Evening Primrose Oil (Oenotherabiennis)

There are studies indicate it may be helpful for menstruation - related breast pain. Also used to treat eczema. Usually standardized to provide 320 mg linoleic acid (70%) and 40 mg gamma-linoleic acid (9%) per 500 mg capsule. Typical for breast pain is 3,000 mg a day, in divided doses; for eczema, 3,000 to 6,000 mg per day, in divided doses. Considered very safe. Patients on seizure medication should talk with their doctors before taking.

Photo courtesy: eveningprimerose

How to Tell If You’re Allergic

If you suspect that you or someone you love has a food allergy, consult your doctor or pediatrician, who will probably send you to an allergist for testing. Following are some of the most common methods used to diagnose potential problems.

● Food Diary: One way food allergies are diagnosed is with a food diary. A log is used to chronicle what has been eaten and drunk and where allergic reactions occurred.

● Elimination diet: Sometimes an allergist thinks a patient is allergic to one food. In such cases, a diagnosis can often be made if the food is omitted from the patient’s diet (for anywhere from two days to six weeks) and symptoms go away.

● Scratch skin test: Another test at the allergist’s disposal is the scratch skin test. It involves having a small amount of liquid extract derived from the suspected allergens scratched into the skin on the back of the arm. The development of red welts within 20 minutes indicate a possible allergy. The test is safe, simple and quick, but can result in false positive results and trigger allergic reactions.

● Blood tests: Those patients who are too allergic to undergo skin tests may instead be given blood tests such as the RAST and ELISA. What these tests are looking for is food-specific IgE in the blood. Results of these tests are about as precise as skin testing. Like skin tests, they can result in false-positive results, so positives are not considered adequate to make a firm diagnosis.

● Double-blind food challenge: In this test, a tiny amount of food is formed into a capsule that the patient takes. Neither the patient nor the doctor knows what the patient is taking. This is done with many foods including some that are believed to be allergenic. If a reaction occurs, a diagnosis can be made. For this reason, the double-blind food challenge is the good standard of allergy testing. – Alyssa Shaffer

Act Now to Make A Difference

“Women today live by the myth that they can clean everything up after the age of 40. So at 40, they walk into my office like it’s a warranty station and say, “Here I am! Fix me!” –Pamela Peeke, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland in Baltimore and Author of Fight Fat After Forty (Viking Press).

The average 30-years-old has an unprecedented chance to live to 100—if she takes care of herself. “But what’s relevant to her now,” says Dr. Peeke, “is sliding into a pair of size 2 jeans every morning, finding the love of her life or scoring an excellent career.” True, you can develop heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer long before you’re a centenarian. But you’ll lower your risk fo all of these disorders by following one simple prescription: “Avoid smoking, eat well and exercise,” says Dr. Mosca. “All the fancy research we can come up with is never going to change that.” (Sound easier said than done?

The Best Stay-healthy Measure at …

20 Stop smoking already! Kicking the habit now can add 15 years to your life, according to the American Legacy Foundation

30 Watch your weight. Stick to a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise, especially after having a baby. Pregnancy is a major reason women put on weight in their thirties.

40 Keep watching your weight. Staying trim reduces your risk for heart disease, which kills nearly

three times as many women as their forties as in their thirties. –Caroline Bollinger

Source: “ Women’s Health Handbook ” Mary Duenwald

Matters of the Heart

Some may ask if they have moderately high cholesterol but healthy blood pressure, is it possible that they will have a greater chances of getting hypertension?

You can have high blood pressure simply because you have larger-than-life lipids. However, while there’s no direct connection between the two, they do have some risk factors in common, explains Edward D. Frohlich, M.D., of Alton Oschner Medical Foundation and editor of the medical journal Hypertension. Among them: being overweight and not exercising. So if you’re trying to lower your cholesterol by losing weight and increasing your activity level, you’re actually lowering your risk for getting hypertension, too. – Greg Gutfeld and Joe Kita

Saint-John’s-Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Widely used in the U.S. and Europe for treating mild to moderate depression, it has been well-studied. Product are usually standardized to contain either 0.3% or 4% to 5% hyperforin.

Typical dose is 900 g, taken in 300 mg doses three times a day. It can take four weeks to feel relief. Many potential drug interactions, so talk to your health-care provided before taking it.

Pomegranate helps you lower your Blood pressure levels

Good afternoon friends! I was reading one book here and i found something to share with you. I’m sure it will help you a lot.

Yes, we read about Pomegranate earlier in the post about 4 Natural Super Foods.. In this post, lets see how Pomegranate can help you fight from high blood pressure to cancer.

Pomegranates protects you from High Blood Pressure and Cancer. Pomegranates are known to have high amounts of antioxidants, anti-carcinogenics, anti-inflammatory and even antimicrobial properties. Lets see how Pomegranates help us stay fit.

High Blood Pressure: Ideal Blood pressure levels are known to be 80/120. When given to patients with high blood pressure, pomegranate juice is known to have dropped systolic numbers.

Prostate and Breast Cancer: Pomegranate juice and extract is known to trigger the death of both prostate and breast cancer cells which are cancerous in nature. Try drinking 2 glasses of Pomegranate juice or have 1 full pomegranate if you are one of those who suffers from Prostate or Breast Cancer.

Cut Calories from Eating Pizza

Good morning everyone. You love pizza? Most of us specially younger ones love to eat pizza. Most of us just can’t resist the smell and taste of a freshly prepared pizza. Though, we all are aware of the calories a slice of pizza feeds into us, we are actually not aware of the fact that we can reduce the number of calories we intake from a pizza by following just a few simple tricks.

Also read: 4 Natural Super Foods worth eating:

1.) Insist on thin crust pizzas instread of a thick crust.

2.) Add more veggies as part of the toppings, this helps you get more fibre for proper bowel movement and therefore better digestion. Some veggies to consider can be Onions, Mushrooms, Peppers. They are rich in fibre and low on calories.

3.) Its the colas or the pepsi’s of the world that usually win when it comes to a side drink with the pizza, try replacing this with a lemonade or an ice tea. This will help you cut down the calories and at the same time, give you a shot of vitamin C and also anti oxidants.

4.) The best of all strategies, try to cut down the portion size. A bigger portion size effectively means more calories which comes from the refined flour used in the pizza.

5.) If you are preparing your pizza at home, try using whole wheat and tortillas for the base.

Pay attention to what you eat!

“Diet is more important than women realize. It has as much of an effect on health as cigarettes do.” –Marion Nestle, PH.D., Professor and Chair of Nutrition and Food Studies at New York University in New York City.

Too many women obsess about calories but pay little attention to the nutritional quality of what they eat, often avoiding certain foods or entire food groups. For example, “Many women believe that all fat is bad,” says William B. Grant, a researcher in Newport News, Virginia. “But foods like nuts, avocados and olive oil contain monounsaturated fats, which should be part of a healthy diet.”

