin, or rotisserie chicken. 2) Add two noncreamy, nonstarchy vegetable sides. 3) Ignore all special items, such as pot pie and nearly all of the sandwiches.

B+
Cici’s Pizza Buffet
Cici's began in Texas in 1985 and now boasts more than 600 locations, proving definitively that Americans love a good buffet. The good news for our waistlines is that the crust is moderately sized, and the pizza comes in varieties beyond simple sausage and pepperoni. But if you check your willpower at the door, you're probably better off skipping the pizza buffet entirely.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: It takes 20 minutes for your brain to tell your body it's full, so start with a salad and then proceed slowly to the pizza. Limit yourself to the healthier slices like the Zesty Vegetable, Alfredo, and the Olé, which is a Mexican-inspired pie with only 108 calories per slice.

B+
McDonald’s
The world-famous burger baron has come a long way since the days of Fast Food Nation—at least nutritionally speaking. The trans fats are mostly gone, the number of gut-wrecking calorie bombs are now fewer than ever, and the menu holds plenty of healthy options such as salads and yogurt parfaits. Don't cut loose at the counter just yet, though. Too many of the breakfast and lunch sandwiches still top the 500-calorie mark, and the dessert menu is fodder for some major belly-building.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: The Egg McMuffin remains one of the best ways to start your day in the fast-food world—feel free to use it as a replacement option for any of these eight worst fast food breakfasts in America!

As for the later hours, you can splurge on a Big Mac or a Quarter Pounder, but only if you skip the fries and soda, which add an average of 590 calories onto any meal.

B+
Taco Bell
Taco Bell combines two things with bad nutritional reputations: Mexican food and fast food. The result should be horrendous, yet somehow it works out so that a little prudence at the ordering window can bag you a meal with fewer than 500 calories. The potential for belly-building is still there, but the calorie bombs are generally easy to spot. And to limit the chances of a mistake, Taco Bell reengineered some of its classic items and listed them under the Fresco Menu for a savings of up to 10 grams of fat per item.

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: Grilled Stuft Burritos, anything served in a bowl, and anything prepared with multiple "layers" are your worst options. Instead, order any combination of two of the following: crunchy tacos, bean burritos, or anything on the Fresco menu.

B+
Wendy’s
Scoring a decent meal at Wendy's is just about as easy as scoring a bad one, and that's a big compliment for a burger joint. Options such as chili and baked potatoes offer the side-order variety that's missing from less-evolved fast-food chains like Dairy Queen and Carl's Jr. Plus they offer a handful of Jr. Burgers that don't stray far over 300 calories. And for our money, the ¼-lb single is one of the best substantial burgers in the industry. Where they err is in their recently expanded line of desserts and a lackluster selection of beverages. But you're happy just drinking water, right?

SURVIVAL STRATEGY: The grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps don't have more than 320 calories, which is less than even a small order of French fries. Choose the chicken or a small burger and pair it with a healthy side, and then hit the door before you receive the 500-calorie penalty for giving in to your Frosty hankering.

BAYERS HEART SURGERY MEDICATION LEAD TO LAWSUITS

2009-05-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Trasylol Lawsuit
Trasylol doubles the risk of renal failure and stroke and also increases the risk of heart failure or heart attack by 55%

Trasylol is a drug approved by the FDA for use in 1993 to control bleeding in patients undergoing open heart surgery and to reduce the need for blood transfusions. The drug works by blocking enzymes that dissolve blood clots. A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine in January 2006 shows that Trasylol (aprotinin) increases the risk of kidney failure following heart surgery by more than 2.5 times (259%). The study also shows that cheaper alternatives to Trasylol are as effective in limiting blood loss but do not increase the risk of kidney damage.

Many people who were given Trasylol do not know they received it, and medical records need to be reviewed to find out if it was administered.

The manufacturer of the drug, Bayer AG based in Leverkusen, Germany, and its U.S. subsidiary with offices in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, insist that the study in the New England Journal is flawed, and that the drug is safe.

If you or a loved has suffered from kidney failure (renal failure), heart attack, brain damage, now on dialysis, or even death following open heart surgery, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our service today to get in touch with experienced Trasylol attorneys to discuss your case. A Trasylol attorney has the resources and knowledge necessary to help you protect and maximize your legal rights

SWINE FLU ALL THE FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

2009-04-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

The outbreak of a new form of swine flu has prompted the United States and the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency. President Obama has called the emergency a "precautionary tool," since so far the outbreak has had only limited impact in the United States. But public health officials are scrambling to determine the extent of the outbreak.

This outbreak could peter out, like a 1976 swine flu outbreak did. Or the virus could spread easily from one person to the next, sparking a pandemic in which millions of people are infected. Richard Besser, the acting CDC director, says it's too early to say if we'll see more severe disease here in the United States. "Viruses are unpredictable and variable over time," he said yesterday. "What we say and what we learn will change."

Here's the rundown on what we know so far, as well as the options for avoiding swine flu and for treating it if you get it.

How is swine flu different than seasonal influenza and bird flu?
This is a new flu bug that includes genetic segments from human, swine, and avian flu viruses. It is an influenza A H1N1 strain, named for two proteins in the bug's protein coat. H1N1 viruses often circulate without causing major outbreaks. But since this flu virus is new, people might not have immunity to it. That's why the global public health system is on alert. No one knows where this outbreak might lead.

What symptoms would tell me I have swine flu?
Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu, according to the CDC. Those include:

-Fever
-Lethargy
-Lack of appetite
-Coughing

Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How can I tell if someone sitting next to me has swine flu?
You can't. If someone is showing the symptoms described above, it couldn't hurt to keep your distance. Jeff Duchin, chief of the communicable disease section at Public Health Seattle, says it's best to say 6 feet away from someone who has the flu because the virus spreads in droplets when people talk, cough, or sneeze. Of course, your neighbor might just have a stuffy nose caused by a mild cold or seasonal allergies.

Should I be wearing a face mask, like they're wearing in Mexico?
Not unless you're taking care of a person who's sick with swine flu or are sick yourself. Wearing masks is a popular reaction to respiratory outbreaks in parts of the world, but it's not a step that the U.S. government has recommended for the current outbreak. The CDC has an online guide to using masks and respirators to prevent flu transmission.

Is there a vaccine available for this new swine flu?
No. Developing and producing a vaccine matched to this flu virus will take several months. Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said yesterday that a swine flu vaccine could be added to the seasonal flu vaccine now being produced for next fall, either as a replacement for one of the three strains in that vaccine or as an addition that makes it a four-strain vaccine.

What's the best way to avoid getting exposed to the swine flu virus?
For now, avoid people who are coughing or sick. The CDC also recommends hand washing to reduce the risk of flu. Though frequent hand washing hasn't specifically been proved to protect against swine flu, it does reduce the risk of respiratory infections generally.

What other things can I do to get my family prepared?
It never hurts to think about what you would do if swine flu hits your community hard, the CDC's Besser says. That may mean that schools would be closed, as has been done in Mexico. The federal government's pandemic flu website has suggestions on getting ready at home and at work. One example: Do you have enough food in the house to feed your family if you had to stay home for a week? You can also check with your employer to make sure the company has a plan in case of a flu pandemic. And you can prepare yourself for the possibility you'd have to work from home for a while.

Is it dangerous to eat pork?
No. This flu virus is spread from person to person by touching surfaces infected with the virus or by inhaling viruses from someone coughing. You can't get swine flu from eating pork.

What should I do if I or someone in my family is sick?
"Calling the doctor is never the wrong thing to do," says Mark Metursky, a professor of medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and immediate past chair of the chest infection network for the American College of Chest Physicians. You'll know you have the flu and not just a cold if you've got a fever of 102 or more, a headache, and muscle aches.

"If you have a respiratory infection with fever, don't go to work or school," says Duchin. To minimize the risk of infecting others, avoid traveling by air and taking public transportation if you have the flu.

People aren't at risk of swine flu for now, Metursky says, unless they have traveled to Mexico of are exposed to someone who has.

What medications work against swine flu?
Laboratory tests suggest this swine flu is susceptible to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir). To be effective, these drugs need to be taken as soon as possible after a person has flu symptoms. "The sooner you talk to your doctor the better," Metursky says. The CDC has new recommendations for using antivirals to treat swine flu; people who are sick and have recently been to Mexico or who have been exposed to people with swine flu should speak with a doctor about whether to take an antiviral medication.

Should I stockpile Tamiflu?
The federal government doesn't recommend that people stockpile Tamiflu at home, saying it should be saved for people who are sick with influenza now. But many public health scientists have set aside some Tamiflu for themselves in the past few years because of concern about the possibility of a pandemic caused by bird flu. It's your call.

I'm not sick. Should I avoid traveling?
This might not be the wisest time to vacation in Cancun, but travel hasn't been banned by the CDC and WHO, so it's up to you. Airlines will let passengers to certain destinations re-book their trips at no cost. Check the CDC or WHO website before traveling, because the advisories could change at any time.

Why has the swine flu been deadly in Mexico but not in the U.S.?
No one knows for sure. It could be that Americans who've gotten infected had better, faster access to health care. Or it could be that the U.S. is just at an earlier stage in the outbreak, Duchin says. If that's the case, U.S. deaths could occur as the outbreak matures.

Where do I look for more news on swine flu?
The CDC's new swine flu website is a good place to start, for information both on the state of the outbreak and on how to keep your family healthy. Other good options:

-The World Health Organization is tracking swine flu cases worldwide.

-The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy is following swine flu, bird flu, and the possibility of a flu pandemic.

-The Infectious Diseases Society of America gears its swine flu news to doctors, but that information on treatment and avoidance is useful for individuals, too.

-The federal government's pandemic flu website provides a broad range of information on preparing for a pandemic.

WHAT CAUSES DIABETES IN CHILDREN ALL THE FACTS

2009-04-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not known.

But experts believe the disease develops in children the same way it does in adults: the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, or it cannot correctly use the insulin available (insulin resistance). Either or both of these conditions lead to excess sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells do not correctly use insulin, which helps control the amount of glucose in the blood. The body then needs more insulin to control blood sugar levels. The pancreas produces more insulin to try to keep blood sugar levels normal. If it cannot produce enough insulin, blood sugar rises, and diabetes may develop.

Factors that affect the body's resistance to insulin in childhood include:

Developmental stage. Insulin resistance normally increases about 30% during puberty, probably because of the effects of growth hormone.

Being female. Girls seem to develop more resistance to insulin than boys.

Race. The body's resistance to insulin is about 30% higher in African-American teens than in white teens.

Body composition. Insulin resistance increases as the amount of fat around the waist increases.

Activity. Exercise may improve how the body's cells use insulin and get the sugar they need.

Too little insulin

Normally, the pancreas produces more insulin than usual during puberty to support the rapid growth of the child. If the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet its needs, diabetes develops. Over time, the pancreas may produce less and less insulin, making the diabetes worse.

INJECTIONS FOR BACK PAIN WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

2009-04-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Trigger point injections Sometimes, putting pressure on a certain spot in the back can cause pain at that spot or extending to another area of the body, such as the hip or leg. To relieve pain, a local anesthetic, either alone or combined with a corticosteroid, may be injected into the area of the back that triggers pain (trigger point injection).

Facet joint injections A local anesthetic or corticosteroid is injected into a facet joint, which is one of the points where one vertebra connects to another.

Epidural injections A corticosteroid is injected into the spinal canal where it bathes the sheath that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots.

These injections can be done by an orthopedist, an anesthesiologist, a neurologist, a physiatrist, a pain management specialist, or a rheumatologist.

How It Works
Local anesthesia is believed to break the cycle of pain that can cause you to become less physically active. Muscles that are not being exercised are more easily injured, so the irritated and injured muscles can cause more pain and spasm and can disrupt sleep. This pain, spasm, and fatigue, in turn, can lead to less and less activity.

Steroids reduce inflammation, so a corticosteroid injected into the spinal canal can help relieve pressure on nerves and nerve roots.

Why It Is Used
Injections may be appropriate if you have symptoms of nerve root compression or facet inflammation and you do not respond to nonsurgical therapy after 6 weeks.

How Well It Works
Trigger point injections
Research has not demonstrated that local injections are effective in controlling chronic low back pain.

Facet joint injections
When used to treat chronic low back pain, facet joint injection of a corticosteroid is no more effective than a placebo injection and may even be harmful.1

Epidural steroid injections
Evidence supporting epidural steroid injection is mixed. Research does not demonstrate a clear benefit.But some people seem to get short-term relief, especially from pain that spreads down the leg.

Side Effects
Trigger point injections
Possible side effects include nerve or other tissue damage, infection, or excessive bleeding.

Facet joint injections
Possible side effects include pain at the injection site, infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, or spinal cord inflammation.

Epidural steroid injections
Rare possible side effects include headache, fever, spinal cord inflammation, or infection.

What To Think About
These injections can be painful.

Most orthopedists and rheumatologists advise against repeated injections of corticosteroids directly into joints, including joints of the spine, because degeneration or damage to joint cartilage may occur.

CAN BROCCOLI CURE CANCER? SOME THINK SO

2009-04-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

Eating 2.5 ounces a day of broccoli sprouts appeared to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and probably stomach cancer including cancer of the esophagus, bladder, skin and lung, among others. The evidence is all pointing toward broccoli or broccoli sprouts being able to prevent cancer in humans. Broccoli contains sulforaphane,A study in Japan included 48 people infected with H. pylori Half ate 70 grams a day of broccoli sprouts, and the others ate alfalfa sprouts, which do not contain sulforaphane. After eight weeks, tests showed significantly lower levels of H. pylori infection in those who ate broccoli sprouts, with no reduction among the alfalfa sprout eaters.

IS IT SAFE TO EAT PEANUT BUTTER YET?

2009-03-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

The popularity of peanut butter is spreading once again, but some people say they're not ready to partake just yet.

The salmonella outbreak related to peanut butter products earlier this year shook up
the peanut butter industry and consumers, but health officials say the peanut butter in jars in stores are once again safe to eat.

"I'd eat peanut butter right now because it never affected jars. The products linked to the salmonella outbreak have been removed from store shelves," said Kathy Lynn,a once Jiffy fan .

In January, 125 products containing peanut butter and peanut paste from a Georgia plant were recalled because of salmonella contamination.

The salmonella outbreak sickened more than 600 people and contributed to at least nine deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many stores around the nation took peanut butter and products made with peanut butter off their shelves, but name-brand peanut butter and some related products have made their way back.

"Maybe I'll eat peanut butter again in the future, but right now, eating it is a big no-no," Kathy said.

But my friend said she purchased a jar of Jif peanut butter a week ago.

"I love peanut butter sandwiches, and I won't stop eating them," she said. "There's always some type of food outbreak, and people eventually start eating that type of food again that caused the outbreak."

Some people eat peanut butter sandwiches as a snack and as a meal, Since the incident, my family just threw away all the crackers that had peanut butter in it, would you or are eating peanut butter yet? Tell us we would love to hear from you.

SMOKING AND PREGNANCY WHAT EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO KNOW

2009-03-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Pregnant women who quit smoking before the 15th week of pregnancy reduce their risk of premature birth and having small babies to that of nonsmoking women, a new study finds.Women who don't quit smoking by 15 weeks are three times more likely to give birth prematurely and twice as likely to have smaller babies, compared to women who stopped smoking.Babies that live in 'smoking homes' have a much higher risk of respiratory ailments, such as asthma and pneumonia and SIDS. In addition, women are more susceptible to the cancer-causing effects of cigarette smoke than men. The tobacco industry specifically targets women, despite this well-known fact.

LOWER BACK PAIN TREATMENTS YOU MUST READ

2009-03-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

Treatments for acute lower back painAcute low back pain is pain that has lasted less than 3 months. If you have recently started to have low back pain, there's a good chance that it will get better within a few weeks. Most lower back pain will improve if you take the following steps:

For the first day or two, rest in a comfortable position. Try lying on your side with a pillow between your knees. Or lie on your back on the floor with a pillow under your knees. Do not stay in one position for too long, though. Every 2 or 3 hours, take a short walk (about 10 to 20 minutes), then find a comfortable position to rest again.

Take pain medicine if needed, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or medicines that reduce pain, swelling, and irritation, including ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (such as Aleve or Naprosyn). These medicines usually work best if you take them on a regular schedule instead of waiting until the pain is severe.

Try using a heating pad on a low or medium setting, or a warm shower, for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Or you can buy single-use heat wraps that last up to 8 hours. You can also try an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. There is not strong evidence that either heat or ice will help, but you can try them to see if they help. You may also want to try switching between heat and cold.

As soon as possible, get back to your normal activities. Movement helps your muscles stay strong. Staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can actually make your problem worse.

DEPRESSION CURES NO DOCTOR NEEDED

2009-03-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Treatment of depression often involves multiple and different strategies. For some patients, a few simple home remedies are all that's needed.
Laughter. The simple act of laughing also releases endorphins, thus treating depression. Of course, being depressed can make it very hard to laugh, so this may not be practical advice in the early stages of treating severe depression. But as soon as you're able to, going out of your way to find funny things and experience some good, hearty laughter is seriously helpful!

Light. It is well known that the shorter days of winter are associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in many people, and worsen symptoms in those with chronic depression. Increasing your exposure to natural sunlight will help elevate your mood right away, and regular light therapy can be very beneficial for treating depression.

Attitude. For many people, depression is caused or worsened by a variety of stressful or sad thoughts and situations. Resisting or denying a diagnosis of depression can become yet another source of stress, and actually worsen your symptoms

EATING HEALTHY EVEN ON A TIGHT BUDGET

2009-03-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Trips to the supermarket are getting more and more expensive as the prices of food climb in response to increased fuel costs but too often, we start by cutting back on the healthy foods we should be eating more of.

Think about it white bread is less expensive than whole-grain bread; fatty ground beef is cheaper than the leaner cuts; and sugared cereals are often the ones on sale, not the whole-grain varieties. By always choosing the cheapest products, you may be compromising your health.

1. Try to limit your trips to the supermarket to just one a week. This generally cuts down on overall grocery spending and saves you some gas money, as well.

2.Make a list and try to stick to it. The only exception should be when you spot a product on sale - stock up on it and increase your overall savings.

3.Buy fresh fruits and vegetables when they're in season. Seasonal foods are where the bargains will be.

4.Try to purchase locally at a farmer's market. A win-win for you and the farmers. You could even start your own garden.

5.Buy more foods in bulk. This often saves money because you're not paying for packaging. But remember: If a food is perishable, only purchase what you can use up soon.

6.Limit the snack foods and put more of your money towards healthy meals.
Even though food costs are only going to keep rising, think about your health and don't cut so many corners that you end up shortchanging yourself on nutrition.

IF I KICK ALCOHOL WHAT ARE MY TREATMENTS

2009-03-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

Treatment depends on how bad your alcohol problem is. Some people are able to cut back to a moderate level of drinking with help from a counselor. People who are addicted to alcohol may need medical treatment and may need to stay in a hospital or treatment center.

Your doctor may decide you need detoxification, or detox, before you start treatment. Detox flushes out the alcohol in your body. You need detox when you are physically addicted to alcohol. When you go through detox, you may need medicine to help with withdrawal symptoms.

After detox, you focus on staying alcohol-free, or sober. Most people receive some type of therapy, such as group counseling. You also may need medicine to help you stay sober.

When you are sober, you've taken the first step toward recovery. To gain full recovery, you need to take steps to improve other areas of your life, such as learning to deal with work and family. This makes it easier to stay sober.

You will likely need support to stay sober and in recovery. This can include counseling and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Recovery is a long-term process, not something you can achieve in a few weeks.

Treatment doesn't focus on alcohol use alone. It addresses other parts of your life, like your relationships, work, medical problems, and living situation. Treatment and recovery support you in making positive changes so you can live without alcohol.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO ALLERGY MEDICATIONS

2009-03-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

There are several types of medications used to treat and prevent allergy symptoms. Medications are available in pill and liquid forms, nasal sprays, eyedrops and skin creams.

Corticosteroids help prevent and treat the inflammation associated with allergic conditions.

Antihistamines block histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion.

Leukotriene modifiers block the effects of leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

Cromolyn sodium prevents the release of histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction

YOUR HURTING YOUR BRAIN AND DON'T EVEN KNOW IT

2009-03-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

We all know that taking drugs, banging your head against a brick wall, or sniffing glue may be harmful to your brain and might even be deadly in some cases. But did you know that getting too much sleep, not having any friends and not reading food labels is also harmful to your brain? Read the top 10 ways you’re not protecting yourself the way you should.

From negative thinking to letting your brain gelatinize, these harmful personal habits have got to go.

