"You have a great product.
I'm 43 and teach at SFSU - so I'm around very young & very old
people. When I tell my students my age...(yes, the little buggers do
ask)...they are often surprised." ˜P., CA read more
"I have been using the lip
pump for a couple months now and the results are great. I have had
the collagen injections before but they don't last and they are very
expensive. The pump make the lines around my mouth plump out &
hardly noticeable. I love the way my lips look after using the pump.
Thank you, Thank you." ˜B.L., CA read
more
Health Tips
My
sister forwarded the email below and I thought the information might
be helpful.
Why
keep aspirin by your bedside?
About Heart Attacks
There are other symptoms of an heart attack besides the painon the left arm.
One must also be aware of an intense pain on the chin,
as well as nausea and lots of sweating,
however these symptoms may also occur less frequently.
Note: There may be NO pain in the chest during a
heart attack.. The majority of people (about 60%) who had a heart
attack during their sleep, did not wake up. However, the chest pain
may wake you up from your deep sleep and
If that happens, immediately dissolve
two
aspirins
in your mouth
and swallow them with
a bit of water.
Afterwards: -phone a neighbor or afamily
member who lives very close by -say"heart attack!" -say that you havetaken 2 aspirins.. -take a seat on a chair or sofa near the
front door, and wait for their arrivaland... ~do NOT lie down~
A Cardiologist has stated that, if each person, after receiving this
e-mail, sends it to 10 people, probably one life can be saved!
10
Little Known Signs of Lung Cancer from
Caring.com
Persistent
cough or hoarseness
Deep chest pain
when you cough or laugh
Shortness of
breath or wheezing
Reddened,
rust-colored or bloody phlegm
Getting
recurrent infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis
Thickened,
painful fingertips (caused by abnormal bone growth)
Weight loss or
lack of appetite
Abnormal breast
growth in men
Mood swings,
depression or lethargy in someone who hasn't been depressed
before
Sudden onset of
irritability, aggression and temper; could be characterized as
"everything gets to him."
Ever wonder what the doc is
looking for when he asks you to "Stick out your tongue"? Well, here
is a look at your health via your tongue. Take the innovative tongue
test today!
Vitamin D & Cancer
Vitamin
D has a protective effect against cancer in several ways, including:
Increasing the self-destruction of mutated cells
(which, if allowed to replicate, could lead to cancer)
Reducing the spread and reproduction of cancer
cells
Causing cells to become differentiated (cancer
cells often lack differentiation)
Reducing the growth of new blood vessels from
pre-existing ones, which is a step in the transition of dormant
tumors turning cancerous
From Dr. Mercola: There is
now overwhelming evidence pointing to the fact that many of the
560,000 cancer deaths expected to occur this year could have been
safely prevented with optimal vitamin D levels.
One recent study also points
out vitamin D’s potential in treating breast cancer; not just in
preventing it. Researchers found that calcitrol (the active form of
vitamin D) can induce a tumor-suppressing protein that inhibits the
growth of breast cancer cells specifically.
Probiotics May Protect Against Gum Disease
Nutraingredients-usa.comoffers up-to-the-minute information
regarding supplements and nutrition in the USA. The topics are
far and wide; when I read the article written by Stephen Daniells
regarding the Yukult study of probiotics from Germany, I thought you
might find it interesting because gum disease and gingivitis plague
many people. They offer a free newsletter and you can choose
the areas of health that interest you. Bottom line: I
love Yukult and hope the scientists are onto something very
beneficial.
Coconut Oil May Deplete
Belly Fat
Coconut oil is a powerful immune
booster and I agree with Dr Mercola that it is a smart alternative
to other oils for cooking and consuming. I used to cook with
olive oil until I discovered research that suggest the good
properties suffered from high heat oxidation. The
polyunsaturated fats such as canola oil, safflower, corn, soy are
horrible for your health so throw those out of your pantry.
Switching to coconut oil made my
breakfast experience quite a treat; imagine diced onions lightly
sauteed in less than a teaspoon of oil, then two scrambled eggs
cooked with the onions and served with a side of fresh, finely
chopped raw vegetables.
Helping to keep your
skin healthy and youthful looking
Supporting the
proper functioning of your thyroid gland
If you
go to Dr. Mercola's site sign
up for his newsletter - it's free and wonderfully informative!
Gardasil Warning
If you or a loved one has a young
daughter, please forward this video regarding the very dangerous
side effects of Gardasil. We must protect our children from harm
and it appears that this drug causes great harm.
Eliminate Strep Throat
The following question
and subsequent answer was forwarded to me but I am not certain who
Dr. Wright is. I thought the information was very compelling
because my sweet little grandson, Braydon, has had two bouts with
strep this year. My daughter-in-law was informed of the
possibility that dairy products may add to the stress of strep, she
eliminated dairy from Braydon's diet and reports that his breathing
has improved and there has been no recurrence of strep.
Q: My
10-year-old son is constantly coming down with strep throat!
No matter what I try, it keeps coming back. What can I do?
Dr. Wright: After reading a book by a doctor who found that
eliminating all milk and dairy products from children's diets
completely eliminated strep throat, I started giving my own patients
the same advice. And it worked every time.
In fact, the only time it didn't work was on one little girl—it
turned out, though, that she had been sneaking cheese at a friend's
house! Once her mother uncovered that little secret and
stopped it, the strep throat never returned.
If your son is used to milk and dairy, getting him off it could be a
struggle, but there are substitutes. Occasional soy cheese is okay,
but I don't recommend regular use of it—or of soy milk—because they
contain too much plant estrogen for children. But most of the kids
I've talked to seem to like rice and almond milk—easily found in the
supermarket!