What should you eat? A good daily foundation is at least five servings of fruits and veggies, about six servings of whole grains and three smell servings of lean protein. And try making more meals yourself. “Many women feel they don’t have time to prepare meals from scratch,” says Andrew Weil, M.D., coauthor of The Healthy kitchen (Knopf). “But you can cook fast, easy dishes at home.” Need ideas? Search for low-fat recipes at epicurious.com

What your diet ma be missing at …

20 Calcim. To stay slim, twentysomethings tend to cut out calcium-rich dairy products, and omission that sets you up for osteoporosis later. Aim for 1,000 mg of calcium daily—a cup of low-fat yogurt contains about 450 mg

30 Folic acid. Many women start trying to get pregnant at this age, and folic acid is a key nutrient that protects babies from certain birth defects. You need 400 meg daily from foods like beans, spinach and strawberries.

40 Fiber. Getting 25 g of fiber a day (from whole grains, apples, pears) can help lower your cholesterol, which may be edging higher at this age. –Sunny Sea Gold

Source: “ Women’s Health Handbook ” Mary Duenwald

Healthy diets with healthier carbohydrates (2 of 2)

Below are examples of foods that have low GI values, you may want to include such foods more often into your meals: apple muffins, made with sugar; unsweetened grapefruit juice; unsweetened apple juice; carrot juice; tomato juice without sugar; plain sponge cake; all bran cereals; brown rice; full cream milk; oatmeal; cherries; prunes; dried apricots; apple; peach; pear; strawberry; grapes; banana; mango; broccoli; cabbage; lettuce; mushrooms; onion; pepper; carrots; green peas; peanuts; walnuts; cashew; yogurt; chickpeas; lima beans; lentils; and kidney beans.

For your guide to knowing more about the glycemic index of foods, here are some myths about GI:

• The GI doesn’t work in mixed meals. – Wrong. A lot of studies have shown that GI works perfectly in mixed meals.

• Whole grains have low GI. The benefits of GI are really due to fiber. – Wrong. Majority of whole grain cereal products such as wholemeal bread and toasted bran flakes actually have a high GI. That is because the finely milled bran doesn’t slow down digestion and absorption. Whole grains is good for us, but in studies in which fiber contents have been matched, low GI diet incorporating whole grains offer benefits over and above that of processed whole grains.

• The GI doesn’t make sense – chocolate has a low GI but watermelon has a high GI. – Wrong. The GI makes a lot of nutritional sense. Nature intended us to eat slowly digested and absorbed carbs. Most low GI foods are nutritious. Like in anything, common sense is required. Nutritionists don’t recommend jellybeans just because they are low in fat. So it’s with the GI.

• The GI restricts food choices. – Wrong. Low GI diets open the door to nutritious meals.

Eating healthier carbohydrates can positively affect your health today – and possibly the course of your entire life. Start making healthy change into your diet by simply incorporating healthier carbohydrates. You don’t need to spend a lot. – Joan Sumpio

Healthy diets with healthier carbohydrates (1 of 2)

Good morning friends. Many of us always crave to eat all food . Some prefer to eat light foods, some prefer to eat heavy kinds of food as they think that they will have good energy for that. Yes they are right, but not all the time. Some people who ate much feels that they are so full and can’t hardly move always on the go. Most Filipino people do eat more carbohydrates as they think it’s the best. But we all know that when we eat more of carbohydrates we can easily get fat and will easily leads to obesity. With that, we know that we will have a hard time to go on a diet. I read one article and it says that we can be in a healthy diet even with more on carbohydrates. I want to share it with you.

By this time, we know that not all carbohydrates are created equal. To help us choose healthier carbohydrates, the glycemic index (GI) was developed as it ranks how much carbohydrate in individual foods affects blood glucose levels. The Glycemic Index (GI) of carbohydrates compares their ability to release glucose into the blood with that of an equivalent weight of pure glucose (GI of 100).

White bread (especially those made without fiber or grains) which contains carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion have high GI values – meaning, it can create a high rise in blood sugar after eating such kind of food. But of course, we know that we don’t usually eat bread just as a single food but with spread or some accompaniment; and those spread and accompaniments can affect the GI value of the whole diet taken as one.

The glycemic index was originally developed to help people with diabetes make healthier choices in choosing carbohydrates for their meal times. Nowadays, knowing the GI and choosing low GI carbohydrate foods can be beneficial to all types of people (except those who often experience low blood sugar levels). GI levels in foods are classified according to low medium or high. Low GI foods or carbohydrates has a value of 55 or less, and those considered with medium GI have a value of 70. – JOAN SUMPIO, RND

Skipping Breakfast helps you lose weight

In today’s fast paced life, taking breakfast is considered either a nuisance or a luxury. And then there are those who intentionally skip breakfast so they can lose weight.

But experts are not buying this idea. According to them, skipping breakfast only increases the tendency to overeat or to make unhealthy food choices later within the day.

If we skip breakfast, we are likely to become tired when our brain and body run low on fuel. Eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day.

The chances of someone having a high increase in body mass index are greater when the individual does not eat breakfast. This is the result of the study conducted by the University of Minnesota school of Public Health in the United States. Body mass index, or BMI, is a method for measuring a person’s ration between height and weight.

In the study of eating habits among 2,200 teenagers during a five-year period, it was found out that those who eat breakfast are more likely to have a healthy diet and to exercise regularly when compared to those who pass over the early morning meal.

Many people believed that they will lose weight if they skip meals. But that is not true; the body expects to be refueled a few times a day, starting with a healthy breakfast.

Eating breakfast is good for weight loss. The National Weight Registry of the United States observed the habits of dieters who lost 30 pounds and maintained it for at least a year. Susan Moore, a spokeswoman for the American Dietician Association, found out that almost all of the dieters ate breakfast every day.

Sources
► Face Up to Five Good Fallacies. http://carefirst.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Wellness/1,4180
► Start the Day Right – Don’t Skip Breakfast. http://nutrition.about.con/od/nutrition101/a/breakfast.htm
► Wood, Peter. Does skipping breakfast help you lose weight? http://ocolly.com/2008/03/04/does-skipping-breakfast-help-you-lose-weight/

Anemia is caused by Lack of Sleep

Anemia is a deficiency in the number of blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. There are many forms of anemia, but none of them is known to have been caused by lack of sleep.

Iron-deficiency anemia, for example, arises when the body cannot manufacture enough hemoglobin. This contains iron and is crucial in the production oxygen. The lack of vitamin B12 in the diet may also caused anemia called pernicious anemia. A plastic anemia is another type of disorder which may develop from repeated exposure to X-rays, radioactive substances, microwaves, and other high-energy emissions.

Whatever the cause, anemia makes the body function poorly because it prevents the body from getting enough oxygen from the blood. - Batobalani

Spicy Food and Stress Cause Peptic Ulcers

Spicy food and stress cause peptic ulcers.

Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach duodenum. Almost all peptic ulcers are caused either by infections with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) or by use of pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, Most H.pylori-related ulcers can be cured with antibiotics. NSAID-induced ulcers can be cured with time, stomach-protective medications, antacids, and avoidance of NSAIDs. Spicy food and stress may aggravate ulcer symptoms in some people, but they do not cause peptic ulcers. –Rosario Ricalde

Reference:

► http://www.niddk.nih.gov
►Dandruff. www.sovereing-publications.com/fhc/dandruff.htm

Cold or Flu in a very Cold Place

We get a cold or flu when we spent too much time in a very cold place.

Because the common cold and the flu are physiological disorders that occurs rather frequently, so many myths have sprouted about them. One is that very large doses of Vitamin C could cure both conditions. It is a fact that a daily dose of vitamin C is good for the health. It helps boost the immune system, thereby protecting the body against infections. However, to say that this vitamin alone prevents colds and fly is yet to be proven.

That we catch the common cold or flu when we stay too long in a cold place is another fallacy. The facts is, exposure to cold weather does not cause either. Just imagine all the people in Baguio City or Tagaytay City during cold December nights. If we follow this reasoning, everyone in these places without a heating system should be down with a cold or flu. But that’s simply not the case. However, anyone who has the flue should remain warm, because cold weather may cause pneumonia in flu-stricken individuals. Pneumonia is the most serious flu complication and is a threat to the elderly and people with weak immune systems.

The common medical advice for a mild case of the cold is simply to drink plenty of water and fruit juices. People with the flue are advised to take bed rest and a healthy diet. It’s best to do this at the onset to prevent the ailment from getting worse.

Both the common cold and the flu can make one feel really drowsy, so bed rest is recommended. Drinking plenty of fluids is also needed for faster recovery.

Source:

► Coughs, Colds and Flu. Myths and Facts. www.everybody.co.nz/page-c44dea63-f90e-4848-bb93-ce0a59e86306.aspx
► www.tylenol.ca/Common_img/need relief/large/image_lg_cold_c.jpg

Tetanus

One can only get tetanus from rusting objects.

Tetanus, or lockjaw, is an acute and often deadly disease that attacks the human nervous system. It is characterized by sever spasms of the voluntary muscles and convulsions. The symptoms are caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium that can infect deep wounds where oxygen is unavailable. They symptoms start to appear about five to ten days after the toxin invades the body. The most frequently occurring symptom is jay stiffness, which progresses to difficulty in opening the jaws. Other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, limb stiffness, fever, headache, and sore throat. Convulsions and death may follow.

Infected patients must be given immediate medical attention to prevent complications. As preventive measures, children must be routinely immunized by vaccination with a toxoid called DTP. DTP stands for diphtheria, tetanus and perussis.

Since Clostridium tetani is an anaerobic bacterium, it obtains all the energy it needs from food without the use of oxygen by a method called fermentation. The spores of Clostridium tetani can be found in soil and animal feces. The possibility of getting tetanus fro rusting objects is very remote. To avoid being infected wounds, especially those on the lower extremes, must be regularly cleansed and properly covered.

Source:

► The American Medical Association Home
► Home Medical Encyclopedia

Coffee can Stunt Child’s Growth

Coffee can stunt child’s growth

Drinking coffee has not effect on height. This myth continues to persists, because some people insist that caffeine is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Results of the Framingham Heart Study, a 30-year study on people who drink coffee, don’t show any evidence that caffeine can significantly stunt a child’s growth. The study was a project of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Boston University, both in the United States.

It should be noted, however, that it is the replacement of calcium-rich beverages )e.g., milk) with caffeinated drinks (e.g., sodas) that is directly linked to reduced bone health, and not caffeine itself. Besides, the researchers argue that even if caffeine does offset calcium absorption, the effect is so slight to be considerable. As a rule, however, parents should still limit their kid’s caffeine consumption because it can interfere with sleep, contribute to dehydration, and aggravate hyperactivity. Other potential side effects of ingesting too much caffeine include: nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, irritability, insomnia, and stomach discomfort.

A typical cup of coffee (207 ml) contains about 80 to 140 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the bean and method of roasting and preparation.

Source:

► Fact or fiction: Common diet myths dispelled. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16280050/
► Will drinking coffee really stunt the growth of children? http://ask.yahoo.com/20030519.html

Dandruff (Malassezia furfur)

You can catch dandruff if you use a comb or hairbrush of someone who has dandruff.

Dandruff is not a disease or a virus. It is not contagious, it cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Dandruff is caused by fungus called Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale). This fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff. It feeds on the natural grease of the skin, from which it produces oleic acid. The oleic acid triggers increased turnover of skin cells, resulting in excessive flaking.

The difference between someone with dandruff and someone without it is that the fungus responsible for dandruff isn’t active in the person without dandruff. Obviously, you cannot get something you already have in your scalp. The flakes normally found on combs, hairbrushes, or pillows are just dead skin cells.

However, it is still not a hygienic practice to share combs and brushes.

Source:

► Debunking dandruff myths. www.nizoral.ca/eng/closeup_myths.html
►Dandruff. www.sovereing-publications.com/fhc/dandruff.htm

Pregnant Woman

A pregnant woman’s avid craving (paglilihi) over something will influence the unborn child’s physical characteristics.

It’s an old Filipino belief that a pregnant woman’s craving for a certain food will influence the physical attributes of her unborn baby. This is called paglilihi. This even extends to the belief that repugnant objects (such as limbless doll), even animals and their replicas (toads and monsters) should not be found lying about so as not to be the pregnant woman’s object of paglilihi.

Medical science has long been able to dispel the myths surrounding paglilihi. The first trimester (the first 14 weeks of pregnancy) is considered to be the most difficult periods for pregnant women. It is in this stage that the expectant mother experiences hormonal changes that affect her bodily functions. Because of these changes, clinical psychologists believe that pregnancy can render women more emotional. Symptoms can range from hypersensitivity of taste and smell, nausea, morning sickness, mood swings, and yes craving for a particular food.

Genetics tells us that we inherit the physical attributes form our parents’ or grandparents’ set of genes and not from the food that had been the object of our mom’s craving. It is absurd to say then that you have a dark complexion, because your mom avidly ate duhat (black plum) during the time that she was pregnant with you.

How about those born with congenital abnormalities or physical deformities, such as webbed feet, scaly skin, or pincers for a hand?

These are actually results of what is called genetic aberration (mutation) due to various external factors, such as exposure to X-ray, ultraviolet radiation, or chemicals that alter the genetic materials.

Source:

► Mella, Alfie, ‘Paglilihi’; A Philippine Cultural Myth. www.isnare.com/?id=&ea=Culture Pregnant Desires: Is There Medical Basis for a Woman’s Cravings during Pregnancy? www.medobserver.com/jun2002/printable/pregnant.html
► Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetics

Is It an Allergy or an Intolerance?

Food intolerances are different from allergies. “Virtually everyone has an intolerance to a food at some time in their lives’” according to Dan Alkins, M.D., director of ambulatory pediatrics at the National Jewish Medical and Research facility in Denver. Intolerances, while unpleasant, are rarely life-threatening. Drinking too much coffee or a fatty meal, for example can bring on a stomachache in some people. If you always experience uncomfortable symptoms when you eat a particular food, talk to your doctor about it, who can help determine the cause of the reaction. Following are some of the most common substances that can cause problems.

