(HealthDay News) -- The most deadly melanoma skin cancers occur on the scalp and neck, says a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) study.
Researchers analyzed 51,704 melanoma cases in the United States and found that patients with scalp or neck melanomas died at 1.84 times the rate of patients with melanoma elsewhere on the body, including the face or ears.
The five-year survival rate for patients with scalp-neck melanomas was 83 percent, compared with 92 percent for patients with melanomas at other sites. The 10-year survival rate was 76 percent for scalp-neck melanomas and 89 percent for other melanomas.
The findings confirm that melanoma patient survival rates differ depending on where the cancer first appeared, the researchers said. The study was published in the April issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Doctors need to pay close attention to the scalp when examining patients for signs of skin cancer, said senior author Dr. Nancy Thomas, an associate professor of dermatology in the UNC School of Medicine and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
"Only 6 percent of melanoma patients present with the disease on the scalp or neck, but those patients account for 10 percent of melanoma deaths. That's why we need to take extra time to look at the scalp during full-skin examinations," Thomas said in a prepared statement.
There has been debate about whether scalp and neck melanoma is more deadly primarily because it's diagnosed later than melanomas in other locations, but this study indicates that the presence of melanoma on the scalp or neck is, in itself, an indicator of poorer patient prognosis.
"We think there's something different about scalp and neck melanomas. This gives us directions for research to look at tumor cell types in those areas at the molecular level and to see if there are differences. I'm interested in identifying the mutations that drive malignancy," Thomas said.
The patients included in study were non-Hispanic white adults in nine states who were first diagnosed with invasive melanoma between 1992 and 2003. Patients with scalp-neck melanomas were more likely to be male and were an average age of 59 years, compared to 55 years for those with other melanomas.
Scalp-neck melanomas were thicker (0.8 millimeters) than other melanomas (0.6 millimeters) and more likely to be ulcerated. The study also found that lymph node involvement was more common in cases of scalp-neck melanomas.
More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about melanoma.
Melanoma and skin cancer is usually a concern for adults who have basked in the sun for years. However, as Nancy Johnson reports, young children are also at risk as cases of melanoma in children has doubled in recent years. This medical segment focuses on the warning signs of Melanoma and ways to reduce risk.
Showing posts with label Skin Diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin Diseases. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Testosterone Therapy May Reduce Bone Loss in Older Men
(HealthDay News) -- Injections of testosterone appear to improve bone density and reduce bone loss in older men who have low testosterone levels and may help to prevent osteoporosis, a new study suggests.Testosterone therapy has been used to improve bone strength and muscle mass in some men. However, the hormone treatment is controversial, because it has been associated with increasing the risk of prostate cancer and high levels of red blood cells. And other potential effects of long-term use of testosterone therapy aren't known.
"These preliminary data show beneficial effects of testosterone therapy on bone turnover markers in older men with low-to-normal testosterone concentrations using both continuous and monthly cycled testosterone replacement," lead researcher E. Lichar Dillon, of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, said in a prepared statement. "The effects of sex hormones on markers of bone formation are complex, but this is an important step in understanding how the process works."
Preliminary study results were expected to be presented April 7 at the American Physiological Society's annual meeting, during the Experimental Biology 2008 conference, in San Diego.
For the study, Dillon's team studied 13 men, ranging in age from 60 to 85. During the five-month trial, the men were either given weekly injections of testosterone, weekly injections of testosterone every other month, or a placebo.
The researchers found that men receiving testosterone had reduced bone turnover, compared with men on a placebo. While the effects of testosterone therapy over the long term aren't clear, the researchers said they believed the treatment would be beneficial by preserving bone mass and preventing osteoporosis.
One expert said the study was too small to prove or disprove the value of testosterone therapy in preventing bone loss and, perhaps, preventing osteoporosis.
"This small, short-term study indicates that men with low levels of testosterone respond to appropriate replacement as far as turnover markers indicate," said John Eisman, director of the Bone and Mineral Research Program at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, in Sydney, Australia.
While calling the study "too small and too short to provide any insight into fracture-risk reduction or safety outcomes," Eisman said it does complement research he has done. "Our study showed that men with testosterone in the lowest quartile of the population had much higher risk of osteoporotic fractures," he said.
A large, long-term trial testing whether testosterone can prevent osteoporosis in men is needed to settle the question, Eisman said.
More information
To learn more about men and osteoporosis, visit the U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Poison Prevention Tips to Protect the Most Vulnerable
(HealthDay News) -- To mark National Poison Prevention Week, which concludes Saturday, the Soap and Detergent Association offers a home safety checklist for parents with young children.
Parents and caregivers should:
- Install child-safety locks on cabinets that house cleaning supplies, medicines, cosmetics, chemicals and other poisons. Never assume a cabinet is too high for a child.
- Keep all household products in their original packaging, which includes useful first-aid information in the event of accidental exposure or ingestion. If you purchase household products in bulk, buy a smaller size of the same product and use this container for refills.
- Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use.
- Keep in mind that this type of packaging is child-resistant, but not child-proof, and products must still be stored out of reach of children.
- Read and follow the directions on the product label. Pay particular attention to labels that include the words "Caution," "Warning," "Danger," or "Poison."
- When using cleaning products, take out only what's needed for the job at hand. Store the rest in a secure location.
- Don't mix household cleaning products. Doing so could release harmful vapors or cause other dangerous chemical reactions.
- Don't leave cleaning buckets unattended. If a child falls into the bucket, it may not tip over and the child could drown. If the bucket is tipped, the contents could spill and come into contact with a child's sensitive skin. Immediately clean up any spills and quickly and safely dispose of rags, paper towels and related items that you used to clean up a spill.
- Schedule house cleaning when children are having a nap, on a play date, or at school.
If children are present while you're cleaning, avoid any distractions. If you need to answer the door, take the child with you. If the phone rings, let the answering machine get it. - Know where to call for help. Post the Poison Control Center phone number (1-800-222-1222), along with other emergency numbers, by every land phone in your home, and enter the numbers into your cell phone's address book.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers more tips to prevent poisonings.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Transparent Fish Gives New Window on Disease
(HealthDay News) -- Medical researchers can now get a clearer view into human biology and disease with a newly developed, totally transparent breed of zebrafish, a common model for medical research.
According to the Children's Hospital Boston researchers who developed the new breed, zebrafish are genetically similar to humans. This new transparent form of the small fish will provide researchers with a direct view of its internal organs and the opportunity to observe processes such as the spread of cancer or blood production after bone marrow transplant, as they occur in a living organism.
In normal zebrafish, embryos are transparent but adults become opaque. The new permanently transparent fish, created by mating two existing zebrafish breeds, is described in the Feb. 7 issue of Cell Stem Cell.
Currently, researchers studying human diseases in animals induce the illness and allow it to progress, then kill and dissect the animals. But that approach is bound to miss something in cancer and other rapidly changing processes, according to the team that developed the transparent zebrafish.
"It's like taking a photograph when you need a video," Dr. Richard White, a clinical fellow in the Stem Cell Program at Children's Hospital Boston and an instructor of medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said in a prepared statement.
In his first experiment with the transparent zebrafish, White viewed how cancer spreads.
"The process by which a tumor goes from being localized to widespread and ultimately fatal is the most vexing problem that oncologists face," White said. "We don't know why cancer cells decide to move away from their primary site to other parts of the body."
He placed a fluorescent melanoma (skin cancer) tumor in the abdominal cavity of a transparent zebrafish and, using a microscope, saw the cancer cells begin to spread within five days. The melanoma cells moved toward the skin after leaving the abdominal cavity.
"This told us that when tumor cells spread to other parts of the body, they don't do it randomly. They know where to go," White said.
He plans to investigate cancer cell homing and to look for ways to prevent spreading cancer cells from finding their way to their intended destination.
In another experiment, White investigated how transplants of blood stem cells can help rebuild healthy blood in cancer patients after treatment. He irradiated bone marrow in a transparent zebrafish and then transplanted fluorescent blood-forming stem cells from another zebrafish.
After four weeks, White could see that the transplanted fluorescent stem cells had migrated and grown in the fish's bone marrow. Even individual stem cells were visible.
Being able to observe how stem cells embed and build blood in the transparent fish may help scientists find faster ways to help rebuild healthy blood in cancer patients. For example, drugs and genes could be tested in the fish and scientists could directly view the effects, White said.