Acetaminophen Overuse
Can be Deadly
Think Tylenol
and other products that have acetaminophen are safe? Well, think
again and check the labels on other pain meds, cough suppressants
and even menstrual pain remedies because a little too much
acetaminophen can be deadly. Watch this video, educate you and your
loved ones regarding an easy overdose.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTm3_NhzdcU And, if you
have questions here is a
website that has a lot of good
information regarding this drug that is found in prescription and
OTC drugs.
It's
official...more and more men and women are saying tata to shampoo
and opting for a concoction of baking soda and water to forgo
chemical damage to their bodies and personally, I think it's a great
idea. The "No 'Poo" users says giving up shampoo at first is daunting
because their hair didn't feel clean and even looked a little grimy
but after a new months of this new regimen, their hair became silky,
soft and super shiny.
To 'Poo or Not to 'Poo
is
an article further explaining how to mix the baking soda and water
while using apple cider vinegar as a conditioning rinse. If
you decide to ditch your shampoo, let me hear from you regarding
your experience.
The Camera Phone Diet
Ever
try to keep a food journal when you decide to drop a few pounds?
If you do not write down every morsel that has gone into your mouth,
most likely, you may forget that pat of butter or extra few olives
that went down the hatch.
RealAge.com
offers sound advice - take a camera phone photo of your plate
before eating so that you accurately define your calories, carbs,
fats and grains. Portion control can sometimes perplex even
the seasoned dieter but
click here for a video that easily describes how portion control
works.
Iceberg Lettuce may relieve gall bladder pain
Ever feel pain
under your right shoulder in the middle of your back after indulging
your salt craving with potato chips and other fatty foods? Has
it awakened you in the middle of the night and you know you need
relief right now? You might want to eat a 1/2 cup of plain
iceberg lettuce to relieve the pain then sit back and let Mother
Nature soothe this irritation in about fifteen minutes. Other
remedies include apple cider vinegar, honey and apple juice. If you
would like to learn more folk remedies, check out Earthclinic.com.
Still believe that soy is good for you?
William Campbell Douglass II, MD,
dubbed "the conscience of modern
medicine", has a very
interesting newsletter that keeps me informed of health news.
Recently he wrote this thought provoking intro to Dr. Sherrill Sellman's book on why we should avoid soy. Dr. Douglas writes, "Don't
fall for the "soy is good for you" baloney the vegetarian community
tries to shove down your throat. Here are the facts, plain and
simple…
Soy damages your thyroid, and leads to hypothyroidism
Soy increases your need for vitamin D
Soy blocks the absorption of protein
Soy blocks the absorption of key minerals, such as
calcium, magnesium, and iron
Soy is estrogenic and can contribute to early puberty
in girls
When eating these foods our bodies produce a
lot of insulin that creates stress on the pancreas and as a result,
high blood pressure develops.
According to Prevention Magazine you can fight
diabetes with four nutrients: Vitamin D, Calcium, Omega 3 and
Fiber.
Know the Codes for
Genetically Modified Foods
• A four-digit number means the produce is conventionally grown
• A five-digit number beginning with 9 means it's organic
• A five-digit number beginning with 8 means it's GM***
***The safety of genetically
modified foods has not been proven or documented.
According to Dr. Mercola, he writes that nearly all corn, soy,
canola and cottonseed have been GM. Look for the sticker
before you buy!!! Aspartame (NutraSweet) is GM.
Milk
containing rbGH is GM.
The radura logo signifies that the meat
or poultry you are choosing has been radiated.
Fresh
Ginger Tea
People's Pharmacy and the Graedon's offer sage
advice to ease cold symptoms without resorting to chemically laden
store bought preparations. The following is a variation of the
ginger theme and probably originated in Ayurvedic medicine:
1 inch freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons honey or natural maple syrup
Place all ingredients in cheesecloth or a mesh
spoon and place in a mug of hot water.
www.peoplespharmacy.com
The
Personal Bidet
When I was traveling
in the Middle East I noticed that most bathrooms, public and
private, had a very unique personal hygiene device. At first I
was a little intimidated by the hand-held sprayer but quickly
realized how beneficial the results were. I found this website
and was pleasantly surprised to see how economical the Handy Spray
is so wanted to share it with you. The installation is very
simple!
If you would like more
information here
is the link. It's affordable and makes perfect sense.
To
Juice or Not - Which is Healthier?
Orange juice has twice the glycemic levels as an orange. The best
advice: it is much healthier to eat two to four medium-sized
pieces of fruit a day and choose low-calorie beverages or refreshing
iced water. If you choose to drink juice at all, limit it to four
ounces—a small juice glass.
Many fruit juices that are sold
in supermarkets contain only a small percentage of real fruit juice,
and contain added sweeteners (sucrose or high fructose corn syrup).
As a result, it is easy to consume a large amount of calories
without getting any actual nutrition when you consume these
beverages. Make sure you read fruit juice labels carefully! Turn
over on the back of the jar or bottle, and look over the ingredient
list - you may be surprised to see exactly where the fruit itself
fits in.
And, it's not a good idea to
take your meds with fruit juice because juice can block the
absorption of the medication. Grapefruit, apple, orange and
more can significantly reduce the amount of drug in your
bloodstream.
6
Ways to Reduce Inflammation Without Drugs!
Dr. Joseph Mercola recently
released this important information and I do not want you to miss
it:
Instead of a statin drug that comes with dangerous side effects, try
these six measures instead:
1.
Stop smoking.
Smoking hardens the arteries and increase inflammation. But research
shows you can reverse all the damaging effects to your arteries
within 10 years of quitting.