1.Not getting enough sleep: Besides making you feel sluggish and unfocused the next morning, a consistent lack of sleep affects the body and brain by "disrupting hormones that regulate appetite," according to the Washington Post. This evidence supports scientists’ theory that chronic sleep deprivation also contributes to obesity. Besides the appetite connection, too little sleep also affects memory loss and your brain’s ability to process information, as your mind requires down time to preserve memory and retain information.

2.Getting in a rut: Just like any muscle or any organ in the body, your brain needs to be flexed and exercised in order to stay in top shape. If you haven’t challenged yourself in any way by trying a new sport, meeting new people or stepping outside your box even a little, your brain won’t be as sharp or quick as you age.

3.Smoking: Smoking is an unhealthy habit that stresses out your entire body, including your brain. WebMD even maintains that "smoking cigarettes affects [the] brain like heroin," because of its stimulated production of opioids, which "known to play a role in soothing pain, increasing positive emotions, and creating a sense of reward," like heroin.

4.Lack of practice: Keep your brain sharp and in practice by doing crossword puzzles or playing brain teasers and strategy games. Time even suggests that this activity can reduce your chances of developing dementia.

5.Too much sleep: Just as too little sleep is harmful, too much sleep can also cause health problems. Oversleeping too much can shorten your life span.

6.Botox: Botox is actually a very deadly poison, but has been approved for cosmetic use because it isn’t likely that it can enter the bloodstream and affect nerve cells or the brain. Newsweek reports, however, that "contrary to what turned up in preclinical testing, botulinum toxin [Botox] can travel along neurons from the injection site into the brain, at least in lab animals." This discrepancy poses a threat to humans who receive Botox injections, and at least 28 people have died since 1989.

7.Stress: Even if you think procrastinating leads to an adrenaline rush of panic, scientists believe that stress clouds the brain, especially among males.

8.Urban life: Boston.com’s Jonah Lehrer reported in January 2009 that urban life actually "impairs our basic mental processes," affecting memory and focus. One of the factors attributed to this finding is the lack of nature in city environments. Apparently, the more trees and natural surroundings we see, the better our brains function.

9.Watching TV: TV is a common scapegoat for laziness, obesity, ADD and the inability to focus, but this report details a study that may prove watching TV under the age of 2 is harmful to brain development. The 2004 study "suggested that TV might overstimulate and permanently ‘rewire’ the developing brain," according to an Associated Press story published on MSNBC.com.

10.Head-banging: The myth that head-banging kills brain cells might not be completely true, but the rocker move is still hazardous to your health and "can put you at risk for brian injury, whiplash, and even stroke," according to Discover Magazine Social and Mental Factors Work on your attitude to amp up your brain health.

HOW.. WHEN.. AND WHY TO QUIT DRINKING RIGHT NOW !!

2008-08-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

You can take steps today to stop drinking. Your first step might be to see your doctor, contact a support group, or set a date in the near future to stop. While some people can stop drinking on their own, others need medical help to manage the physical process of withdrawal.

If you think you have an addiction to alcohol, talk to your doctor about whether you need to withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision. Your doctor can give you medicine that will help you safely withdraw from alcohol. Other medicines might be prescribed later to help you stay sober. With a doctor's help, withdrawal from alcohol is safer.

Stopping alcohol use can:

Prevent or reduce health problems that are made worse by alcohol use, such as liver damage.

Prevent harm to your unborn baby if you are pregnant.

Reduce related family concerns or relationship problems.

Increase your ability to be productive at work, school, and home.

Reduce legal problems that you might have as a result of misuse of alcohol.

What resources are available to help you cut down on or stop alcohol use on your own?

Alcohol Abuse and Dependence

What resources are available to help you cut down on or stop alcohol use on your own?
You need education and emotional support when you stop drinking, especially if you abuse alcohol or are alcohol-dependent. Some resources that can help you stop drinking include:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholics Anonymous organizes meetings all over the world to help those who have a desire to stop drinking. The groups are made up of people who have had alcohol use problems, and you may remain anonymous.
Family medicine physicians or other doctors, psychologists, or other health professionals.

Inpatient or outpatient treatment centers or hospitals.

Local or national alcohol treatment hotlines (check your local white and yellow pages).

You can contact these organizations and health professionals by phone or by accessing their Web sites online.

Why should I stop drinking?

Stopping your use of alcohol can improve your general health and quality of life. It can also increase the quality of life of the people you live with and those who care about you. You decrease your chances of developing serious health problems associated with alcohol abuse or dependence. You reduce your chances of injuring yourself or others in alcohol-related accidents. You might also improve relationships with your parents, children, and spouse or other close loved ones. Not drinking also is a good way for you to model responsible behavior for younger people, particularly children and teens.

You can take steps today to stop drinking. Your first step might be to contact a support group, see your doctor, or set a date in the near future to stop. While some people can stop drinking on their own, others need medical help to manage the physical process of withdrawal.

If you think you have an addiction to alcohol, talk to your doctor about whether you need to withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision. Your doctor can give you medicine that will help you safely withdraw from alcohol. Other medicines might be prescribed later to help you stay sober. With a doctor's help, withdrawal from alcohol is safer.

How to stop alcohol use
Follow these steps to stop drinking alcohol.

Identify your reasons. Make a list of the reasons you want to stop drinking alcohol. You might want to ask a trusted friend or family member to help you make the list complete. Keep this list so that you can renew your commitment from time to time.

Make a plan. Set a date to stop drinking. Complete a plan to stop drinking alcohol. Post it in a place where you can see it often, such as on your refrigerator door or bathroom mirror. You might want to put it in more than one place. You also might want to put it on a card and keep it in your purse or wallet. See an example of a plan to stop drinking alcohol.

Share your plan with others. Talk with your family members and trusted friends about your plan. Let them know how they can help you to be successful.

Evaluate your progress. In your plan, identify when you will evaluate your progress. Try a plan for 30 days so that the new behavior becomes a habit. Review your reasons for stopping alcohol use. Write down the benefits that you are seeing. If you drank after successfully stopping (relapse), it does not mean that you have failed. Relapse is common. Begin again, using your experience to help you learn how to stick with your plan this time.

Continue your new behaviors. After trying this plan for 30 days, try it for another 30 days. Like anything else in life, it is not easy to change behavior, even when it might be in your best interest. But the more you practice new behaviors, the more likely it is that they will become habits. If you try this plan but are not successful, talk with your doctor about other ways to stop drinking alcohol.

Other things you can do
The following are other ideas that can help in your plan to stop using alcohol:
Avoid stumbling blocks. Many things can interfere with meeting your goal to cut down on or stop drinking. You might need to choose new friends or a new lifestyle if your current life revolves around alcohol use. To stay focused on your goal and succeed, see ideas to help you stop using alcohol on your own.

Attend a self-help group. Some people attend self-help groups to help them stick to their plan to cut down on or stop drinking. If you are not sure whether a self-help group is for you but would like to try, go to a group at least 3 times before you make your decision. There are different types of groups (such as men or women only, discussion, and speaker). Go to another group if the first one does not fit your needs.

Reward yourself. Use the money you once spent on drinking to do something fun with your family or friends. Go out to eat, see a movie, or play sports or a game.

BERNIE MAC LAST WORDS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PNEUMONIA

2008-08-11T06:52:00.000-07:00

Bernie Mac’s wife and daughter were with Berine Mac when he passed,acouding to Bernies sister-in-law.

Bernie Mac died from complications from pneumonia in a Chicago hospital at 2 a.m. Saturday Mary Ann Grossett says that the night before Mac died, "He struggled for his life. He couldn't breathe.

"He opened his eyes on his own and looked at Rhonda. She called his name, and he opened his eyes and nodded to her. She smiled at him and told him, 'Don't leave me 'I'm waiting for you to come back.' He shrugged his shoulders, and she said that's when she knew he was tired. He signaled to her that his body was tired."

Prior to that, the couple had last communicated on July 31. "He told his wife [non-verbally] that he could breathe on his own, and he wanted the ventilator out. He motioned that he wanted it out," says Grossett.

Lung Disease Contributed
The sister-in-law says Mac's inflammatory lung disease contributed to his death. "He had sarcoidosis, but it was in remission," she says. "But because he had it, his immune system was compromised. He had an infection ... He was on a new medication that suppresses the immune system, and that's where the pneumonia came from."

She reveals that Mac having trouble breathing and running a fever was actually hospitalized on July 24, eight days before the date given for his admittance. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and immediately placed on a ventilator. Bernie Mac was admitted to a hospital at Northwestern Memorial hospital with pneumonia , he was expected to recover, despite widespread rumors about the seriousness of his condition.

Bernie Mac was critically ill when he was in the hospital, he was in intensive care the whole time.

What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough, run a fever, and have a hard time breathing. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at home. It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults, babies, and people with other diseases can become very ill. They may need to be in the hospital.

You can get pneumonia in your daily life, such as at school or work. This is called community-based pneumonia. You can also get it when you are in a hospital or nursing home. This is called hospital-based pneumonia. It may be more severe because you already are ill. This topic focuses on pneumonia you get in your daily life.

What causes pneumonia?
Germs called bacteria or viruses usually cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia usually starts when you breathe the germs into your lungs. You may be more likely to get the disease after having a cold or the flu. These illnesses make it hard for your lungs to fight infection, so it is easier to get pneumonia. Having a long-term, or chronic, disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes also makes you more likely to get pneumonia.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of pneumonia caused by bacteria usually come on quickly. They may include:

Cough. You will likely cough up mucus (sputum) from your lungs. Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with blood.

Fever.

Fast breathing and feeling short of breath.

Shaking and "teeth-chattering" chills. You may have this only one time or many times.

Chest pain that often feels worse when you cough or breathe in.
Fast heartbeat.

Feeling very tired or feeling very weak.

Nausea and vomiting.

Diarrhea.

When you have mild symptoms, your doctor may call this "walking pneumonia."

Older adults may have different, fewer, or milder symptoms. They may not have a fever. Or they may have a cough but not bring up mucus. The main sign of pneumonia in older adults may be a change in how well they think. Confusion or delirium is common. Or, if they already have a lung disease, that disease may get worse.
Symptoms caused by viruses are the same as those caused by bacteria. But they may come on slowly and often are not as obvious or as bad.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He or she may order a chest X-ray and a blood test. This is usually enough for your doctor to know if you have pneumonia. You may need more tests if you have bad symptoms, are an older adult, or have other health problems. In general, the sicker you are, the more tests you will have.

Your doctor may also test mucus from your lungs to find out what germ is causing your pneumonia. Finding the exact germ can help your doctor choose the best medicine for you.

How is it treated?
Your doctor will give you medicines called antibiotics. These almost always cure pneumonia caused by bacteria. You need to take all of your antibiotics so you get well. Do not stop taking them because you feel better. Take them exactly as your doctor tells you.

Pneumonia can make you feel very sick. But after you take antibiotics, you should start to feel much better. Call your doctor if you do not start to feel better after 2 to 3 days of antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you feel worse.

There are things you can do to feel better during your treatment. Get plenty of rest and sleep, and drink lots of liquids. Do not smoke. If your cough keeps you awake at night, talk to your doctor about using cough medicine.

You may need to go to the hospital if you have bad symptoms, a weak immune system, or another serious illness.

Pneumonia caused by a virus usually cannot be treated with antibiotics. Home treatment, such as rest and taking care of your cough, is the only treatment.

How can you prevent pneumonia?If you are older than 65 or you have a heart or lung problem, you may want to get a pneumonia vaccine. It may not keep you from getting pneumonia. But if you do get pneumonia, you probably will not be as sick.

You can also lower your chances of getting pneumonia by staying away from people who have the flu, colds, measles, or chickenpox. You may get pneumonia after you have one of these illnesses.

PLUMPY'NUT SAVES LIVES BUT WHAT IS IT?

2008-08-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Every year, 5 million children die worldwide from malnutrition. That's one child every six seconds. Now, the relief group Doctors Without Borders says it has something that can save millions of these children. It's called "Plumpy'nut" a ready to eat and cheap to produce food that might be the most important advance ever in the fight against malnutrition. Anderson Cooper saw the benefits of plumpy'nut firsthand in the African nation of Niger.

Plumpy'nut is made of peanut butter, powdered milk and powdered sugar, enriched with vitamins and minerals. It doesn't need to be refrigerated, mixed with water or cooked.

Plumpy'nut was developed in the late 1990's by Andre Briend, a French specialist in pediatric nutrition.

Plumpy'nut, which comes in a silvery foil package the size of two grasping baby-size hands, is 500 calories of fortified peanut butter, a beige paste about as thick as mashed potatoes and stuffed with milk, vitamins and minerals.

Since the packets came into the hands of relief organizations during the Darfur crisis in Sudan, they have been revolutionizing emergency care for severely malnourished children who are old enough to take solid food by taking care out of crowded field hospitals and straight into mothers' homes.

The prescription given mothers here is simple: Give one baby two packets of Plumpy'nut each day. Watch him wolf them down. Wait for him to grow. Which he will, almost immediately: By eating Plumpy'nut, badly malnourished babies can each week gain one to two pounds, or roughly 454 grams to 907 grams

DIABETES DURING PREGNANCY ARE YOU AND YOUR BABY SAFE ?

2008-08-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Gestational diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy, and it requires careful attention to keep mother and baby safe and healthy.

When you're pregnant, your body produces hormones that impair the work of insulin. So the pregnant woman produces extra insulin, but in some women this isn't enough. They get gestational diabetes, which tends to go away when pregnancy ends.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these guidelines if you're prone to gestational diabetes:

1.Work with a dietitian to develop a meal plan that accommodates both you and baby.

2.Eat sufficient fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Generally, exercise for at least 30 minutes each day is recommended. Talk with your doctor about how much and what kind of exercise is appropriate for you.

3.Take your diabetes medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

4.Avoid eating sweets, eat frequent small meals throughout the day, and watch your carbohydrate intake.

5.Check your blood sugar frequently as recommended by your doctor, and record your results so you can monitor them.

AMAZING NEW STUDY SHOWS THAT CIRCUMCISION CAN MINIMIZE YOUR AIDS RISK

2008-08-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Circumcision appears to offer men even greater protection against the AIDS virus than thought and also partially shield them against a common sexually-transmitted disease, two studies presented at the world AIDS conference said Thursday.

University of Illinois put forward long-term data from a trial in Kisumu, Kenya, that in its initial phase enrolled 2,784 uncircumcised uninfected men.

Half of the group were circumcised, and the others were circumcised at a later date and they were later tested for HIV.

Previously-published research from this trial found that, after two years, circumcised men were 59-percent less likely to contract the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than uncircumcised counterparts.

The benefit was so astonishing that at this 24-month mark, the uncircumcised men were offered circumision, as it would have been unethical not to have done so.

And he also reported that at the 42-month mark, circumcision offered a protectiveness of 65 percent.

Circumcision has emerged as one of the few bright areas of progress in the AIDS crisis, after the Orange Farm and Kisumu trials.

The discovery has sparked talk in some circles of a "surgical vaccine" a cheap, safe method for shielding men from HIV.

But this enthusiasm has also been tempered by worries that circumcision may face a backlash on cultural, religious or sexual grounds, or may prompt men to abandon use of the condom.

The theory behind the effectiveness of circumcision is that the inner foreskin is an easy entry point for HIV. It is rich in so-called Langerhans cells, tissue that the AIDS virus finds particularly easy to latch onto and penetrate.

Other questions surrounding a circumcision campaign are the need to ensure that operations are done hygienically and with the full knowledge and consent of the male. Also unclear is what benefit, or otherwise, male circumcision has on women.

E. COLI IN YOUR BEEF THE LATEST FOOD NIGHTMARE

2008-08-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

S&S Foods voluntarily recalled frozen ground beef Thursday that has been linked to 27confirmed cases of E. coli at a Boy Scout camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

S&S Foods of Azusa, Calif., said it is recalling 153,630 pounds of beef that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7.

That strain has been linked by the Virginia Department of Health to the E. coli outbreak at the Goshen Scout Reservation, a popular summer destination for Washington-area Scouts for four decades.

Seventy scouts and staff have reported intestinal symptoms consistent with E. coli contamination. One camper remains hospitalized.

As a precaution, the camp has been closed.

Testing by Virginia public health officials confirmed the beef was linked to the outbreak.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the Virginia outbreak, which happened in late July, is the only one linked to the beef.

The beef was packaged at S&S's Azusa plant and sold to institutional customers throughout the U.S., Jeff Grohs, vice president of business development for S&S, said in an e-mail.

Grohs said the company is attempting to determine whether the "illnesses in Virginia are connected to our operations or have some other original source or cause."

The USDA's food safety agency rated the recall "Class I," meaning the toxin-producing E. coli strain presents a "health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death."

The federal food safety agency said its investigation is looking into how the meat was contaminated.

The products subject to recall are: 30-pound boxes of "742798 MFST, 100% GROUND BEEF BULK, 80/20, 1LB. BRICK."

MORE E. COLI RELATED NEWS

A childcare facility in the Borders has closed its doors after two children were confirmed with E.coli O157.

A statement from NHS Borders said two cases of the infection had been reported to its public health department in the last week.

Both children are "doing well" and are at home under the care of their GP.

As a precautionary measure, checks are being carried out on any youngsters and staff who attended the same facility as the children in the last fortnight.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Alan Mordue asked parents to watch out for any symptoms and, if they see any, to contact their GP or NHS 24.

Voluntarily closed

"All possible sources and modes of spread are being considered," he said.

"The childcare facility has been fully cooperative.

"Their decision to voluntarily close while this issue is fully investigated and to minimise any possibility of the infection spreading has been very helpful."

Symptoms can range from mild diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever to diarrhoea.

The incubation period can range from one to 14 days, but is usually three to four days, and people with E.coli O157 are usually ill for up to two weeks.

DIABETES LINKED TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: WHAT YOUR DOCTOR DOESNT WANT YOU TO KNOW

2008-08-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

Can your hometown or should I say your neighborhood determine whether or not you’ll develop type 2 diabetes? Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, those who lived in a exercise and diet friendly area were 17% less likely to be insulin resistant, which is a precursor to diabetes. Published in the journal Epidemiology, the study focused on three U.S. areas: New York City, Baltimore City and County and Forsyth County in North Carolina. Researchers found that neighborhoods with safe, walkable sidewalks; nearby gyms and parks; and markets offering fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy food positively influenced both health behaviors and morbidity rates. The study supports further efforts to design more health-conscious neighborhoods, especially in low-income, urban areas.

MORE DIABETES FACTS

As you age you are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and if type 2 diabetes runs in your family this increases your risk.

Type 2 diabetes can be treated by adapting a healthy balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and increasing your level of physical activity. Diabetes is harder to control if you are overweight and is often associated with obesity and a lack of exercise. With the help of your doctor you need to set a realistic target date to achieve weight loss. Be careful you do not lose weight too drastically as your blood glucose levels will be all over the place so aim to lose no more than 1kg (2lb) each week.

You may also be advised that you need to take medication and there are different kinds of medicines that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Some medications work by helping your body produce more insulin and others by helping your body make better use of the insulin produced. Some medications work by slowing down the time at which the body absorbs glucose from the intestine and also slows the liver from releasing its own stores of glucose.

Your doctor may feel that you need to take a combination of medications to control your blood glucose levels in order to tame your diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatments
Treatments for type 2 diabetes include the following drugs:

Metformin
Sulphonylureas
Acarbose
Nateglinide and repaglinide
Thiazolidinediones

Diabetes Treatments in Detail

Metformin - This tablet works by reducing the amount of glucose that your liver releases into the bloodstream.

Sulphonylureas - This tablet works by making your body’s cells more sensitive to insulin and increases the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas.

Acarbose - This tablet works by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates from the stomach, this prevents a high peak in your blood glucose levels after eating a meal.

Nateglinide and repaglinide - These tables are used if other medications do not work in controlling your blood glucose levels. They work by stimulating the release of insulin by the pancreas.

Thiazolidinediones - (Why do pharmicists never come up with easy names?). This tablet is used for people who do not respond to other treatments or are unsuitable for other treatments. They work by making the body’s cells more sensitive to insulin so more glucose is taken up from the blood.

Diabetes Testing
If you have been diagnosed with having type 2 diabetes you should always keep a regular check on your blood glucose levels – this can easily be achieved by doing a simple finger prick blood test.

Please note that before taking any medication you should speak to a qualified doctor first.

BRETT FARVRE'S LATEST..NY JETS SCHEDULE..VIDEO AND MORE

2008-08-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Brett Favre’s journey from retirement and back has finally ended—in New York.