■ Histamine. This chemical is released form cells during an allergic reaction. It’s also present in small amounts in certain foods including some wines and cheeses. When ingested in large amounts, histamine poisoning is the ingestion of certain fish, if it is spoiled. Symptoms of histamine poisoning includes nausea, flushing, itching, hives, headache and light-headedness.

■ Gluten. Others are irritated by an ingredient called gluten. This substance is contained in foods such as wheat, rye and barley. Gluten damages the small intestine of those with this problem, which is known as celiac disease. Such people can suffer diarrhea, weight loss and weakness. Because celiac disease can make it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food, those sensitive to it should avoid gluten entirely.

■ Lactose. A problem that’s often confused with an allergy is lactose intolerance. People with this condition are low on lactase, an abdominal enzyme needed to digest lactose (found in diary foods). Excess lactose can cause diarrhea, pain gas and bloating.

■ Yellow dye number 5. Certain substances that are added to food to enhance color can cause sensitivity reactions. One coloring agent that can be problematic is yellow dye number 5. Symptoms can include a skin rash.

■ Monosodium glutamate (MSG). This compound is added to foods to enhance flavor. Those who are irritated by MSG can suffer chest pain, headache and flushing.

■ Sulfites. Sulfites are an ingredient added to foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables as a preservatives, but it can cause an intolerance in some people. Those with asthma are at particular risk and can suffer potentially life-threatening reactions. As a result, the FDA has banned the spraying of sulfites on produce as a preservative, but they’re contained in some foods and wines. – Alyssa Shaffer

Anatomy of an Allergy

Allergic reactions can take many forms, but all have one thing in common:

They’ve triggered by the immune system. Immune proteins (antibodies) fight any intruder that threatens your health.

One type of antibody, called immunoglobulin E (or IgE), likely evolved to conquer parasites that enter the body. But in people with food allergies, these antibodies treat certain foods as the enemy.

The antibodies attaché themselves to the surface of a type of immune cell called mast cells. When food enters the body, the antibodies alert the mast cells to release inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine, to produce allergy symptoms.

Mast cells are present in all body tissues. Depending on their location, they can cause a cavalcade of responses. Mast cells that are activated in the skin, for example, can cause hives, redness and itchiness. In the digestive tract, they can set off vomiting, diarrhea or pain. In the throat, they can cause the airways to close off, which may begin as an itchy mouth or throat and lead to a swollen tongue and constricted airway, and can ultimately be fatal. – Alyssa Shaffer

Preventing the Problem

Scientist are working hard to find a cure for food allergies. One promising area, says Dr. Sampson, is the development of an anti-IgE antibody—a once-a-month shot that ties up the IgE antibodies so they can’t bind with mast cells to trigger a reaction. A vaccine to fight peanut allergies is also in the works at Mount Sinai hospital in New York City.

Until there’s a way to stop reactions from taking place, the only safe course for people with food allergies is keeping the offending foods at arm’s length. For parents, especially, this can prove troublesome, since they can’t always control what their child eats, particularly at school or a friends’ house.

It’s such a dangerous world out there for Matthew,” according to Montoya, who, when her son was 18 months old, found that he had serious milk, egg and peanut allergies. “Most parent worry about freak accidents like having their child get hit by a car. I worry about my son being exposed to milk—an item that’s in almost every refrigerator in the country.”

● Read ingredient lists carefully. A product labeled “normally,” for one, may still contain milk-derived ingredients (such as casein or whey), which can trigger allergies in a milk-sensitive individuals, according to Anne Munoz-Furlong, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphlylaxis Network (FAAN).

● Inquire about ingredients in menu items at restaurants. Also find out whether the food has been cooked next to or with allergy-causing foods. Depending on the allergy, doctors usually recommend avoiding entirely restaurants or stores that serve the high-risk foods. For people with peanut allergies, especially, this means Asian restaurants, bakeries, ice-cream parlors and buffets.

● Be prepared with medication that can counter the symptoms of an anaphylactic attack. The EpiPen contains epinephrine, which stops the allergic reaction. It does, however, require a prescription.

● Seek out support. Families with food allergies say advocacy groups can be lifesavers, especially for the newly diagnosed. FAAN, for example, is a clearinghouse that provides information on everything from food label reading to recipe ideas. Munoz-Furlong, whose own daughter, was diagnosed with food allergies over 17 years ago, says information like this is often the best weapon in the war against allergies.

“Food allergies are serious, but you can’t live your life in fear,” she says. As long as you stay informed about what you or your child is eating, the both of you can have a long happy and healthy life. – Alyssa Shaffer

Better Heart Test

A blood test that detects inflammation predicts heart disease better than cholesterol tests in women, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. Boston researchers tracked 27,939 women for over 8 years and found that half of heart attacks and stokes occurred among seemingly healthy women who had normal to low levels of LDL cholesterol levels can still have heart attacks. “We now understand that heart attack and stroke are inflammatory disorders, very much like arthritis,” says lead study author Paul M. Ridker, M.D. in the case of heart disease, fatty deposits (plaques) in the blood vessel walls become inflamed, causing them to rupture, which leads to a blood clot and blood flow blockage, says Dr. Ridker. Having the new blood test, called a c-reative protein blood test, with your regular cholesterol screenings can help doctors better assess your heart disease risk. – Christine Brophy

Prehypertension

Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls. When this force increases beyond optimal level, it is known as high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure causes the heart to work too hard and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. When blood pressure rises above the normal range but hasn’t quite reached hypertension status, it qualifies as prehypertension. Having prehypertension makes it more likely that high blood pressure will develop unless you make diet and lifestyle changes.

How did I find out if I have it?

A sphygmomanometer—the technical name for a blood pressure cuff—gauges blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 and below. High blood pressure begins at 140/90. Prehypertension falls in the middle of these reading.

Should I get tested?

“All adults should have their blood pressure checked every two years, even if it has been normal,” say Nieca Goldberg, MD, national spokeswoman for the American Heart Association and author of Women’s Healthy Program (Ballantine, 2006).

How can I ward it off?

“A good first step to lowering blood pressure is to reduce your intake of salt to no more than 2 grams of sodium per day,” Goldberg recommends. Part of the ongoing DASH diet study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, recently showed that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products reduced blood pressure (Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 2005, vol. 7, no.6). in addition, regular aerobic exercise (several times a week) lowers blood pressure—even if you don’t exercise enough to lose weight. Of course, shedding a few extra pounds can slash blood pressure even more. – Victoria Dolby Toews

Rocket Fuel of the Body (3 of 3)

Good day everyone! This is the last part of my article and I hope that you will be following me.