2.
Think olive oil, fish, and nuts.
People who stick with a Mediterranean-style diet based on fruits,
vegetables, nuts, and olive oil can lower their levels of
inflammation. It works by increasing the amount of foods you eat
that are rich in omega-3 fats, which fight inflammation.
3.
Get active.
Exercise a great way to lower inflammation without any of the side
effects associated with medications.
4.
Shrink your waist size.
If you're a woman with a waist measurement of over 35 inches or a
man with a waist of over 40 inches, you probably have high
inflammation. Whittling a few inches off the waist by reducing your
portions and increasing activity can go a long way toward solving
that problem.
5.
Get enough sleep.
A new study shows that elderly people with high blood pressure who
sleep less than 7.5 hours a night have dramatically elevated chances
of having a stroke or heart attack. Other research has shown that
both too little and too much sleep increases inflammation. The
American Academy of Sleep Medicine says most adults need between
seven and eight hours of sleep each night.
6.
Reduce stress.
High levels of stress hormones can lead to the release of excess
inflammatory chemicals.
Going to the doctor's
office can be intimidating, especially if you are hiding certain
information that you do not want to divulge to your health care
professional. While reading iVillage.com I recently found this
article that you might find interesting.
Check it out here
Using
Food as Medicine
Garbage in - garbage
out wreaks havoc with your skin! In the October 2008 issue of
SELF Magazine, there is an article by Beth Janes, entitled,
"The Great Skin Diet" and the research is convincing:
Vitamin C in the
form of strawberries, citrus fruits, red peppers and broccoli
aids in the formation of collagen.
Eating sunflower
seeds and almonds provides the body with vitamin E that protects
skin from UV free radicals.
Adding dark
orange, leafy green and red vegetables like sweet potatoes and
spinach are terrific sources of beta-carotene that produces
smoother looking skin.
Lean meat like
poultry provides zinc and iron that contributes to cell
production and natural skin sloughing.
Salmon, eggs and
walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids that protect your body
against inflammation and just maybe less wrinkles.
Eating sugary
treats may lead to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Milk might be on
the chopping block as there seems to be a connection between
milk intake and pimples.
Dark chocolate - a
very small piece - might actually be good for your skin.
If you suffer from
Rosacea or have a red, blotchy complexion there's news that hot,
spicy foods may contribute to this condition.
A word about wine
- yes, red wine does have its attributes but too much of
anything may have an opposite effect causing dry skin and ugh,
more wrinkles.
The
Ugly Side of Plastic Surgery
Sometimes truth is
just stranger than fiction; in this case, this is a horror story not
intended for the squeamish or faint of heart. This is the
reality of how surgery can fail and the horrific results that are
wrought in the name of beauty. Again, I warn you that the
photos are disturbing and almost unreal. Don't let this happen to
you!
Is
Cancer a Fungus?
I am a fan of
Mercola.com because Dr. Mercola offers insight into common and not
so common physical maladies. His newsletter with the headline
"Fungus Causing Cancer - A Novel Approach to The Most Common Form of
Death" grabbed my attention and I hope you will take the time to
watch the video with
Doug Kaufman interviewing Italian Oncologist Dr. Tullio Simoncini,
as he details a new theory of cancer that carries the promise of a
safe, speedy, and effective cancer cure.
Unexpected Drug Side Effects
Joe and Teresa Graedon
(www.Peoplespharmacy.com)
write that hundreds of drugs cause unexpected side effects.
Take antibiotics such as Cipro or Levaquin - tendon rupture
such as Achilles' tendon is possible and if you are taking heartburn
drugs watch out for hip fracture. The popular class of reflux
medications that includes Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec and Protonix has
been linked to hip fractures (Journal of the American Medical
Association, Dec. 27, 2006.) The Graedon's suggest that you
can help the FDA discover unanticipated reactions to prescription
medications by reporting them to MedWatch:
www.fda.gov/medwatch/.
Stroke Symptoms
www.hsibaltimore.com
recently featured a list of stroke symptoms with one interesting
feature: Can you spot the symptom that does not designate
stroke?
1) Do you
think sudden confusion or trouble speaking are symptoms of stroke?
2) Do you think sudden chest pain or discomfort is a symptom of
stroke?
3) Do you think sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg,
especially on one side, are symptoms of stroke?
4) Do you think sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes is a
symptom of stroke?
5) Do you think sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of
balance are symptoms of stroke?
6) Do you think a severe headache with no known cause is a symptom
of stroke?
Sudden chest pain
or discomfort is a symptom of a heart attack but not a stroke.
In any
case 911 should be called immediately!
Are
Beauty Naps Important?
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ's
are important and if you are so fortunate to take a twenty to thirty
minute nap during the day, you probably are more alert, a better
driver and provide enhanced performance for each task you
undertake. According to the 2005 sleep poll conducted by the
National Sleep Foundation, 55% of adult Americans take one nap
during the week. The psychological benefit of napping is equivalent
to a mini-vacation – it relaxes your mind while it refreshes your
senses. You wake looking revitalized.
Reflexology - So Much More Than A Foot Massage
Bill Flocco of
the American Academy of Reflexology
Reflexology has long been viewed by many Americans and medical
professionals as little more than a foot massage.
Now:
Recent scientific studies show that chronic pain, digestive
disorders and other common health problems can be relieved through
the use of this practice. Reflexology, which was developed by three
medical professionals in the early 20th century, involves applying
pressure to specific areas -- known as "reflex points" -- located on
the feet, hands and ears.