• Week 1: Sun., Sep. 7 at Miami, 1 p.m.
• Week 2: Sun., Sep. 14 vs. N.E., 4:15 p.m.
• Week 3: Mon., Sep. 22 at San Diego, 8:30 p.m.
• Week 4: Sun., Sep. 28 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.
• Week 5: Bye week
• Week 6: Sun., Oct. 12 vs. Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
• Week 7: Sun., Oct. 19 at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.
• Week 8: Sun., Oct. 26 vs. Kansas City, 1 p.m.
• Week 9: Sun., Nov. 2 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.
• Week 10: Sun., Nov. 9 vs. St. Louis, 1 p.m.
• Week 11: Thu., Nov. 13 at N.E., 8 p.m.
• Week 12: Sun., Nov. 23 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
• Week 13: Sun., Nov. 30 vs. Denver, 1 p.m.
• Week 14: Sun., Dec. 7 at S.F., 4:05 p.m.
• Week 15: Sun., Dec. 14 vs. Buffalo, 1 p.m.
• Week 16: Sun., Dec. 21 at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
• Week 17: Sun., Dec. 28 vs. Miami, 1 p.m.
Last six games: Times subject to change due to flex schedule.
The Green Bay Packers reached an agreement Wednesday night to trade their three-time MVP and Super Bowl-winning quarterback to the New York Jets, ending an emotionally grinding month of indecision over Favre’s future.

Watch Brett Farve Make History..Get Your NY Jets Game Ticketts Here

The move ends a remarkably ugly split between Green Bay and one of its most beloved players, allows the Packers to move forward with new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and gives Favre a fresh start—although not exactly the one he wanted, as Favre’s first choice was widely believed to be the Minnesota Vikings.

The exact compensation wasn't immediately available, but it is believed to be a fourth-round draft pick that increases in value depending on how the Jets perform in the 2008 season.

According to the NFL Network, if Favre takes 50 percent of total snaps with the Jets in 2008, the fourth-rounder becomes a third-round pick. If he gets 70 percent of the snaps and the Jets make the playoffs, it becomes a second-round pick; and if he gets 80 percent of snaps and the Jets make the Super Bowl, it becomes a first-round pick.

“It is with some sadness that we make this announcement, but also with the desire for certainty that will allow us to move the team and organization forward in the most positive way possible,” Green Bay officials said in a statement.

Jets chairman and CEO Woody Johnson issued a statement early Thursday.

“I am looking forward to seeing Brett Favre in a New York Jets uniform,” Johnson said. “He represents a significant addition to this franchise, and reflects our commitment to putting the best possible team on the field.”

Green Bay had been talking with the Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers since deciding earlier this week that they could no longer coexist with Favre.

Watch Brett Farve Make History..Get Your NY Jets Game Ticketts Here

THE LATEST ON TYSON CHICKENS NEW CONTRACT

2008-08-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

TYSON ISLAMIC FOODS, INC., REPLACES AMERICAN HOLIDAY TO APPEASE MUSLIM WORKERS; PRAYER ROOMS ADDED AT PLANT. The leaders of Tyson's Shelbyville, Tenn., chicken plant has just negotiated a new contract it will list Eid al Fitr as a paid holiday for all employees, and Tyson Chicken will now drop Labor Day. Many are boycotting all Tyson chicken and beef products including ITC, Wright Brand, Russer, Jordan's and Iowa Hams brand names.

Workers wanted Islamic religious event recognized WND. Food workers at the Shelbyville, Tenn., plant for Tyson Foods,.Workers at the Tyson Foods poultry processing plant in Shelbyville will no longer have a paid day off on Labor Day but will instead be given the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr as a holiday. According to a news release from the Retail, Tyson drops Labor Day holiday for Eid al-Fitr. Well, this one doesn’t really need too much commentary from me. Will you knowingly buy a piece of Tyson chicken again, or any other product they make. I want to hear from you please leave a comment and tell me what you think.

NATIONAL UNDERWEAR DAY FACTS HISTORY AND MORE

2008-08-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Underwear has been around since the 1800's. We've all wear them...well not all but most do. August 8th is National Underwaer Day thanks to Fresh Pair, an online retailer of men's and women's intimate apparel who felt that this glorious item of clothing should be celebrated rather than ignored. They realized that the 13 billion dollar a year industry doesn't get the recognition it should and decided to do something about it. Their motto is, "underwear should no longer be merely the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off, but the most important thing you wear all day."

In 2003 August to be exact Fresh Pair sent twenty male and female models onto the streets of New York wearing only underwear. They collected signatures on their undie-covered behinds in hopes of convincing America to set an Official day aside for celebrating underwear.

Sponsors for the 2006 invasion on Time Square on National Underwear Day included the likes of Puma, 2(x)ist, Cotton Inc, Goddess, Freya and Hugo Boss. Even the Breast Cancer Research Foundation got in on the action.

People around the world celebrate National Underwear Day. There's the Great Outdoor Underwear Festival in Ohio, Panty Parties in San Francisco, Live DJ's at an Underwear Party in Tuba City and personal parties held by individuals in their own homes just to name a few.

This celebration has gotten so much press coverage that Elton John decided to attend. He watched the underwear clad people in the streets via live video feed and gave thumbs up to the booties he thought looked best.

In commemoration of the 6th anniversary of National Underwear Day, five hundred VIPs, celebrities and international tastemakers will join Freshpair indoors at the glamorous venue Espace in New York to celebrate!

This year’s National Underwear Day will take place on Tuesday, August 5th. In commemoration of the 6th anniversary of National Underwear Day, five hundred VIPs, celebrities and international tastemakers will join Freshpair indoors at the glamorous venue Espace in New York to celebrate! Actress and fashion maven Lydia Hearst will be the host of the 6th Annual National Underwear Day. Model Tyson Beckford will also be making a special appearance.

Ortho Evra Patch Recall:FDA Links It To Death

2008-08-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Recently the FDA disclosed that the excessive levels of estrogen delivered by the birth control patch Ortho Evra can cause serious injuries and even death to the women who use it. Johnson and Johnson is the parent company of the manufacturer of the Ortho Evra patch.

Especially worrisome is the finding that most of about a dozen users who died of clot-related complications in 2004 were young — in their late teens and early 20s.

The AP reported that patch users die and suffer blood clots at a three-times-higher rate than women taking the pill.
The kinds of injuries that can occur include:

Blood Clots
Pulmonary Embolism
Heart Attacks
Stroke
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Death

According to the FDA, women who use the patch are exposed to 60 percent more estrogen than those who use the pill.

Lower levels of estrogen when combined with smoking has long been linked to blood clotting issues. Now we find out that women exposed to the levels of estrogen found in Ortho Evra are even more at risk even if they do not smoke.

If you or someone you know has been injured by the use of the Ortho Evra patch, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

The Highest Antioxidant Fruit Ever: See Our Healthy Food Shopping Lists

2008-08-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Which fruit is the by far the best when it comes to antioxidants? Hint: It’s smaller than a grape and darker than a blueberry.

It’s the acai (pronounced "ah-sigh-EE") berry, and it may beat every other fruit or vegetable by a mile. Case in point: The freeze-dried berry has 30 times the disease-arresting anthocyanins of red grapes.

Cholesterol, Cancer, and . . .
The berries are so nutritious, writes John La Puma, MD, author of ChefMD’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine, that they may help lower bad cholesterol, inhibit inflammation, and fight off arthritis. They may even have cancer-fighting powers. In a lab study, acai berry extract killed between 45 and 86 percent of a sample of human leukemia cells.

Drink Up
The antioxidant quotient is reason enough to eat this fruit, but acai berries are also chock-full of B vitamins, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and sulfur. In South America, acai berries are pureed and served warm as a sauce or soup. Check your local health-food store for acai juice, smoothies, and other products containing this berry nutritious fruit.

Use this list as a starter to help restock your kitchen with good-for-you foods.

Grains
Make sure any whole-wheat products you buy are labeled 100% whole wheat.

Brown rice
Steel-cut oatmeal
Whole-grain or oat breakfast cereal (Cheerios, Kashi cereals, Grape Nuts)
Whole-grain pizza dough/crust
Whole-wheat or whole-grain bread
Whole-wheat pasta
Whole-wheat pitas or tortillas

Canned/Jarred Items
Black beans
Olives
Sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil)
Tomato sauce (no added sugars)
Tomatoes: whole, crushed, or diced
Unsweetened fruit
Vegetable or chicken stock/broth (low-salt)
White beans

Dried Fruits and Nuts
Nuts should be raw, rather than roasted or salted.

Almonds
Dried cranberries and apricots
Pistachios, chopped
Raisins
Walnuts and hazelnuts

Condiments and Spices
Balsamic vinegar
Canola oil, regular and spray-on
Chocolate, dark (not milk) with at least 70% cocoa
Cinnamon and nutmeg
Extra-virgin olive oil
Honey
Low-sodium soy sauce
Mustard
Real maple syrup
Red pepper flakes
Turmeric or curry powder
Wine vinegar

Refrigerated Items
Eggs
Feta cheese, low-fat
Milk, skim or low-fat soy
Orange or grapefruit juice (100%) with pulp
Part-skim mozzarella cheese
Yogurt with active cultures (probiotic), low-fat
Sour cream, low-fat

Poultry/Fish
Chicken breast halves, skinless and boneless
Chicken thighs, skinless
Deli meat, sliced and skinless (not processed cold cuts)
Salmon fillets, skinless
Whole fish or fillets: trout, tilapia, snapper, or sea bass

Frozen Food
Blueberries and raspberries, frozen and unsweetened
Fruit sorbet
Vanilla frozen yogurt, nonfat or low-fat

Health Foods
Chia seed
Flaxseed
Soy protein powder

Fruits and Vegetables
Stock up on plenty of fresh fruits and veggies from each color group, but don’t buy more than you’ll be able to eat in a week. Fruits and vegetables lose their nutrient goodness when they sit around.

Blue/Purple:
Blueberries, blackberries, plums, eggplant

Orange/Yellow:
Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, mangoes, pineapple

Red:
Tomatoes, cherries, cranberries, red peppers, red apples

Yellow/Green:
Avocados, broccoli, spinach, kiwifruit, lemons, limes

White/Green:
Garlic, onions, bananas, mushrooms

HEART DISEASE: THE LEADING KILLER OF WOMEN

2008-08-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

When we stop to think of a a heart attack victim most think of a 40 plus year old male man. Heart Attacks Are Not Just a Man's DiseaseThe facts, however, tell quite a different story. Heart disease is more than just a man's disease -- much more. Better than 1 in 5 women have some form of heart or blood disease. By the time a woman reaches 65, she has a 1 in 3 chance of developing cardiovascular disease. And a number of studies show that African-American women are at even greater risk than these averages.

Heart disease, in its various forms, is the leading killer of American women. The following statistics paint a graphic picture:

The reason that so much more attention has been focused on men is that they are much more likely to be stricken with heart disease in their prime middle years, whereas women tend to get it 10 to 20 years later. For most women, it is only after menopause that heart disease becomes a problem. But a woman of 60 is about as likely to get heart disease as a man of 50, and by the time they are in their 70s, men and women get heart disease at equal rates. In the past two decades, death rates from cardiovascular disease have declined in both men and women, but have gone down more slowly in women.

Cardiovascular Disease: The Fate of Every Third Woman
The facts, however, tell quite a different story. Heart disease is more than just a man's disease -- much more. Better than 1 in 5 women have some form of heart or blood disease. By the time a woman reaches 65, she has a 1 in 3 chance of developing cardiovascular disease. And a number of studies show that African-American women are at even greater risk than these averages.

Heart disease, in its various forms, is the leading killer of American women. The following statistics paint a graphic picture:

One-third of all deaths of American women each year are attributable to heart disease. Heart disease kills more women each year than all types of cancer, accidents, and diabetes combined.

All forms of cardiovascular disease kill more than 500,000 American women a year (compared to about 450,000 men). Stroke alone kills more than 97,000 women annually.

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, kills 244,000 women a year.

Forty percent of women with heart disease will eventually die of it.

About 6.3 million American women alive today have a history of heart attack, angina (chest pain), or both. The reason that so much more attention has been focused on men is that they are much more likely to be stricken with heart disease in their prime middle years, whereas women tend to get it 10 to 20 years later. For most women, it is only after menopause that heart disease becomes a problem. But a woman of 60 is about as likely to get heart disease as a man of 50, and by the time they are in their 70s, men and women get heart disease at equal rates. In the past two decades, death rates from cardiovascular disease have declined in both men and women, but have gone down more slowly in women.

The significance of these facts is clear when you consider the aging of the American population. Currently, 38 percent of American women are 45 years of age or older and nearly 50 million have reached or passed 50 years of age. By 2015, that percentage will rise to 45 percent. This means that heart disease in women will be an even bigger problem in the future than it is now.

In the past, care of women with heart disease was based primarily on what was known about men. Given the many factors unique to a woman's health, it became apparent that this approach was not satisfactory. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment cannot adequately take account of these factors until they have been systematically studied and evaluated.

Women have paid a heavy price for medicine's excessive focus on male heart patients, suffering delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and a toll that could be counted in disabilities and death. One study found that an increased death rate in women following heart attacks was associated with less use of certain treatments, such as clot-busting drugs, compared to men.

Finally, however, this situation is changing. Greater attention to women's health in general and a growing awareness of the risks of heart disease in women are replacing the disregard of the past. An increasing number of scientific studies are focusing on how heart disease affects women. Gradually, doctors are becoming better informed about the dangers to women from heart disease, so that they are less likely to attribute chest pain to anxiety or other non-heart-related problems. And women themselves are learning that their own attention to their health must not be limited to an annual visit to the gynecologist.

So why is this important? If nothing could be done about heart disease, all of this attention might be academic. However, heart disease is both preventable and treatable; and as doctors learn more about what causes the problem, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is much that you can do to prevent it from ever occurring. Diet and lifestyle changes can be very effective preventive efforts for some forms of heart disease. To work best, these efforts should begin early in life, long before you perceive yourself to be at risk. And if heart disease does strike, modern science and technology have an ever-growing arsenal of weapons available to successfully fight it and restore its survivors to healthy and productive lives.

Statistics reflect an encouraging trend. Better understanding of preventive measures and increasing sophistication in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in decreasing rates of heart disease in both men and women. For example, from 1987 to 1997, the death rate from coronary heart disease in women declined 23.5 percent, while the death rate from all forms of cardiovascular disease among women went down 17.5 percent

CORN ON THE COB CURES FROM CANCER TO ALZHEMIERS

2008-07-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Creamed, whole kernel, or on the cob, corn’s got something that can really sweeten your health.

It's a potent phytochemical called ferulic acid. And new research shows the compound could help you skirt a host of chronic conditions, from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer.

Substance Superpowers
You’ll also find the super phenol in tomatoes and rice bran, and it does a ton of good things for your body, like scavenging cell-damaging free radicals, preventing inflammation, and diminishing plaque buildup in artery walls. And if all of that isn’t enough it may help fight aging, too.

Here’s how to make those ears tastier and healthier: Brush a little olive oil instead of butter on the ears to cut the saturated fat

PRO HAIR REMOVAL FROM WAXING TO LASERS WE ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS

2008-07-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Whether you're a man who shaves his face every morning or a woman who likes to have smooth legs, hair removal is very important this post should answer all your hair removal questions !

At the very least, though, choosing the right hair-removal method can make things easier, so let's consider all the options:

Shaving: We all know this is the easiest option - fast, cheap, and easy to do at home. But a razor cuts hair at an angle, leaving a sharp edge. If that hair is curly, it will fold over toward the skin as it grows out, and that razor-sharp edge will pierce the skin. The result? Ingrown hairs. (This is most common in men with curly facial hair and in the bikini area.) Other methods may work better if you have curly hair.

Waxing: Many people love waxing because they can do it and forget about pesky re-growth for weeks. But this method can lead to another stubborn skin annoyance: hyperpigmentation. Some people are prone to this excessive pigmentation, which occurs when more melanin is produced in some places than others. Heat further stimulates melanocytes, the skin cells where pigment is produced, to make melanin. Take, for example, dark patches on the upper lip, a common complaint among people prone to hyperpigmentation - those patches can be worsened by hot wax.

Even if you don't need to worry about these unwanted dark spots, hot wax can also result in plain ol' burns if used incorrectly. Are you are using Retin-A or another retinoid? Then your skin is more delicate and prone to burning. (If you're going to try waxing, you need to stop it 10 days before treatment in the areas to be waxed.) Always see a skilled professional if you're interested in waxing.

If you're a good candidate for waxing, though, this method will slowly damage the hair follicle to minimize re-growth. But take note: When you first wax, an area hair is actually stimulated to enter a growth (anagen) phase and hair growth speeds up! Don't worry - with time, hair will grow back thinner in areas that are regularly waxed.

Threading: This technique, popularized in India, uses a small thread to remove hairs one by one. It is my favorite facial hair removal method because it doesn't involve any potentially damaging heat. Threading can be particularly effective when used in conjunction with laser treatments (see below for more on those!) - threading offers instant gratification, while the laser provides a long-term solution.

Depilatories: These cream- or gel-based products contain strong chemicals that essentially "dissolve" hair. As you might imagine, they are not good for those with sensitive skin - and even those without sensitive skin should follow the product's directions carefully, as depilatories can give the skin a chemical burn. Clients often ask me if these products are safe in the long run, and the truth is, we don't know: There are no long-term studies on the safety of depilatories. However, they seem to be safe in those who don't experience immediate irritation.

Lasers: This method is highly effective for dark hair, but does not work on light hair. That's because the melanin in hair absorbs the laser's energy, allowing it to do its thing - the darker the hair, the more melanin it contains. Without that darkness, though, it's like the laser doesn't "see" the hair.

There are many types of hair-removal lasers, and they can be used in all skin types. The Cool Glide laser can even be used on the darkest skin, which wasn't always possible. Right after treatment with a laser, hairs remain in the skin, so don't expect instant gratification. Three to five days after treatments, though, the affected hair slowly falls out. Hairs will grow back, but they'll be thinner and lighter.

For optimal results, you'll typically need treatment every month for 3 - 6 months, and costs vary by the size of the area treated (usually $100 for 15 minutes). It could take hours to cover legs, for example, so this is not a cost-effective method for all areas - but treating the bikini area, underarms, and face is quick and really worth the money!

Vaniqa: This is the first prescription cream proven to minimize facial hair growth in women. Apply it twice a day, and after eight weeks your hair will grow slower. But it's not a hair removal product, and therefore must be combined with another method (for example, splurge on a laser treatment, then follow it up with threading and Vaniqa, and you'll dramatically reduce hair growth in both the short- and long-term). It's pricey, though (around $65 a tube), so this is another method that's best saved for the face, the area for which it's intended.

PETCO RECALL WHAT STATES ARE AFFECTETED

2008-07-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should contact their veterinarian.

ICY HOT RECALLED---HUNDREDS GET BURNED

2008-06-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Icy Hot Heat Therapy Products Cause Severe Burns, Other Injuries
In early 2008, the Food and Drug Administration announced a nationwide recall of several Icy Hot Heat Therapy Activated Heat products after hundreds of users reported suffering first-, second- and third-degree burns, skin irritation and other injuries after using the products designed to ease muscle and joint pains. Some users reported being injured by the adhesive material used to hold the warming patch on the skin.

The Icy Hot products targeted in the recall were:

Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat - Back

Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat - Arm, Neck, and Leg

Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat - Arm, Neck, and Leg single consumer use "samples" that were issued on a limited basis as a free promotional item in cartons of 3 oz. Aspercreme Pain Relieving Cream.

Most at Risk
While people from all walks of life used and were injured by the recalled Icy Hot Heat Therapy patches, those who were particularly at risk from the products include:

Athletes
The elderly
Arthritis patients
People who experience muscle and/or joint pain

Recall Details
Chattem Inc., which makes and markets Icy Hot Heat Therapy products, voluntarily pulled the skin patches from store shelves in February 2008 after more than 200 people reported being burned by the products. Reports of injuries from the patches starting filing into Chattem and the FDA in 2007, officials said.

Injured By Icy Hot? You May Have Rights
If you or someone you know was injured by an Icy Hot Heat Therapy product, you may have a right to sue the manufacturer for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income and other damages, we sugest you contact a lawyer to get the help you may deserve.

810 CINFIRMED ILL BUT IS IT REALLY THE TOMATOES

2008-06-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

As salmonella cases continue to climb, the FDA is checking if tainted tomatoes really are to blame for the record outbreak or if the problem is with another ingredient, or a warehouse that is contaminating newly harvested tomatoes.

