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Most Effective Eating Routine For A Vegetarian

There are different types of vegetarians, first is the Lacto-ovo vegetarianism which eats veggies as the main diet, eggs, dairy, and honey. While Lacto vegetarianism eat veggies, dairy and honey. Lastly, ovo vegetarianism veggies, eggs, and honey. Veganism is entirely vegetables in the meal.

One must know which kind of vegetarian he or she in so that meal planning will be easy. Meal planning is a grouping of foods in which proteins carbohydrates and calories are being calculated and divided evenly to achieved the daily required nutrients that a person must get from his or her meal.

The proper eating routine for a vegetarian is just the as having breakfast in the morning with eggs as a combination for your vegetables, same as for your lunch and dinner.

There is a healthy vegetarian diet which consists primarily of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Since it emphasizes on non-meat food sources, this diet generally contains less fat and cholesterol and includes more fiber.

In order to keep track on your vegetarian diet, you may find using the vegetarian food guide pyramid helpful. This guide can outline the various food groups and choices if eaten in right amounts that will form the foundation of having a healthy vegetarian diet.

Tofu dogs, soy burgers, nut loaves or textured vegetable protein are examples of meatless products that may add variety to a vegetarian diet. These products may simulate the taste and the texture of real meat that usually have less fat and few calories. Tofu or tempeh are also meatless products made from soybeans.

This type of diet may help an individual eat the required 6 to 7 small meals a day which includes breakfast that consists of a bowl of cereals, glass of milk or juice or tea. In between breakfast and lunch, it could be a bowl of fresh fruit salad or any fruits in season.

For lunch, it consists of a vegetables with rice or bread along with a salad. High tea consists of sprouts or vegetable sandwich or a handful of nuts or dried fruits. For pre-dinner, it could be vegetable soup with some salad and for dinner, vegetable with rice or bread.

Following this routine can help prevent all kinds of health related problems but with a combination of regular physical activity or exercise.

source: mdinfo

Smart Tips to Help Keep A Temper in Check Most anger-management programs use techniques borrowed from cognitive-behavioral therapy to help people deal with anger. Here are some strategies to help keep negative emotions in check.

• Reframe the situation. Instead of seeing every inconvenience or frustration as a personal affront, imagine a benign explanation.

• Find a constructive solution to the issue at hand. "Ask yourself: what do I need to be okay right now?," suggests Rich Pfeiffer, a psychologist and board president of the National Anger Management Association, a group of about 300 practitioners. "That shifts the focus from how the other person needs to be punished to how I need to respond in a healthy way."

• Keep an "anger log" to monitor what makes you angry. Learn to identify and avoid your triggers.

• Be aware that anger tends to rise in increments. Learn to evaluate yours from 1 (frustration) to 10 (rage). If you can catch yourself at 3 or 4, you can think more rationally about the situation.

• If you feel a blowup coming on, give yourself a time-out before acting on it. "Wait 15 minutes before you say something, or an hour before you send an email. Keep your options open," says Pauline Wallin, a psychologist in Camp Hill, Pa., and author of "Taming Your Inner Brat." "If it's not going to be important in an hour, then let it go. It's not worth getting angry about."

• Get a health checkup. Medical problems such as diabetes, chronic pain, low testosterone and low estrogen, can make people very irritable. Anger, either repressed or unleashed, can cause medical problems too. Some 30,000 heart attacks each year are triggered by momentary anger, according to a 2004 Harvard study.

• Be aware of how you talk to yourself. "If you keep saying how awful this is and making yourself feel alike a victim, you will get more angry," says Dr. Wallin.

• Don't ruminate on past affronts or injustices.

• Recognize patterns. "So often, people will say, 'I'm just like my father—my father got angry'," says Dr. Pfeiffer. "You don't have to go back into their childhoods and deal with that. You just have to work on how to respond effectively now."

• Calculate what your anger is costing you. Many people with anger problems think anger gives them an edge, and establishes superiority. "Instead, you just look like an idiot," says Leon Ingram, founder of Chicago-based angermgmt.com.

• Don't use alcohol to "calm" yourself. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions so you are more likely to do or say something you'll regret later.

• Get physical, without fists. When your primitive brain senses a threat, it sets off the "fight or flight" cascade of hormones. Opt for flight instead of fight and burn off the extra adrenaline and cortisol with exercise. Even a brisk walk will help calm you down.