Because their brain, heart and digestive tract are readily visible, the transparent fish will enable researchers to study genetic defects in these organs and learn more about a variety of disorders ranging from Alzheimer's disease to inflammatory bowel disease, White added.
More information
The University of Oregon has more about zebrafish.
According to the Children's Hospital Boston researchers who developed the new breed, zebrafish are genetically similar to humans. This new transparent form of the small fish will provide researchers with a direct view of its internal organs and the opportunity to observe processes such as the spread of cancer or blood production after bone marrow transplant, as they occur in a living organism.
In normal zebrafish, embryos are transparent but adults become opaque. The new permanently transparent fish, created by mating two existing zebrafish breeds, is described in the Feb. 7 issue of Cell Stem Cell.
Currently, researchers studying human diseases in animals induce the illness and allow it to progress, then kill and dissect the animals. But that approach is bound to miss something in cancer and other rapidly changing processes, according to the team that developed the transparent zebrafish.
"It's like taking a photograph when you need a video," Dr. Richard White, a clinical fellow in the Stem Cell Program at Children's Hospital Boston and an instructor of medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said in a prepared statement.
In his first experiment with the transparent zebrafish, White viewed how cancer spreads.
"The process by which a tumor goes from being localized to widespread and ultimately fatal is the most vexing problem that oncologists face," White said. "We don't know why cancer cells decide to move away from their primary site to other parts of the body."
He placed a fluorescent melanoma (skin cancer) tumor in the abdominal cavity of a transparent zebrafish and, using a microscope, saw the cancer cells begin to spread within five days. The melanoma cells moved toward the skin after leaving the abdominal cavity.
"This told us that when tumor cells spread to other parts of the body, they don't do it randomly. They know where to go," White said.
He plans to investigate cancer cell homing and to look for ways to prevent spreading cancer cells from finding their way to their intended destination.
In another experiment, White investigated how transplants of blood stem cells can help rebuild healthy blood in cancer patients after treatment. He irradiated bone marrow in a transparent zebrafish and then transplanted fluorescent blood-forming stem cells from another zebrafish.
After four weeks, White could see that the transplanted fluorescent stem cells had migrated and grown in the fish's bone marrow. Even individual stem cells were visible.
Being able to observe how stem cells embed and build blood in the transparent fish may help scientists find faster ways to help rebuild healthy blood in cancer patients. For example, drugs and genes could be tested in the fish and scientists could directly view the effects, White said.
Because their brain, heart and digestive tract are readily visible, the transparent fish will enable researchers to study genetic defects in these organs and learn more about a variety of disorders ranging from Alzheimer's disease to inflammatory bowel disease, White added.
More information
The University of Oregon has more about zebrafish.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Breast-Feeding Seems to Protect Against Some Allergies
(HealthDay News) -- Atopic disease -- which includes eczema, asthma and food allergies -- may be delayed or even prevented in high-risk infants if they are exclusively breast-fed for at least four months or fed infant formula without cow milk protein.
That's the conclusion of a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that's published in the January issue of Pediatrics. The report replaces an earlier policy statement from the AAP.
"Basically, it probably does not matter what pregnant or lactating women eat," said Dr. Frank Greer, an author of the report, professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin and chairman of the AAP Committee on Nutrition.
"The best prevention for atopic [allergic] disease is exclusive breast-feeding for four months," he added. "And if your infant comes from a family with significant atopic disease, then weaning from breast milk to a partially or extensively hydrolyzed [hypoallergenic] formula [without cow milk protein] may delay or prevent the onset of atopic disease, especially atopic dermatitis [eczema]."
Greer added that this recommendation would also apply to formula-fed infants who are at risk for atopic disease.
The timing and introduction of solid foods has no protective effect on the prevention of atopic disease, according to the new report.
"With the increase in asthma and food allergies that we've seen recently, we had hoped that maternal diet, breast-feeding and early childhood diet might all have some factor in decreasing incidence," said Dr. Jennifer Wu, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to significantly impact, according to studies already done. The only one that seems to be impacted is the atopic dermatitis, which is decreased by about one third by breast-feeding. But the studies that have been done so far have not proven that breast-feeding will significantly impact childhood asthma or food allergies."
The incidence of allergic diseases such as asthma, food allergies and various skin conditions has exploded during the past few decades. In children 4 years of age and younger, the incidence of asthma has risen 160 percent, while the incidence of atopic dermatitis has almost tripled. And the incidence of peanut allergy has doubled just during the past decade, according to the report.
While genetics certainly plays a role in the development of these diseases, environmental factors such as diet are also strongly related.
The new report reviewed different evidence on nutrition during pregnancy, breast-feeding and the first year of life that might affect the development of allergic disease. Its major findings are as follows:
That's the conclusion of a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that's published in the January issue of Pediatrics. The report replaces an earlier policy statement from the AAP.
"Basically, it probably does not matter what pregnant or lactating women eat," said Dr. Frank Greer, an author of the report, professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin and chairman of the AAP Committee on Nutrition.
"The best prevention for atopic [allergic] disease is exclusive breast-feeding for four months," he added. "And if your infant comes from a family with significant atopic disease, then weaning from breast milk to a partially or extensively hydrolyzed [hypoallergenic] formula [without cow milk protein] may delay or prevent the onset of atopic disease, especially atopic dermatitis [eczema]."
Greer added that this recommendation would also apply to formula-fed infants who are at risk for atopic disease.
The timing and introduction of solid foods has no protective effect on the prevention of atopic disease, according to the new report.
"With the increase in asthma and food allergies that we've seen recently, we had hoped that maternal diet, breast-feeding and early childhood diet might all have some factor in decreasing incidence," said Dr. Jennifer Wu, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to significantly impact, according to studies already done. The only one that seems to be impacted is the atopic dermatitis, which is decreased by about one third by breast-feeding. But the studies that have been done so far have not proven that breast-feeding will significantly impact childhood asthma or food allergies."
The incidence of allergic diseases such as asthma, food allergies and various skin conditions has exploded during the past few decades. In children 4 years of age and younger, the incidence of asthma has risen 160 percent, while the incidence of atopic dermatitis has almost tripled. And the incidence of peanut allergy has doubled just during the past decade, according to the report.
While genetics certainly plays a role in the development of these diseases, environmental factors such as diet are also strongly related.
The new report reviewed different evidence on nutrition during pregnancy, breast-feeding and the first year of life that might affect the development of allergic disease. Its major findings are as follows:
- Currently, there is no evidence that what a mother eats during pregnancy or breast-feeding plays a major role in preventing atopic disease in infants. There is some evidence, however, that avoiding certain foods during breast-feeding may help prevent atopic eczema.
- Exclusive breast-feeding for at least four months for infants at high-risk of developing atopic disease decreases the risk of developing eczema and cow milk allergy during the first two years of life.
- In high-risk infants who aren't breast-fed exclusively for four to six months, the use of hydrolyzed infant formula (as opposed to formula containing cow milk) may delay or prevent the onset of atopic dermatitis.
- Exclusive breast-feeding for at least three months protects an infant against wheezing in early life.
- There is no good evidence to support the use of soy-based infant formula to prevent allergies.
- There is no evidence to suggest that delaying the introduction of solid foods before the recommended 4 to 6 months of age will have an effect on the development of atopic disease.
- There is no convincing evidence to suggest that any dietary intervention will prevent atopic disease after 4 to 6 months of age.
- "It's a mixed picture," Wu said. "We don't have proven efficacy for breast-feeding. It may mean that we need more robust studies and a longer-term follow-up for kids."
The new report is titled "Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Timing of Introduction of Complementary Foods, and Hydrolyzed Formulas."
More information
There's more on infant nutrition at the National Institutes of Health.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Seasonal Safety Tips for Older Adults
(HealthDay News) -- Older adults should take additional precautions to preserve their health and safety during winter, according to the American Geriatric Society's Foundation for Health in Aging.
The foundation has released a checklist of safety steps seniors can take to avoid the ill effects of colder weather.
Hypothermia, frostbite, falls, injury while shoveling snow, carbon-monoxide poisoning and driving accidents are on the list of dangers to look out for.
The foundation reminds older adults to dress for the weather. As people age, metabolisms slow and produce less body heat, but older adults may still have a hard time determining whether they are feeling the chill, says the foundation. Wearing two or three layers of loose-fitting clothing, as well as a hat, mittens, a coat, boots and a scarf to provide cover for the face are among the group's suggestions.