The widening outbreak with 810 people confirmed ill means whatever is making people sick could very well still be on the market, federal health officials warned on Friday.

Tomatoes remain the top suspect and the advice on which ones consumers should avoid hasn't changed, stressed Food and Drug Administration food safety chief Dr. David Acheson.

However, he said it is possible that tomatoes being harvested in states considered safe could be picking up salmonella germs in packing sheds, warehouses or other facilities currently under investigation.

Most worrisome, the latest victim became sick on June 15 long after the outbreak began on April 10 and weeks after government warnings stripped supermarkets and restaurants of many tomatoes.

"The source of contamination has been ongoing at least through early June. And we don't have any evidence that whatever the source is, it's been removed from the market," said Dr. Patricia Griffin of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Disease detectives at the CDC in Atlanta are double-checking their own probes just in case some other type of produce is really the culprit.

"We have also kept an open mind about other possibilities and are looking into other ingredients," Griffin said.

She wouldn't identify other potential suspects, except to say that from the beginning some patients have told the CDC they ate raw tomatoes in fresh salsa and guacamole. Officials have previously cleared jarred salsas.

For now, the FDA continues to urge consumers nationwide to avoid raw red plum, red Roma or red round tomatoes unless they were grown in specific states or countries that FDA has cleared of suspicion. Check FDA's Web site — http://www.fda.gov — for an updated list. Also safe are grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and tomatoes sold with the vine still attached.

But FDA's Acheson made clear that consumers should stay tuned in case that advice changes.

"The facts keep changing here. The outbreak is continuing," he said. "We need to re-examine all parts of this system and make sure that the consumer message is still solid."
FDA inspectors spent the last week chasing the best clues to date in the CSI-like hunt for the outbreak's source — but leads are growing cold.

Inspectors tested for traces of salmonella on farms in southern and central Florida and in three Mexican states, farms suspected to have harvested at least some of the tomatoes involved in the outbreak's earliest weeks. They also are following the path tomatoes took from those farms to packing houses and other distribution stops, testing water supplies and equipment along the way.

So far, "every single one" of 1,700 samples, mostly from farms, has been salmonella-free, a frustrated Acheson said Friday. Hundreds of other samples are still being tested. MUST READ TOMATO RECALL ARTICLES

BURGER KINGS NEW KID'S MEAL--APPLES SHAPPED LIKE FRENCH FRIES

2008-06-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Burger King known for its edgy ads featuring a man with an oversize plastic king mask is launching a new marketing and promotional campaign Monday targeted to moms.

"A large part of our customer base is parents with children," said Russ Klein, president of global strategy, marketing and innovation. "As a parent, the challenge is always trying to get the kinds of things you want to but have some dimension of fun."

The centerpiece of the effort, Klein said, is a new kids' meal featuring a four-ounce serving of Kraft macaroni and cheese, lowfat milk and the company's "Fresh Apple Fries", which are uncooked apple slices shaped like french fries and served with low-fat caramel dipping sauce. The meal will go on sale Monday for $3.49 and will be a permanent fixture on Burger King's menu.

The launch will be followed by an in-restaurant merchandising and television ad campaign, with the first commercial airing July 7. That spot will introduce "Little King" meant to be the masked king's young son.

The company will be offering free samples of its apple fries through July in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Houston. Burger King will also give away samples at Jonas Brothers concert tour sites. Burger King is an official sponsor of the group's "Burning Up Tour" and will be offering some free tickets to the concerts.

Klein declined to specify the value of the advertising and marketing effort, saying only that the company will spend millions "supporting this vehicle."

Burger King certainly isn't the first fast food restaurant to try to convince moms to listen to the pleas in the backseat for fast food. McDonald's launched a public relations campaign targeted to mothers last year in a bid to neutralize criticism that the company's food is a contributor to childhood obesity.

The McDonald's approach included adding a bevy of healthier menu items to its menu meant to entice both kids and parents, including "Apple Dippers" pre-cut slices of apples similar to the new Burger King version. The chain also started a "mom's quality correspondence" campaign in which six mothers got a behind-the-scenes look at how the chain operates. The moms write about their experience on the company's Web site.

Zack's Investment Research senior analyst Anne Northrup said McDonald's has been "a trailblazer" in changing the perception that fast food is an indulgence that will likely lead to gaining a few extra pounds.

But convincing parents to correlate healthy eating with the home of the Whopper may not so be easy, particularly since Burger King has been lambasted by critics for not switching to trans-fat free oil as fast as some of its competitors. The chain has committed to making the switch in all of its restaurants by the end of the year. Wendy's meanwhile, cut out trans fat oil in August 2006.

Northrup said getting parents to take their families to Burger King may also be dependent on the pace of the chain's remodeling campaign. Burger King has been attempting to turn around its sales partly by renovating its restaurants.

Northrup said a large number of the chain's unit are still more than 30 years old.

"That's a key driver of earnings growth in the next few years," she said.

SCOTT BAIO'S BABY SCARE WHATS THE DIAGNOSIS

2008-06-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Scott Baio’s baby girl Bailey DeLuca tested positive for a potentially fatal disorder called GA-1 just one day after she came home from the hospital last November but Scott Baio tells a Babies Story that the results turned out to be false and he baby is just fine.

Glutaricaciduria I (GA-I) is a rare hereditary metabolic disorder, caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. One of a group of disorders known as "organic acidemias," it is characterized by an enlarged head (macrocephaly), decreased muscle tone (hypotonia), vomiting, and excess acid in the blood. Affected individuals may also have involuntary movements of the trunk and limbs (dystonia or athetosis) and mental retardation may also occur.

Babies with glutaricaciduria I are sometimes mistakenly thought by medical professionals to be abused babies because they present with subdural and/or retinal hemorrhages.

Tests showed Bailey DeLuca, who was premature, might have GA-1, a metabolic disorder that can cause seizures and lead to coma and death. Testing took 10 weeks, and when doctors told the couple Bailey was completely healthy, “we jumped through the ceiling,” Baio said.

TIM RUSSERT'S RAINBOW SEE THE VIDEO OF THIS MIRACAL

2008-06-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

At the Tim Russert memorial service in Washington, D.C., the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow was played, and then appearing in the sky was an unusual rainbow in the sky, many believe Tim Russert was smiling down as a huge number of politians, actors and news colleagues paid there respects to the much loved Tim Russert. MORE ABOUT THE TIM RUSSERT BURIAL

TOMATO RECALL THE 2 CHICAGO RETAURANTS THAT SICKENED THE MOST

2008-06-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

More than half of the Chicago cases of salmonella linked the tomato recall occurred at two locations of a very popular Mexican restaurant.

CBS 2 chicago reports that of those 383 cases, eleven have been linked to the two Adobo Grill restaurant locations in Chicago; one in Old Town and another in Wicker Park. All eleven people became ill in May.

The Chicago Department of Public Health said, "The restaurant has cooperated fully with the investigation with us, to take steps to ensure that there would be no possibility of any further salmonella spread."

Both Adobo Grill restaurants were open for business Wednesday evening and patrons both dinning on and taking out.

Adobo Grill is known for using fresh ingredients. News the popular eatery was tied to salmonella tainted tomatoes was met with different reactions from those who frequent the restaurant.

One patron said, "When we ate there, I thought the food was very good and I had no problem. Everything was fine. I would go back there again."

The company that operates the restaurants said it was not to blame for the contamination.

Since mid-April, 17 Chicagoans are known to have been made ill by the bacterium believed by federal investigators to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw tomatoes, the release said.

All 17 have recovered fully or are almost fully recovered, CDPH officials said. Most of the illnesses occurred in mid and late May, though several additional cases are awaiting laboratory results that may connect them to the multi-state outbreak.

TOMATO RECALL NYC
TOMATO RECALL SEE THE PICS
MILLIONS AFFECTED

MY FRIDAY NIGHT AT PIZZERIA BLANCO

2008-06-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

Chef/owner Chris Bianco created his award-winning pizzas at Pizzeria Bianco. Plan to get to Pizzer Bianco early beat the large crowds or put your name on the waiting list and head next door to Bar Bianco for a glass of wine and appetizer as you wait for your table. Before dinner I recomend the handmade Buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. For dinner, Pizzeria Bianco offers a limited selection of wood-fired pizzas, such as the Rosa, made with red onions, pistachios and Asiago cheese.

I went there on a Friday night showing up at around 6:00pm. I was told the wait would be about 2 hours. Had to wait 3 hours instead. Got some wine and appetizers from the Bar Bianco and hung out for 3 hours.

Pizza is good but not great. But as far as the the title of "best pizza in the US" I wouldn't say it is.

After waiting 3 hours for a pizza, and you are pretty starved, you will tell your mind that the pizza is the "best" that you've ever had. Heck, he could have just served us a microwavable pizza and I'd probably have said it was good because I was starving.

If you have 3-4 hours to burn, and you don't have kids who would probably freak out at the fact that they can't have there pizza as quick as possible , this can be an interesting experience. If you're pressed for time, don't go to the Pizzeria Bianco .

MICHELLE OBAMA STICKING BY HILLARY SEE HER VIEW APPEARANCE

2008-06-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

In a special guest appearance on ABC’s much watched “The View” Michelle Obama defended Sen. Hillary Clinton’s view's on sexism playing a role in the presidential primary campaign.

“Yes, there’s always a level of sexism,”

she said. “People are not used to strong women.” Obama credited Clinton for her race and also for breaking down barriers for women.

Michelle Obama appears Wednesday on ABC’s “The View.” (ABC/AP)

“And I think that Hillary Clinton, as she said, has made 18 million cracks on the ceiling and we need to keep pushing it and pushing it.” She went on to give credit to Hillary Clinton for paving the way and making it easier for her young daughters, Sasha and Malia. “She’s taken [the hits] so that when my girls come along they won’t have to fight it as badly,” she said.

Michelle Obama avoided a question on whether or not she thought Hillary Clinton would make a good vice-president for her husband. “The one thing the nominee earns is the right to pick the vice president that best reflects the needs of the country, and I’m just glad I have nothing to do with it.”

Michelle Obama noted that it’s been hard at times to adjust to how much her family has been scrutinized in the presidential campaign. “They really didn’t scrutinize families as much as they do in this race,” she said, referring to her husband’s earlier runs for local office and the U.S. Senate.

LIP GLOSS LINKED TO CANCER

2008-06-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Shiny lip balms and glosses may attract ultraviolet rays and increase the risk of skin cancer, warns a dermatologist at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

Dr. Christine Brown noted that protecting your lips from harmful sun rays is as important as using sunscreen to protect your skin. But a recent study found that less than 25 percent of Americans use some form of lip protection.

Lips are more susceptible than skin to aging from chronic sun damage and also more prone to developing serious cancers.

"When skin cancer occurs on the lower lip, it has the potential to be much more aggressive and metastasize to surrounding lymph nodes," Brown said in a prepared statement.

Shiny balms and glosses don't offer protection. Instead, they attract the sun's rays to the lips.

"What most people don't realize is they're actually increasing light penetration through the lip surface by applying something clear and shiny to them," Brown said.

Women should only wear glossy lipsticks in the sun when they have a layer of sun protection on underneath, dermatologists advise.

Anyone who's planning on being outdoors for more than 20 minutes at a time should use a lip sun block with an SPF of 30. Women should apply it in the morning under any lipsticks or lip glosses and then reapply the sun block throughout the day.

People should check their lips for signs of cancer. Consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes to the color of the lip surface (an area turns opaque or white), or if you have persistent peeling or flaking of a spot on your lip, Brown said.

FIND OUT HOW MUCH HAIR YOUR LOSING:: A 60 SECOND HAIR COUNT

2008-06-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Want to know how much hair you're losing?

Start counting the hairs on your comb, not on your head.

In the June issue of Archives of Dermatology, scientists demonstrate that a so-called "60-second hair count" is a simple and reliable away to get a grip on whether you're balding and, if so, how fast.

The procedure, which can be carried out in the convenience of your own home. "Hair loss is fraught with emotions... Here is a hair count that allows the person to get a handle as to what's going on with their hair," said Dr. Jeffrey Miller, senior author of the study and associate professor of dermatology at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Penn. "With something like the 60-second hair count, you can participate and monitor in an objective fashion what's going on with your hair."

"The reality is that hair loss is incredibly common among men and women. Fifty percent of both genders will have hair loss by the age of 50. That's a big number," added Dr. Doris Day, an attending physician in dermatology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "It affects how you're perceived, your ability to date and climb that corporate ladder."

Both the media and dermatology experts are fond of proclaiming that shedding 100 hairs a day is normal. (That's probably too high, Miller said.) But there is little scientific evidence for that number, which is based on the assumption that the average scalp holds 100,000 hairs, 10 percent of which are at any one time in the telogen, or resting, phase.

Not only do experts not know how much hair loss is normal, they also don't have any standardized way of assessing the amount of hair lost on an average day.

"We keep saying the same things over and over, that it's normal to lose 100 hairs a day," Day said. "The question is, how normal is it and what is normal in terms of hair loss."

The "wash test" involves washing one's hair over a sink five days after the last shampoo, a waiting period some might find objectionable.

A more up-to-date method is the 60-second hair count, used in this study.

Here are instructions on how to perform the count:

Comb your hair for 60 seconds over a pillow or sheet of contrasting color before shampooing. Pull the comb from the back top of the scalp forward to the front of the scalp for 60 seconds. "That 60 seconds allows you to dislodge any of the resting hairs that are supposed to be shed.

Repeat the procedure before three consecutive shampooing sessions, always using the same comb. Count and record the number of hairs in the comb and on the pillow or sheet.

Repeat the procedure every month and discuss results with your dermatologist.

ACL SURGERY WHATS AHEAD FOR TIGER WOODS

2008-06-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods is done for the year, but not without one last major that he said might have been his best ever.

Woods explained why Wednesday when he revealed he will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee that he injured 10 months ago.

He also suffered a double stress fracture of his left tibia two weeks before the U.S. Open, ignoring doctors' advice to take six weeks off to let it heal. And he still won the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, going 91 holes over five days on a knee that was getting worse.

"Now, it is clear that the right thing to do is to listen to my doctors, follow through with this surgery and focus my attention on rehabilitating my knee," Woods said on his Web site.

He had arthroscopic surgery April 15 to clean out cartilage in his left knee, bypassing ACL surgery with hopes it could get him through the 2008 season. But the stress fracture and a ligament that could no longer sustain a powerful swing made it impossible to keep going.
Surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries involves reconstructing or repairing the ACL.

ACL reconstruction surgery uses a graft to replace the ligament. The most common grafts are autografts using part of your own body, such as the tendon of the kneecap (patellar tendon) or one of the hamstring tendons. Other good choices include allograft tissue, which is donor material.

In repair surgery, the ends of the torn ligament are sewn back together.
Most ACL surgery is done by reconstructing the ACL because reconstruction gives better results than repair surgery. Repair surgery generally is only used in the case of an avulsion fracture (a separation of the ligament and a piece of the bone from the rest of the bone). In this case, the bone fragment connected to the ACL is reattached to the bone.

ACL surgery is done by making small incisions in the knee and inserting instruments for surgery through these incisions (arthroscopic surgery) or by cutting a large incision in the knee (open surgery).

What To Expect After Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is often done on an outpatient basis, where you do not spend a night in the hospital. Other surgery may require staying in the hospital for a couple of days.

To care for your incision while it heals, you need to keep it clean and dry and watch for signs of infection.

Physical rehabilitation after ACL surgery may take several months to a year. The length of time until you can return to normal activities or sports is different for every person; it may range from 6 to 12 weeks.

Why It Is Done
The goal of ACL surgery is to restore normal or almost normal stability in the knee and the level of function you had before the knee injury, limit loss of function in the knee, and prevent injury or degeneration to other knee structures.

Not all ACL tears require surgery. You and your health professional will decide whether rehabilitation only or surgery plus rehabilitation is right for you.

WOMEN WHO DRINK COFFE HAVE LOWER DEATH RATE BUT MEN DON'T

2008-06-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

Women who drink coffee regularly have lower death rates, a benefit that doesn't appear to accrue to men, a Spanish researcher says.

Lead author Esther Lopez-Garcia and colleagues analyzed data from 84,214 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study and 41,736 men who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

The researchers found women consuming two to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 25 percent lower risk of death from heart disease during the follow-up period which lasted from 1980 to 2004 compared with non drinkers and an 18 percent lower risk of death caused by something other than cancer or heart disease as compared with non-drinkers during follow-up.

For men, this level of consumption was associated with neither a higher nor a lower risk of death during the follow-up period, which lasted from 1986 to 2004.

The findings are published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA GIVEN THUMBS UP / STREET POT STRONGER THAN EVER

2008-06-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Medical use of cannabinoids from marijuana does not cause serious negative medical side effects

, according to Canadian researchers.

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre and McGill University in Montreal and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver said that as the use of cannabinoid medications increases, so do concerns about their potential to cause "adverse events."

Dr. Mark Ware of the McGill University Health Centre said the analysis reported 31 separate clinical studies of cannabinoid medications conducted between 1966 and 2007. Adverse events were categorized as either serious or non-serious; with serious adverse events defined as those leading to death, hospitalization or disability.

"Overall, we found an 86 percent increase in the rate of non-serious adverse events among the patients treated with cannabinoids compared to the patients in the control groups," Ware said in a statement. "The majority of events were mild to moderate in severity."

The majority of non-serious adverse events observed involved dizziness and drowsiness, the researchers said.

The findings were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

NOW FOR THE BAD NEWS

A federal report said marijuana sold in the United States is at least twice as strong as it was in 1983 and poses a serious risk for teens.

The latest analysis from the University of Mississippi's Potency Monitoring Project said levels of THC the main psychoactive substance in marijuana have reached the highest ever amounts since analysis of the drug began in the late 1970s, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy reported Thursday.

The average amount of THC in recently seized samples was 9.6 percent, compared to an average of just under 4 percent in 1983.

Parents who still think marijuana is a harmless substance need to look at the facts,
John Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy, said in a statement. "Marijuana potency has grown steeply over the past decade, with serious implications in particular for young people, who may be not only at increased risk for various psychological conditions, cognitive deficits and respiratory problems, but are also at significantly higher risk for developing dependency on other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, than are non-smokers."

The report said higher potency marijuana may be contributing to a growing number of teenagers in treatment for marijuana dependence.

TOMATO RECALL LATEST: NEW YORK CITY GETS POISONED

2008-06-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

New York City health officials Wednesday said That there have been six more cases of salmonella poisoning caused by the tainted tomatoes reported in New York City.
They have been added to one previously reported case in New York, The New York Times said.

The new latest cases came as the head of U.S. food safety efforts said it's possible the government will never track down the source of the outbreak. David Acheson, the Food and Drug Administration's "food safety czar," says that's because fresh produce like tomatoes aren't consistently labeled as to origin, and also because the outbreak, which sickened more than 277 people and hospitalized 43, is so widespread.

Sickness blamed on salmonella-tainted tomatoes jumped to 228 cases Friday with six new states added, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

The CDC found 61 new cases of Salmonella Saintpaul infection in Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New York, Tennessee and Vermont. That brings to 23 the number of states in which infections have been confirmed since mid-April, CNN reported.

Acheson said that definitively pinning down where the bacteria originated may be impossible because, unlike jars of peanut butter, which were also subjects of an outbreak, individual tomatoes typically don't have information about their origins.

"Off of that jar of peanut butter, you've got the history of that product," Acheson said, adding that even though some U.S. growers voluntarily identify boxes of their products, tracking a suspect batch is very difficult.

The FDA used harvest schedules in a process of elimination to narrow down their suspicions to southern Florida or Mexico. Tomato Recall Whos Not Affected--Tomato Recall What You Need To Know

TIM RUSSERT FUNERAL ARANGEMENTS: WHAT KILLED HIM AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT THIS TRAGEDY

2008-06-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

The funeral arrangements for Tim Russert are all set, the much loved and famed political journalist as well as longtime host of NBC's Meet The Press, has been scheduled for Wednesday June 18 at 4:00 pm.

The funeral and memorial service will take place in Washington's Kennedy Center. The funeral services will not be open to the public, but you can watch it on MSNBC.

A wake for Russert will be held Tuesday June 17 at St. Albans School in Washington, while private vigils have been held in Washington and in western New York, where Tim Russert grew up.

Tim Russert, saddly passed away Friday after collapsing at the NBC News Bureau in Washington. The cause of death was coronary embolism, which caused a heart attack.Everyone can benefit from learning about heart health. If you or a loved one is living with a heart condition, or if you want to learn how to prevent heart problems in the future, our topics can give you the information you need.