• The ultimate lesson: Pay more attention to the important things in life and recognize that most frustrations, inconveniences and indignities are trivial and temporary.

source: online.wsj

How To Choose Whole Grain Food Products Whole grain food products are recommended for health, yet choosing them can be confusing, said Mary Meck Higgins, a Kansas State University Research and Extension nutrition specialist.

Manhattan, KS - infoZine - The term "whole grain" can be used when a grain food product gets 51 percent or more of its weight from whole grains, such as whole wheat, Higgins said.

Why whole, rather than refined grain products?

Whole grains contain more of the naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals and fiber-rich portions of the grain than a refined grain product because the bran (outer covering of the grain) and germ, both of which are rich in health-promoting nutrients, are removed when the grains are processed into refined grains, Higgins said.

In addition to whole wheat, look for oats, popcorn, brown and wild rice, buckwheat (or kasha) and cracked wheat, which also is called bulgur, as the first ingredient in a bread, cereal or other product that carries the label "whole-grain." Grains such as quinoa, whole cornmeal (yellow or white), whole barley, whole rye, teff, amaranth, millet, spelt and triticale are less common, but also qualify.

While whole grains may be included in many products, a product that lists a whole grain as the first ingredient on the ingredients list (on the product’s package) should offer the most health benefits, Higgins said. Be aware that phrases such as “made with whole grains,” “100 percent wheat” and “multi-grain” do not guarantee that a whole grain is the first item in the ingredients list.

"Taking the time to read food labels and choosing whole grain products is important," said Higgins, who noted that ongoing research confirms that the many plant-based nutrients and fibers found in whole grains help reduce the risk of bowel disorders, some cancers, heart disease (by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol), stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Research also has shown that eating whole grains helps create a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial in managing appetite, body weight and reducing obesity, she said.

source: infozine

Independent living: Healthy attitude can change your life Developing a positive attitude coupled with an enthusiasm about life is not easy. In fact, it is always a work in progress, especially when you have a disability.

There are many roadblocks, potholes and obstacles that can trip you up along the way that could have tripped me up and robbed me of my enthusiasm, such as: the fact I could not play shortstop from Little League to high school, that I could not be understood by my teachers and classmates in elementary school, and that I didn't obtain a steady, secure job until 1997 at the age of 31, six years out of Tompkins Cortland Community College and 11 years out of Lansing High School. Lastly, I have to deal with working in a field where communication and being understood is essential and I have a speech impairment. I could go on and on, but you get the point.

I share the above with you, not for you to feel sorry for me or take pity on me, but to let you know that I know developing a positive attitude and enthusiasm about life as a person with a disability is not easy, but it can be done, and the development of a positive attitude and an enthusiasm about life are two essential elements to get more out of life.

Yes, I believe that anyone looking to develop a positive attitude and be more enthusiastic about life can do it -- so it's not easy, but if you really, really want it and are willing to work at it, you can do it. I think it all starts with what you choose to focus on.

My dad telling me in third grade that I would never play shortstop in Little League, I would never play shortstop in high school -- that absolutely devastated me -- I mean it hurt. I loved baseball and still do and the hurt did not go away, but I quickly turned my focus to being the best manager and first base coach I could be and further developed an enthusiasm for baseball and the biggest game of all life.

I took something that was just absolutely devastating to me and turned it into something positive, developed my enthusiasm beyond baseball, and helped many people. Do not let what you can't do interfere with what you can do. Letting that happen will surely have a negative impact on your attitude and rob you of enthusiasm. Change your focus -- change your attitude -- change your life.

One last thing about baseball before moving on: Do I hold any bitterness because I could not play? "NO." I wish I could have played, but I found my way in the Lansing Baseball Program and I'm happy with my place in Lansing baseball history.

Bitterness robs you of enthusiasm, enjoyment of life. If you hold any bitterness over something in the past or something you could not do in the past or can't do now, I plead with you to go talk to someone about it.

In closing, I would just like to say a healthy, enthusiastic attitude about life is within your reach. You can do it and working toward it is time well spent.

source: theithacajournal

Tips For Long Beautiful Nails

Every girl dreams of long, well shaped nails that adds to the beauty of the fingers. Dirty and poorly kept nails make your hands look ugly. The easiest thing to maintain good healthy nails is to go to the parlour and get them treated.

Buzz up!However, instead of shelling out 500 bucks on manicure every alternate weeks, simple steps at home can give you equally beautiful nails.