Older adults should stay indoors when it's very cold outside, especially if it is windy and wet. The foundation recommends keeping the thermostat indoors set to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hypothermia is a condition in which the core body temperature drops to unhealthy levels. It can be fatal. The warning signs of hypothermia include: lots of shivering; cold skin that is pale or ashy; feeling very tired, confused and sleepy; feeling weak; problems walking; slowed breathing or heart rate. Unfortunately, older people do not shiver as much as they used to, so it is best to look for other warning signs, according to foundation recommendations.
Frostbite may also result from exposure to cold weather. Nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are all at risk. Keep an eye out for skin that is turning red or darkening and beginning to hurt. That's a sign to go inside. When skin is already frostbitten, it is often white, ashy or yellowish and feels numb and waxy. Immediate help is needed.
Aging bones may be more at risk during the winter, when icy sidewalks increase the chance of slipping and falling. The foundation recommends seeking out dry areas to walk if possible, putting new rubber tips on any canes or walkers, and wearing boots with non-skid soles.
Older people may find themselves shoveling snow, but the foundation suggests checking in with a physician before the season starts. Shoveling is heavy work that can affect older hearts. Hiring someone to shovel the snow may be a healthier option.
Indoors, fires can create an undetectable hazard: carbon monoxide. The odorless gas can build up with fatal results, according to the foundation. Before the season starts, people should have their chimneys cleaned and checked out. Opening a window a crack for circulation is also helpful.
People who are relying on space heaters for warmth should keep them at least three feet from anything flammable, such as curtains and furniture. Make sure all smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are ready for use.
Finally, winterizing cars and stocking them for bad weather can help reduce the risk of accidents. Emergency supplies inside the car should include a first-aid kit, blankets, extra warm clothes, a windshield scraper, rock salt, a bag of sand or cat litter, a shovel, booster cables, a flashlight and some water and food. Above all, drive carefully and slowly, after checking the weather reports, the foundation says.
More information
To learn more about how to stay safe in cold weather, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The foundation has released a checklist of safety steps seniors can take to avoid the ill effects of colder weather.
Hypothermia, frostbite, falls, injury while shoveling snow, carbon-monoxide poisoning and driving accidents are on the list of dangers to look out for.
The foundation reminds older adults to dress for the weather. As people age, metabolisms slow and produce less body heat, but older adults may still have a hard time determining whether they are feeling the chill, says the foundation. Wearing two or three layers of loose-fitting clothing, as well as a hat, mittens, a coat, boots and a scarf to provide cover for the face are among the group's suggestions.
Older adults should stay indoors when it's very cold outside, especially if it is windy and wet. The foundation recommends keeping the thermostat indoors set to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hypothermia is a condition in which the core body temperature drops to unhealthy levels. It can be fatal. The warning signs of hypothermia include: lots of shivering; cold skin that is pale or ashy; feeling very tired, confused and sleepy; feeling weak; problems walking; slowed breathing or heart rate. Unfortunately, older people do not shiver as much as they used to, so it is best to look for other warning signs, according to foundation recommendations.
Frostbite may also result from exposure to cold weather. Nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are all at risk. Keep an eye out for skin that is turning red or darkening and beginning to hurt. That's a sign to go inside. When skin is already frostbitten, it is often white, ashy or yellowish and feels numb and waxy. Immediate help is needed.
Aging bones may be more at risk during the winter, when icy sidewalks increase the chance of slipping and falling. The foundation recommends seeking out dry areas to walk if possible, putting new rubber tips on any canes or walkers, and wearing boots with non-skid soles.
Older people may find themselves shoveling snow, but the foundation suggests checking in with a physician before the season starts. Shoveling is heavy work that can affect older hearts. Hiring someone to shovel the snow may be a healthier option.
Indoors, fires can create an undetectable hazard: carbon monoxide. The odorless gas can build up with fatal results, according to the foundation. Before the season starts, people should have their chimneys cleaned and checked out. Opening a window a crack for circulation is also helpful.
People who are relying on space heaters for warmth should keep them at least three feet from anything flammable, such as curtains and furniture. Make sure all smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are ready for use.
Finally, winterizing cars and stocking them for bad weather can help reduce the risk of accidents. Emergency supplies inside the car should include a first-aid kit, blankets, extra warm clothes, a windshield scraper, rock salt, a bag of sand or cat litter, a shovel, booster cables, a flashlight and some water and food. Above all, drive carefully and slowly, after checking the weather reports, the foundation says.
More information
To learn more about how to stay safe in cold weather, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Make Thanksgiving a Feast of Health
(HealthDay News) -- If the pilgrims could do without marshmallows atop their sweet potatoes, so can you.
Especially if your sweet potato casserole is topped instead with a pecan streusel that's just as tasty as marshmallow but healthier and lower in fat, nutritionists say.
By tweaking traditional Thanksgiving dinner recipes, you can avoid as much as 60 grams of fat, ensuring a healthier meal and a good beginning to the diet-busting holiday season.
"Thanksgiving dinner provides one of the healthiest food options of any holiday, because turkey is a low-fat meat, and sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and cranberries are healthy foods and excellent sources of antioxidants," said Kathy Goldberg, a dietitian and cooking teacher at the University of Michigan Health System's health promotion program, called MFit.
But many traditional recipes -- think creamed onions, sausage stuffing, potato casseroles -- rely on lots of fat, cream, butter and sugar, both white and brown, resulting in a dinner that can range from 2,000 to 3,000 calories, an amount that should suffice an average person for a whole day, she said.
"By cleaning it up a bit," Goldberg said, which means making some simple recipe substitutions, you can provide equally delicious dishes that are nutritious as well.
"Nobody will feel like they're being cheated. Your guests won't even know, as long as you don't talk about it," she added.
Alice Lichtenstein, the Gershoff Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston, agreed. "No one wants to take the fun out of Thanksgiving. You just want to provide good choices that will set the stage for the next month as people face the holidays, which I call 'the license-to-eat season,'" she said.
Lichtenstein said people tend to eat more when they are sitting at a table for long stretches of time, and when there's a wide variety of foods to choose from -- both of which occur at Thanksgiving.
"You want to create an environment at the Thanksgiving table that makes it easier for people not to overdo it," she said.
The more you can replace calorie-dense foods such as buttery mashed potatoes with lower-calorie dishes like salads and vegetables that are well-prepared and tasty, the better your guests will feel, Lichtenstein said.
Goldberg, who teaches a healthy holiday cooking class at MFit, offers the following suggestions to "lighten up" your Thanksgiving dinner without sacrificing taste:
Especially if your sweet potato casserole is topped instead with a pecan streusel that's just as tasty as marshmallow but healthier and lower in fat, nutritionists say.
By tweaking traditional Thanksgiving dinner recipes, you can avoid as much as 60 grams of fat, ensuring a healthier meal and a good beginning to the diet-busting holiday season.
"Thanksgiving dinner provides one of the healthiest food options of any holiday, because turkey is a low-fat meat, and sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and cranberries are healthy foods and excellent sources of antioxidants," said Kathy Goldberg, a dietitian and cooking teacher at the University of Michigan Health System's health promotion program, called MFit.
But many traditional recipes -- think creamed onions, sausage stuffing, potato casseroles -- rely on lots of fat, cream, butter and sugar, both white and brown, resulting in a dinner that can range from 2,000 to 3,000 calories, an amount that should suffice an average person for a whole day, she said.
"By cleaning it up a bit," Goldberg said, which means making some simple recipe substitutions, you can provide equally delicious dishes that are nutritious as well.
"Nobody will feel like they're being cheated. Your guests won't even know, as long as you don't talk about it," she added.
Alice Lichtenstein, the Gershoff Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston, agreed. "No one wants to take the fun out of Thanksgiving. You just want to provide good choices that will set the stage for the next month as people face the holidays, which I call 'the license-to-eat season,'" she said.
Lichtenstein said people tend to eat more when they are sitting at a table for long stretches of time, and when there's a wide variety of foods to choose from -- both of which occur at Thanksgiving.
"You want to create an environment at the Thanksgiving table that makes it easier for people not to overdo it," she said.