According to the autopsy, Russert's physician Dr. Michael Newman said that Russert "was known to have asymptomatic coronary artery disease [atherosclerosis], which resulted in hardening of his coronary arteries."

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease occurs when fatty deposits called plaque (say "plak") build up inside the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries wrap around the heart and supply it with blood and oxygen. When plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries and reduces the amount of blood that gets to your heart. This can lead to serious problems, including heart attack.

Coronary artery disease (also called CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is also the number one killer of both men and women in the United States.

What causes coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is caused by hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries. (Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout your body.) Atherosclerosis can affect any arteries in the body. When it occurs in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, it is called coronary artery disease.

Plaque is a fatty material made up of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood. A healthy artery is like a rubber tube. It is smooth and flexible, and blood flows through it freely. If your heart has to work harder, such as when you exercise, a healthy artery can stretch to let more blood flow to your body’s tissues.

An artery with atherosclerosis is more like a clogged pipe. Plaque narrows the artery and makes it stiff. This limits the flow of blood to the tissues. When the heart has to work harder, the stiff arteries can't flex to let more blood through, and the tissues don't get enough blood and oxygen.

When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the heart doesn't get the blood it needs to work well. Over time, this can weaken or damage the heart. If a plaque tears, the body tries to fix the tear by forming a blood clot around it. The clot can block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack. See a picture of how plaque causes a heart attack.

What are the symptoms?

Usually people with coronary artery disease don't have symptoms until after age 50. Then they may start to have symptoms at times when the heart is working harder and needs more oxygen, such as during exercise. Typical first symptoms include:

Chest pain, Shortness of breath.

Heart attack. Too often, a heart attack is the first symptom of coronary artery disease.

Some people don't have symptoms. In rare cases, a person can have a “silent” heart attack, without symptoms.

How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?

To diagnose coronary artery disease, doctors start by doing a physical exam and asking questions about your past health and your risk factors. Risk factors are things that increase the chance that you will have coronary artery disease.

Some common risk factors are being older than 65; smoking; having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes; and having heart disease in your family. The more risk factors you have, the more likely it is that you have coronary artery disease.

If your doctor thinks you have coronary artery disease, you may have tests, such as:

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), which checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart.
Chest X-ray.
Blood tests.
Exercise electrocardiogram, commonly called a "stress test." This test checks for changes in your heart while you exercise.

Your doctor may order other tests to look at blood flow to your heart. You may have a coronary angiogram if your doctor is considering a procedure to remove blockages, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

How is it treated?

Treatment focuses on taking steps to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. Some risk factors you can't control, such as your age or family history. Other risks you can control, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Lifestyle changes can help lower your risks. You may also need to take medicines or have a procedure to open your arteries.

Lifestyle changes are the first step for anyone with coronary artery disease. These changes may stop or even reverse coronary artery disease. To improve your heart health:

Don't smoke. This may be the most important thing you can do. Quitting smoking can quickly reduce the risk of heart attack or death.

Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, high-fiber grains and breads, and olive oil. This is sometimes called a Mediterranean diet. See a dietitian if you need help making better food choices. Get regular exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week. Your doctor can suggest a safe level of exercise for you. Walking is great exercise that most people can do.

Lower your stress level. Stress can damage your heart.
Changing old habits may not be easy, but it is very important to help you live a healthier and longer life. Having a plan can help. Start with small steps. For example, commit to eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Instead of having dessert, take a short walk. When you feel stressed, stop and take some deep breaths.

Medicines may be needed in addition to lifestyle changes.
Medicines that are often prescribed for people with coronary artery disease include:

Statins to help lower cholesterol.
Beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure.
Aspirin or other medicines to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Nitrates to relieve chest pain.
Procedures may be done to improve blood flow to the heart.

Angioplasty is the treatment doctors prefer, because it isn't major surgery. During angioplasty, the doctor guides a thin tube (catheter) into the narrowed artery and inflates a small balloon. This widens the artery to help restore blood flow. Often a small wire-mesh tube called a stent is placed to keep the artery open. The doctor may use a stent that is coated with medicine, called a drug-eluting stent. When the stent is in place, it slowly releases a medicine that prevents the growth of new tissue. This helps keep the artery open.

Bypass surgery may be a better choice in some cases, such as if more than one coronary artery is blocked. It uses healthy blood vessels to create detours around narrowed or blocked arteries. Bypass surgery is usually an open-chest procedure.

What else can you do?
To stay as healthy as possible, it is important to:

See your doctor for regular follow-up appointments. This lets your doctor keep track of your risk factors and adjust your treatment as needed.

Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Do not stop or change medicines without talking to your doctor.

Tell your doctor about any chest pain you have had, even if it went away.
Get the support you need to succeed in making lifestyle changes. Ask family or friends to share a healthy meal or join a stop-smoking program. Or ask your doctor about a cardiac rehab program. In cardiac rehab, a team of health professionals provides education and support to help you make new, healthy habits.

God Bless Tim Russert

FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU SLEEP

2008-06-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

One of the best natural sedatives is tryptophan, an amino acid component of many plant and animal proteins.

Tryptophan is one of the ingredients necessary for the body to make serotonin, the neurotransmitter best known for creating feelings of calm, and for making you sleepy.

However, the trick is to combine foods that have some tryptophan with ample carbohydrate. That’s because in order for insomnia-busting tryptophan to work, it has to make its way to the brain.

Unfortunately, all amino acids compete for transport to the brain. When you add carbs, they cause the release of insulin, which takes the competing amino acids and incorporates them into muscle…but leaves tryptophan alone, so it can make its way to the brain, be converted to serotonin, and cause sleepiness.

Serotonin-producing bedtime snacks should be no more than 200 calories and should be eaten at least 30 minutes prior to bed.

Here are a few great ideas:

Bedtime Snacks for Adults

6-8 oz container of non-fat, flavored yogurt topped with 2 tablespoons low-fat granola cereal
Sliced apple with 1-2 teaspoons natural peanut butter
3 cups low-fat popcorn – sprinkled with optional 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Bedtime Snacks for Teens

One cup healthy cereal with skim milk
Low-fat granola bar
Scoop of vanilla or strawberry low-fat ice cream

Bedtime Snacks for Children

1/2 cup low-fat vanilla pudding
1/2 banana with 1-2 teaspoons peanut butter
One cup skim milk with a bunch of grapes (or other fruit)

What not to eat/drink before bed

Caffeine - It should be obvious, but you should avoid caffeinated drinks and foods - coffee, tea, many soft drinks, and chocolate - several hours before bed. Caffeine is a natural chemical that activates the central nervous system, which means that it revs up nerves and thought processes. For people who are sensitive to caffeine, that excitation is not pleasant, making them feel jittery and slightly ill. If you drink caffeinated drinks too close to bedtime, chances are it will keep you awake. Of course, what "too close" means is totally individual. Sensitive people should stop drinking caffeine at least eight hours before bedtime (that means by 3 p.m., if you hit the sack at 11 p.m.). You can play with your particular timing...just don't experiment on a night when you absolutely must get a good night's sleep.

Alcohol - Although many people use alcohol to help them relax before bed, the effects can wear off, so they wake up in the middle of the night. Over time, alcohol-induced sleep becomes less restful, so sleepiness will become a constant fact of life. I'm not saying you need to give up alcohol, but don't use it like a sleeping pill; and if you have insomnia, I strongly recommend omitting alcohol for a few weeks to see if your sleep problem resolves.

Large Meals - Eating a huge dinner, or even a large before-bedtime snack, may make you feel drowsy, but the sleep won't necessarily take. When you lie down and try to sleep, your digestion will slow down, make you feel uncomfortable, and possibly keep you awake. I recommend eating a dinner that has no more than 600 calories (and optimally at least three hours before bed).

Stop liquids 90 minutes prior to bed - The single best piece of advice I can give to those of you who wake up in the middle of the night to visit the bathroom is to not drink water or fluids within 90 minutes of bedtime. It takes that long for your body to process liquid of any type. If you must drink to take medication, take a small sip. If the medication requires a full glass of water, take it earlier in the evening if possible

FDA ISSUES WARNING ABOUT THE SAFETY OF SILVER FILLINGS

2008-06-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

Your silver dental fillings contain mercury, and the government is warning that your silver fillings may pose a safety concern for pregnant women as well as young children. The Food and Drug Administration posted the precaution on its Web site earlier this month, to settle a lawsuit making the move a victory for anti-mercury activists.

The warning is not aimed at the worlds population, only at two groups already urged to limit mercury from another source seafood because too much can harm a developing brain.

The fillings, also known as dental amalgams, "contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses," reads the FDA Web posting.

But the FDA isn't saying you should rush out and start yanking them fillings...not yet at least.

The agency still is studying whether the small amount of mercury vapor released by chewing and brushing is enough to cause neurologic disorders or other problems in youngsters. There have been only a handful of rigorous studies comparing children given either amalgam fillings or tooth-colored resin composite fillings that are mercury-free — and those studies haven't detected any brain problems.

Nor has that research settled the long-simmering scientific controversy. Two years ago, the FDA's own independent scientific advisers said that while amalgam fillings were safe for most people, more research was needed about potential effects on fetuses and children under 6.

And earlier this year, the FDA put dentists on notice that it is considering additional controls, including whether to require warnings that would advise consumers of the mercury in amalgams before they have a cavity filled, or perhaps even restrict use in small children and certain other patients. It is accepting public comments until July 28.

"It's an open question what we will do," FDA Deputy Commissioner Randall Lutter told The Associated Press. But, "what this says is there's a clear intent on our part on labeling for sensitive subpopulations."

Expect a final ruling by July 28, 2009, a date set by that legal settlement.

"It's a watershed moment," said Michael Bender of the Mercury Policy Project, who with other advocacy groups had sued the FDA in hopes of forcing restrictions on amalgams.

Amalgam fillings are about 50 percent mercury, joined with silver, copper and tin. The hardened mixture makes the mercury less absorbable by the body than the kind found in fish.

Used since the 1800s, amalgams' popularity already is dropping. They account for about 30 percent of U.S. fillings, still millions of people a year.

They're cheaper than alternatives — roughly $100 for an amalgam filling versus $150 or more for a composite, and they're known as particularly durable.

For 99 percent-plus of people, there probably isn't harm. But if there is a group of people who might be at risk, they should at least have the knowledge that may be so.

Several other countries limit amalgams, either as a precaution in pregnant women and small children or because of environmental concern. Dental workers make amalgam fillings by mixing liquid mercury with powdered ingredients, requiring special safety steps and filters to limit waste seeping back into the environment.

TOMATO RECALL WHOS NOT AFFECTED SEE THE PICS OF THE INFECTED TOMATOES

2008-06-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Food and Drug Administration has just expanded its warning to all consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak has been linked to consumption of certain raw, red tomatoes. As I have reported yesterday, here's what you need to know about the Tomatoe recall.

The FDA is advising consumers to limit their consumption of tomatoes to the following types of tomatoes. The following types of tomatoes listed below are NOT likely to be the source of this outbreak.

cherry tomatoes
grape tomatoes
tomatoes sold with the vine still attached
tomatoes grown at home

FDA recommends consuming raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw round red tomatoes grown and harvested only from the following areas that HAVE NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE OUTBREAK:

Alabama
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Delaware
Florida (counties of: Jackson, Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Suwannee, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, DeSoto, Sarasota, Highlands, Pasco, Sumter, Citrus, Hernando, Charlotte)*
Georgia
Hawaii
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
New Jersey
New York
Nebraska
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
West Virginia
Wisconsin

Belgium
Canada
Dominican Republic
Guatemala
Israel
Netherlands
Puerto Rico

Shipments of tomatoes harvested in these counties are acceptable with a certificate issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have in their home are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for that information.

Consumers should also be aware that raw tomatoes are often used in the preparation of fresh salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo, are part of fillings for tortillas, and are used in other dishes.

Restaurants, grocery stores, and food service operators have been advised by the FDA not to offer for sale or service raw red plum, Roma, or red tomatoes and products made from these types of tomatoes unless they are from one of the areas listed above.

Since mid April, there have been 167 reported cases of salmonellosis nationwide caused by Salmonella Saintpaul, an uncommon form of Salmonella. At least 23 hospitalizations have been reported.

Red Plum/Red Roma tomatoes implicated in outbreak

Round red tomato implicated
in outbreak
MORE ABOUT THE TOMATO RECALL

TOMATO RECALL AFFECTING MILLIONS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

2008-06-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

Federal officials are searching for the source of a 17-state salmonella outbreak linked to three types of raw tomatoes, while the list of supermarkets and restaurants pulling those varieties from shelves and menus keep growing.

McDonald's, Wal-Mart, Burger King, Kroger, Outback Steakhouse, Winn-Dixie and Taco Bell were among the companies that voluntarily withdrew red plum, red Roma or round red tomatoes.

Aso, federal officials at the Los Angeles Unified School District the nation's second largest said Monday they have suspended serving uncooked tomatoes.

The FDA is investigating the source of the Tomato outbreak, The FDA went on to say "We are working hard and fast on this one and hope to have something as quickly as possible," .

Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached and homegrown tomatoes are likely not the source of the outbreak, federal officials said.

Also not affecting the outbreak are raw red Roma, red plum and round red tomatoes from Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Belgium, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Israel, Netherlands and Puerto Rico.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that since mid-April, 167 people infected with salmonella with the same "genetic fingerprint" have been identified. At least 23 people have been hospitalized.

A 67-year-old cancer patient in Texas at a Mexican restaurant is believed to be the first death associated with the outbreak.

Raul Rivera died last week and the salmonella strain was a contributing factor.

Rivera's wife said he was hospitalized after eating pico de gallo, a tomato-based condiment.

Salmonella is a bacteria that lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals. The bacteria are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces.

The salmonella causing the outbreak is a very unusual type called salmonella saintpaul, said FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, who added it was not more virulent than other types of salmonella.

Salmonella symptoms begin with nausea and vomiting and progress to abdominal pains and diarrhea. Additional signs and symptoms include fever, chills and muscle pains, and can last anywhere from several days to two weeks.

People with salmonella-induced bacteremia may show few symptoms; however, fever can be present. If you have intestinal salmonella and you have a healthy immune system, you may not seem ill or show signs or symptoms. However, you may continue to shed the bacteria in your feces and remain contagious for up to a year.

You can contract salmonella infection by touching or ingesting anything contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Reservoirs for the microorganism include pet reptiles, dogs and cats, pigs and cattle, infected humans, contaminated water, raw dairy products and chicken eggs. Salmonella can survive for months in water, ice, sewage and frozen meat.

Most frequently, humans come in contact with salmonella through food sources such as contaminated poultry, meat, eggs and egg products.

McDonald's, the world's largest hamburger chain, stopped serving sliced tomatoes on its sandwiches, but will continue serving grape tomatoes in its salads because no problems have been linked to that variety.

The simplest way to diagnose salmonella infection is to isolate the bacteria in a stool or other culture. Typically, your doctor will ask for a stool sample and send it to a laboratory, where a technician will try to grow and identify the infectious organism under a microscope.

Although salmonella infection elsewhere in your body isn't always present in your bloodstream, a blood culture might help identify certain types of bacteria and rule out other pathogens

CONTROL YOUR DIABETES WITH PROPER TOOTH AND GUM CARE

2008-06-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

People with type 2 diabetes can help control the disease by taking better care of their teeth and gums.

That's the case dentists were expected to make at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting in San Francisco this weekend.

"Several recent studies have shown that having periodontal disease makes those with type 2 diabetes more likely to develop worsened glycemic control, and puts them at much greater risk of end-stage kidney disease and death," George W. Taylor, an associate professor of dentistry at the University of Michigan schools of Dentistry and Public Health, said in a prepared statement. "Given the numerous medical studies showing that good glycemic control results in reduced development and progression of diabetes complications, we believe there is the potential that periodontal treatment can provide an increment in diabetes control and subsequently a reduction in the risk for diabetes complications," he said.

Intensive periodontitis intervention, for example, can significantly lower one's levels of A1C, a measure of long-term glucose control.

"We have found evidence that the severity of periodontal disease is associated with higher levels of insulin resistance, often a precursor of type 2 diabetes, as well as with higher levels of A1C," dentist Maria E. Ryan, director of clinical research at the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine in New York, said in a prepared statement.

Periodontal, or gum, disease is an infection and chronic inflammatory disease of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. As it is painless, most people don't know they have it, yet it is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

A set of studies of the Pima Indians in the Southwest, a population with a very high rate of type 2 diabetes. One found those with periodontitis were more than four times as likely to develop worsened glycemic control; another showed that those with severe gum disease had more than triple the risk of dying from diabetic nephropathy or ischemic heart disease than those with less severe periodontal disease.
A study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, that found a "statistically significant reduction" in A1C levels in people with type 2 diabetes after 15 months after routine periodontal treatment, Taylor said.

"When glycemia has been difficult to control, the physician might consider asking patients when they last saw their dentist, whether periodontitis has been diagnosed and, if so, whether treatment has been completed," Ryan said. "A consultation with the dentist may be appropriate, to discuss whether periodontal treatment has been successful or whether a more intensive approach with oral or sub-antimicrobial antibiotics is in order because, just as it is difficult to control diabetes while the patient has an infected leg ulcer, the same applies when there's infection and inflammation of the gums."

ASTHMA TRIGGERS THE WHY HOW WHEN AND WHERE

2008-06-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

What are asthma triggers?

An asthma trigger is a factor that can decrease lung function and lead to sudden difficulty breathing and other symptoms of an asthma attack. When you are around a trigger, you are at increased risk for an asthma attack. A severe attack may mean you have to go to the hospital.

Some triggers are substances you may be allergic to (allergens). These triggers may include:

House dust mites.
Cockroaches.
Animal dander.
Indoor mold.
Pollen.

Other triggers are not allergens—they can cause asthma symptoms, but you are not allergic to them. These include:

Cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Upper respiratory infections such as colds, influenza (flu), and sinusitis.
Exercise. Many people with asthma have symptoms when they exercise.
Dry, cold air.
Medications, such as aspirin.

In adults, hormones, including those involved in pregnancy and menstrual periods. Your symptoms may change just before or during periods.

Identifying asthma triggers helps you know what increases your asthma symptoms. If you avoid triggers, you may be able to:

Avoid an asthma attack altogether.

Reduce the length and severity of an asthma attack.

How to identify asthma triggers

Identify possible asthma triggers. A trigger is anything that can lead to an asthma attack. When you are around something that triggers your symptoms, keep track of it. This can help you find a pattern in what triggers your symptoms. Record triggers on a piece of paper or in your asthma diary.

Monitor your lung function. A trigger may not always cause symptoms. However, it can still narrow your bronchial tubes, making your lungs work harder. To identify triggers that do not always cause immediate symptoms, measure your peak expiratory flow (PEF) throughout the day. PEF will drop when your bronchial tubes narrow, so your PEF will drop when you are near things that trigger symptoms. Measure your PEF when you are around the common irritants.

Be tested for allergies. Skin or blood testing may be used to diagnose allergies to certain substances. Skin testing involves pricking the skin on your back or arms with one or more small doses of specific allergens. The amount of swelling and redness at the sites where your skin was pricked are measured to identify allergens to which you react. If your PEF drops when you are near an allergen, consider being tested for this allergen.

Share your trigger record with your health professional. After you have found some things that may trigger your asthma, you and your health professional can devise a plan for how to deal with them. ASTHMA LEADS TO SUICIDE

ASTHMA FOUND TO INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDE

2008-06-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

People with asthma may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts with attempted suicide, but not for suicidal thoughts without suicide attempts, according to a U.S. study.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health in Baltimore analyzed data on 5,692 people, aged 18 and older, from the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey Replication.

They found that about 12 percent had a history of asthma. Estimates of lifetime prevalence for suicidal thoughts and attempts without and with asthma were 8.7 percent, 4.2 percent and 12 percent, respectively, and occurred more frequently in women than in men.

Cigarette smoking and concurrent mental health conditions may independently account for a large part, but not all, of the association between asthma and suicidal thoughts with attempts, said the study authors.

After they adjusted for cigarette smoking, concurrent mental health conditions and common sociodemographic factors, they found there was still a significant association between asthma and suicide thoughts and attempts.

"Researchers have speculated that the relationship between asthma and suicidal behaviors is possibly because of ensuring mood and anxiety that results from disability and discomfort associated with asthma, which can be a lifelong disease," the study authors wrote. "Individuals might have frequent thoughts of death with increasing severity solely because they have a potentially life-threatening illness."

The findings suggest that people with asthma who express suicidal thoughts should be referred to mental health services.