More complex drinks are also available, including a partial protein drink developed primarily for cyclists. This is called 4.1 since you drink four parts of liquid carbohydrates with one part protein, thus avoiding the muscular breakdown and damage during the ride. Full protein drinks are also great to boost your recovery after any exercise, or after a long hard run or ride.

Finally, there’s also a face-specific drink: Energy Source Extreme, which has liquid carbs, electrolytes and (fully legal) stimulants to bring your performance to another level and to boost your performance when you’re just about to give up at the end of a long hard race.

The important thing to remember is that whatever your chosen sport, you need fuel and liquid – and in this hot country, you’ll have to have both in large quantities. So what you need is a balance product with a pleasant taste that you’d want to drink even when your body is screaming at you and your heart rate is going through the roof. You train hard for your sports, so give your body the best opportunity to support you fully during your event through your commitment to fuel and hydrating drinks.

Rocket Fuel for the Body (2 of 3)

Good day to all! I’m going to continue my sharing of this health to everyone. I hope that you will be following me.

A lot of sports drinks are good only for one specific purpose or the other, but not both. The best is a drink that has a pleasant taste and high levels of suitable energy that can be absorbed quickly, one that gets directly into your bloodstream and immediately into your hardworking muscles where you need it. Drinking bottomless iced tea is a great way to fill oneself with liquid, but sadly, this would just sit in your stomach and bloat you.

You need something that can be absorbed immediately, and luckily about 12 years ago, A UK Company, High5, found just that. Its research showed that by cleverly mixing fructose with glucose to form “High5 Energy Source” they were able to produce a race winning formula that is effectively a liquid carbohydrate that can be immediately carried to you muscles.

This drink enables athletes to hydrate and refuel optimally. Personal experience has also convinced me of its effectiveness, as I have been using this for over ten years while doing running and jogging.

The UK company has also created Isotonic, the ideal and best selling High5 drink in the Philippines. Isotonic delivers up to 70 percent mor carbohydrate to the working muscles, enabling one to race harder and longer. It is interesting to note that other sports drinks manufacturers have at last realized the importance of sing a combination of glucose and fructose, and now, a decade later, are starting to produce similar mixes. But they have yet to produce the same swift transfer of the drink to the muscles by glucose carriers that High5 is famous for.

(End of Part 2)

Rocket Fuel for the Body (1 of 3)

Good morning everyone. We all aware that each of us should have a good energy for our daily work. Our body is like a car that needs a fuel. Our body needs a healthy food to eat.

All of us are aware that our body needs an energy drink. But what kind of energy drink should we take? How to chose the energy drink that best suits your body and your chosen sport.

When it comes to sports drinks, it’s never a case of one size fits all. An older athlete weighing some 100 kilos will require a different drink from say, a younger sportsman who weighs only 50 kilos. And depending on your sport and intensity, your body’s requirement varies. A golfer and gym rat might do better than share a common sports drink.

But the principle remains the same: as with normal food intake, one needs sufficient fuel and liquids to keep the body performing without being weighed down by excess. If you’re exercising, your energy boost may come from your last meal or that latte you had earlier in the afternoon.

Depending on the duration and intensity of your exercise routine, this might be sufficient. However, somewhere around the 50-minute mark, you are likely to begin suffering from (a) noticeable dehydration, and (b) loss of energy reserves. Now if you’re just doing an hour in the gym, this poses no problem because you can always take a recovery juice, a chocolate milk or a protein drink afterwards.

Aside from the intensity of your sport, you must also consider the temperature in this hot country, water intake is crucial as one can lose, liters of sweat by the hour. This loss must be replaced, and while an electrolyte drink can do the job, this on its own does not serve the purpose of effectively replacing your ever depleting energy source. You would need to drink something else to do both jobs.

(End of Part 1)

Four Painless Ways to Improve Your Diet

Good morning friends. We all know that if there’s an occasion we can’t control our eating habit. We can’t resist if we saw different kinds of food. Our appetite increases a lot. Don’t worry I will share you what I have known about some ways to improve your diet. It’s painless!

If your regular cold cereal isn’t high-fiber, mix it half-and-half with a BRAN CEREAL. It will still taste good, but will provide a fiber boost of up to 7 grams (23 percent of the Daily Value, which is 25 grams for adults).

Instead of drinking 2 cups of 2-percent MILK a day, make it 1-percent (or move from 1-percent to skim) to save a total of 14,600 calories a year—enough for a 4-pound weight loss.

Pick ROMAINE LETTUCE rather than iceberg for salads and sandwiches; it has twice the potassium and folic acid, 6 times as much vitamins C, and 8 times as much beta-carotene.

Pump up IRON intake by cooking regularly in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven. Long-simmering soups, stews, and sauces tend to absorb the most iron, but even scrambling an egg in a cast-iron skillet can more than double the egg’s iron content.

How safe are herbal supplements? (3 of 3)

Good morning friends, This is the last part of my article and I'm sure some of you obtain some information that can help you. Here it goes ...

There is this story of one journalist who started chewing the seeds because he heard of the story about the mahogany seeds. And he believe that it will cure him, so he tried that. The seed was turned out to be toxic to human. And it was banned. But it was too late for that journalist.

It is the same thing with other herbals. Some plants really have medicinal value. Indeed, many medicines are taken from plants. But separating the medicinal ingredients from other parts of the plant is one thing; taking the whole plant or its leaves as a tea is another.

A plant or a leaf has many chemical properties. The medicinal property may be only one, but there may be many others that could be harmful. Herbals should be taken with caution because we don’t know the harmful ingredients they contain. Studies must first be made before a certain plant is prescribed as medicine.

How safe are herbal supplements? (2 of 3)

Good morning everyone. A second part of my article is here. I hope you acquire some idea on the first part. Let me continue here ....

Many of these herbals are being marketed like medicine, in capsule, pill or tablet form. The makers of even the herbal teas make fantastic claims about their products.

Many Filipinos readily take to herbals because we have a tradition of using herbs to cure various diseases. In the rural areas where there are few drugstores and medicines are expensive, the people go to “herbolarios” who prescribe various leaves, barks, roots, fruits, flowers and stems. Indeed, some who are seriously sick would rather take the herbs rather than the medicines prescribed by doctors.

I knew one story of a woman who was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors prescribed her to undergo a chemotherapy. But then her friend told her stories of people cured by herbs. So she decided to try the herbal therapy. Several months after taking the herbal teas she said she was feeling much better. But then she died soon after.

We have heard of herbals that used to be “miracle cures” of this or that disease. The fads didn’t last long, however. Now these miracle cures are no more.

I’m sure that some of you heard the mahogany seeds. They said that the mahogany seeds lowered blood pressure. The mahogany seed was the rage only about a decade ago.

End of Part 2

How safe are herbal supplements? (1 of 3)

Good morning everybody. We all know that everyone is experiencing the hardship in life this days. Specially those poor people. They don’t have enough cash for spending with their daily needs. Some died because they don’t have money to buy their medicine. Filipinos were good in herbals, they use this in replace to the medicine which they can’t afford to buy. But, how safe are herbal supplements? Do all get healed with that?