Here are some secrets to your perfect nails:

To harden soft nails, soak them in warm olive oil every alternate days for about 15 minutes.

To retain the natural sheen of your nails, apply a good petroleum jelly on your nails every night. Buff them with a soft cotton cloth.

To fix brittle nails increase your consumption of vitamin B (especially B5). Applying nailpolish on brittle nails prevents it from braking.

If you regularly apply nailpolish, give a break in beween. Leave your nails without nailpolish for a few days at regular intervals to prevent them from turning yellow.

It is not a very good idea to remove the cuticles from your nails, as it will make the nails susceptible to infection. Rather, you should make use of good quality cuticle oil and gently push back the cuticles using an orangewood stick.

Once in a month go for a home manicure session.

1. Make hot water.
2. Add 2 sachets of shampoo and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
3. Dip your fingers in it for 15 minutes.
4. When your nail and cuticles get soften, apply a cold cream and brush your nails.
5. Clean them using a thin stick.
6. Cut the cuticles.
7. Shape your nails.
8. Cleaning, cutting and shaping is best done when the nail is soft.
9. Dry your hands.
10. Apply a lotion and wear a nice nail polish.

SOURCE: living.oneindia.in

How to avoid extra saliva during pregnancy? Some women feel as they're salivating more than usual during pregnancy, especially when they're nauseated. A few have so much saliva they end up spitting. Excessive salivation is common among women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (a severe form of morning sickness).

Cause is still unknown but hormonal changes during pregnancy are associated with it. Also, nausea might make women try to swallow less, causing excessive salivation. It can also be related to heartburn, which is common during pregnancy.

The gastric contents are acidic, and when they regurgitate, they irritate your esophagus and cause the burning sensation like heartburn sufferers. The acid triggers your salivary glands to produce saliva that has an increased concentration of bicarbonate, which is alkaline, to counteract the acid. Every time you swallow, your saliva washes the walls of your esophagus and helps neutralize the gastric acid. This may explain why women who are vomiting tend to salivate more. Certain medications and smoking can also precipitate this problem.

Tips to minimize your discomfort:

1. Let your caregiver know the problem so she can help you try to relieve any underlying problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or heartburn.

2. Quit smoking (if you’re a smoker)

3. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash several times a day may be helpful

4. Eat frequent, small, balanced meals, and avoid too much amount of starchy foods.

5. Drink plenty of water. Keep a water bottle handy and take frequent small sips.

6. Suck on hard candy or chew sugarless gum. It will make it easier for you to swallow the saliva you do produce frequently.

Good luck to you and best wishes!

source: mdinfo

Most effective sunburn treatment Unfortunately, there's no fast-fix sunburn treatment. Once you have sunburn, the damage is done — although it may take 12 to 24 hours after sun exposure to know the full extent and severity of sunburn, and several days or more for your skin to begin to heal.

In the meantime, the most effective sunburn treatment simply helps ease your discomfort:

* Keep it cool. Apply cold compresses — such as a towel dampened with cool water — to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.

* Keep it moist. Apply aloe, moisturizing cream or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin. Beware of sunburn treatment products containing anesthetics, such as benzocaine. There's little evidence that these products are effective. In some cases, they may even irritate the skin.

* Leave blisters intact. If blisters form, don't break them. You'll only slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If needed, lightly cover blisters with gauze.

* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If needed, take anti-inflammatory medication — such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) — according to the label instructions until redness and soreness subside. Don't give children or teenagers aspirin. It may cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.

* Treat peeling skin gently. Within a few days, the affected area may begin to peel. This is simply your body's way of getting rid of the top layer of damaged skin. While your skin is peeling, continue to use moisturizing cream.

Consult a doctor for sunburn treatment if:

* Severe sunburn covers a large portion of your body with blisters
* Sunburn is accompanied by a high fever or severe pain
* Severe sunburn doesn't begin to improve within a few days

To prevent future episodes of sunburn, use sunscreen frequently and liberally. Common sense counts, too. Cover up while you're outdoors, and stay in the shade as much as possible.

New kind of Prion disease impairing brain arteries apparently identified Prion diseases are said to be from a family of progressive conditions that may affect the nervous system in humans and animals. National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists are examining how prion diseases may impair the brain. They have supposedly noted a type of disease in mice that may not cause the sponge-like brain deterioration usually observed in prion diseases. Instead, it appears to look like a kind of human Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy that impairs brain arteries.