POISON IVY TREATMENTS FACTS AND CURES

2008-05-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause a skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis when they touch your skin. The red, uncomfortable, and itchy rash often shows up in lines or streaks and is marked by fluid-filled bumps (blisters) or large raised areas (hives). It is the most common skin problem caused by contact with plants (plant dermatitis).

What causes a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
The rash is caused by contact with an oil (urushiol) found in poison ivy, oak, or sumac. The oil is present in all parts of the plants, including the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, and roots. Urushiol is an allergen, so the rash is actually an allergic reaction to the oil in these plants. Indirect contact with urushiol can also cause the rash. This may happen when you touch clothing, pet fur, sporting gear, gardening tools, or other objects that have come in contact with one of these plants. But urushiol does not cause a rash on everyone who gets it on his or her skin.

What are the symptoms of the rash?
The usual symptoms of the rash are:

Itchy skin where the plant touched your skin.
Red streaks or general redness where the plant brushed against the skin.
Small bumps or larger raised areas (hives).
Blisters filled with fluid that may leak out.
The rash usually appears 8 to 48 hours after your contact with the urushiol. But it can occur from 5 hours to 15 days after touching the plant.1 The rash usually takes more than a week to show up the first time you get urushiol on your skin. But the rash develops much more quickly (within 1 to 2 days) after later contacts. The rash will continue to develop in new areas over several days but only on the parts of your skin that had contact with the urushiol or those parts where the urushiol was spread by touching.

The rash is not contagious. You cannot catch or spread a rash after it appears, even if you touch it or the blister fluid, because the urushiol will already be absorbed or washed off the skin. The rash may seem to be spreading, but either it is still developing from earlier contact or you have touched something that still has urushiol on it.

The more urushiol you come in contact with, the more severe your skin reaction. Severe reactions to smaller amounts of urushiol also may develop in people who are highly sensitive to urushiol. Serious symptoms may include:

Swelling of the face, mouth, neck, genitals, or eyelids (which may prevent the eyes from opening).

Widespread, large blisters that ooze large amounts of fluid.

Without treatment, the rash usually lasts about 10 days to 3 weeks. But in people who are very sensitive to urushiol, the rash may take up to 6 weeks to heal.

How is the rash diagnosed?
The rash usually is diagnosed during a physical examination. Your health professional will examine the rash and ask questions to find out when you were exposed to the plant and how long it took the rash to develop. If you are not sure whether you were exposed to a plant, he or she will ask about your outdoor activities, work, and hobbies.

How is the rash treated?
Most poison ivy, oak, or sumac rashes can be treated successfully at home. Initial treatment consists of washing the area with water immediately after contact with the plants. To relieve symptoms, use wet compresses and take cool baths. Nonprescription antihistamines and calamine lotion also may help relieve symptoms. Moderate or severe cases of the rash may require treatment by a doctor, who may prescribe corticosteroid pills, creams, ointments, or shots (injections).

How can I prevent the rash from poison ivy, oak, and sumac?
The best way to prevent the rash is to learn to identify and avoid the plants. When you cannot avoid contact with the plants, heavy clothing (long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and vinyl gloves) and barrier creams or lotions may help protect you.

AROMATHERAPY..PLANT OILS THAT CAN CURE YOUR DISEASE

2008-05-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, is using a plant's aroma-producing oils (essential oils) to treat disease. Essential oils are taken from a plant's flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance (such as oil, alcohol, or lotion) and then put on the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. You can also massage the oils into the skin or pour them into bath water. Aromatherapy as used today originated in Europe and has been practiced there since the early 1900s.

Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose. Those nerves send impulses to the part of the brain that controls memory and emotion. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating.

The oils are thought to interact with the body's hormones and enzymes to cause changes in blood pressure, pulse, and other body functions. Another theory suggests that the fragrance of certain oils may stimulate the body to produce pain-fighting substances.

What is aromatherapy used for?Aromatherapy may promote relaxation and help relieve stress. It has also been used to help treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. But so far there is limited scientific evidence to support claims that aromatherapy effectively prevents or cures illness.

Is aromatherapy safe?
Practitioners of aromatherapy are not specially licensed in the United States. A wide range of licensed health professionals (such as massage therapists, nurses, and counselors) may have experience and training in aromatherapy. It is important to talk with your medical doctor to see whether aromatherapy may be helpful and safe for your specific health condition.

Do not swallow the oils used in aromatherapy. Many of the oils are potent and can be dangerous if taken internally (swallowed).

Children younger than age 5 should not use aromatherapy, because they can be very sensitive to the oil. Nor should anyone use oils near the eyes or mouth, because irritation of the skin and membranes may occur.

People with certain chronic illnesses or conditions should not use aromatherapy without first consulting a doctor. These illnesses and conditions include:

Lung conditions such as asthma, respiratory allergies, or chronic lung disease. Oils may cause airway spasms.

Skin allergies. Some oils may cause skin irritation, especially in the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use aromatherapy. Some oils (such as juniper, rosemary, and sage) may cause uterine contractions. Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

ITCHY SKIN TREATMENT FROM ECZEMA TO PSORIASIS

2008-05-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

Dry Skin Remedies
How can you tell if it’s just a mild case of dry skin? If your skin is dry to the touch and you don’t have a rash, lesions or other bumps on your skin, you might have an acute (temporary) case of dry skin. Lucky for you, this probably means you're just dehydrated or neglecting the body lotion, both of which can easily be remedied by drinking more water and applying topical moisturizers.

However, there are many factors that can contribute to dry skin: certain weather conditions, cosmetics, perfumes, showering too much, and even friction from tight clothing. Even age can be a factor; over the years, sebaceous glands in the skin produce less and less sebum, the oil that naturally moisturizes our skin, causing dry skin.

If you determine that you have a simple case of dry skin, try these seven helpful dry skin remedies:

1. Wear sunscreen whenever you're outside, especially when it's sunny out. Be sure to hydrate both internally and externally by drinking plenty of water and applying a moisturizer.

2. Avoid perfumed body lotions, cosmetics, bath bubbles, and shower gels.
3. Use a humidifier in extremely dry weather conditions such as on your next ski vacation.

4. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing instead of tight, non-breathable fabrics.

5. Take a daily multivitamin! Vitamins A and E, zinc and essential fatty acids all help to ease dry skin and reduce inflammation, from the inside out.

6. Don’t shower more than once a day and do not use hot water, which irritates dry skin.

7. Apply moisturizing lotions after showering or bathing to restore moisture.

Is It Eczema?
How can you tell if it’s not just a mild case of dry skin, but something more sinister? When dry, itchy skin is accompanied by scaly, red, irritated bumps, lesions or blisters, you can be sure it’s more than just a simple case of dry skin.

Millions of adults suffer from eczema, which most commonly appears on the face, hands, scalp, and wrists, as well as behind the elbows and knees (although it can appear anywhere on the body).

Eczema runs in families and is thought to be triggered by allergens such as a certain foods, pollen or animal dander. People who suffer from eczema produce a higher than normal amount of histamines, which are released during the allergic response. This excess of histamine produces exaggerated allergic skin reactions, resulting in the uncomfortable skin lesions known to eczema.

For some helpful hints on clearing up eczema in as few as 3-4 days, try these seven eczema treatments:

1. Follow all the tips.

2. Don’t scratch! Scratching only aggravates already irritated skin.

3. Be mindful of anything that touches your skin on a regular basis, such as chrome and nickel jewelry, perfumed cosmetics and lotions, clothing dyes, laundry detergents, and tight clothes – these can all trigger contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

4. Stay out of the sun, which can aggravate eczema symptoms.

5. Watch out for foods that can trigger allergic responses, which can aggravate eczema symptoms. Common food allergens include: eggs, chocolate, milk, nuts, shellfish, strawberries, and wheat.

6. Eat fresh! Fruits and veggies provide antioxidants and flavonoids that inhibit the allergic response.

7. Call your doctor if these eczema treatments don’t help, or if the sores become infected and start to ooze or form a crust, which indicates a bacterial infection.

Is It Psoriasis?
Eczema isn't the only skin problem plaguing adults. Millions suffer from psoriasis, a more serious form of dry skin that produces red, flaky, itchy, scale-like raised patches. Psoriasis also shows up on the fingernails and toenails, as yellowed, pitted and loose nails.

Although the majority of psoriasis-sufferers don’t experience extreme pain with psoriasis, in severe cases the pain can be so unbearable that daily activities are interrupted. The dry, itchy skin and sores from psoriasis are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, lower back, buttocks, and scalp, and are very unsightly, usually covering quite a large area.

In about 5% of cases, joint pain and swelling similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis accompany the painful rash.

Psoriasis is the result of abnormally fast cell replication, which causes immature skin cells to pile up on the surface and become irritated. Like eczema, psoriasis is also common along family lines, leading experts to believe the problem may have a genetic link.

Although psoriasis cannot be prevented or cured, there are a few things you can do to suppress outbreaks:

1. Follow all theese tips. And don’t scratch!

2. Unlike the advice given for eczema treatments, sunlight exposure is good for psoriasis sufferers. Fifteen to 30 minutes of sun exposure every day suppresses psoriasis symptoms. You should apply sunscreen to the unaffected areas of your skin, but never to the sores. However, too much of a good thing is not recommended: A sunburn will irritate the condition.

3. Eat fatty fish, such as herring, mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines, all of which supply Omega-3 fatty acids to help nourish the skin and reduce inflammation.

4. Moisturize often to reduce cracking and itching. Try aloe vera gels for their cooling effect.

5. Avoid alcohol if you notice that it triggers outbreaks.

6. Don’t smoke! Studies show that smokers are two times more likely to suffer from psoriasis, especially women.

7. Call the doctor if these psoriasis treatments don’t help or if the sores spread. Call immediately if you start to experience fatigue, fever or joint pain in addition to the sores.

TOP 10 THINGS THAT DONT CAUSE ARTHRITIS

2008-05-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Things That Don’t Cause Arthritis

Are your joints acting up because of the weather? Or is your body is seeking revenge for the times when you cracked your knuckles as a kid? As comfortable as you might find these explanations for arthritis, clinical experience and research studies have yet to prove that these two myths, and a host of others, are true.

Arthritis is common: One in six adults in the United States has some form of arthritis, and with the aging of our population, that fraction is going up. But the condition is also widely misunderstood. Unfortunately, just about every aspect of arthritis is clouded by uncertainty, misinformation and myth, including how to define it, what causes it, how to treat it and how to predict its course. And misunderstanding about the potential causes of arthritis can lead to bad decisions about treatment. UltraOmega1200
What Is Arthritis?
Strictly speaking, arthritis means inflammation of a joint, which often leads to some combination of pain, swelling, redness and limited motion. There are more than 100 types of arthritis. In some cases, the type of arthritis needs to be specifically defined, because successful treatment depends upon the correct diagnosis. Gout and rheumatoid arthritis are two such examples. Other types of arthritis can be grouped into categories because the prognoses and treatments are similar.

What Causes Arthritis?
While several types of arthritis have a known cause, the majority does not. Examples of common types of arthritis with no known cause include most cases of osteoarthritis and all cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Even when the cause is known for example, uric-acid crystals cause gout when they deposit in the joint it is generally not known why some people develop gout and others with the same risk factors do not. A joint infection may clearly be caused by a particular bacterium (as proven by detection of that bacterium in the joint fluid), but that doesn’t tell you why the bacterial infection developed in the first place. An injury such as a broken bone or torn cartilage may lead to arthritis years later, but not everyone with a similar injury will get arthritis. For most cases, then, arthritis develops for no known reason. UltraOmega1200
What Does Not Cause Arthritis?
When the cause of an arthritic condition has not yet been discovered, it may difficult or even impossible to disprove a theory, even one that is improbable. Here are some of the most common, but as yet unproven, theories about the cause of arthritis.

Overuse With usual use, joints hold up well most of the time. Some people who are on their feet all day assume that knee or hip arthritis must be related; yet it clearly doesn’t explain the same type of arthritis occurring in the hands. Conversely, if arthritis is caused by overuse, right handed-persons should have more arthritis in the right hand; yet, that is not the case. Another compelling example is that marathoners and other runners appear to have no increased risk of arthritis. There are exceptions, of course: Jack-hammer operators and athletes, for instance, may develop degenerative arthritis because of repeated joint injury.

The weather or a damp, cold breeze This notion probably follows from the rather common experience of arthritis sufferers that the weather seems to affect their joint symptoms. Although my patients often describe the ability to predict weather (“better than a weatherman”), how reliably it occurs or why it happens are not certain. For example, even if a person’s joints ache more every time it is cold and damp, that does not mean the weather caused the arthritis in the first place. At the current time, there is no evidence that identifies any type of weather as a cause of any type of arthritis. Similarly, despite the testimonials of individual people, it is unlikely that sitting near an open window can cause arthritis, even if there is a cold draft.

Most medications although there are occasional exceptions, prescription, over-the-counter and complementary and alternative medications are not a recognized cause of arthritis. Again, there are rare exceptions: Corticosteroids, including ones available in pill form (such as prednisone) may cause interruption of the blood supply to the bones around the hip, causing death of the bone there (called avascular, or aseptic, necrosis). If the “ball” of the ball-and-socket joint loses its round shape due to avascular necrosis, arthritis may develop. Other drugs (such as alendronate or phenobarbital) may cause bone or joint pain but not arthritis. Similarly, diuretic drugs (“water pills”) may increase the risk of gout, but it isn’t the cause of the disease. Finally, a rare condition called “drug-induced lupus” can follow treatment with the certain medications including procainamide and hydralazine; arthritis may be a part of the reaction.

Infections and vaccinations Most infections, whether due to a virus, bacterium or other organism, will not cause arthritis, and most cases of arthritis are not caused by infection (at least as far as we know). There are infectious causes of arthritis, but they represent a small fraction of all arthritis. Important examples include bacteria (such as Gonorrhea and Staphylococcus), Lyme disease, some viruses (including occasional cases of hepatitis B hepatitis C, or parvovirus. Similarly, vaccinations, including those for Lyme disease and rubella have been linked in rare cases to the development of arthritis, but the connection to a vaccination has been unclear. Some rubella vaccines contained strains of the virus that seemed to cause arthritis more often; these vaccines were removed from the market and reports of vaccine-associated arthritis are less frequent now. The Lyme vaccine also has been withdrawn from the market, though due to poor sales, not because of side effects. Fortunately, the vast majority of people receiving the most common vaccinations never develop arthritis.

The wrong diet theories about which diet is best to prevent or treat arthritis have been around for centuries, but with rare exception and some common sense, diet does not seem to play a crucial role in arthritis. First, the exceptions: Some people find that particular foods (or alcoholic beverages) trigger attacks of gout. Secondly, there is an association between obesity and osteoarthritis, so a diet that promotes weight loss may be helpful. And in some cases, inadequate calcium or vitamin D may contribute to osteoporosis; if a fracture occurs as a result, arthritis may eventually follow. However, our current understanding of most types of arthritis comes with no strong recommendation about which foods to choose and which to avoid. It is worth emphasizing that vegetarian diets or those that avoid “nightshade” vegetables (including potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, and eggplant) are not only unproven as arthritis treatment, but there is also no compelling evidence supporting a particular food or food group as a cause of arthritis. Undoubtedly, future research will provide useful information regarding the importance of diet as a cause or treatment of arthritis.

Cracking knuckles Although you can injure a joint by overenthusiastic knuckle cracking, there is rather convincing evidence that regular knuckle cracking has little effect on joint health

Getting older Although degenerative joint disease (also called osteoarthritis) becomes more common with age, arthritis is not inevitable. Therefore, age alone cannot be blamed as “the cause” of arthritis.

Mental or emotional stress Although there are stories of people having severe emotional trauma and soon after developing an arthritic illness, there is no convincing evidence that psychological stress causes any recognized type of arthritis. On the other hand, stress can make any pain seem worse, and there is controversy regarding the relative importance of psychological stress on the development or perpetuation of joint pain without arthritis (as in fibromyalgia).

Poor posture “Slouching” does not cause arthritis, although certain types of arthritis or bone diseases can affect posture. The idea that poor posture causes arthritis probably follows a misunderstanding of cause and effect: Osteoporosis may cause a stooped posture because vertebrae collapse (called compression fractures). Arthritis in the spine may follow, but the stooped posture is not the cause of the arthritis. Another example of arthritis affecting posture (rather than the other way around) is ankylosing spondylitis, a condition in which inflammation of joints in the lower spine leads to a rigid spine (ankylosis means fusion). However, “poor posture” itself does not lead to arthritis.

Inadequate calcium intake Recommendations to take extra calcium follow the observation that without enough calcium, bones may become thin and so weak that fracture becomes more likely. That’s what osteoporosis is but osteoporosis is not arthritis, and calcium intake has rather little to do with the development of arthritis (unless, as described above, osteoporosis leads to fracture and fracture leads to arthritis).

The Bottom LineWith so many types of arthritis and so little understanding about their causes, it is understandable why many myths about arthritis circulate. In fact, it may be tempting to latch on to even a far-fetched theory about cause rather than accept the explanation that “nobody knows.” But if faulty assumptions about the cause of your arthritis lead you to adopt a difficult or unhealthy diet, or to move to a different climate, or to pursue another costly or risky treatment, you may be sorely disappointed and even less healthy than when you started. UltraOmega1200Additional research may force me to remove one or more of the items on my Top 10 list. For now, however, the most direct and honest answer most health-care providers can offer is that we simply don’t know why most cases of arthritis develop. Until better answers are available, my advice for some of the most common types of arthritis is to dwell less on why it happens and to focus more on how to get better.UltraOmega1200

NEW STUDY LINKS SUN EXPOSURE TO DEPRESION

2008-05-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Low levels of vitamin D and high levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands may increase the risk of depression in older adults, according to a new report.

The Dutch study, published in the May issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, supports previous speculation by researchers that vitamin D, depression and other psychiatric illnesses are linked, according to background information in the article.

Underlying causes of vitamin D deficiency such as less sun exposure due to decreased outdoor activity, different housing or clothing habits, and decreased vitamin intake may be secondary to depression, but depression may also be the consequence of poor vitamin D status, the article's authors wrote. Moreover, poor vitamin D status causes an increase in serum parathyroid hormone levels.

Symptoms of depression often appear when the parathyroid glands are overactive, then disappear after the gland condition is treated.

Since both low vitamin D levels and high parathyroid hormone levels can be treated by increasing vitamin D or calcium in the diet and boosting exposure to sunlight, the findings could bring hope to depressed seniors, the researchers say. About 13 percent of older individuals have symptoms of depression.

Researchers at VU University Medical Center, in Amsterdam, found the vitamin D levels were 14 percent lower in test subjects diagnosed with major and minor depression compared with those non-depressed participants.

Parathyroid hormone thyroid levels were an average of 5 percent higher in those with minor depression and 33 percent higher in those with major depressive disorder than in those who were not depressed.

The researchers measured blood levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone among 1,282 community residents over the age of 65. They also assessed symptoms of depression, diagnosing 26 with a major depressive disorder, 169 with minor depression and 1,087 as not depressed.

Additional studies are needed to determine whether changes in levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone precede the onset of depression or follow it, the authors said.

Vitamin D is essential for promoting calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone and prevent hypocalcemic tetany. It is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosisSwanson First Time Customer Coupon - $5.00 Off

Johnson & Johnson Duragesic Pain Patch Flaw Recall

2008-05-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

Johnson & Johnson Duragesic Pain Patch Flaw Recall:
A recall has been issued by Johnson & Johnson and Novartis AG's Sandoz on 25-microgram-per-hour patches with expiration dates on or before December 2009.

It was found that a manufacturing problem led to some of the patches having a cut in the internal reservoir lining. This cut may cause a leaking problem of the patch. The danger is if anyone touches a defective pain patch they may be delivered a dose of the prescription painkiller fentanyl which may lead to breathing problems or even an accidental overdose.

Back in December the FDA issued a safety warning on the Duragesic patch, citing improper use may cause breathing difficulties and death. The FDA continues to work with J & J on this voluntary recall and is investigating this latest issue.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opium-derived pain reliever first synthesized in Belgium in the late 1950s. It is a powerful narcotic that is almost 100 times stronger than morphine. It was first used in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic, but its medical use was strictly regulated as it is one of the most potent drugs ever created.

There are four main types of fentanyl in medical use today. Most are for constant delivery of pain relief and used to combat the excruciating chronic pain associated with many types of conditions. The most common type of use for fentanyl is in treating chronic pain with the Duragesic Transdermal Patch, a small device applied directly to the skin that releases a specific amount of the drug every hour.