Take a look at some newspapers and magazines, television shows and the billboards: they are full of advertisements and commercials of these herbals making so many claims. There are estimates that the “food supplement” industry is a multibillion-peso industry.

The public must be buying these herbals in droves. They must have been convinced by the claims in the ads and commercials.

But how true are these claims? Is the public being taken for a ride? Are these herbals good or bad for the health of humans? We never know about this. These herbals are not under its control because they are not medicine but “food supplements.” That is only one excuse. Another excuse is the disclaimer: “No therapeutic claims,” that says on the box.

Yet that is exactly what the manufacturers are claiming in the ads and commercials. Like snake oil, these herbals claim to cure or prevent almost every disease known to man: arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, circulatory, digestive and pulmonary diseases, etc. One commercial shows an old man who cannot walk crying in pain because of arthritis. After taking the herbal supplement, he is shown jogging happily. Isn’t that a therapeutic claim?

End of Part 1

PMS Blues? Lighten up with Non-Fat Milk

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) can put you in a dark mood. One way to lessen the “that-time-of-the-month” feeling is by increasing you calcium intake. One sure way to do this is by pouring yourself a tall glass of non-fat milk which is rich in calcium. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service, extra calcium may help relieve some premenstrual and menstrual symptoms.


A 5-1/2-month-long research conducted by psychologist James G. Penlaud, Ph.D., and his colleagues in Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S.A., on the psychological and physical discomforts before and during menstruation showed that, of 10 women who rotated between diets containing 1.300 or 600 mg of calcium daily, nine women reported fewer mood swings and less depression on the high-calcium diet. Eight respondents noticed less water retention and seven had fewer cramps, backaches and headaches. More extensive studies are underway to see if the theory holds up. But for all it’s worth, it’s smart to milk calcium.


So when you feel down because of PMS, take non-fat milk. One glass gives you 30% of your daily calcium requirements. One suggestion to enjoy non-fat milk more is to try it in Fruit Shakes. This is a very refreshing way to stock up on calcium during your uneasy monthly period this summer, and provides light nourishment to sustain your active days ahead. Aside from non-fat milk, other good sources of calcium are: calcium-fortified fruit juices, broccoli, canned salmon (with bones) and leafy green vegetables.

Home Health Series

If you’re on a high blood pressure medication, you should be careful about other medications you take.

Living with hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, you’re probably already following your doctor’s advice; you’re exercising regularly, watching your weight, cutting down on alcohol and caffeine and you’ve stopped smoking.

Also, because stress may contribute to hypertension, it’s important to know that while you can’t always avoid stress, you can learn better ways to cope with it, ways that help put you more in control over stressful situations.

Understanding hypertension medications. There are a number of different kinds of prescription medicines your doctor might put you on the help lower your blood pressure. They work in different ways to the same end. If you experience side effects (like drowsiness or dizziness) with one, your doctor may try another. You may be surprised to learn that no matter which hypertension medicine you’re taking, you may need to watch the other kinds of medications you take, even over-the-counter medicines. That’s because certain medications may interfere with the way high blood pressure medications work. Doctors call this a drug-drug interaction.

Doctors recommend Tylenol the most for their patients with high blood pressure. Fortunately, Tylenol is a pain reliever that won’t interfere with any high blood pressure medicines you may be taking. In fact, Tylenol is less likely to cause side effects of any kind compared with other pain relievers.

So talk to your doctor about pain reliever. When used as directed, Tylenol is the safest type of pain reliever you can buy.

The Right Age to Start MAMMOGRAMS

Hello all women out there. I’m sure not every one of you made this kind of health check up. You should do it now. One of my friends asked me. She is 39 and confused about when she should begin having regular mammograms. She told me that she heard that some doctors advise beginning 35, some 40, and other says until 50. She asked me what’s best.

Even I’m not a doctor; I have a little knowledge of that. I told her that she have good reason to be confused. The consensus among doctors used to be that women ages 40 to 49 should get mammograms every one to two years. Then, a few years ago, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) sparked a heated debate about whether women that young needed to be screened. And the controversy hasn’t really been settled. In just a few weeks, the NCI is going to reexamine the issue, and you’re likely to read still more conflicting information.

Here’s what happened. In 1993, the NCI declared that there was no benefit in testing women in their 40s because studies showed that screening didn’t lead to higher survival rates. Many experts argued that the studies weren’t large enough to show a benefit for women in that age group, and some charged that the decision was clearly motivated by economic concerns, which caused an uproar. More than 20 other national medical groups, including the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists, have continued to recommend regular screening for women in their 40s. Swedish researchers released the result of a soon-to-be-published study that shows that doing mammograms on women in their 40s does have a significant effect on survival rates.

Regardless of what the NCI decides, it has always made sense to me that 40 is the right time in a woman’s life to get a first mammogram. The incidence of cancers starts to creep up at this time and we know that early detection and treatment translate into a better chance for a cure. If the result of your mammogram are normal, you and your doctor can decide if you want to get one every year or every other year. At 50, begin annual mammograms. These guidelines change if you have a close relative (such as a mother or sister) with breast cancer. In this case, you should get your first mammogram before the age at which her cancer was diagnosed.

Fluorescent Lighting is Harmful to Human Health

Not modern fluorescent lighting. Known as compact fluorescent lamp (CPL), these lamps have much improved color quality, plus they are roughly four times more efficient than incandescent lamps.

The reservations against using fluorescent lighting may have come from its mercury content. However, today’s CFLs have less than 4 mg of mercury per bulb. This amount is “about one-fifth that found in the average watch battery and less than 100th found in a typical amalgam dental filling.” In short, the amount of mercury is CFL is small enough to be considered as a significant health threat.

Another problem that has been eliminated by CFL is “the annoying flicker and hum from fluorescents that use electronic ballasts.” People with light sensitivity conditions need not be alarmed as it has been concluded by different studies done in the United States and the United Kingdom that “no fluorescent lighting technology presents anywhere near the high levels of UV (ultraviolet) danger to light sensitive persons that sunlight presents.” In short, if it has been awhile since you have tried fluorescent lighting, you may want to give these bulbs another try.

Sources
► Eleven Energy Myths: From Efficient Halogen Lights to Cleaning Refrigerator Coils. www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/energy-myths3.html
► Energy Myth Busters. www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/es/13627.shtml
► Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs. www.bchydro.com/powersamrt/elibrary/elibrary680.html
► Phase-out of Inefficient Light Bulbs. www.greenhouse.gove.au/energy/cfls/index.html

Hiccup is a sign that you are still growing?

Everyone gets a hiccup once in a while. Whenever you get hiccup, people say that it is a sign that you are still growing. This is not true.

Hiccup is the result when the diaphragm—a muscle that divides the chest and the abdomen—suddenly contracts, and the epiglottis-a flap of cartilage above the vocal chords—closes. The air is being sucked in, as the diaphragm contracts, stopped by the epiglottis, producing the characteristic sharp sound. These contractions occur about two to three each minute. Hiccups are common but harmless, usually stopping after a few minutes.