The study outcomes are said to be similar to discoveries from two recently accounted human cases of the prion disease Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS). This finding seems to stand for a new system of prion disease brain damage.

The function of a particular cell anchor for prion protein is said to be the core of the NIAID study. Standard prion protein apparently utilizes a particular molecule, glycophosphoinositol (GPI), to strap on to host cells in the brain and other organs. In their study, the NIAID experts genetically eliminated the GPI anchor from study mice, thereby averting the prion protein from attaching to cells and thus facilitating it to diffuse generously in the fluid outside the cells.

The study authors subsequently exposed those mice to contagious scrapie and monitored them for around 500 days to observe if they became sick. The experts recorded signals usual of prion disease counting weight loss, lack of grooming, gait abnormalities and inactivity.

But when they checked the brain tissue, they did not view the sponge-like holes in and around nerve cells characteristic of prion disease. Instead, the brains seem to encompass huge buildups of prion protein plaques trapped outside blood vessels in a disease process called cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which apparently impairs arteries, veins and capillaries in the brain. Moreover, the standard pathway by which fluid drains from the brain is said to be obstructed.

Study author Bruce Chesebro, M.D., chief of the Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases at NIAID’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories apparently signifies that prion diseases may be split into two groups: those with plaques that damage brain blood vessels and those devoid of plaques that may result in the sponge-like impairment to nerve cells. Dr. Chesebro is of the opinion that the attendance or absence of the prion protein anchor could verify which type of disease develops.

The new mouse model utilized in the study and the two new human GSS cases, which also do not encompass the standard prion protein cell anchor, are claimed to be the first to encompass that in prion diseases, the plaque-associated damage to blood vessels may take place without the sponge-like impairment to the brain.

If scientists may discover an inhibitor for the new kind of prion disease, they may also use the same inhibitor to treat similar kinds of damage in Alzheimer’s disease.

source: healthjockey

How long does it take a pulled hamstring to heal? A pulled hamstring, or any other muscle strain, can take from two to six weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the injury. When a muscle is strained, muscles fibers are stretched or torn.

The more muscle fibers that are torn, the more severe the injury. Significant muscle tears may benefit from surgical repair. For mild hamstring strains, treatment may include a combination of rest, gentle stretching of the thigh and hip, and strengthening exercises to restore the health of the muscle and to limit the risk of recurrence.

Not so fast. Did you consider stretching those muscles that pulled you through your invigorating workout? Understand why stretching matters — and how to stretch correctly.

Benefits of stretching

Most aerobic and strength training programs inherently cause your muscles to contract and flex. That's why regular stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program. Consider this:

* Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring.
* Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less prone to falls — and the related injuries — especially as you age.
* Stretching improves circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries.
* Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.

Some studies indicate that stretching helps prevent athletic injuries as well. However, this finding remains controversial. Other studies don't support stretching as a way to prevent injury.

Stretching essentials

Ready, set, stretch!

* Target major muscle groups. When you're stretching, focus on your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders. Also stretch muscles and joints that you routinely use at work or play.
* Warm up first. You may hurt yourself if you stretch cold muscles. Warm up by walking while gently pumping your arms, or do a favorite exercise at low intensity for five to 10 minutes. Better yet, stretch after you exercise — when your muscles are warm and more receptive to stretching.
* Pace yourself. It takes time to lengthen tissues safely. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Do each stretch three or four times.
* Don't bounce. Bouncing as you stretch can cause small tears in the muscle. These tears leave scar tissue as the muscle heals, which tightens the muscle even further — making you less flexible and more prone to pain.
* Focus on a pain-free stretch. Expect to feel tension while you're stretching. If it hurts, you've gone too far. Back off to the point where you don't feel any pain, then hold the stretch.
* Relax and breathe freely. Don't hold your breath while you're stretching.

How often to stretch is up to you. As a general rule, stretch whenever you exercise. If you don't exercise regularly, you might want to stretch at least three times a week to maintain flexibility. If you have a problem area, such as tightness in the back of your leg, you might want to stretch more often.

Know when to exercise caution

You can stretch anytime, anywhere — in your home, at work or when you're traveling. If you have a chronic condition or an injury, however, you may need to alter your approach to stretching. For example, if you have a strained muscle, stretching it like usual may cause further harm. Discuss with your doctor or physical therapist the best way to stretch.