The more you can replace calorie-dense foods such as buttery mashed potatoes with lower-calorie dishes like salads and vegetables that are well-prepared and tasty, the better your guests will feel, Lichtenstein said.
Goldberg, who teaches a healthy holiday cooking class at MFit, offers the following suggestions to "lighten up" your Thanksgiving dinner without sacrificing taste:
- Instead of buying a self-basting turkey, baste your own bird with low-fat, low-sodium chicken stock. Rubbing herbs and olive oil under the skin of the meat will give it more flavor.
- When the turkey is done, use the drippings -- "de-fatted" -- to make gravy. "De-fat" by pouring the drippings into a baggie that you've set in a large measuring cup. The fat will rise to the top of the baggie. Then lift the bag out of the measuring cup, prick the bottom and pour the de-fatted drippings back into a pan before thickening with flour or cornstarch.
- Whole wheat English muffins cut up into cubes are a great base for stuffing, Goldberg said, increasing nutrients, adding more fiber to the stuffing and tasting good. And don't be shy about adding vegetables and fruits like chopped apples or cranberries to the traditional celery and onions in your recipe.
- Steam or roast vegetables, and serve lots of them. Instead of butter and cream sauces, try low-fat products and/or flavor the dishes with shallots, carmelized onions, lemon zest, herbs and spices.
- Make it easy on yourself by using frozen vegetables and the bags of prewashed and cut-up vegetables now available in most supermarkets. For only a slight extra cost, you can save time and provide healthful choices.
- Vary rich pie desserts with an apple crisp or crumble.
"Your food will taste like the traditional recipes. Only the cook has to know the secrets," Goldberg said.
Looking for other nutritious treats? How about kiwis?
"In a recent study, kiwi was found to be one of the most nutritionally dense fruits out of 27 fruits," Stephanie Dean, a dietitian with Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, said in a prepared statement.
Kiwis are full of antioxidants, vitamin E and lutein, and they ward off vision problems, blood clots and even lower cholesterol, Dean said.
Dean's also high on cranberries. "The crimson color of cranberries signal that they are full of flavonoids," she explained, adding that flavonoids are high in antioxidants and help prevent everything from infections to strokes and cancer.
And, for a final recommendation, Dean likes broccoli sprouts, which, she said, are sold by the package and can be thrown on top of salads or be an addition to sandwiches.
"Broccoli sprouts have been shown to actually contain 20 percent more anti-cancer agents than regular broccoli," Dean said.
More information
For a selection of tasty and nutritious Thanksgiving recipes, including Goldberg's sweet potato casserole, visit the University of Michigan.
Monday, October 29, 2007
New Guidelines Should Improve Ovarian Cancer Detection
(HealthDay News) -- Ovarian cancer has long had a reputation as a silent killer, because many people believed it gave no warning signs until far advanced.
But women suffering from the disease knew differently. They knew they had certain symptoms that were common from patient to patient.
"Survivors for years have said there are symptoms for the disease, but no one listened to them," said Jane Langridge, chief executive officer for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
Now, doctors have agreed with them.
A screening test has been developed that, in one study, accurately detected early stage ovarian cancer 57 percent of the time.
Based on that and similar studies, experts from the American Cancer Society, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists have agreed on a set of symptoms that can be signs of early ovarian cancer.
"We want people to know it's not the silent killer. There are symptoms women can bring to their doctors that are important to pay attention to," said Dr. Linda Duska, a member of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's medical advisory board and a gynecologic oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, in Boston.
"This agreement is significant in the fact that, maybe if we pay more attention to symptoms, we can catch them sooner and have more success in treating them," she continued.
Early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial.
More than 22,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and three-fourths of them -- more than 15,000 -- will die from it, according to the National Cancer Institute.
If caught in the early stages, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 90 percent. But 75 percent of women are still diagnosed in the advanced stages, when the prognosis is poor.
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among American women, not including skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. An estimated two-thirds of women with ovarian cancer are 55 or older.
"It is a disease that is detected in stage 3 and above, and that is unacceptable," said Sherry Salway Black, executive director of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and a survivor of the disease. "Our mortality figures are unacceptable."
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and hard to assess, because they often mimic common digestive and gastrointestinal disorders. They include persistent swelling, bloating, pressure or pain in the abdomen, gastrointestinal upset, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and the frequent or urgent need to urinate.
Because these symptoms are so common, women should be careful not to assume the worst, Duska said.
"The goal of this is not to make everyone think they have ovarian cancer," she said. "If women have these symptoms, and they persist over time, they should have them investigated.
Everyone with bloating does not have ovarian cancer."
Typically, two or more symptoms occur simultaneously and increase in severity over time, according to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
The screening test developed late last year involves an extensive checklist of symptoms and their frequency. It picked up early stage ovarian cancer 56.7 percent of the time, and late stage ovarian cancer 80 percent of the time. The test also produced "false-positive" findings 10 percent to 13 percent of the time.
The test searches for many of the symptoms agreed upon by cancer experts as indicative of ovarian cancer.
"When women go to their doctors and have had some of these symptoms, and they are new and have persisted for two or more weeks, perhaps a doctor now would be willing to perform some pretty simple tests to rule out ovarian cancer," Langridge said.
Women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer are at increased risk and should pay particular attention to the symptoms, Duska said.
Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Advances in chemotherapy have made the late-stage disease more survivable, Duska said.
In a more intensive regimen recently shown to improve survival, standard intravenous chemotherapy is combined with chemotherapy injected directly into the abdominal cavity. The abdominal injection exposes hard-to-reach cancer cells to higher levels of chemotherapy than can be reached intravenously.
"That was a breakthrough, I think," Duska said.
Other treatments being explored include new chemotherapy drugs, vaccines, gene therapy and immunotherapy, which boosts the body's own immune system to help combat cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
More information
To learn more about ovarian cancer, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
But women suffering from the disease knew differently. They knew they had certain symptoms that were common from patient to patient.
"Survivors for years have said there are symptoms for the disease, but no one listened to them," said Jane Langridge, chief executive officer for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
Now, doctors have agreed with them.
A screening test has been developed that, in one study, accurately detected early stage ovarian cancer 57 percent of the time.
Based on that and similar studies, experts from the American Cancer Society, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists have agreed on a set of symptoms that can be signs of early ovarian cancer.
"We want people to know it's not the silent killer. There are symptoms women can bring to their doctors that are important to pay attention to," said Dr. Linda Duska, a member of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's medical advisory board and a gynecologic oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, in Boston.
"This agreement is significant in the fact that, maybe if we pay more attention to symptoms, we can catch them sooner and have more success in treating them," she continued.
Early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial.
More than 22,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and three-fourths of them -- more than 15,000 -- will die from it, according to the National Cancer Institute.
If caught in the early stages, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 90 percent. But 75 percent of women are still diagnosed in the advanced stages, when the prognosis is poor.
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among American women, not including skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. An estimated two-thirds of women with ovarian cancer are 55 or older.
"It is a disease that is detected in stage 3 and above, and that is unacceptable," said Sherry Salway Black, executive director of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and a survivor of the disease. "Our mortality figures are unacceptable."
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and hard to assess, because they often mimic common digestive and gastrointestinal disorders. They include persistent swelling, bloating, pressure or pain in the abdomen, gastrointestinal upset, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and the frequent or urgent need to urinate.
Because these symptoms are so common, women should be careful not to assume the worst, Duska said.
"The goal of this is not to make everyone think they have ovarian cancer," she said. "If women have these symptoms, and they persist over time, they should have them investigated.
Everyone with bloating does not have ovarian cancer."
Typically, two or more symptoms occur simultaneously and increase in severity over time, according to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
The screening test developed late last year involves an extensive checklist of symptoms and their frequency. It picked up early stage ovarian cancer 56.7 percent of the time, and late stage ovarian cancer 80 percent of the time. The test also produced "false-positive" findings 10 percent to 13 percent of the time.
The test searches for many of the symptoms agreed upon by cancer experts as indicative of ovarian cancer.
"When women go to their doctors and have had some of these symptoms, and they are new and have persisted for two or more weeks, perhaps a doctor now would be willing to perform some pretty simple tests to rule out ovarian cancer," Langridge said.
Women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer are at increased risk and should pay particular attention to the symptoms, Duska said.
Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Advances in chemotherapy have made the late-stage disease more survivable, Duska said.