However, chronic hiccups that last for days, months or even years may be symptoms of serious underlying diseases. Although not yet fully known, many experts attribute it to the stimulation of the nerves in the diaphragm. Factors that trigger hiccups include excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, excessive laughter, eating too fast and stress. It does not in any way affect the growth of a person. – Dr. King C. Dulay, East Avenue General Hospital, Quezon City

Is it true that diabetes is caused by eating too much sweet?

Sweets may be blamed for causing diabetes, a disorder of metabolism wherein glucose or sugar from digested food is not properly processed by the body.

Diabetes happens because of two things. First is the inadequate production of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Second, the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. When we eat, the pancreas produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from blood into our cells. Diabetes causes glucose to build up in the blood, overflow into the urine. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel, even though the blood contains large amount of glucose.

But is there really a direct connection between eating too much sweets and diabetes?

The truth is, ingesting sweets as part of our regular diet does not cause diabetes. This myth was born when it was noticed that untreated diabetics tend to be attracted to sweets. But a high-sugar diet can cause obesity, which increases the risk of diabetes.

Sources
► Diabetes Overview. http://diabetes.niddk.noh.gov/dm/pubs/overview/index.htm#who
► Kutjan, Peter W. Does Eating Too Much Sugar Cause Diabetes? www.geocities.com/researchguide/drksugar.html

Eating Turkey induces Drowsiness

Some people believe that eating turkey can induce sleepiness, since turkey meat contains high levels of tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Essential amino acid is an amino acid that is not manufactured by the human body but is otherwise essential for protein formation. Tryptophan pertains to the precursor for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that exhibits a sleep-inducing effect of the brain.

Now, on to the main stuff: eating turkey does not induce drowsiness. For tryptophan to exhibit a sedative effect, it should be taken on an empty stomach. And while the amount of tryptophan in turkey meat is quite high, this is just not “high” enough to cause sleepiness. It should also be noted that aside from turkey, tryptophan is also contained in pork, chicken, and cheese, and yet these foods are not known to have any sleep-inducing properties. If you feel sleepy after eating turkey, it’s probably because you also have partaken of the other high-carbohydrate dishes on offer. Bottom line: don’t blame the turkey for your lethargy.

Source:

► Holiday turkey…can it make you really sleepy? www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art. asp?articlekey=55219
► Does eating turkey make you sleepy? http://chemistry.about.com/od/holidayseasons/a/tiredturkey.htm

To All Mother

Happy Mother's Day

To All!

Food Heals - 2

Do I have to worry about sodium?

That depends. Not everyone who has cardiac problems needs to restrict sodium, but those who have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or severely damaged heart should be especially vigilant. Reducing sodium reduces blood pressure which helps lower heart attack and stroke risk. To go salt free season your food with chopped fresh as dried herbs, spices, lemon juice and zest, or high quality flavored vinegar.

Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce heart attack risk, and red wine contains added antioxidant benefits.

Can I continue to drink alcohol?

Yes, in moderation. Alcohol can raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which have a protective effect on the heart. Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to reduce heart attack risk, peripheral vascular disease and sudden cardiac death, and it inhibits the formation of dangerous artificial blood clots. Up to two dinks per day for a male or one for a female is fine. This isn’t a recommendation to start drinking but to provide limits for those who already do. The alcohol in wine, beer and spirits is equally effective, but red wine contains added antioxidant benefits.

Can I continue to eat our?

Yes, with caveats. After a heart attack or surgery, you need to become selective and assertive when dining out. Identify restaurants that will accommodate special requests, such as making fish or chicken baked or broiled, without added sauces, salt, or saturated fats. Make eating out the exception, not a routine. Even when choosing wisely, large portion sizes can tip your saturated fat and sodium scale for the day.

I haven’t suffered a heart attack or heat surgery, but I have a family history of heart disease. Do these recommendation apply to me? “Yes”. The recommendations are basically the same whether you have experienced a cardiac event yourself or have a family history of heart disease before age 50.

Food Heals (1 of 2)

If you’ve recently survived a heart attack or had cardiac surgery. You may feel overwhelmed with questions about recovery—especially regarding your diet. Hope and help are on the way: We’ve asked four hear-health experts to weigh in on your most pressing post-illness questions. Find out what to eat, what to avoid and where to go from here.

Which foods will help heal and protect my heart?

You can enjoy plenty of delicious foods, especially fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Highly pigmented, organic fruits and vegetables are best.

He particularly recommends dark leafy green, carrots, beets, and berries because “the antioxidants, beta-carotene, and bioflavonoids in these foods prevent cholesterol from oxiding and causing further damage to the heart. According to a recent study, eating five or more fruits and vegetables every day can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by up to 72 percent, with an astonishing 10 percent risk reduction for every piece of fruit eaten daily.

Add high-fiber foods to your grocery list, too. Fiber absorbs bile, clears toxins, and can lower (bad) LDL and raise (good) HDL cholesterol. He suggests stocking your pantry with beans and legumes, which are rich in fiver, low in fat, and cholesterol free.

Tofu and other soy foods are also cardiac friendly because soy’s isoflavones inhibit atheroscierosis (hardening of the arteries), improve vascular function, and lower cholesterol and trigycerides. And you can still enjoy certain oils, especially olive, canola, soybeans, flaxseed and help oils, which contain beneficial fatty acids; research indicates that canola and soybean oils, in particular, helps lower cholesterol.

Nutrition Nuts and Bolts (2 of 2)

Fats. Provides energy—more than twice the amount supplied by carbohydrates or protein. Also provides essential nutrients, insulation and protection.


Cholesterol. Fat-like substance found in animal foods that is needed y the body for cell structures, hormones and nerve coverings. Believe it or not. It’s made by our bodies as well.

Water. Vital liquid of life. About 50 to 60 percent of an adult body is water and all body tissues contain some.


% U.S. RDA. Percentage of U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance was developed as a relative standard for nutrition labeling. It applies to healthy people of various ages and represents the highest recommended level of each nutrient.


Additive. Substance added to food to perform certain useful functions, such as to add color or flavor, prevent spoilage, add nutritional value or improve texture constancy.

Nutrition Nuts and Bolts (1 of 2)

Ever wonder what those nutrition and health experts are saying? Here’s quick reference list that explains some important key words.

Nutrients. Substances necessary for life that build, repair and maintain body cells. Includes protein, carbohydrate, fat, water, vitamins and minerals.


Vitamins. Essentials substances, found in smalol amouts in many foods, necessary for controlling body processes. Different from minerals because vitamins are organic compounds containing carbon. Includes vitamin A, B vitamis (niacin, riboflavin), vitamin C and more.


Protein. Vital for life, provides energy, structural support of body cells and is important for growth. Made from amino-acid building blocks that contain nitrogen.


Minerals. Essential elements needed by the body in very small amounts. Minerals are inorganic elements, such as calcium and iron, and are found in our foods and water.