SOURCE: mayoclinic

How an eye test can look out for your whole body Eye tests are routine for spectacle wearers yet, according to experts, as many as one in five of us have a health problem not related to the eye that could be diagnosed by a High Street optician.

Here Dr Susan Blakeney of the College of Optometrists, reveals the most common non-eye-related conditions that can easily be spotted during a 30-minute eye examination - which can cost as little as £17. In each case, patients would be immediately referred to their GP.

HYPERTENSION

What is it? Also known as high blood pressure, this condition puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing risk of heart attack or stroke.

How the optician picks it up: High blood pressure causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina. The optician will see nipping to the blood vessels where they cross each other or haemorrhage in the retina at the back of the eye.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

What is it? Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood which can increase your risk of heart attack.

How the optician picks it up: Bits of cholesterol can break away from deposits in the body and lodge in the blood vessels of the retina. The optician will see tiny yellowish blockages in the arterial vessels. There may also be a visible thin white line circling the coloured part of the eye - the iris - due to cholesterol deposits in the eye.

BRAIN TUMOR

What is it? Tumors are tissue growths that can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).

How the optician picks it up: Swelling of the optic nerve can be a possible sign of brain tumor.

THYROID DISEASE

What is it? The thyroid gland in the neck produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Disease can cause it to make too much or too little, resulting in problems.

How the optician picks it up: An optician can notice bulging or protruding eyeballs - a symptom of thyroid disease.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

(MS) What is it? MS is a neurological disability which can cause a range of symptoms from fatigue to memory problems.

How the optician picks it up: There will be swelling of the optic nerve, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.

DIABETES

What is it? Diabetes is caused by having too much sugar in the blood which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

How the optician picks it up: High blood-sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing leaks of blood and fatty deposits.

STROKE

What is it? A stroke is caused by either a blockage or a bleed in the brain - patients may have a series of minor strokes without noticing before suffering a major one that can result in paralysis or death.

How the optician picks it up: The eye exam will reveal tiny clots or particles of cholesterol moving through the blood vessels in the retina during an eye examination, which can indicate that a person may have already had a stroke.

source: dailymail

Radiation Most Effective Soon After Breast Cancer Surgery Analysis finds greater risk of recurrence in those who delay it.

For women who have had breast cancer surgery, the question of whether or not to wait before receiving radiation therapy has been answered by new research that suggests that the longer women wait, the greater the chance of cancer recurrence.

The findings, published in the March 3 online edition of BMJ, are based on an analysis of national cancer records for 18,050 American women who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 1991 and 2002, at age 65 or older.

All of the women underwent breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy, but not chemotherapy.

Among the 30 percent of the women in the study who began radiation therapy more than six weeks after surgery, the researchers found that 4 percent went on to develop local recurrences within five years.

The researchers, led by scientists from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, also discovered that the risk of recurrence appeared to decline the sooner radiation treatment began. This suggests that it's a bad idea to wait to begin radiation therapy, and the treatment should start as soon as possible after surgery, the authors of the report noted in a news release from the journal's publisher.

The researchers also found that black and Hispanic women took longer, on average, to begin radiation treatment.

source: businessweek

How are heart rhythm disorders diagnosed? The mainstay of diagnosis remains the EKG and heart rhythm monitoring. These are often done immediately in the ambulance or upon arrival in the emergency department. Unfortunately, in many patients, the palpitations or symptoms have resolved, and no acute rhythm abnormalities can be found.

Depending on the associated symptoms and the history, observation and monitoring of the heart may occur in hospital or as an outpatient. In patients who are syncopal, meaning that they passed out, and it cannot be explained by a benign diagnosis like vasovagal syncope, admission to the hospital often occurs. Those patients with chest pain and shortness of breath may also be admitted to evaluate their heart; otherwise, monitoring devices that can measure heart rates and rhythms for 24 or 48 hours or longer (up to one month or more) are used. In some instances, rhythm identification is elusive and may take months or years to capture and identify.

If the rhythm is known, then tests to identify potential causes may be done. These are dependent on the specific rhythm abnormality and can range from blood tests to lung evaluations to echocardiograms and electrophysiologic testing.

source: medicinenet

New Drug Increases Life Expectancy for Prostate Cancer Patients Results from a recent study revealed that an experimental drug may increase the life expectancy of certain patients with prostate cancer by 30 percent.