The health risks stemming from Duragesic and fentanyl include respiratory problems, cardiac troubles, and even death.

Like any other prescription drug, Duragesic patches and fentanyl will have unfavorable side effects. These consequences could include rare circumstances like vision loss or more common complications such as impaired breathing. It is important for patients to be fully aware of the different side effects Duragesic patches and fentanyl may have on their bodies.

Side effects include:

Death
Hypoventilation
Fentanyl Overdose

Janssen Pharmeceutica discovered a potentially catastrophic flaw in their extremely popular Duragesic Transdermal Patch that could result in a leak and lead to a dangerous overdose of the narcotic fentanyl. If you've been affected by the recall, your health - and potentially your life - could be at risk.

Janssen speculated that there were over 2.2 million patches in the recalled lot numbers, with up to 22% still in use. This colossal error on the part of the manufacture exposed thousands of people to potentially fatal overdoses, but also painful withdrawal inducing underdoses. A lawsuit against the drugmakers can help prevent this from happening in the future.

HEALTHY SKIN WHILE PREGNANT WHAT EVERY MOM NEEDS TO KNOW

2008-05-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

First there’s the morning sickness, which happens to occur at all times of the day. Next it’s weird food cravings, followed by mood swings, swollen feet and frequent trips to the bathroom. Being with child takes a toll on any woman’s body, and the nine-month process isn’t all smiles and good times. The last thing an expectant mom wants to worry about is her skin.

But hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, dietary modifications and the new responsibility of caring for a baby can have a significant effect on your skin, says New York City dermatologist, Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D. Fortunately, though, there are ways expectant moms can prepare and maintain their skin for a truly healthy, glowing complexion.

Out with the old, in with the new. It’s time to re-evaluate your skin care stash: As a mom-to-be, take a look at all your products and decide whether they a) contain ingredients that are safe during pregnancy and b) are still ideal for your changing skin. Apply a simple rule of thumb, “If there’s any doubt, throw it out.” It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about what products and ingredients are safe for your skin and your baby.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Pregnant skin has a tendency to become dry and itchy, so moisturizing is essential. Avoid using regular soap, which strips skin’s natural oils. Also, switch to a moisturizing body wash. As relaxing as it may be, spending too much time in the bath or shower isn’t healthy for your skin, either; prolonged contact with water actually dehydrates the skin, making it look dull.

Easy on the sun. Because pregnant skin is also photosensitive skin (sensitive to sun), always make sure to wear sunscreen on all exposed areas anytime you’re going outdoors. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Many moms-to-be also suffer from a common skin condition known as melasma, chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy," where discolored patches appear on the skin. While this overproduction of melanin is benign, melasma's cosmetic appearance can be very troubling for any woman.

Using sunscreen is your best bet for avoiding melasma. Try Belli Anti Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 for both UVA and UVB protection.

In addition dermatologist Sumayah Jamal, M.D., Ph.D., tells WebMD, "You can use azelaic acid, which is good for pigment, as well as any topical vitamin C product, which helps suppress pigment naturally." WebMD also suggests, when all else fails, use foundation or concealer.

During pregnancy, your skin type also alters: The face tends to get oilier than the rest of the body so following a good cleansing routine is important. Women with naturally oily skin should use water-based moisturizers and cleansers, whereas women with dry skin should use oil-based products. If you're particularly prone to acne, try Belli Acne Clearing Facial Wash.

Stretched to the max. More than 90 percent of women will get these red or purple bands on their abdomens and sometimes on the breasts and thighs during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. Even though most of the marks fade over time, they can still be a nuisance.

Massaging your tummy with gel or lotion will keep your stretching skin elastic, supple and less prone to the effects of stretch marks. Creams with green tea or glycolic acid are the most effective, dermatologist Ken Beer, M.D., tells WebMD. Also, many moms swear by cocoa butter.

Pamper yourself. With all those physical changes coupled with carrying extra weight, you're bound to feel pressure on your legs and feet. Treat yourself with a soothing foot and leg massage to alleviate the pain of swollen limbs. Products such as Belli Pregnancy Gift Box will work wonders.

Drink water. Constantly drinking water will not only keep your body hydrated, but it will positively affect the tone of your skin. Water cleanses the body and flushes out the toxins.

Get plenty of sleep. People who get a full night’s rest appear happier and healthier, and the same goes for expectant moms. Plus pregnant women get tired easily, so sleep becomes a necessity. Take naps frequently to conserve your strength. You’ll feel better and when your body is fully rested, so is your mind.

Work on that smile. Dental care isn’t only important to your health; it’s also vital to your baby’s well-being. Even skipping one night of brushing or flossing, according to American Baby, can trigger a dangerous domino effect with swollen or bleeding gums, gum disease and premature birth: Not brushing or flossing once can turn into repeated avoidance, which can contribute to gum disease; one study found women with gum disease were at an increased risk — four to seven times — for delivering their babies prematurely.

To maintain a healthy smile, the article suggests: At a minimum of two to three times per day, brush and floss; schedule a dental checkup during your second trimester, but don’t hesitate to make additional appointments if necessary; and take in tons of vitamin C from your diet.

And importantly, don’t forget to smile! Bringing a child into the world is an amazing experience, so smile and enjoy your part in creating life.

ACNE CAUSES CURES AND TREATMENTS

2008-05-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores. Acne plagues teens—more than 85% experience at least a mild form of this condition. Severe cases can be both emotionally and physically scarring. Most people outgrow acne by their early 20s, but some people, especially women, have acne into their 40s or 50s.

What are the symptoms of acne?
Clogged pores lead to pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. These blemishes can appear on the face, neck, shoulders, back, or chest. Pimples that are large and deep are called cystic lesions. Cystic lesions can cause painful infections and can lead to scarring.

Acne treatment depends on whether you have a mild, moderate, or severe form. Sometimes your doctor will combine treatments to get the best results and to avoid developing drug-resistant bacteria. Treatment could include lotions or gels you put on blemishes or sometimes entire areas of skin, such as the chest or back (topical medications). You might also take medications by mouth (oral medications).

Mild acne

Treatment for mild acne (whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples) may include:

Gentle cleansing with a mild soap (such as Dove or Neutrogena).
Applying benzoyl peroxide (such as Benoxyl, Benzac, or Clearasil).
Applying salicylic acid (such as Clearasil, Propa pH, or Stri-Dex).
If these treatments do not work, you may want to see your doctor. Your doctor can give you a prescription for stronger lotions or creams. You may try an antibiotic lotion. Or you may try a lotion with medicine that helps to unplug your pores.

Moderate to severe acne

Sometimes acne needs treatment with stronger medications or a combination of therapies. Deeper blemishes, such as nodules and cysts, are more likely to leave scars. As a result, your doctor may give you oral antibiotics sooner to start the healing process. Inflammatory acne may need a combination of several therapies. Treatment for moderate to severe acne may include:

Applying benzoyl peroxide.
Draining of large pimples and cysts by a health professional.
Applying prescription antibiotic gels, creams, or lotions.
Applying prescription retinoids.
Applying azelaic acid.
Taking prescription oral antibiotics.
Taking prescription oral retinoids (such as Accutane).

Treatment for acne scars, Treatment may improve and even remove acne scars. Sometimes a combination of treatments works best. These treatments include:

Collagen injections, which smooth the skin by plumping the skin under the scar.
Dermabrasion, which uses a whirling wire brush to skim off scar tissue.
Laser resurfacing, which uses a carefully controlled laser to burn away scar tissue.
Chemabrasion, which uses chemicals to peel away top layers of skin.

What To Think About
Most treatments for acne take time. It often takes 6 to 8 weeks for acne to improve after you start treatment.

Some treatments may cause acne to get worse before it gets better.

If your acne still hasn't improved after several tries with other treatment, your doctor may recommend that you take an oral retinoid, such as isotretinoin (Accutane). Doctors prescribe this medication as a last resort, because it has some rare but serious side effects and is expensive.
Certain low-dose birth control pills may help control acne in women who tend to have flare-ups before menstruation.

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR COSMETICS WHAT EVERY WOMEN NEEDS TO KNOW

2008-05-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Do you think you have safe cosmetics? How would you know if they weren’t? In the United States, we spend around $50 billion annually on cosmetics and skin-cleansing products (according to the market research firm, Euromonitor International). With that much consumer spending in that area, you would think the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would regulate what we’re putting on our skin. The reality is that the FDA does not make a safe-cosmetics list its priority. According to the Cancer Prevention Coalition, cosmetics fall under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and are the act’s least regulated products. The FFDCA actually holds the manufacturer responsible for interpreting the terms “hypoallergenic,” “100 percent natural” and “organic.” These terms may be used without specifically defined guidelines. So whose job is it to determine which are natural, safe cosmetics and which are not? Apparently it’s ours.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
The Breast Cancer Fund has founded The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics , which attempts to open consumers’ eyes to unsafe skincare products and cosmetics. There is no “safe cosmetics list” on their website (safecosmetics.org), but what you will find are companies that have agreed not to use carcinogenic chemicals or ingredients that are suspected to cause mutation or birth defects. Furthermore, these corporations pledge to find alternatives to hazardous materials and develop substitution plans to incorporate safer alternatives. Many major companies refused to participate in this effort. For a directory of businesses that agreed to sign the pledge, visit safecosmetics.org/companies/signers.cfm. Companies are arranged alphabetically with notes about products and include website links to help you locate them.

Toxic Ingredients
The state of California has developed a list of 65 unsafe chemicals and now requires cosmetic companies to reveal any products containing those ingredients to state authorities.

The Cancer Prevention Coalition notes that The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that 884 of the chemicals available for use in cosmetics have been reported as toxic substances. Some of those toxic ingredients include:

- Parabens – Commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products, these are believed to change how hormones function, acting like estrogen, which can increase the risk of cancer and cause infertility. Examples include propylparaben and methylparaben.

- Phthalates – The typical forms of this plasticizer are dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP) and diethylphthalate (DEP). There is documented evidence that these chemicals can cause birth defects, low sperm counts, and contribute to reproductive toxicity in experimental animals. Most commonly found in perfumes, it is not always listed in ingredients or only listed as “fragrance.” A 2005 study conducted by The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences indicated that phthalates are harmful to male reproductive development in unborn human babies.

- Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) – When formulated in products, it can break down into formaldehyde and can also cause the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines under certain conditions.

- Artificial colors - Some artificial coal-tar colors (made from chemical by-products of coal distillation) contain heavy metal impurities that can cause cancer when absorbed through the skin.

- Silica - Crystalline silica is carcinogenic.

- Bismuth Oxychloride – Although it is the ingredient that simulates a healthy glow in many mineral-based cosmetics, it also contains arsenic, which can cause serious skin irritation.

- Petroleum -. This ingredient actually causes the opposite effect of what it is supposed to be repairing. Rather than moisturizing, it causes chapped, dry skin with repeated use. Petroleum-based cosmetics may also contain the cancer-causing impurity known as 1,4-dioxane.

Playing it Safe
When examining the labels and ingredients in cosmetics, consider the following advice from Dr. Epstein and others concerned about safe cosmetic usage:

- Not all cosmetics and skin care products have ingredient labels. For example, salon products often are not required to print ingredient listings. Avoid using any product that does not list ingredients.

- The term “fragrance” can refer to any number of chemicals, including Phthalates.

- More expensive products are not necessarily safer products. Don’t assume that because you pay more, the manufacturer cares more about your safety.

- Advertising labels “organic,” “100 percent natural” and “hypoallergenic” are not clearly defined or regulated by the FDA. Therefore, manufacturers have no accountability for using such terms other than intelligent consumers. Treat these labels like all others and read them carefully before buying a product.

- Some companies carry both safe and unsafe products, so it’s important to read all labels

Do your research: To get a safety evaluation of a cosmetics company or a specific product, visit the Skin Deep safety database at cosmeticsdatabase.com sponsored by Environmental Working Group. If you don’t want to get the e-mail updates, simply click on “no thanks” and you’ll still be transferred to the database. You can do a search for each of your own cosmetics by name, then find out its hazard level. When you click on the product name, Skin Deep breaks down the active ingredients as well as any negative chemical connections, including cancer, reproductive toxicity and allergies.

- Better known, larger manufacturers do not necessarily create safer products. When the bottom line is money, many companies are not opposed to sacrificing quality and safety.

Safe Cosmetics List
While many companies have signed the pledge for safer cosmetics, you might want to start by checking out these safe-cosmetic manufacturers:

- Everyday Minerals -. Similar to the acclaimed Bare Minerals except for one major factor: if you read Bare Minerals’ ingredients list, you’ll find bismuth oxychloride. Everyday Minerals only contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica and iron oxide. For an added bonus, they’re less expensive. For more information, check everydayminerals.com

Cleure Cosmetics. You can find safe dental, skin and personal-care products along with a makeup line at this company. Download the company’s free e-book, “Product labels: A Cautionary Tale” and shop at cleure.com.

- Afterglow -. This company has been featured in “Women’s Health” magazine and “Diet and Nutrition” which described the company’s products as “safe, organic protection for your skin, and are free of parabens, synthetic dyes and petroleum derived ingredients.” For more information, go to afterglow.com.

- Myrtle Leaf -. Advertising that its makeup actually improves skin’s health with its all-natural ingredients, this company’s products contain the ingredients seabuckthorn oil and rosehip seed extract. You can find its products at myrtleleaf.com.

- Paul Penders -. This company not only states that it follows International Organic standards, but it also includes an easy-to-use glossary that describes every ingredient and explains the purpose of each. Visit paulpenders.com for more information.

Like all healthy aspects of our lives, buying safe cosmetics requires extra time and energy. While it’s easier to just run to the drug or department store, the long-term effects may negate the value of that convenience. Educate yourself by reading labels and checking out lesser known but healthier makeup manufacturers. Live a healthier life by being a wiser consumer

WHY AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTORS AWAY

2008-05-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

The fall season is when many thoughts turn to crisp, juicy apples. There is good reason to toss an apple into your lunch bag, briefcase or travel bags. Apples have a multitude of health benefits. The apple has been around for over 4,000 years and today there are thousands of varieties of apples worldwide. A native of Europe and Asia, the apple is now grown worldwide. The United States produces about 50 different varieties of apple, supplying approximately one-third of the world's crop. WHY APPLES ARE SO HEALTHY

Nutrition Packed Fruit
The old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," may have some truth. Recently, researchers at the University of California-Davis reported that apples and apple juice may help protect arteries from harmful plaque build-up. In the study, adults who added two apples, or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice to their daily diet, showed a significant slowing of the cholesterol oxidation process that leads to plaque build-up, thereby giving the body more time to rid itself of cholesterol before it can cause harm. The average U.S. consumer eats about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year or about one apple per week. Getting adequate dietary fiber and phytonutrients, such as from apples, is important for good health. If your daily fruit and vegetable intake is below standard, perhaps you may want to consider Smart Supplementation

TYPE 2 DIABETIC CHOCOLATE LOVERS WANTED

2008-05-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

If you’re a type 2 diabetic and a chocaholic, you may be able to ink a sweet deal. A study in England is looking for women willing to wolf down a bar of chocolate every day for a year. The researchers will examine whether adding flavonoid-rich cocoa to a diet provides increased protection against heart disease. But other qualifying conditions apply: Volunteers must be postmenopausal and under the age of 70. Menopausal women face an increased risk of death due to heart disease, and the risk is three-and-a-half times greater if a woman has type 2 diabetes.

The University of East Anglia study will feed volunteers special-made chocolate bars packed with flavonoids, which are believed to benefit the heart. Cocoa has long been known as a heart-healthy food because of its natural level of flavonoids. But that’s not to say you should start bingeing on Snickers bars. Many flavonoids are destroyed when cocoa is made into chocolate. And high levels of sugar and fat make most chocolate a no-no for diabetics. If you’re looking to reconcile your addiction to chocolate with good nutrition, check your local health foods store for flavonoid-heavy dark chocolate. MORE HEALTH CURES

VAGINA FISTULA SYMPTOMS , TREATMENTS , CURES

2008-05-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

What is a vaginal fistula?
A fistula is a passage or hole that has formed between:

Two organs in your body. An organ in your body and your skin.
A fistula that has formed in the wall of the vagina is called a vaginal fistula.

A vaginal fistula that opens into the urinary tract is called a vesicovaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula that opens into the rectum is called a rectovaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula that opens into the colon is called a colovaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula that opens into the small bowel is called a enterovaginal fistula.

What causes a vaginal fistula?
A vaginal fistula starts with some kind of tissue damage. After days to years of tissue breakdown, a fistula opens up.

Vaginal fistulas are not a common problem in developed countries. But a fistula does sometimes happen after:

Surgery of the back wall of the vagina, the perineum, anus, or rectum. Open hysterectomy is linked to most vaginal-urinary tract fistulas.
Radiation treatment for pelvic cancer.

A period of inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) or diverticulitis.

A deep tear in the perineum or an infected episiotomy after childbirth.
In developing countries where women have no health care nearby, vaginal fistulas are much more common. After days of pushing a baby that does not fit through the birth canal, very young mothers can have severe vaginal, bladder, or rectal damage, sometimes causing fistulas.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal fistula?
A vaginal fistula is painless. But a fistula lets urine or feces pass into your vagina. This is called incontinence, and it causes embarrassing soiling problems that you cannot control.

If you have a vesicovaginal fistula, you most likely have fluid leaking or flowing out of your vagina.

If you have a rectovaginal, colovaginal, or enterovaginal fistula, you most likely have foul-smelling discharge or gas coming from your vagina.

Your genital area may get infected or sore.

How is a vaginal fistula diagnosed?
Your symptoms are the most clear signs of a vaginal fistula. Your doctor will want to talk about your symptoms, as well as any surgery, trauma, or disease that could have caused a fistula. For a physical exam, your doctor will use a speculum to look at the vaginal walls. You may have other tests, such as:

Putting dye in the vagina (and maybe the bladder or rectum) to find all signs of leakage. Urinalysis to check for infection.
Blood test (complete blood count) to check for signs of infection in your body.
Your doctor may also use an X-ray or scope to get a clear look and check for all possible tissue damage.

How is it treated?
If you have a vaginal fistula, you will most likely need surgery to repair it. Before surgery, your doctor will see whether the tissue is healthy or needs to heal first.

You may need medicine or wound care to heal the tissue before surgery. If you have inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will not do surgery during a symptom flare.

If you have a large rectovaginal fistula, you may first have a colostomy. This is to keep the fistula clear for the surgery. After the fistula repair heals, the colostomy is taken out.

After fistula repair surgery, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. See your doctor right away if you have signs of infection, such as a fever, tenderness, swelling, or redness

SUE SIMMONS SAYS FUCK ON NATIONAL TV SEE AND HERE THE VIDEO

2008-05-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

Sue Simmons from NBC 4 News New York gets caught on tape saying fuck, watch the Sue Simmons vidio online here .

GETTING OLD THE HEALTHY WAY: A GUIDE TO HEALTHY AGING

2008-05-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

Getting older is a natural part of life. How you will feel as you get older depends on many things, including what health problems run in your family and the choices you make. If you take good care of your body and learn positive ways to deal with stress now, you can slow down or even prevent problems that often come with getting older.

It’s never too early or too late to change bad habits and start good ones. No matter when you start, a healthy lifestyle can make a difference in how you feel and what you can do.

What determines how healthy you will be as you get older?The changes you'll go through as you get older depend on a number of things. One is your family history (genetics). If your family members have diseases or ongoing (chronic) health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes, then you may have a greater chance of having those problems yourself. But just because your risk is higher, it doesn't mean you will definitely have the same problems. In fact, the lifestyle choices you make can help reduce your chances of getting illnesses that run in your family. And even if you do get a family illness, choosing to exercise, eat right, and learning to deal with stress can keep the illness from destroying your ability to enjoy your golden years. THE POWERS OF HOMEOPATHIC HGH

What kinds of changes should you expect as you age?Changes as you get older are usually gradual. Certain physical changes are common. Your metabolism (how fast your body can burn calories) slows over time, which means that your body needs less food energy than before. Also, most people start needing reading glasses between ages 40 and 50, and many have some hearing loss later in life. Starting in your 50s, bone aging increases. Also starting around age 50, you may notice changes in sexual function—it's normal to have a slower sexual response.

Most vital organs gradually become less efficient with age. The kidneys are less able to keep enough water in your body. And the heart can start to show signs of wear and tear caused by years of eating the wrong foods and not exercising. So as you get older, it’s important to exercise, drink plenty of water, and eat the right foods. Doing these things will help your body work well for a longer period of time.