How it
works:
When a body part is injured or stops functioning properly due to
disease, irritating chemicals accumulate in distant but related
nerve endings in the feet, hands and ears. Various studies have
repeatedly shown that when certain parts of the feet, hands and ears
are worked on with touch techniques, relief results in corresponding
parts of the body.
Bonus:
You can perform many basic forms of reflexology on yourself or a
partner.*
*To find
a certified reflexologist in your area, contact the American
Reflexology Certification Board, 303-933-6921,
www.arcb.net.
For best
results, work on all of the reflex points described in this article
for at least five minutes twice a day, four or more times a week.
Relief can be experienced within minutes, but it sometimes takes
days or weeks of repeatedly working on the appropriate reflex areas
to get results.
Caution:
Do not work on bruises, cuts, sores, skin infections or directly on
areas where you have damaged a bone or strained a joint during the
preceding three to six months. If you've had surgery or suffered a
bone fracture, ask your surgeon when it's safe to perform
reflexology on these areas.
The main
technique used on most parts of the feet and hands, including those
points described below, is the "thumb roll."
What to
do:
Place gentle pressure with the pad of your thumb against the area on
which you wish to work. Maintaining this pressure and moving slowly,
bend the knuckle in the center of the thumb in an upward direction
and roll your thumb from the pad toward the tip, moving it forward.
Next, reverse the movement of the knuckle, so that once your thumb
is flattened you can do another thumb roll, each time moving forward
in the direction the thumb is pointing.
Reflex
points that correspond to common complaints...
HEARTBURN
What to
do:
While sitting in a chair, place your left foot on your right knee.
Use your left thumb to locate the "diaphragm line," which separates
the ball of your foot and your instep, where the skin color changes
between the pad and soft part of the sole. On this line, about an
inch from the inner edge of the foot, press gently with the tip of
your thumb while squeezing gently with your index finger on top of
the foot for five to 10 minutes.
Next,
place the tip of your right thumb on the soft part of your left palm
at the point between the base of the knuckles below your index and
middle fingers. With the fingers of your right hand gently squeezing
the back of your left hand, apply gentle pressure with the tip of
your right thumb for five to 10 minutes.
HEADACHE
What to
do:
Start with the hand corresponding to the side of your head where the
pain is most noticeable. On the back of that hand, locate a point
about an inch below the base knuckle of your index finger in the
fleshy web between your index finger and thumb. Place the tip of the
thumb of your other hand on this point and the tip of your index
finger of the other hand on the palm side of this point, squeezing
to find a spot that's slightly thicker and more tender than the
surrounding area. While maintaining steady pressure, gently move the
tip of your thumb in small circles over this spot. (This movement is
different from the thumb roll.) It usually takes about five minutes
of work to alleviate a tension headache, and up to an hour to reduce
or eliminate a migraine headache.
Caution:
This point should not be worked on during the first trimester of
pregnancy, as it could have an adverse effect on the fetus. Instead,
work only on the related point on the ear, as described below.
After
you have completed the hand reflexology, locate the small, hard flap
of cartilage at the top of your earlobe, then feel where this flap
and the earlobe meet. With the tip of your thumb on the front of the
ear and the tip of your index finger behind the ear, gently squeeze
this point between your index finger and thumb, feeling for a spot
that's slightly thicker and more tender than the surrounding area.
Squeeze both ears at once, holding for five to 10 minutes, while
resting your elbows on a table or desk.
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
What to
do:
While sitting, place your left foot on your right knee. With the
fingers of your left hand, gently grasp the top of the foot. Using
the thumb roll technique in repeated overlapping strips, work across
from the inner edge to the outer edge of the foot, on all of the
soft part of the sole and the entire heel, for 10 minutes. Repeat,
using your right thumb on the bottom of your right foot.
After
you have completed the foot reflexology, use your right thumb to
perform the thumb roll technique on your left palm. Work from the
outside to the inside of the palm, starting just below the base of
the fingers and progressing toward the wrist. Repeat, using your
left thumb to work on the right palm.
NECK
PAIN AND STIFF NECK
What to
do:
Move your finger slightly above the cartilage flap described in the
headache section, and find a ridge of cartilage running up and down
the ear. Place the tips of your index fingers on the lower inch of
this ridge on both ears while resting your elbows on a table or
desk. Squeeze gently but firmly between your index fingers and
thumbs, with your thumbs behind the ears. Continue for five to 10
minutes.
The
"B" Attitudes for Better Health
Be understanding to your enemies.
Be loyal to your friends.
Be strong enough to face the world each
day.
Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything alone.
Be generous to those who need your
help.
Be frugal with that you need yourself.
Be wise enough to know that you do not
know everything.
Be foolish enough to believe in miracles.
Be willing to share your joys.
Be willing to share the sorrows of others.
Be a leader when you see a path others
have missed.
Be a follower when you are shrouded by the mists of uncertainty.
Be first to congratulate an opponent
who succeeds.
Be last to criticize a colleague who fails.
Be sure where your next step will fall,
so that you will not tumble.
Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong
way.
Be loving to those who love you.
Be loving to those who do not love you; they may change.
Above all, be yourself.
-- Author Unknown
Dr.
Joseph Mercola and Aspartame
If you and your
family are using Aspartame regularly, you probably will be
interested to know how prolonged use has affected some
users. This potentially dangerous substance is used in many foods
and beverages - same with Splenda...I thought you might want to read
Dr. Mercola's blog.He has written the book Sweet Deception.
Can
You OD On Beauty Treatments?
TMZ.com has
recently published photos of celebrities that are very
uncomplimentary and certainly not flattering emphasizing too many
plastic surgery procedures. You may or may not realize that
your face can look "over injected" with substances that plump and
paralyze.