In a more intensive regimen recently shown to improve survival, standard intravenous chemotherapy is combined with chemotherapy injected directly into the abdominal cavity. The abdominal injection exposes hard-to-reach cancer cells to higher levels of chemotherapy than can be reached intravenously.
"That was a breakthrough, I think," Duska said.
Other treatments being explored include new chemotherapy drugs, vaccines, gene therapy and immunotherapy, which boosts the body's own immune system to help combat cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
More information
To learn more about ovarian cancer, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
New Drug Treats Rare Hormonal Disorder
(HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Somatuline Depot (lanreotide acetate injection) to treat a rare growth hormone-related disorder called acromegaly, the agency said Friday.
The disorder, caused by an abnormal secretion of the hormone, is characterized by enlarged hands, feet, facial bones, and internal organs such as the heart and liver. If untreated, people with the disorder often die prematurely because of heart and respiratory problems, diabetes, or colon cancer, the FDA said. The disorder affects about 15,000 people in the United States and Canada.
The drug's safety and effectiveness were evaluated in two clinical trials involving 400 people. The most frequent side effects were diarrhea, gallstones, skin reactions, slow heart rate, and changes in blood sugar levels.
Samatuline Depot is marketed by Beaufour Ipsen, based in Paris, France.
More information
The FDA has more about the approval.
The disorder, caused by an abnormal secretion of the hormone, is characterized by enlarged hands, feet, facial bones, and internal organs such as the heart and liver. If untreated, people with the disorder often die prematurely because of heart and respiratory problems, diabetes, or colon cancer, the FDA said. The disorder affects about 15,000 people in the United States and Canada.
The drug's safety and effectiveness were evaluated in two clinical trials involving 400 people. The most frequent side effects were diarrhea, gallstones, skin reactions, slow heart rate, and changes in blood sugar levels.
Samatuline Depot is marketed by Beaufour Ipsen, based in Paris, France.
More information
The FDA has more about the approval.
Friday, July 20, 2007
One Billion People Don't Get Enough Vitamin D
(HealthDay News) -- Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem that can lead to a number of serious health conditions, but it can be prevented, says one expert.
People get vitamin D from sun exposure, diet and supplements. Yet vitamin D deficiency is all too common.
In utero and in childhood, not getting enough vitamin D can cause growth retardation, skeletal deformities and increase the risk of future hip fractures. In adults, too little vitamin D can lead to or exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
In the July 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Michael Holick, director of the General Clinical Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine and director of the Bone Healthcare Clinic at Boston Medical Center, published an overview of his work on vitamin D.
According to Holick, it has been estimated that one billion people in the world are vitamin D deficient or insufficient.
Without vitamin D, only 10 percent to 15 percent of dietary calcium and about 60 percent of phosphorus is absorbed by the body. This can have a direct effect on bone mineral density.
There is evidence that people who live at higher latitudes -- where the angle of the sun's rays is not sufficient to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D in the skin -- are more likely to develop and die of Hodgkin's lymphoma, colon, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, breast and other cancers.
And there is an association between low levels of vitamin D and increased risk for type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Holick says that the current recommended adequate intake for vitamin D needs to be increased to 800 to 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 per day.
"However, one can not obtain these amounts from most dietary sources unless one is eating oily fish frequently. Thus, sensible sun exposure (or UVB radiation) and/or supplements are required to satisfy the body's vitamin D requirement," Holick said in a prepared statement.
Holick added, "The goal of this paper is to make physicians aware of the medical problems associated with vitamin D deficiency. Physicians will then be able to impart this knowledge to their patients so they, too, will know how to recognize, treat and most importantly, maintain adequate levels of this important vitamin."
More information
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements has more about vitamin D.
People get vitamin D from sun exposure, diet and supplements. Yet vitamin D deficiency is all too common.
In utero and in childhood, not getting enough vitamin D can cause growth retardation, skeletal deformities and increase the risk of future hip fractures. In adults, too little vitamin D can lead to or exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
In the July 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Michael Holick, director of the General Clinical Research Center at Boston University School of Medicine and director of the Bone Healthcare Clinic at Boston Medical Center, published an overview of his work on vitamin D.
According to Holick, it has been estimated that one billion people in the world are vitamin D deficient or insufficient.
Without vitamin D, only 10 percent to 15 percent of dietary calcium and about 60 percent of phosphorus is absorbed by the body. This can have a direct effect on bone mineral density.
There is evidence that people who live at higher latitudes -- where the angle of the sun's rays is not sufficient to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D in the skin -- are more likely to develop and die of Hodgkin's lymphoma, colon, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, breast and other cancers.
And there is an association between low levels of vitamin D and increased risk for type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Holick says that the current recommended adequate intake for vitamin D needs to be increased to 800 to 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 per day.
"However, one can not obtain these amounts from most dietary sources unless one is eating oily fish frequently. Thus, sensible sun exposure (or UVB radiation) and/or supplements are required to satisfy the body's vitamin D requirement," Holick said in a prepared statement.
Holick added, "The goal of this paper is to make physicians aware of the medical problems associated with vitamin D deficiency. Physicians will then be able to impart this knowledge to their patients so they, too, will know how to recognize, treat and most importantly, maintain adequate levels of this important vitamin."
More information
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements has more about vitamin D.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Patch Helps Heart Grow New Cells
(HealthDay News) -- A special patch placed on a damaged area of the heart regenerates cardiac cells after heart attack and improves heart function, a new study finds.
Success with the patch in rats may lead the way to new methods of repairing damaged human hearts and possibly spare some patients the need for a heart transplant, according to researchers reporting in the July 15 online edition of Nature Medicine.
"Normally, adult human hearts do not regenerate because the heart doesn't make more cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) after injury," explained lead researcher Dr. Bernhard Kuhn, from the Department of Cardiology at Children's Hospital Boston. "It would be desirable to induce the heart to make new cardiomyocytes after injury."
To that end, Kuhn's team created a patch that contains a compound called periostin, which helps cardiomyocytes divide and multiply. "If you do that over a number of cycles, you do get an increase in cardiomyocytes," he said. "So, the cardiomyocytes you have lost are replaced."
Periostin is a natural component of tissue surrounding cells. It comes from the skin lying around bone and helps stimulate cells to divide.
During a heart attack, cardiac cells die from lack of blood and oxygen. This damage prevents the heart from working normally. Typically, lost or damaged cardiac tissue cannot regrow.
In their experiments, Kuhn's team made patches from a material called Gelfoam and soaked the patches with periostin. They placed the patches on the damaged heart muscle of rats in which they had induced a heart attack.
After 12 weeks, the rats treated with the periostin patch experienced a 16 percent improvement in their heart's cardiac pumping ability. They also had less scarring of heart tissue, a reduction in the size of the damaged area of the heart, and more blood vessels feeding the area. In contrast, rats that received a patch without periostin showed no change in their heart function.
The hearts of rats treated with periostin showed a 100-fold increase in the number of heart cells and an average of 6 million more heart cells, far outnumbering the amount of dying cells.
The advantage of this technique is that it doesn't require new cells, such as stem cells, to coax the growth of new heart cells. Stem cells might also migrate to other parts of the body, with unknown consequences, Kuhn said. The patch is "also not gene-based, so it's not gene therapy," he said.
It is possible that this same technique could be used in people who have severe heart disease, Kuhn said. Although the technique might not restore heart function back to normal, there could be significant improvement, he said.
"At this point, the only biologically proven myocardial [heart] replacement therapy is heart transplant," Kuhn said. "But with this method, if you were on a transplant list, you may be able to come off it," he said. "This could be a revolutionary approach to treating heart failure."
One expert was impressed by the findings.
"The work is important in at least two ways: It helps improve our understanding of the molecular pathways regulating cell cycle reentry in adult cardiomyocytes, and it can form a basis for novel heart therapies based on the mobilization of [the heart's own] cells," said Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, a professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City and co-director of the Tissue Engineering Resource Center at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
"It will be interesting to see the extensions of this work to human cells and other cell types, including cardiogenic stem cells that could also be affected by periostin," Vunjak-Novakovic said.
Another expert echoed those sentiments.
"This research nicely demonstrates that periostin induced cardiomyocytes' reentry into the cell cycle," said Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center at the University of California Los Angeles.