What do you need to do to feel your best as you age?One of the most important things you can do for your health at any age is exercise. Exercise keeps your body strong, and it helps with how you feel. People who stay active are less likely to get depressed. Exercise can be anything from walking to gardening to working out at the gym. The important thing is to be active almost every day. No matter what your age or condition, there is a type of exercise that's right for you. Always ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to start an exercise program.

Your mental and emotional health are also important. Protect or improve your emotional health by staying in touch with friends, family, and the community. People who feel connected to others are more likely to thrive than those who are not. And try to keep stress at a minimum. In addition to getting regular exercise, you can take charge of how stress affects you by taking 20 minutes a day to just relax.

Protect or improve your memory and mental sharpness by keeping your brain active through learning, doing crossword puzzles, or playing cards or strategy games. Depression can be a serious problem for older adults. If you think you may be depressed, seek help—antidepressant medicine and counseling can help treat depression.

Other good health habits can help you stay at your best:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid salty foods and foods with a lot of fat in them, such as fried foods.

Remember that sexually transmitted diseases can affect anyone at any age, so safe sex is a must.
If you smoke, try to quit.
Don't abuse alcohol or drugs.

New Research Shows That HGH Encourages the Breakdown of Alzheimer’s-Linked Protein

2008-05-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

A new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has touted the potentially life-changing benefits of HGH. The antioxidant has been shown to significantly affect the breakdown of beta-amyloid, a key ingredient of plaque commonly found in the brains of those who have died from Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists tested various other antioxidants and chemicals for the study, but resveratrol clearly stood out from the rest. It was the only substance that was able to successful combat the Alzheimer’s-linked protein, and researchers are optimistic that resveratrol represents a significant step in the understanding and treatment of one of modern society’s most debilitating and tragic diseases. We did a little research ourselves, finding the strongest amount of HGH you can find without a perscriprion come from Resveratrol.
Barbara Walters has spoken on the powers of Resveratrol and it's cures, Resveratrol/

Featured on Barbara Walters Special “Live to Be 150… Can You Do It?”
Professor David A. Sinclair is the Director of the Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging at Harvard Medical School and the co-founder of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals. Sinclair made the discovery by randomly testing tens of thousands of cells in hopes of finding the chemical or chemicals that would activate the protein that he found to be the key to resetting the biological clock. When his results continually led him to resveratrol, the biologist was not surprised. After all, scientific research has been touting the benefits of drinking red wine for years, and until recently red wine was the most readily available and highly concentrated source of resveratrol.

Sinclair soon realized that in order to maximize the benefits of resveratrol, one would have to consume nearly 1,000 times the amount that is found in a bottle of wine on a daily basis. Rather than recommending a daily alcohol overdose, the biologist began to test the feasibility of resveratrol supplementation. In clinical trials Sinclair discovered that supplementing resveratrol for mice eating a high-fat diet resulted in a 30% increase in lifespan and a noticeable decrease in significant health problems such as heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. Because resveratrol works on the same gene in humans as it does in mice, called SIR T1, the potential health benefits derived from human supplementation are potentially limitless!

Source: ABC News (Apr. 1, 2008)

Resveratrol Destroys Cancer Cells and Enhances Effectiveness of Radiation Treatment

A study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology showed that resveratrol exhibits a variety of ground-breaking cancer-fighting qualities, including:
Combating and killing cancer cells by targeting the cell’s energy source from withi
Improving the efficacy of radiation treatment by weakening proteins that resist treatment
Decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy by increasing the resistance of healthy tissue The results of the study have led to a sense of optimism in the scientific community that resveratrol will be an integral part of the successful treatment of various forms of cancer and could serve to extend the duration and improve the quality of human life.

Source: CBS News (March 28, 2008)

Scientists Believe Resveratrol May Treat Diabetes & Other ConditionsChinese researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai have found that resveratrol’s chemical compound make it an extremely promising candidate for the treatment of diabetes and other serious medical conditions. Researchers focused their study on the discovery that resveratrol improved the sensitivity of mice to insulin, making resveratrol an attractive approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes, a condition in which human cells lose their sensitivity to insulin. The study found that resveratrol activates an enzyme called SIRT1, which subsequently suppresses the activity of an insulin-suppressing molecule called PTP1B.

Researchers also concluded that much more resveratrol than could be obtained through consumption of red wine would be necessary to achieve the maximum benefit of the chemical and advised finding alternative sources, including dietary supplementation, to increase daily consumption of resveratrol.

Destroy Cancer Cells and Enhance Effectiveness of Radiation Treatment The Power Of HGH

2008-05-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

A study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology showed that resveratrol exhibits a variety of ground-breaking cancer-fighting qualities, including:

Combating and killing cancer cells by targeting the cell’s energy source from within. Improving the efficacy of radiation treatment by weakening proteins that resist treatment.

Decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy by increasing the resistance of healthy tissue.

The results of the study have led to a sense of optimism in the scientific community that resveratrol will be an integral part of the successful treatment of various forms of cancer and could serve to extend the duration and improve the quality of human life.

Human growth hormone (hGH) is the master hormone of the body, responsible for many effects on growth, development, immunity and metabolism. hGH is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain, and is usually released during sleep in pulses in response to positive and negative signals from the hypothalamus.

The amount of human growth hormone in a healthy adult declines about 14% per decade after age 30 and by the age of 80 is usually totally depleted in the body. The decrease in hGH levels seen with aging may result in detrimental health consequences such as reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone density, increased fat, reduced energy and exercise capacity and reduced immunity.

Homeopathic hGH is a highly diluted form of injectable hGH, providing many of the same benefits of the injectable hGH without its side effects. Clinical results suggest that homeopathic hGH provides a safe, effective, pure and affordable method to optimize physical and mental functioning. hGH is considered by many to be the ultimate anti-aging therapy as it affects almost every cell in the body, rejuvenating the skin and bones, regenerating the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, and bringing back organ and tissue function to more youthful levels.

The effects of homeopathic HGH are cumulative and vary depending on the individual, but users report noticeable initial benefits like deeper sleep and increased mental clarity, and mood elevation after 2-4 weeks, and often report weight loss, increased energy, increased lean muscle mass, and a more youthful appearance after 2-6 months of use. The rejuvenating effects of hGH are all encompassing, acting on both the mind and body.

THE BOY WHO CAN'T SLEEP

2008-05-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

A 3-year-old boy's rare medical condition keeps him awake around the clock.

Super Ubiquinol CoQ10

2008-05-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

MORE GREAT HEALTH VIDEOS AND DISCOUNT HEALTH AIDS

THE 4 DIET MYTHS YOU NEED TO SEE

2008-05-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better we can do for ourselves than to become healthy through proper nutrition, but most people don't even come close to eating a healthy well-balanced diet.

As a matter of fact, many people who think they're eating healthy really are victims of our society's 4 diet myths. These myths are propagated by fad diets that advise cutting out essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly

Myth 1:
Certain Food Groups Should Be Eliminated

Many fad diets emphasize the elimination of certain food groups or eating primarily only one or two food groups. Your body needs a balanced diet that supplies you with the diverse nutrients that will keep you healthy.

Your body needs water, vitamins, protein, fat, minerals, energy (carbohydrates), fiber, and oxygen. Eating a diet rich in fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, and seeds will help you rebuild your immune system, which will in turn help you to stay healthy.

Myth 2:
You Have To Eat Meat To Get Enough Protein

Your body needs 30 grams of protein each meal. Meat and dairy products are very high in sodium and fat. Fruits and vegetables have at least one gram of protein in them.

Myth 3:
Eliminate Fat From Your Diet

Your body needs 50 grams of fat each day. You don't want to eliminate fat completely from your diet because it helps your joints and muscles work smoothlyRaw nuts, olive oil, and avocados are a rich source of nutritious and healthy fats. Look closely at the foods you buy and stay away from hydrogenated fats

Myth 4:
You Have To Go Hungry To Lose Weight

The average woman should never eat less than 1,200 calories/day and the average man should never eat less than 1,800 calories per day.

If you feed your body natural foods, then you'll have no need to go hungry. You can pretty much eat all the fresh fruits and vegetables you want, and it will not adversely affect your weight.

In order to maximize the nutritional value of your foods eat them in as natural a state as possible. Avoid chemicals, especially those found in water. Fluoride, for example, is a poison.

Although as a treatment for teeth it can prevent cavities, it does no good to ingest it, but rather acts as a poison in your body.

Conclusion

By getting back to nature and the foods your body was designed to run on, you can stay fit, maintain an optimal weight and build up your immune system so that you live a longer, more energetic life.

THE HEALING POWERS OF HERBS

2008-05-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

Ah, the wonder of herbs. What would our meals be like without a little cilantro, basil, or oregano to spice things up? Bringing a new level of flavor to a dish, fresh herbs are actually a dream come true for those of you out there who are counting your calories. Though their tiny leaves may pack a mighty flavor punch, herbs are virtually calorie-free! If you’re eliminating fat, sugar, or salt from your cooking, rely on herbs to bring your diet to a whole new level!

We often use dried herbs out of convenience, but if you want to spruce up your cooking, why not try them fresh? The difference between fresh herbs and their dry counterparts is the drying process causes some tastes to be lost so their flavors are somewhat decreased. Fresh herbs have more subtle flavors, though they are more delicate. But don’t worry; we’ve got some tips to cover all your fresh herb cooking needs!

Over-cooking fresh herbs can diminish their flavor. Add them in at the tail-end of your cooking process in order to obtain the maximum taste. For instance, try not to cook them in soups, stocks, or other liquids for over an hour. For some great roasted potatoes, add a little fresh rosemary at the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Recipes usually call for dry herbs instead of fresh. As a general rule, use three times the amount of fresh herbs that any recipe calls for because their flavors are often more subtle than the dry ones.

If you want to kick your fried foods up a notch, add some finely chopped fresh herbs to your batter and crumb mixes. One restaurant secret for working with roasts, seafood, and poultry is to rub the meat with herbs before cooking. To do this, chop the fresh herbs and add a little salt and pepper to flavor. Then simply rub the seasonings on!

Though fresh herbs are perishable, proper storage prolongs their shelf-life. Store a bunch of them in a refrigerator with their stems in water. If you have loose leaves, keep them in the coldest part of your fridge in perforated bags. Be careful, though, because too much moisture heightens decay. To avoid this problem, shake the herbs as dry as possible before storing and place a moist paper towel underneath them.

Herbs are known to help us feel more satisfied with our food. We tend to be more satisfied with our meals when they contain a little zest. Best of all, if you really take the time to savor these flavors, you end up feeling more full and eating less! You can find fresh herbs at your local grocery store, specialty food markets, and even growing in your backyard. Try a little experimenting with a sprinkling of fresh mint, bay leaves, or sage and see how your meals take on a whole new flavor!

BACK TO GOOD HEALTH: SPINAL MANIPULATION

2008-05-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from back pain or a spinal ailment, you might have been told to seek chiropractic treatment. Millions of Americans are currently being treated by a chiropractor for such pain-related causes as muscle strains, sports injuries, poor posture, accidents, and general misalignment in the body.

The theory behind chiropractics is that your overall health is closely related to the way that your body is structured. Consequently, this hands-on approach to spinal adjustment is said to help the body to heal and re-align itself without the use of surgery or medication. Spinal manipulation is used to increase the flexibility of your joints so that the injured tissue will not obstruct your mobility and range of motion. The ultimate goal of your chiropractor is to ease and prevent future pain, as well as to restore damaged joints, tissue, and ligaments.

When you first visit a chiropractor, he will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination so that he will be able to determine what kind of treatment will best suit your needs. A common treatment may include adjustments where the doctor will massage and manipulate your joints using applied pressure with his hands. Depending on your personal needs, the chiropractor might encourage some type of rehabilitation or even a nutritional program.

Chiropractics is widely considered to be a safe, alternative treatment to chronic lower back pain. Studies have shown that it is even effective in treating neck pain and headaches, which are often caused by various types of strains. However, you should still speak to your primary care physician before seeking chiropractic treatment.

CANCER PREVENTION STARTS IN THE KITCHEN

2008-05-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

We all know that a healthy diet can help keep your body fit, trim, and healthy, but there are some foods that can even help you to avoid breast cancer. Although there are other factors (such as genetics) involved in breast cancer, a little healthy eating can hardly hurt! The following seven strategies to cancer-free cooking might very well save your life

1.Viva la produce. That’s right, getting your recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies can help you to protect against cancer. They’re chock-full of antioxidants, which are substances that fight against potentially deadly carcinogens. Studies show eating five servings of produce a day can reduce your risk of cancer. So try to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

2.Reduce fat. In addition to helping you keep your body slim, a diet low in saturated fat can potentially reduce your cancer risk.
3.Indulge in some Calcium. Studies have shown women who have a sufficient amount of calcium in their diet significantly cut their risk of breast cancer. Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are not only tasty, but they’re also extremely healthy. If you’re avoiding dairy entirely, try eating almonds, calcium-fortified soy products, and leafy greens.

4.Add some flaxseed to your favorite foods. Flaxseed might not sound appealing, but it gives yogurt, cereal, and ice cream a wonderful crunch and texture. They’re also a great source of lignans, a compound that inhibits the growth of estrogen-dependant tumors.

5.Drink in moderation. A little known fact about drinking is alcohol can raise estrogen levels in your body. This can interfere with the way in which your body uses folic acid, an essential compound that has been shown to prevent cancer.

6.Reduce your amount of grilling and barbecuing. Heterocyclic amines, compounds which are shown to cause cancer, form on your meat when you put it on the grill. Plus, when fat drips on the heat source, it forms another carcinogen that binds to your meat. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from the barbecue, but if you can’t resist the temptation, try cutting your meat into smaller chunks, which reduces the risk that these harmful compounds will form.

7.Increase your fiber intake. Foods rich in fiber contain essential antioxidants which protect your body against cancer.

Don’t forget early detection is the best form of prevention. Make sure to get regular mammograms and perform self-examinations. Talk to your doctor to see what other proactive steps you can take to prevent breast cancer.

SPRING CLEANING GOT YOUR ALLERGIES FLARED UP? TRY THIS

2008-05-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

Nasal irrigation is a cheap and easy way for people with spring allergies, nasal congestion, stuffy noses and post-nasal drip to get relief, says Dr. Melissa Pynnonen, co-director of the Michigan Sinus Center and an assistant professor in the University of Michigan's department of otolaryngology.

Nasal irrigation involves rinsing the nose and nasal passages with a solution made with a quarter-teaspoon of kosher salt, eight ounces of warm tap water and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda.

There are a number of ways to administer the solution. For people who've never done nasal irrigation, Pynnonen recommended using an eight-ounce squeeze bottle and squirting four ounces of the solution into each nostril. The solutions exits through the opposite nostril. Opening your mouth and making a "K" sound will prevent the solution from coming out of your mouth.

Some people use a neti-pot, which looks like a miniature teapot. When using a neti-pot, the solution is poured, rather than squeezed, into the nose. Turkey basters or syringes like those used to suction a baby's nose also work.

"For most patients, the benefit of nasal irrigation is that it does a great job of treating symptoms that otherwise aren't well treated with medicine," Pynnonen said in a prepared statement. "Nasal irrigation can be considered a first-line treatment for common nasal and sinus symptoms. It's often more effective than medications," she concluded.

Nasal irrigation alone may be sufficient to control mild allergy symptoms in some people, but others may need to use medications in addition to nasal irrigation.

So long as children are old enough to cooperate, it's safe to give them nasal irrigation, using a smaller amount of solution, Pynnonen said.

HIGH BLOOD PRESURE WHILE PREGNANT PREVENTION TOOLS

2008-05-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

If your blood sugar level is too high when you are pregnant, you have gestational diabetes. It usually goes away after the baby is born.

High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby. Your baby may grow too large, which can cause problems during delivery. Your baby may also be born with low blood sugar. But with treatment, most women with gestational diabetes are able to control their blood sugar and give birth to healthy babies.

Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely than other women to develop type 2 diabetes later on. Once you have type 2 diabetes, you always have it. You may be able to prevent type 2 diabetes if you stay at a healthy weight, eat healthy foods, and exercise.

What causes gestational diabetes?The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps your body properly use and store the sugar from the food you eat. This keeps your blood sugar level in a safe range. When you are pregnant, your body makes other hormones that can make it harder for insulin to work. This is called insulin resistance.

A pregnant woman can get diabetes when her pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep her blood sugar levels within a safe range.

What are the symptoms?
Because gestational diabetes does not cause symptoms, you need to be tested for the condition. This is usually done between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. You may be surprised if your test shows a high blood sugar. It is important for you to be tested for gestational diabetes, because high blood sugar can cause problems for both you and your baby.

Sometimes, a pregnant woman who has symptoms has been living with another type of diabetes without knowing it. If you have symptoms from another type of diabetes, they may include:

Increased thirst.
Increased urination.
Increased hunger.
Blurred vision.

Pregnancy causes most women to urinate more often and to feel more hungry, so having these symptoms does not always mean that a woman has diabetes. Talk with your doctor if you have these symptoms, so that you can be tested for diabetes.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
Almost all women are tested for gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. If your doctor thinks you are more likely to get gestational diabetes, you may be tested earlier.

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed with two blood tests. In the first test, your blood sugar level is tested 1 hour after you drink a small cup of a sweet liquid. If your blood sugar is too high, you will need to do a longer, 3-hour glucose test. If your blood sugar is still above a certain level, you have gestational diabetes.

How is it treated?
Many women with gestational diabetes can control their blood sugar level by changing the way they eat and by exercising regularly. These healthy choices can also help prevent gestational diabetes in future pregnancies and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Treatment for gestational diabetes also includes checking your blood sugar level at home and seeing your doctor regularly.

You may need to give yourself insulin shots to help control your blood sugar. This man-made insulin adds to the insulin that your body makes.
STRETCH MARK REMOVAL WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ALL NATURAL MORNING SICKNESS CURES

2008-05-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

For many women, the toughest part of early pregnancy is morning sickness. If you are suffering from nausea, vomiting, or both, you need safe measures that will bring you some relief. Your best course of action for managing morning sickness is home treatment. By following a few proven guidelines, you are likely to gain significant relief from nausea and vomiting. Home treatment measures for morning sickness include:

Changing what, when, and how much you eat.

Taking ginger, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12, which are known to reduce nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy. Avoiding foods and smells that make you feel sick.
Trying acupressure, which seems to work for some women.
Taking doxylamine with vitamin B6, which you can buy without a prescription. Talk to your health professional before taking this remedy.

If you have severe, persistent nausea and vomiting, see your doctor or nurse-midwife immediately. This uncommon complication of pregnancy can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, sometimes requiring prescribed medication or hospitalization.

What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness can range from mild, occasional nausea to severe, continuous, disabling nausea with bouts of vomiting. Symptoms may be worse in the morning, though they can strike at any time of the day or night.

Although its cause is poorly understood, morning sickness has been linked to increasing estrogen levels, along with other hormone changes during early pregnancy.1

The first signs of morning sickness usually develop during the month following the first missed menstrual period, when hormone levels increase.

Women carrying twins or more have more pronounced hormone increases and tend to have more severe morning sickness.

There is no way of predicting how long your morning sickness will last, even if you have suffered through it before. Nausea and vomiting usually go away by 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. But in some cases, morning sickness can last well into a pregnancy. VISIT OUR HEALTH BLOG FOR MORE GREAT ARTICLES

EXPERT TESTED TENSION RELIEFE

2008-05-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

I think everyone needs these kinds of symbolic tokens (a Gumby to represent flexibility, a kaleidoscope to represent new vision, even a beautiful postcard) to remind us of all we dream of, and to take us to a calmer place. If collecting stones, shells or tchotchkes doesn't sound appealing, why not try these expert-tested shortcuts to serenity:

Get repetitive
Doing simple movements again and again—I like doing leg stretches—can help distract you and lull you into a calmer state.

Say cheese
When you're feeling frazzled, inspire a smile by holding a pen between your teeth, which tricks your brain into grinning mode. You'll instantly feel happier and more relaxed. (Sometimes it's OK to fake it till you make it.)

Picture this
Vividly imagine a soothing object or scene, including sounds, images and aromas. The more pleasant your picture, the more your tension will dissipate. (I like to imagine the view of the bay in front of my little house in Long Island.)

Stretch it out
I like to do this stress-relieving stretch after I've been hunched over my keyboard, furiously answering e-mail. Extend your arms forward at chest level, rotating your right arm to the left (so your palm faces out). Use your left hand to bend right fingers back. Hold for 10 seconds; switch hands and repeat.

Get the idea? You can find more tips (and share your favorite instant relaxers)