The study, led by Dr. Oliver Sartor of the Tulane Cancer Center in New Orleans, examined the efficacy of cabazitaxel in men whose prostate cancer continued to progress after receiving chemotherapy treatment with the drug docetaxel and hormone therapy. Those who received the new drug in combination with the chemotherapy drug mitoxantrone lived 2.4 months longer than those who received mitoxantrone with prednisone.

“Until today, experimental agents have never been shown to have a survival advantage in this group of patients. This potentially represents a new therapy option for these patients who are very difficult to treat,” said Dr. Sartor. “We don't know when this is going to the FDA for approval, but we're working very hard to prepare the submission.”

The study results, as well as results from two additional studies related to prostate cancer treatment, will be presented at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco this week.

In a different study, the PCA3 urine test was able to predict whether a biopsy of the prostate gland would come back positive. The test measures levels of the prostate cancer gene 3, which is present in much higher levels in those with prostate cancer, to determine the likelihood of the presence of prostate cancer in the body.

“The ability of this test to predict biopsies positively could potentially be very helpful and may also may help us identify those more aggressive cancers, which we still do not have a great way to identify other than [with] repeat biopsies,” said Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, medical director and chairman of the U.S. Oncology’s developmental therapeutics committee.

The third study to be presented at the San Francisco symposium revealed that short-term hormone therapy (given before or during radiation), could help prostate cancer patients with early-stage, intermediate-risk cancer live longer with a reduced risk of recurrence of the cancer. Data from the study noted that the therapy did not seem to help patients with low-risk tumors in early developmental stages.

The results from the third study may need further evaluation, as radiation doses to treat prostate cancer have increased and have proved more effective since the study was conducted, potentially making the study results outdated.

source: drugwatch.com

Child obesity continues to climb; kids 10 to 17 hit hard by snacking

The rates of childhood obesity continue to climb, say public health researchers.

Snacking habits are partly to blame. One study in Health Affairs shows that more than 27 percent of children's daily calories come from snacks, with desserts and sweetened beverages remaining the major sources of calories from snacks. Another study questions the quality of the food in school lunch programs.

Pubic health officials continue to sound an alarm about childhood obesity. Data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health show that an estimated 10.58 million children--one in three, ages 10 to 17--were overweight or obese in 2007.

"Our findings suggest that the obesity epidemic among children may not yet have reached its plateau for some groups of children. The data also reveal persistent and highly variable disparities in childhood overweight and obesity within and among states, associated with socioeconomic status, school outcomes, neighborhoods, type of health insurance, and quality of care. This requires policy makers' attention nationally and within states," researchers write.

source: blog.syracuse

Colorectal cancer - 4th most common cancer in U.S. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, after skin, prostate and lung cancer. It is also the fourth most common cancer in women, after skin, breast and lung cancer. It's also the second leading cause of all cancer deaths.

The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Other risk factors include a high fat intake, a family history of colorectal cancer and polyps, the presence of polyps in the large intestine, and chronic ulcerative colitis.

The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon next to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine or bowel. Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths that start on the inner wall of the large intestine.

Doctors are certain that colorectal cancer is not contagious - a person cannot catch the disease from a cancer patient. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps or bloating.

When colon cancer is suspected, either a lower GI series (barium enema X-ray) or colonoscopy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and to localize the tumor. A barium enema involves taking X-rays of the colon and the rectum after the patient is given an enema with a white, chalky liquid containing barium.

In a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a long, flexible viewing tube into the rectum and inspects the inside of the colon. Colonoscopy is generally considered more accurate than barium enema X-rays, especially in detecting small polyps.

If colon polyps are found, they are usually removed through the colonoscope and sent to a pathologist to check for cancer. While the majority of the polyps removed through colonoscopes are not cancerous, many are precancerous. Removal of precancerous polyps prevents them from developing into cancerous tumors.

Unfortunately, colon cancers can be far advanced before they are detected. The most effective prevention of colon cancer is early detection and removal of precancerous colon polyps before they turn cancerous.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening in men and women 50 years or older. People who are at a greater risk of colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about whether to have screening tests before age 50, what tests to have, the benefits and risks of each test, and how often to schedule appointments. Even in cases where cancer has already developed, early detection still significantly improves the chances of a cure by surgically removing the cancer before the disease spreads to other organs.

source: ftleavenworthlamp

Kids born via IVF mostly faring well into adulthood Young adults who were conceived through in-vitro fertilization are doing as well as the average young American as far as physical health, though their rates of certain psychological problems appear elevated, a new study finds.