Rather than needing to introduce brand new cells into the damaged heart, it may be possible to induce existing cardiomyocytes to grow and thus regenerate normal functioning heart muscle, said Fonarow, who is also professor of clinical medicine at UCLA.
"The ability to enhance cardiac regeneration holds great promise as novel treatment strategies for [heart attack] complicated by left ventricular dysfunction and for chronic heart failure," he said.
But rat studies can only tell scientists so much, Fonarow added. "Additional studies with adult human cardiomyocytes, and ultimately clinical trials, are needed," he said.
More information
To learn more about how the heart works, head to the American Heart Association.
Success with the patch in rats may lead the way to new methods of repairing damaged human hearts and possibly spare some patients the need for a heart transplant, according to researchers reporting in the July 15 online edition of Nature Medicine.
"Normally, adult human hearts do not regenerate because the heart doesn't make more cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) after injury," explained lead researcher Dr. Bernhard Kuhn, from the Department of Cardiology at Children's Hospital Boston. "It would be desirable to induce the heart to make new cardiomyocytes after injury."
To that end, Kuhn's team created a patch that contains a compound called periostin, which helps cardiomyocytes divide and multiply. "If you do that over a number of cycles, you do get an increase in cardiomyocytes," he said. "So, the cardiomyocytes you have lost are replaced."
Periostin is a natural component of tissue surrounding cells. It comes from the skin lying around bone and helps stimulate cells to divide.
During a heart attack, cardiac cells die from lack of blood and oxygen. This damage prevents the heart from working normally. Typically, lost or damaged cardiac tissue cannot regrow.
In their experiments, Kuhn's team made patches from a material called Gelfoam and soaked the patches with periostin. They placed the patches on the damaged heart muscle of rats in which they had induced a heart attack.
After 12 weeks, the rats treated with the periostin patch experienced a 16 percent improvement in their heart's cardiac pumping ability. They also had less scarring of heart tissue, a reduction in the size of the damaged area of the heart, and more blood vessels feeding the area. In contrast, rats that received a patch without periostin showed no change in their heart function.
The hearts of rats treated with periostin showed a 100-fold increase in the number of heart cells and an average of 6 million more heart cells, far outnumbering the amount of dying cells.
The advantage of this technique is that it doesn't require new cells, such as stem cells, to coax the growth of new heart cells. Stem cells might also migrate to other parts of the body, with unknown consequences, Kuhn said. The patch is "also not gene-based, so it's not gene therapy," he said.
It is possible that this same technique could be used in people who have severe heart disease, Kuhn said. Although the technique might not restore heart function back to normal, there could be significant improvement, he said.
"At this point, the only biologically proven myocardial [heart] replacement therapy is heart transplant," Kuhn said. "But with this method, if you were on a transplant list, you may be able to come off it," he said. "This could be a revolutionary approach to treating heart failure."
One expert was impressed by the findings.
"The work is important in at least two ways: It helps improve our understanding of the molecular pathways regulating cell cycle reentry in adult cardiomyocytes, and it can form a basis for novel heart therapies based on the mobilization of [the heart's own] cells," said Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, a professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City and co-director of the Tissue Engineering Resource Center at the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
"It will be interesting to see the extensions of this work to human cells and other cell types, including cardiogenic stem cells that could also be affected by periostin," Vunjak-Novakovic said.
Another expert echoed those sentiments.
"This research nicely demonstrates that periostin induced cardiomyocytes' reentry into the cell cycle," said Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center at the University of California Los Angeles.
Rather than needing to introduce brand new cells into the damaged heart, it may be possible to induce existing cardiomyocytes to grow and thus regenerate normal functioning heart muscle, said Fonarow, who is also professor of clinical medicine at UCLA.
"The ability to enhance cardiac regeneration holds great promise as novel treatment strategies for [heart attack] complicated by left ventricular dysfunction and for chronic heart failure," he said.
But rat studies can only tell scientists so much, Fonarow added. "Additional studies with adult human cardiomyocytes, and ultimately clinical trials, are needed," he said.
More information
To learn more about how the heart works, head to the American Heart Association.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Psoriasis Often Goes Untreated: Survey
(HealthDay News) -- Many Americans with chronic moderate or severe psoriasis receive no treatment or inadequate treatment, a new survey from the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) shows.
The poll also revealed a link between severe psoriasis and low income.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious disease in which the immune system causes skin to grow at an accelerated rate.
The surveys, conducted from 2003 to 2005, found that nearly 40 percent of people with chronic moderate or severe psoriasis were receiving no treatment, and that 57 percent of people with severe psoriasis, and 73 percent of those with moderate psoriasis, were receiving topical treatment only. Over half of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis were not receiving treatment that meets American Academy of Dermatology guidelines.
Those guidelines say that people with chronic moderate to severe psoriasis are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, including biologic agents. However, many of those patients were receiving topical treatment alone, according to the survey data.
"Psoriasis is not a cosmetic disease but rather a chronic inflammation condition that can have a profound negative impact on a person's ability to function," Dr. Mark Lebwohl, chairman of the NPF's medical board, said in a prepared statement. "It's important for patients to openly discuss with their dermatologist how the condition may be impacting them, so that together they can determine the most appropriate treatments."
The survey data also revealed a possible association between psoriasis and low income -- 21 percent of people with severe psoriasis had a low household income (less than $30,000 per year), compared to 13 percent for people with mild psoriasis.
"These are the first data to show a relationship between psoriasis severity and household income," Liz Horn, NPF director of research, said in a prepared statement. "Psoriasis is a serious disease that can significantly affect a person's life by interfering with everyday activities, including work."
The survey findings were to be presented Friday at a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Washington, D.C.
As many as 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has more about psoriasis.
The poll also revealed a link between severe psoriasis and low income.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious disease in which the immune system causes skin to grow at an accelerated rate.
The surveys, conducted from 2003 to 2005, found that nearly 40 percent of people with chronic moderate or severe psoriasis were receiving no treatment, and that 57 percent of people with severe psoriasis, and 73 percent of those with moderate psoriasis, were receiving topical treatment only. Over half of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis were not receiving treatment that meets American Academy of Dermatology guidelines.
Those guidelines say that people with chronic moderate to severe psoriasis are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, including biologic agents. However, many of those patients were receiving topical treatment alone, according to the survey data.
"Psoriasis is not a cosmetic disease but rather a chronic inflammation condition that can have a profound negative impact on a person's ability to function," Dr. Mark Lebwohl, chairman of the NPF's medical board, said in a prepared statement. "It's important for patients to openly discuss with their dermatologist how the condition may be impacting them, so that together they can determine the most appropriate treatments."
The survey data also revealed a possible association between psoriasis and low income -- 21 percent of people with severe psoriasis had a low household income (less than $30,000 per year), compared to 13 percent for people with mild psoriasis.
"These are the first data to show a relationship between psoriasis severity and household income," Liz Horn, NPF director of research, said in a prepared statement. "Psoriasis is a serious disease that can significantly affect a person's life by interfering with everyday activities, including work."
The survey findings were to be presented Friday at a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Washington, D.C.
As many as 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has more about psoriasis.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Hangover Helpers
(HealthDay News) -- Don't look to Khursheed Navder for sympathy if you drink too much on New Year's Eve and wake up with a wicked hangover.
Navder, a registered dietitian and associate professor in the nutrition and food science program at Hunter College in New York City, is willing to offer you some advice on how to deal with the party-fueled problem, however.
But first, it may help to understand the science behind that throbbing, queasy, mouth-full-of-cotton malaise. According to Dr. Christine Lay, a neurologist at The Headache Institute at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City and co-author of an upcoming article on hangovers in the journal Headache, the culprits are:
Navder, a registered dietitian and associate professor in the nutrition and food science program at Hunter College in New York City, is willing to offer you some advice on how to deal with the party-fueled problem, however.
But first, it may help to understand the science behind that throbbing, queasy, mouth-full-of-cotton malaise. According to Dr. Christine Lay, a neurologist at The Headache Institute at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City and co-author of an upcoming article on hangovers in the journal Headache, the culprits are:
- Dilation of blood vessels. This may contribute to the throbbing headache.
- Low blood sugar. Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to produce glucose, which leaves you feeling weak and tired, clouds your thinking and makes you moody.