Carbohydrate. Key human energy source. All simple sugars and complex carbohydrates (starches) fit into this category.

Detecting Breast Cancer

Early Signs

♦ A lump is detected, which is usually sigle, fir and most often painless.
♦ A portion of the skin on the breast or underarm swells and has an unusual appearance.
♦ Veins on the skin surface become more prominent on one breast.
♦ The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, changes in skin texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.
♦ A depression is found in an area of the breast surface.

Women’s breast can develop some degree of lumpiness, but only a small percentage of lumps are malignant. While a history of breast cancer in the family may lead to increased risk , most breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history. If you have a family history of breast cancer this should be discussed with your doctor.

Off Lotion.....Off Mosquitos

I brought a tube of this off lotion and made full use of it when I was in the house of my niece. And a couple of weeks ago, I went to La Union Province over the All Saints Day. I brought it there, too. I’ve also been using it lately at home. I reckon the mosquitoes are making themselves quite at home in my flat. Arrggh.

Caltrate .... Vitamins For The Bones

Perfect for everyone!

Treat Your Body Like A Fertility Temple

Truthfully? It’s ideal to eat right years before you get pregnant.

“WHEN YOUR BODY SUSPECTS A nutritional deficiency, it may not allow you to conceive,” so make sure you get your …

VITAMIN C. Foods packed with this antioxidant—think oranges and broccoli—help keep your body mucous membranes, which line the entire reproductive tract, elastic and resilient. C also keeps the cilia in your fallopian tubes in good health.

ZINC. This mineral—found in seafood, meats and beans—helps regulate hormone production

B VITAMINS. These aid the body in putting estrogen, progesterone and testosterone to use. You’ll need an extra serving of B-rich foods, such as whole grains or dark leafy greens, if you’re on the Pill—your body uses even more of these vitamins to process the hormones in oral contraceptives.

CALCIUM. When you do get pregnant, the baby you’re carrying will get first dibs on any calcium you take in. That can deplete your bone stores, so build your calcium bank now by getting at least 1,200 mg a day.

Cardiologist offers heart-healthy tips for women (2 of 2)

Good morning everyone. This is the second part of the article.. "I like to do an initial, thorough heart check at age 40 if a woman has risk factors or a family history of heart disease, or at age 50 if there's no family history or risk factors. I don't recommend heart scans until age 55.

"Women should also be aware of stroke. Stroke prevention is very similar to heart disease prevention. Blood thinners and cholesterol drugs called statins have been shown to help prevent heart attacks and the need for bypass and angioplasty. These same drugs are also proven to reduce the incidence of stroke.

"Women are twice more likely to have a stroke than men. On the other hand, men have more heart attacks than women. We're not sure why, but in the end, it's likely all the same disease process and we treat them similarly. Stroke can have a devastating impact, not only on the survivor, but on everyone who cares for her. It's another dramatic reason to take care of yourself.

"At the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston, we've launched several clinical trials designed to research new treatments and diagnostic tools in heart care for women. The data in one study suggests that if you can perform an exercise treadmill stress test, the likelihood of having a cardiac event in the next five years is really quite low.

"The good news is that heart disease can be prevented. You have the tools at your disposal. Take advantage of them," Kurrelmeyer added. -Indian Express

Cardiologist offers heart-healthy tips for women (1 of 2)

A cardiologist has offered some tips to women to keep their hearts healthy. Dr. Karla Kurrelmeyer at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston focuses on research and treatment of women with heart disease.

American Heart Month, recognized in February by the American Heart Association, gives her an opportunity to share with women on a broader scale what she shares with her patients year round.
"The most important thing I tell my female patients is to stay to as physically fit as possible. Every woman should work exercise into her lifestyle. Find something you enjoy doing, and do it regularly and often," Kurrelmeyer said.

"In addition to exercising, follow the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fish and fresh vegetables, and low in processed carbohydrates.

"Get your cholesterol checked, especially if there is a family history of heart disease or stroke. At age 20 women are seeing their OB/gynecologists who perform blood pressure checks, fasting lipid panels and fasting sugars. Even young women should pay attention to these numbers and be on alert if any are out of range. If these numbers are abnormal, they indicate that you are at risk for developing heart problems in the future.

"They are early warning signals, which if corrected and treated can help prevent the development of heart disease. Often these numbers can be corrected with lifestyle changes including improving your diet, exercising and losing weight. If these measures fail, they can be easily corrected with medication.

Vital Fact About Vitamins (11 of 11)

Vitamin K

Aids in blood clotting. May help in cancer prevention.

Where and How much % U.S. RDA

Spinach, raw, ½ c, (186 %)
Broccoli, raw, ½ c, (110 %)
Asparagus, cooked, ½ c, (31 %)
Egg, hardboiled, (30 %)
Strawberries, 1 c, (26 %)

Vital Fact About Vitamins (10 of 11)

Vitamin E

Aids in protecting body cells from damaging substances. May reduce the risk of heart attack.

Where and How much % U.S. RDA

Sunflower seeds, ¼ c, (72 %)
Peanuts, roasted, ¼ c, (36 %)
Margarine, 2 T, (31 %)
Oil/vinegar salad dressing, 2T, (27 %)
Egg, hardboiled, (10 %)

Vital Fact About Vitamins (9 of 11)

Vitamin D

Helps the body build calcium and phosphorus into bones and teeth. May help prevent osteoporosis and kidney disease.

Where and How much % U.S. RDA

Herring, 2 oz (128 %)
Salmon, broiled, 3 oz, (90 %)
Margarine, 2 T, (33 %)
Shrimp, broiled, 3 oz, (23 %)
2% milk, 1 c, (20 %)

Vital Fact About Vitamins (8 of 11)

Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid

Maintains healthy gums, blook vessels, muscles, bones and teeth. Helps to promote healing increase our ability to better absorb iron. May reduce the risk of cancer.

Where and How much % U.S. RDA

Kiwi fruit, 1 medium, (123 %)
Green bell pepper, ½ c, (108 %)
Orange juice, ½ c, (103 %)
Broccoli, cooked, ½ c, ( 82 %)
Cantaloupe, ½ c, (57 %)

Vital Fact About Vitamins (7 of 11)

Pantothenic Acid

Vital for energy release from foods, especially carbohydrates. Helps the body make certain hormones.

Where and How much % U.S. RDA

Total cereal, 1 oz, (100 %)
Salmon, broiled, 3 oz, (9 %)
Chicken, roasted, 3 oz, (8 %)
2% milk, 1 c, ( 8 %)
Peas, cooked, ½ c, (1 %)

Vital Fact About Vitamins (6 of 11)

Folacin

Necessary for all cells to function properly. May help to protect against heart disease, nerve damage and some birth defects.

Where and How much % U.S. RDA

Spinach, cooked, ½ c, (33 %)
Orange juice, ¾ c, (20 %)
Peanuts, roasted, ¼ c, (16 %)
Lima beans, cooked, ½ c, (11 %)
Broccoi, cooked, ½ c, (10 %)