The study, published in the journal of the Fertility and Sterility, is a follow-up of the first generation of U.S. children conceived via IVF. All were born between 1981 and 1990 through the IVF program at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where the first IVF baby in the U.S. was born, in 1981.

According to Dr. Sergio Oehninger and his colleagues at the university, there are "lingering questions" about the potential health effects of IVF on children.

A body of research suggests that even the earliest stages of embryonic development may affect people's risks of various chronic health conditions later in life. Because those earliest stages are different for children conceived through IVF, that could, in theory, result in differences in disease risks.

In addition, IVF births are often multiples, which means greater odds of preterm delivery and low birth weight, which can negatively affect children's long-term development.

But in their study, Oehninger and his colleagues found that young adults born via IVF were generally "healthy and well adjusted." However, their rates of certain psychological conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and binge-drinking, were elevated.

Among the 173 18- to 26-year-olds they surveyed, two-thirds said they had ever been diagnosed with a physical or psychological health problem. The most common were psychiatric conditions, vision problems and asthma or allergies.

The percentage of study participants who said they had ever been diagnosed with ADHD was higher than the norm -- 27 percent, compared with an estimated prevalence of ADHD among U.S. children of 3 to 5 percent.

The rate of depression also appeared elevated, with almost 16 percent saying they had ever been diagnosed with the disorder. By comparison, the expected lifetime prevalence of depression up to age 25 is just under 13 percent, according to Oehninger's team.

On the other hand, the researchers found, the IVF group was similar to, and sometimes doing better, than the typical young American when it came to risk factors for chronic physical diseases.

They were, for example, less likely to smoke and more likely to exercise than other U.S. adults their age, based on data from a large government health survey conducted between 1999 and 2004.

Fourteen percent of the IVF group said they currently smoked, versus 39 percent of young adults in the government study. And 92 percent said they got at least some moderate exercise, compared with 61 percent of the national sample.

One risk factor that was more common in the IVF group was binge-drinking, at least among women. Nearly 55 percent of young women in the IVF group reported bingeing in the past year, compared with 36 percent of young U.S. women generally. The researchers defined binge-drinking as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks within a two-hour period.

The study cannot pinpoint the reasons for the higher rates of ADHD, depression and binge-drinking, but they are likely to be complex, according to Oehninger and his colleagues.

One factor, they speculate, could be the heightened stress levels that past studies have found among parents undergoing IVF; some may later be "overprotective" of their children, which could affect their social and emotional development.

The researchers also point to some important limitations of their study. One is the fact that they attempted to survey more than 500 young adults born through their IVF program, but less than one-third ultimately responded. This raises the possibility that only those in the best health participated in the study.

Studies should continue to follow the well-being of children and adults conceived through IVF, Oehninger's team writes -- and that, the researchers add, should include an investigation of the potential reasons for any health effects.

SOURCE: Fertility and Sterility, online February 17, 2010, reuters

First Lady Michelle Obama kicks her campaign against childhood obesity to a new level Michelle Obama kicks her campaign into action

First Lady Michelle Obama took her campaign against childhood obesity to a new level yesterday, when she actively participated in a soccer game and training exercises.

Dressed in a black tracksuit and sneakers, Obama talked to a group of youngsters in Washington about the importance of exercise and how fun it can be:

“In addition to eating right, listening to your parents, eating right at school, you all have to exercise, and soccer is one of my favorite ways of doing it.“

The First Lady went on to talk about the merits of the game in teaching skills that can be transferred to any other sport, and mentioned her family’s personal love of it:

“My little girls started playing soccer when they were three. Sasha plays basketball a little bit more now, but Malia loves soccer. It gets you running, it gets your heart beating, it gives you good foot movement and even if you like basketball or tennis or any other sports, soccer teaches you the fundamentals that will help you with any other sport that you are interested in.“

Speeches aside, Michelle rolled up her sleeves and took part in a game herself, where she was tackled by a youngster at the goal and got her own pulse racing as she manoeuvered her way through warm-up exercises with the kids.

According to the New York Post, the First Lady admitted she could do with a lesson from her own girls on leg skills and reportedly told one of players: “I’m not a soccer player, so you’ve got to help me out here. Promise you’ll help me out?”

Obama’s participation in the clinic came as a new partnership between the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health was announced, according to the Associated Press.