- Poor sleep. While alcohol is sedating and promotes sleep initially, the sleep is often of poor quality with frequent awakenings due to factors such as decreased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
- The accumulation of toxins. The main byproduct of metabolized alcohol, acetaldehyde, is a toxin that can make your heart race and lead to headache, sweatiness, flushed skin, nausea and vomiting.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Alcohol promotes urination by inhibiting the release of the brain hormone that normally protects against dehydration. When dehydration is accompanied by sweating, vomiting or diarrhea, there is additional fluid and mineral loss leading to electrolyte imbalances The result? Excessive thirst, lethargy, dizziness and light-headedness.
So, if you do consume too much alcohol, drinking plenty of water is essential because dehydration is perhaps the most common cause of hangover symptoms.
"Those pounding headaches and everything else are related to the shriveling of the cells because they lose so much water," Navder said. "Before sleeping, force yourself to drink water. If you throw up, very good, because you're going to get some of the alcohol out that way."
If you forget to drink water before going to bed, then do it first thing in the morning. The sooner you replenish your fluid loss, the quicker you'll bounce back, Navder said.
If you don't feel like drinking water, then sports drinks are a good option because they replace essential salts and minerals that were flushed out of your body during frequent urination. Non-acidic fruit juices are another good choice because the sugar in them helps prevent hypoglycemia and feeling weak and lightheaded.
Also, avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Caffeine does not speed up the body's metabolism of alcohol. All it does is irritate the stomach lining and prevent you from falling asleep, which is one of the best ways to escape a hangover, she said.
Navder's next bit of advice involves a bit of tough-love: exercise. While being active is the last thing you may want to do when you have a pounding head, it increases blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body and induces sweating, which helps the body purge alcohol, she said.
Other tips, courtesy of Navder and the U.S. National Institutes of Health:
- Try to eat because food will reduce the irritation to your stomach lining. Soups are good for replacing salt and potassium depleted by alcohol, and fruits and vegetables can help replenish lost nutrients.
- You can take pain relief medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium to reduce your headache and muscle aches as long as your stomach isn't upset and you have no history of ulcers or bleeding problems. Antacids can help ease nausea and gastritis.
- Drink a glass of water in between drinks containing alcohol. This will help you drink less alcohol, and will also decrease the dehydration associated with drinking alcohol.
Navder also has some hangover-prevention advice. Drinking lighter-colored alcohol and higher brands of alcohol may reduce the severity of a hangover. That's because lighter-colored drinks, such as vodka, gin and white wine, have fewer congeners -- a toxic byproduct of fermentation and aging -- than darker-colored drinks such as whisky, brandy and red wine.
And more expensive alcohol generally contains fewer congeners because it goes through a more rigorous distillation process that filters out more congeners.
She also suggests that you eat while you drink, because food in your stomach slows the absorption of alcohol. But don't munch on salty snacks because they'll just make you thirsty and likely to drink more.
Or, Navder said, you could just avoid booze altogether. "With a hangover, I think prevention is definitely better than the cure," she said.
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about hangover prevention and treatment.
What you should know about FATS?
By Grace Wei Ern Quek, RDExcellence Healthcare Pte Ltd
For many who are managing their weight, fats seems like a taboo word. Yes, we always hear "Too much fat can kill". But what do you know? Certain fats are actually good for our body!
Besides cushioning our vital organs, giving us extra padding for shock and impact from falls/injuries, and keeping us warm during the cold weather, some fats known as essential fatty acids are vital for brain development, skin integrity and also for reduction of heart disease and stroke risks.
Types and sources
There are mainly two distinct types of fat: Saturated fats and Unsaturated fats.
Saturated fats mainly come from animal and animal products, such as meat, milk, eggs etc. There are however, a few exceptions. Saturated fats can also be found in coconut milk and palm oil. Besides cholesterol, saturated fat is notoriously known for the fat that clogs up arteries.
Additionally, it has also been shown that excessive consumption of saturated fats can also increase risk of certain cancers, especially colon, rectum, endometrial, breast and prostate cancers. Many nutrition experts and authorities recommend keeping saturated fat consumption to less than 10% of daily calories.
Unsaturated fats mainly come from fish and plant sources. Unsaturated fats are divided into: polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fats (MUFAs). PUFAs are further categorized into Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are known as "Essential fatty acids" (EFAs) as they are critical for good health and the body does not have the ability to manufacture such fats on its own.
Omega-6 fatty acids can be converted into arachidonic acids (ARA), one type of fat used to build the brain. Other benefits from consuming Omega-6 fatty acids include: lowering of blood pressure, reduction of inflammation and joint pains, regulation of nerve functions and skin support. Omega-6 fatty acids sources include seeds and oils, such as pumpkin, sunflower, safflower, sesame, corn, walnut and soybean.
Omega-3 fatty acids can manufacture other important fats for the brain as well, EPA (Eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (Docohexanoic acid). Studies have shown that increased consumption of EPA and DHA sources can boost a few more IQ points! Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, particularly on LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol". Unfortunately, it lowers the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or "good cholesterol" as well.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also needed for the formation of new tissues, and hence play an important role in growth and development. Such fats also improve immune function, decrease inflammation and help maintain water balance. Sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and cod), walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) are known to lower LDL cholesterol, without affecting HDL cholesterol. Some studies even indicate that increased consumption of MUFAs can help improve HDL cholesterol. In fact, researchers have found that the Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, gives lower incidences of coronary heart disease. It is also believed that MUFAs can offer protection against certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancers. MUFAs are also abundant in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. Free radicals are often associated with aging, development of cancers and heart disease. Rich sources of MUFAs include: avocado, olive oil, canola oil, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Trans-fat
What is trans-fat? Trans-fat actually originates from healthier oils like vegetable oils (e.g. olive or canola) and fish oils, but through a process called hydrogenation where hydrogen bonds are added, the fat's configuration is altered to a "trans" state. Trans-fat is generally added to foods to extend shelf life and enhance flavor.
Besides saturated fat and cholesterol, there is scientific evidence to show that trans-fat also raises LDL cholesterol, thus increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. Essentially, it is best to avoid food products that are labeled with ingredients containing "partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated vegetable oils". Where can trans-fat be found? Virtually almost all processed foods, such as margarine, shortening, french fries, snack foods such as potato chips, and cookies contain high amounts of trans-fat.
Food preparation
Frying should be avoided as much as possible as it damages healthier oils like PUFAs and MUFAs. The high heat oxidizes the oil and generates free radicals that are harmful to the body. But if you do fry, which types of cooking oils on the market are then best suited for the job? Polyunsaturated fat sources, e.g. corn, sunflower, safflower and soybean oils, are not recommended for frying as they are chemically unstable, especially when exposed to heat.
Never fry at high heats with corn oil for it has a high tendency to produce foam and smoke.
But the use of tropical oils is the preferred choice when frying, e.g. palm oil, which is a major component in common vegetable oils. Even though palm oil is high in saturated fat, it has a good oxidative stability during frying, owing to its fat composition and vitamin E content. In terms of daily sautéing or stir-frying, canola and olive oils top the list.
Thus, it is recommended to have at least two different oils at home for different cooking methods. However, the answer does not lie in choosing the best oil among cooking oils that offer health benefits, but in using them sparingly. All cooking oils are still 100% fat and pack approximately 126 calories per tablespoon.
Natural fats or supplements?
Having listed the many benefits of certain fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids, some consumers may choose to obtain such fats in the form of supplements. However, studies indicate that extracted and artificially isolated nutrients may not exert the same benefits as wholesome foods. In fact, most nutrients work in synergy with other nutrients. By consuming a single nutrient, you may be missing out on other beneficial nutrients that are included in wholesome foods as well. Whole foods also offer lower risk of toxicity than supplements.
References:
"The intake of fried virgin olive or sunflower oils differentially induces oxidative stress in rat liver microsomes". British Journal of Nutrition. February 2002.
Holford, P. "New Optimum Nutrition Bible". Piatkus Books Ltd. 2004.
Mackay, S. "Techniques and Types of Fat used in Deep-Fat Frying - A policy statement and background paper prepared by the Heart Foundation of New Zealand". July 2000. http://www.nhf.org.nz/files/Food_Industry/deep_fat_frying_exec_summary.pdf
For many who are managing their weight, fats seems like a taboo word. Yes, we always hear "Too much fat can kill". But what do you know? Certain fats are actually good for our body!