I know you have
seen these freakish, strangely shaped faces that develop as a result
of too much attention from well meaning physicians. Remember,
physicians are not magicians and injecting a face is a fine art.
Over using injections is like going to the hair salon: You
realize that the cut and color is just a little off and not as
wonderful as it was previously.
Hormone Users May Face Increased Cancer Risk
Hormone
Replacement Therapy has again made the news and this time the
findings may alarm you because HRT usage has been linked to an
increased cancer risk in post menopausal women. Yes, we have
been advised of the increased risk of breast cancer and heart
ailments if we use HRTs but now new studies reveal that lung tumors
may develop, too.
Read about the study here.
Tummy
Tuck Surgery
Excess tummy
fat can be especially vexing when you've had a C-Section or if that
fat just stays in place no matter how many sit-ups and crunches you
do. Even the best lingerie items cannot always disguise this
fat so maybe you have decided it's time to seek advice to have it
permanently removed via surgery. There are always risks to
surgery and a tummy tuck is no different. If you choose to go
this route make certain you have someone lined up to help you get up
and around because I don't think you can move very efficiently by
yourself.
What to expect.
Walk
Off the Weight
Walking has
always appealed to me and most days at 7:30 a.m. you will find me
out the door walking about two miles daily. This has really
helped my figure stay trim. Living in SoCal certainly has it's
advantages - sunshine most everyday and no snow! Just
get out and move as much as you can!
Here is a wonderful article that I believe you
will enjoy.
Medical Goofs and
Errors
People's Pharmacy writers Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist and Teresa
Graedon, medical anthropologist and nutrition expert recently
alerted their readers that medical complications can unexpectedly
arise, especially when you are unprepared for a hospital stay. The
Graedon's recommend that we prepare for a hospital stay by viewing
the 22 minute DVD "Things You Should Know Before Entering a
Hospital". It's $29.95.
http://www.reelchicago.com/archive.cfm?storyID=1215
This video was the result of
Betty Hoeffner, a PR
specialist, who heard editor Ernie Schubert’s horror stories of
medical goofs and errors observed during a lengthy stay in a
suburban hospital, she said to her production friends, “we have a
movie here.”
How Healthy is
Green Food?
Wheatgrass
just isn't for cows…we need chlorophyll in our diet to cleanse and
purify our blood. Using greens such as wheatgrass and barley grass
can cure infections in our respiratory tract and actually aid our
anti-aging efforts. Each day we are subjected to smoke and toxins
that enter our bodies; these pollutants over time can compromise our
immune system with free radical damage.
Most green
vegetables have chlorophyll and spinach, bell pepper and broccoli
top the list as the richest source of green we can enjoy. Although
research is ongoing, prevention and treatment of liver cancer, skin
cancer, and colon cancer are all being investigated. For those of
you that supplement, consider adding Spirulina for a chlorophyll
boost.
Sugar, Fats and
Toxic Blood
Dr.
Stephen T Sinatra, noted cardiologist, co-author of Sugar Shock
and Reverse Heart Disease Now (Wiley, $24.95) says there are
three surprising risks that you and your doctor may not know:
Sugar,
Fats and Toxic Blood are risks that tax your good health. Yes, you
must pay attention to smoking and cholesterol and especially sugar.
Dr Sinatra says, "Sugar inflames the blood vessels" and he suggests
we ladies keep our waistlines less than 32 inches and eat a
high-fiber diet (25 grams a day). This means more broccoli, onions,
red peppers and cabbage daily.
Fats –
according to Dr. Sinatra, you have three choices – the good, the bad
and the enemy. Read food labels, eliminate trans fats and add wild
salmon to your weekly eating plan.
Toxic
Blood – Your C-reactive protein reading and homocystine levels
indicate inflammation that can have a toxic effect on arteries; this
increases free radical damage. Improve your diet and take B-12 and
Folic Acid.
Birth
Control Warning (Sent to me by a reader)
Recently this past week, my cousin Nicole Dishuk (age 31...newly
grad student with a doctoral degree about to start her new career as
a Doctor...) was flown into a nearby hospital, because she
passed out. They found a blood clot in her neck, and immediately
took her by helicopter to the ER to operate. By the time they
removed the right half of her skull to relieve the pressure on her
brain, the clot had spread to her brain causing severe damage. Since
last Wednesday night, she was battling. They induced her into a coma
to stop the blood flow. They operated 3 times. Finally, they said
there was nothing left that they could do. They found multiple clots
in the left side of her brain.. the swelling wouldn't stop, and
she was on life support. She died at 4:30 yesterday. She leaves
behind a husband, a 2 yr old, Brandon, and a 4 yr old, Justin.. The
CAUSE of DEATH - they found was a birth control she was taking that
allows you to only have your period 3 times a year, but can cause
blood clots in the brain. They said it interrupts life's menstrual
cycle, and although it is FDA approved... shouldn't be - So to
the women in my address book - I ask you to boycott this product &
deal with your period once a month - so you can live the rest of the
months that your life has in store for you. *Please send this to
every woman you know - you may save someone's life... Remember, you
have a CYCLE for a reason!
Fiji Water
Perfectly pH balanced and rich in the
most important trace mineral, silica, naturally stimulates
the immune system; some believe that silica may play a preventative
role in premature aging. Experts say that drinking Fiji water
daily can "reduce fatigue, chronic stress and other health hassles
by 67 percent within nine weeks." Here's the best part,
drinking Fiji water may help you lose one additional pound every
week! Some celebs depend on Fiji to look vibrant and slim so
ladies, it can't hurt. One note of caution: there are
way too many empty plastic bottles to deal with and the cost
to bring this water to the US must be enormous! So, why not
filter your water at home and add drops of
Silica to it?