As part of Michelle’s “Let’s Move” campaign, the two groups will be conducting a 25-city tour, which will offer free health screening to kids and their families, as well as soccer clinics, the news provider reported.

The former lawyer has previously stated that the idea behind her initiative is simple. Speaking in a meeting of U.S. Conference of Mayors, she reportedly talked of her intention “to put in place common-sense initiatives and solutions that empower families and communities to make healthy decisions for their kids”.

As Michelle promotes healthy living, her husband, President Barack Obama, is still struggling to quit his smoking habit.

source: celebrities-with-diseases

Bans on Same-Sex Marriage May Affect Mental Health Gay, lesbian and bisexual people living in states with institutional discrimination -- such as bans on same-sex marriage -- are at increased risk of psychiatric disorders, says a new study.

Researchers analyzed data from lesbians, gays and bisexuals who were interviewed in 2001-2002 and 2004-2005 for the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. The participants lived in states that instituted constitutional amendments banning gay marriage following the 2004-2005 elections.

The researchers found a significant increase in the prevalence of mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorders among lesbians, gays and bisexuals after the states banned gay marriage. The greatest increase -- more than 200 percent -- was seen in generalized anxiety disorder.

The study findings are published online and in the March print issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

"Before this study, little was known about the impact of institutional discrimination toward lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals in our society," senior author Deborah Hasin, an epidemiologist at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, said in a university news release. "The study highlights the importance of abolishing institutional forms of discrimination, including those leading to disparities in the mental health and well-being of LGB individuals."

The news release states that institutional discrimination "is characterized by societal-level conditions that limit the opportunities and access to resources by socially disadvantaged groups."

source: palmbeachpost

Adult Asthma Linked to Adverse Mental Health Impact Serious psychological distress more prevalent in patients with asthma than in general population

Adults with asthma -- especially those who have a lower socioeconomic status or have modifiable risk factors -- may be at increased risk of serious psychological distress, according to research published in the March issue of Chest.

Emeka Oraka, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and colleagues analyzed 2001 to 2007 data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey on 186,738 adult respondents.

During 2001 to 2007, the researchers found that the average annual prevalence of current asthma and serious psychological distress was 7 and 3 percent, respectively. They also found that the prevalence of serious psychological distress was 7.5 percent in adults with asthma. Although the researchers observed a negative association between health-related quality of life and serious psychological distress in patients both with and without asthma, they found that patients with asthma who reported lower socioeconomic status, a history of smoking or alcohol use, and other chronic conditions were at significantly increased risk of serious psychological distress.

"This research suggests the importance of mental health screening for persons with asthma and the need for clinical and community-based interventions to target modifiable lifestyle factors that contribute to psychological distress and make asthma worse," the authors conclude.

source: modernmedicine

Types of foods that can minimize the effect of smoking

Typically, smokers have low levels of vital nutrients such as vitamin C and E, zinc, calcium, folate and omega 3 fatty acids so you better make sure that you get enough of these nutrients to help keep the damages of smoking to a minimum.

Sources of vitamin C are present in fruits such as oranges, apricots, grapefruits, mangoes and strawberries. Other nutrients such as zinc and folate can be found in a wide variety of green leafy vegetables available in the market.

Omega 3 fatty acids can be obtained by eating fishes like salmon, mackarel and tuna. Vitamin E is also important because of it's anti oxidant properties which prevent cholesterol from changing in it's harmful way.

Sources of vitamin E can be found in sunflower seeds, almonds, olives and oils made from these food products. Spinach also contains a healthy amount of vitamin E as well.

There are lots of foods that you can take that will help minimize the effect of smoking.

Below are the lists of foods:

1. Fresh vegetables. It’s good to eat several leafy green salads daily.
2. Fresh fruits
3. Vegetable sticks, celery and carrot
4. Drink vitamins and fresh juices. Snack on fruits like grapes and apple
5. Water
6. Minerals,vitamins and herbs
7. Herbal teas
8. Nonfat milk with hot cocoa
9. Yogurt that are fat free
10. A sunflower seed in the shell
11. Seeds and nuts
12. Hard candies to suck on
13. 94% fat free pop corn
14. Whole unsalted organic eating fish more than twice weekly
15. Avoid sugar,caffeine,alcohol and junk foods
16. Eat foods that are rich in fiber
17. Take vitamin C because it builds healthy tissue and eliminates toxins.

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