20 Herbs
and Their Uses
Herbal remedies have been around since the
beginning of time to treat everything from insomnia to infectious
diseases. In recent years, the supplement business has become
mainstream again as herbs have begun to regain their reputation as
healing agents after natural medicine almost became obsolete in the
early 1900's.
Michael Castleman has written "The New Healing
Herbs" ($7.99, Bantam Books). This book lists the following herbs
and therapeutic uses:
Aloe – sunburn, infections, burns,
psoriasis
Astragalus – colds, flu
Black cohosh – PMS, menstrual cramps,
hot flashes, high blood pressure
Note: This information is not
intended as a substitute for medical treatment or medication.
Extra
Virgin Olive Oil or Grape Seed Oil?
Sorry Rachael Ray
but Grape Seed Oil may actually be better for cooking! Olive Oil is
not designed for sautéing, frying or heat; rather, it is to be used
as a condiment to enhance the flavor of food. Dr. Oz says to
cook the food, not the olive oil. Personally, my
stainless steel pans clean much easier using grape seed oil and I
like that.
Speaking of fats,
check out:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3046074
to learn how to determine just what fats to use and how to avoid the
consequences of using fats that create health complications that we
want to avoid. As restaurants and bakeries use different oils to
compensate for the ban on trans fats, be aware that the
substitutions can be just as detrimental if you over-indulge.
Oral
Health
Research has determined that your oral health says a
lot about your general health so it's vitally important to regularly
see your dentist to stave off gum disease because its occurrence has
been linked to heart disease, stroke and even cancer.
According to USA Weekend, there are breakthroughs on
the horizon and one that I found most interesting is that scientists
at UCLA are working on a method to determine how to clinically use
saliva as a diagnostic fluid. According to the scientists, saliva
contains bio-markers for certain diseases. In the not too distant
future your doc or dentist may detect the early presence of disease
and disorders via a drop of your saliva.
Scientists at the University of Alberta in Canada
have found a way to regrow dental tissue and I think that's
exceptionally wonderful. Get this; a computer chip is inserted into
the mouth that can stimulate the formation of new dental matter.
Ohmygoodness! We live in an age of incredible technology!
You've probably heard about the amazing product – ORA
MD – an all natural, highly effective scientific formulation of pure
botanical oils for teeth and gum health. The ingredients are
natural enemies of bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal
disease. It's safe for children and I'm delighted to tell you that
I think it works to firm up gums while it freshens the breath.
http://www.oramd.com/?kbid=2192
Women's Heart Health
A family history of
premature heart disease (before age 60) and C-Reactive Protein are
two new risk variables for women. It is recommended that if
you have not had your C-Reactive Protein tested, that you get a
high-sensitivity test to determine if you are at risk for heart
disease. The normal range is below 1 mg/L and 3 mg/L.
Learn more at:
http://www.reynoldsriskscore.com/
C-Reactive Protein
is an indicator of inflammation although research has not
definitively determined how CRP relates to heart disease.
Obesity is probably the biggest culprit so losing weight by
increasing your intake of veggies, fiber such as beans and whole
grains and exercising regularly most
likely will help lower the reading. There are supplements you
can add: Selenium, Vitamin C, B Complex - to significantly lower
the reading.
So you looked in
the mirror and knew it was time to call 911. Emergency wake-up
calls happen when we see visible signs of aging in our faces; we
feel helpless, desperate and willing to submit to all sorts of scary
injections or even surgical tactics to stop Mother Nature's grip.
Relax...surgery nor injections are needed! Facial Magic will
address the cause of aging - sagging facial muscles - and your skin
will look younger, too, as oxygenated blood is forced through the
tissues.
For years there has
been extensive misinformation propagated to the masses that have
confused everyone; surgery is temporary with long recovery times and
it's expensive and even dangerous - it could potentially ruin your
life. Injections of chemicals can cause long term bruising and
tenderness and will require frequent re-injections to plump up the
tissue.
Exercise is natural
and Facial Magic will give you the face lift you desire without
pain, without bruising, without risk, without recovery, without
infection and without worry of something going wrong or drug related
side effects.
Do
you suffer from mind numbing "Tech Neck"? You know that dreadful neck
ache that comes from sitting in front of your computer hunched over the
keyboard straining to see the type? Bad posture is on the upsurge for
those who use their cell phones and computers regularly.
Chiropractors and massage therapists regularly see patients complaining of the
hi-tech malady "Tech Neck".
Deep tissue pressure can relax the shoulders, neck and arms. Chronic
patterns of tension and pain plague most of us so we know where our
"sore spots" are – we just need to know how to massage them ourselves
for instant relief. When our neck and shoulder
muscles are stressed, tension blocks oxygen and nutrients, leading to
inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. Use Omega
3 to lessen inflammation.
My friend, Julie Donnelly,
www.aboutcarpaltunnel.com, has lots of
information about the cause and treatment of muscle pain. She knows
techniques that you can do at home to stop pain that affects the neck,
shoulders, back and arms. Try self treating using her information; this
therapy can save you time and money while providing almost instant
relief to those stiff, knotted muscles.
Is Hyperactivity in
Children due to Food Additives?
Ever
notice how a child’s behavior changes after eating certain
processed foods? Artificial dyes and flavorings used in
most brightly colored candy, sodas, and sugary cereals can
greatly affect some children’s behavior and mimic a “sugar
high”. Symptoms of restlessness, excessive talking and
acting out have school teachers and parents demanding
medication so they can deal with their children’s
inattentiveness and excessive behaviors.
Kathy
Bratby, clinical assistant professor at Stony Brook
University School of Nursing says, “Before you conclude that
your child has a disorder, take a look at what he or she is
eating. Food dyes are synthesized from petroleum, just like
gasoline and it doesn’t take much to set off a sensitive
child. Artificial flavorings can be made from thousands of
synthetic chemicals and some people cannot tolerate them.”
Please share this information with your children and
grandchildren so their future health is maximized. Consider
forwarding this link to them:
http://www.feingold.org/story-pg.html
6 Rules for Successful
Dieting
1. Eat
foods in their natural state whenever possible.
2. Eat
super nutritious foods that are a little difficult to digest
- raw carrots rather than cooked, broccoli, etc.
3. Eat
foods that are high in fiber - apples, bran, oatmeal
4. Avoid
foods that are white in appearance - sugar, flour, pasta,
rice, bread, potatoes
5. Don’t
use artificial sweeteners.
6. Drink
sufficient water.
Submitted by C. Zaslaw -
Oklahoma- advice from her trainer
IS CEREAL
HEALTHY OR JUST HYPE?
Cheerios, Total, Wheaties and
Shredded Wheat - These four cereals are probably the best in
the marketplace today. Why? Low in sugar, high in fiber
and they actually taste pretty good. I like these cereals
sprinkled with a dash of Stevia and either unsweetened soy,
rice or almond milk.
Remember
100% whole grain has to be the first ingredient for cereal
to be healthy and please don’t fall for the gimmicks that
are so prevalent in today’s advertising. One gimmick is
yogurt in the cereal – it’s not really yogurt according to
Jayne Hurley, a senior nutritionist at the Center for
Science in the Public Interest, rather by using yogurt
powder, the good benefit of yogurt is destroyed and all
you’re eating is palm kernel oil, sugar and dextrose. In
other words, these cereals have really no nutritive value.
Health
writer Herb Weisbaum keeps his finger on the pulse of our
health and welfare; his business is to look out for the
people. His focus is to keep consumers aware that some
advertising is misleading…consider these next two paragraphs
regarding juice drinks:
“Juice
drinks can be especially misleading. The product may not be
all juice, and it may not be the juice you’d assume it to
be. For example, Tropicana's Peach Papaya drink does not
contain any peach or papaya juice. It’s mostly water,
sweeteners and some pear juice. Last August parent company
PepsiCo
settled a lawsuit by agreeing to call the product “Peach
Papaya flavored juice drink.” It has also removed the claim
“made with REAL fruit juice.” And yet the package still has
pictures of peaches and papayas on it.
Remember, if a juice product is called a “beverage,” “drink”
or “punch,” you can bet it is not 100 percent juice. It
probably contains a large amount of water, sweeteners and
white grape juice, which is cheap and not very nutritious.
The only way to know for sure is to check the ingredient
label…That means you, the shopper, need to look past the big
bold claims on the front of the package. Check for the fine
print that modifies that claim. Most importantly, read the
nutrition label to get the true picture of what’s in that
product. Remember, ingredients are listed from highest
amount to lowest amount.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11620548/
KIRSTY
ALLEY AND PORTION CONTROL
Kirsty Alley’s weight loss story was featured in People
Magazine where she shared that she had been eating up to
6,000 calories some days before her relationship with Jenny
began! Wow, that’s a lot of fuel! Kirsty loves being a mom
and enjoys cooking for her kids, unfortunately all that
"kitchen time" found her eating to excess. Now she's
learning what it takes to reshape her attitude and her body.
Most of us feel that we would easily like to drop 5 – 15
pounds; portion control plus eating too much saturated fat
is at the very heart of losing that weight. According to an
article by Karen Collins, RD, “There are many ways to
achieve reduction. Each time you exchange a
deck-of-cards-sized portion of a higher-fat red meat for
lean red meat, seafood or skinless chicken, you cut at least
5 grams of saturated fat. If your meat portions are larger
than a deck of cards, reducing them to this size will
eliminate even more. For each ounce of regular cheddar or
other high-fat cheese you replace with low-fat cheeses, you
slash saturated fat by 5 grams. A cup of 1 percent or skim
milk instead of whole milk will save you 3 to 5 grams. Two
teaspoons of soft margarine or olive oil instead of butter
will get rid of more than 3 grams. To reach the recommended
levels of saturated fat, on average Americans need to cut 5
to 10 grams of it from their daily food choices.”
Saturated fats and Trans
Fats are found in vegetable shortening, some margarines
(stick margarine is the worst), packaged food, soups, fast
food, some frozen foods and in manufactured baked goods
(cookies, cakes, chips and snacks). Become a label
reader so you know.
Kirsty looks beautiful, healthy and happy. We congratulate
her!
MORE DRUGS
EQUAL LESS HEALTH
William Campbell Douglas II,
MD, editor of “Daily Dose” wrote an interesting article
recently describing how “more drugs equal less health”. Dr.
Douglas is referring to mainstream medicine, “…the pill and
scalpel way we most often attempt to heal disease here in
the western world...”
Conventional medicine also known as “allopathic medicine
does not attempt to cure disease by eliminating its causes.
Instead, it seeks only to mask or counteract a given
disease's symptoms. The only thing this kind of medicine
ensures is that NO TRUE HEALING WILL HAPPEN, only a
continuation of treatment, ad infinitum,” says Douglas.
Dr. Douglas’s definition of Allopathic: “N. Of or
pertaining to allopathy, the treatment of disease with drugs
(see also: dangerous synthetic chemicals) having opposite
effects to the symptoms.”
Watch an eye-opening allegorical short film of the
“far-reaching effects of the whole modern day allopathic
medicine quagmire” at Dr. Joseph Mercola’s site:
http://www.mercola.com/
If you are still carrying
those extra pounds and find yourself adding more as the
years go by, watch out! You may be adding risk as the
scale increases! Experts say that you could be heading
for the “BIG C” if you don’t make better diet and exercise
choices.
Carrying
extra pounds can cause different types of cancer and these
include lymphoma, breast cancer, kidney, pancreas and more!
Most scientists believe that this connection may occur
because the body’s inability to process insulin is
compromised by how much weight our body carries. Are you
obese? If so, you’re at risk!
Just how
overweight is “obese”? Obese is defined as being
excessively fat (a lukewarm definition from Webster
Collegiate). What weight were you at 20? At 30? 40? A BMI
(Body Mass Index) of 30 is considered obese; years ago a
similar rule of thumb was 30 pounds of excess weight was
considered obese. Calculate your BMI now to determine
the finding.
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/adult_BMI/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.htm
Sun
Screen/Sun Block Update
Applying sun screen for maximum protection
requires that you allow it to bind to your skin for about 30
minutes before sun exposure. It’s tempting to just
slather it on and dash out the door but you really need to
give yourself time for those ingredients to actively protect
your skin.
Facial Magic’s Mineral Sun Crème was
discovered in a plastic surgeons office – it’s pure, natural
and hydrating for your skin. Especially effective for face,
neck, hands, chest and back of neck so make it a part of
your morning routine. Safe for the entire family!
Leg Cramps
Gloria came into the office today complaining that she had
awakened twice during the night from severe leg cramps; she
has not been taking diuretics but as we talked about her day
yesterday, she disclosed she had worn high heels for a
better part of the weekend. I handed her an article written
by Joe and Teresa Graedon, authors of
www.peoplespharmacy.com. In their recent column, they
discussed three remedies for leg cramps: drinking
low-sodium V-8 juice (even this low sodium variety has
dangerously high levels of sodium so if you’re prone to
heart disease or high blood pressure, please check with your
doc before consuming), pinching the upper lip for a few
seconds and putting a bar of soap under the bottom sheet.
"A very useful, natural medicine is vinegar", says Jamison
Starbuck, ND, Missoula, MT. "Simply eat a salad with a
vinegar-based dressing whenever you can." Some leg
cramps can be relieved by taking a combination of magnesium,
calcium and zinc. If you have a remedy, send it to us
and we’ll pass it to our readers.
Breaking the
Food-depression Cycle
All too often, depression
can literally feed on itself. Such is the case for the
approximately eight million Americans who suffer from
atypical depression, a variety of depression in which
sufferers have an increased appetite leading to weight gain,
sleeping too much, excessive lethargy and hypersensitivity
to interpersonal rejection. Although atypical depression
symptoms are quite apparent and they account for about 42%
of the 19 million Americans who suffer from clinical
depression, the problem frequently goes undiagnosed.
Recent research CAN HELP
The good news for these
people is that John P. Docherty, MD, CEO of Comprehensive
NeuroScience Inc., and adjunct professor of psychiatry at
Weill Medical College, Cornell University in New York City,
headed a recent study that looked at the role of chromium
salts in helping to control blood sugar, and in turn,
cravings. I spoke with Dr. Docherty who says that the
carbohydrates that patients overindulge in the most are not
surprising -- baked goods and pasta, both ranking high as
comfort foods. But the resulting weight gain adds to
patients' depression, and can be a sort of double-whammy
since a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs) -- antidepressant medications, such as
fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) -- is
weight gain, as well.
The 113 participants in the
eight-week study, all people with atypical depression and a
mean body mass index (BMI) that was borderline obese, were
randomized into a group taking up to 600 mg of chromium
picolinate a day or a placebo group. The findings showed
that the chromium picolinate group had a significant
improvement -- 65% versus 33% in the placebo group -- in
terms of decreased appetite and lowered carbohydrate
craving.
Dr. Docherty says we don't
know exactly why chromium picolinate works to decrease carb
cravings, but it probably has to do with the fact that it
seems to enhance insulin regulation. (Many people with
diabetes type 2 take it for this reason.) Daily Health
News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, however,
adds that chromium seems to increase the sensitivity of
chromium receptors, which in turn increases its effect on
insulin regulation. The picolinate form of chromium was used
in the study not because it's the most effective form to
use, but because it is the most widely available form.
Chromium is abundantly available in whole-grains, seafood,
green beans and broccoli, among other foods, though it can
be safely supplemented with physician oversight. Diabetics
especially should never start chromium supplements without
medical supervision.
This research team will soon
be doing further studies to understand chromium and
carbohydrate craving, but in the meantime, Dr. Docherty
stresses that it is important for all family members,
friends and doctors to pay close attention when an
individual starts to gain weight and seems unusually
lethargic. These may well be signs that the person is
suffering from depression and should be evaluated.
Bottom Line Health News
Red flag for eczema creams!
On March 10, 2005, the FDA
issued a public health advisory to inform consumers that the use of
two topical eczema creams - Protopic and Elidel - may pose a cancer
risk. Both of these products address eczema by suppressing the
immune system.
Dental advice.
It is important to maintain good dental
health, not only for our smiles, but for our facial muscles, too.
Just recently, after completing minor dental work, my dentist
remarked that he thought the changes made me look younger. Hey, I
like that! That remark got me thinking, especially when I remembered
that my sister, who had jaw problems surgically repaired, had
noticeable compression and wrinkling in her lower mouth. Now that
her jaw is better positioned, her face has relaxed and looks more
youthful.
The next time you visit your dentist, ask how she/he would
improve your youthfulness and your smile. You might be surprised by
the results.
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