Besides cushioning our vital organs, giving us extra padding for shock and impact from falls/injuries, and keeping us warm during the cold weather, some fats known as essential fatty acids are vital for brain development, skin integrity and also for reduction of heart disease and stroke risks.
Types and sources
There are mainly two distinct types of fat: Saturated fats and Unsaturated fats.
Saturated fats mainly come from animal and animal products, such as meat, milk, eggs etc. There are however, a few exceptions. Saturated fats can also be found in coconut milk and palm oil. Besides cholesterol, saturated fat is notoriously known for the fat that clogs up arteries.
Additionally, it has also been shown that excessive consumption of saturated fats can also increase risk of certain cancers, especially colon, rectum, endometrial, breast and prostate cancers. Many nutrition experts and authorities recommend keeping saturated fat consumption to less than 10% of daily calories.
Unsaturated fats mainly come from fish and plant sources. Unsaturated fats are divided into: polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fats (MUFAs). PUFAs are further categorized into Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are known as "Essential fatty acids" (EFAs) as they are critical for good health and the body does not have the ability to manufacture such fats on its own.
Omega-6 fatty acids can be converted into arachidonic acids (ARA), one type of fat used to build the brain. Other benefits from consuming Omega-6 fatty acids include: lowering of blood pressure, reduction of inflammation and joint pains, regulation of nerve functions and skin support. Omega-6 fatty acids sources include seeds and oils, such as pumpkin, sunflower, safflower, sesame, corn, walnut and soybean.
Omega-3 fatty acids can manufacture other important fats for the brain as well, EPA (Eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (Docohexanoic acid). Studies have shown that increased consumption of EPA and DHA sources can boost a few more IQ points! Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, particularly on LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol". Unfortunately, it lowers the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or "good cholesterol" as well.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also needed for the formation of new tissues, and hence play an important role in growth and development. Such fats also improve immune function, decrease inflammation and help maintain water balance. Sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and cod), walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) are known to lower LDL cholesterol, without affecting HDL cholesterol. Some studies even indicate that increased consumption of MUFAs can help improve HDL cholesterol. In fact, researchers have found that the Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, gives lower incidences of coronary heart disease. It is also believed that MUFAs can offer protection against certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancers. MUFAs are also abundant in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. Free radicals are often associated with aging, development of cancers and heart disease. Rich sources of MUFAs include: avocado, olive oil, canola oil, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Trans-fat
What is trans-fat? Trans-fat actually originates from healthier oils like vegetable oils (e.g. olive or canola) and fish oils, but through a process called hydrogenation where hydrogen bonds are added, the fat's configuration is altered to a "trans" state. Trans-fat is generally added to foods to extend shelf life and enhance flavor.
Besides saturated fat and cholesterol, there is scientific evidence to show that trans-fat also raises LDL cholesterol, thus increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. Essentially, it is best to avoid food products that are labeled with ingredients containing "partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated vegetable oils". Where can trans-fat be found? Virtually almost all processed foods, such as margarine, shortening, french fries, snack foods such as potato chips, and cookies contain high amounts of trans-fat.
Food preparation
Frying should be avoided as much as possible as it damages healthier oils like PUFAs and MUFAs. The high heat oxidizes the oil and generates free radicals that are harmful to the body. But if you do fry, which types of cooking oils on the market are then best suited for the job? Polyunsaturated fat sources, e.g. corn, sunflower, safflower and soybean oils, are not recommended for frying as they are chemically unstable, especially when exposed to heat.
Never fry at high heats with corn oil for it has a high tendency to produce foam and smoke.
But the use of tropical oils is the preferred choice when frying, e.g. palm oil, which is a major component in common vegetable oils. Even though palm oil is high in saturated fat, it has a good oxidative stability during frying, owing to its fat composition and vitamin E content. In terms of daily sautéing or stir-frying, canola and olive oils top the list.
Thus, it is recommended to have at least two different oils at home for different cooking methods. However, the answer does not lie in choosing the best oil among cooking oils that offer health benefits, but in using them sparingly. All cooking oils are still 100% fat and pack approximately 126 calories per tablespoon.
Natural fats or supplements?
Having listed the many benefits of certain fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids, some consumers may choose to obtain such fats in the form of supplements. However, studies indicate that extracted and artificially isolated nutrients may not exert the same benefits as wholesome foods. In fact, most nutrients work in synergy with other nutrients. By consuming a single nutrient, you may be missing out on other beneficial nutrients that are included in wholesome foods as well. Whole foods also offer lower risk of toxicity than supplements.
References:
"The intake of fried virgin olive or sunflower oils differentially induces oxidative stress in rat liver microsomes". British Journal of Nutrition. February 2002.
Holford, P. "New Optimum Nutrition Bible". Piatkus Books Ltd. 2004.
Mackay, S. "Techniques and Types of Fat used in Deep-Fat Frying - A policy statement and background paper prepared by the Heart Foundation of New Zealand". July 2000. http://www.nhf.org.nz/files/Food_Industry/deep_fat_frying_exec_summary.pdf
Sunday, September 24, 2006
You are what you drink
"There's an old expression you've probably heard a countless times… "you are what you eat." While this may be true, ultra athletes see the other side. 60% of a person's body weight is water therefore "You are what you drink". Water serves two critical functions:
- Since water makes up most of our blood volume, it's an "energy supply line" that delivers oxygen to the muscles to allow them to do their essential work.
- At the same time, water is the body's cooling system - sort of human radiator. When you exercise, you generate heat - literally 8 to 10 times what you do at rest. Blood conducts the heat to the skin which, in turn, makes you flush and dissipates the heat. When this process is not enough, you perspire and are cooled off by evaporating sweat.
Properly hydrated, you feel great, perform at your peak, and speed your recovery for you next activity. The problem comes when the body doesn't have enough water to perform all these functions. You can easily loose two quarts of water per hour in hot weather by exercising. When you do, the blood volume diminishes and the body struggles to supply oxygen to muscles. You feel weaker and start to experience headaches, cramps and nausea. In fact, dehydration is a key factor in "bonking" or "hitting the wall".
By the time you're thirsty it's too late. The body has to do something, and what it does is shut down the sweating mechanism. The body's temperature starts climbing rapidly, and you begin to experience heat exhaustion and heatstroke, the latter of which can be fatal. So what should you do? It's simple. Make sure you don't run out of water, and keep drinking. Drink before, after, and most of all drink during the run. Medical and training experts advise drinking at least 8 oz every 15-20 minutes during exercise. Don't wait till you're thirst-by then it's too late and you're becoming dehydrated."
http://www.ultrunr.com/hydrate.html
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Health Tip: Symptoms of Menopause
(HealthDay News) -- Menopause, a natural process that may take between five and 15 years, occurs when a woman's monthly ovulation cycle ends, resulting in the cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle. Most women experience menopause somewhere around age 50.
Due to the dramatic changes in hormones in a woman's body during menopause, there are a variety of symptoms she may experience. To help identify the onset of menopause, the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education (AWARE) lists these common symptoms:
Hot flashes, cold flashes, night sweats and clammy skin.
Moodiness, depression, anxiety, irritability and unexplained crying.
Sleep disturbances or insomnia.
Irregular menstrual cycles, including unusually light or heavy bleeding or unusually short or long cycles.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or paying attention
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, muscle aches, gastrointestinal problems, or tender breasts.
Lost or thinning hair on the scalp or an increase or thickening of facial hair.
Last reviewed: 07/17/2006 Last updated: 07/17/2006
Due to the dramatic changes in hormones in a woman's body during menopause, there are a variety of symptoms she may experience. To help identify the onset of menopause, the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education (AWARE) lists these common symptoms:
Hot flashes, cold flashes, night sweats and clammy skin.
Moodiness, depression, anxiety, irritability and unexplained crying.
Sleep disturbances or insomnia.
Irregular menstrual cycles, including unusually light or heavy bleeding or unusually short or long cycles.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or paying attention
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, muscle aches, gastrointestinal problems, or tender breasts.
Lost or thinning hair on the scalp or an increase or thickening of facial hair.
Last reviewed: 07/17/2006 Last updated: 07/17/2006
Friday, June 30, 2006
High pH Therapy
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with numbers below 7 representing an acidic (low oxygen) condition and above 7 representing an alkaline, or oxygenated, condition.When cesium is taken up by cancer cells, it raises the pH, or oxygen content, of the cell.
The cells that die are absorbed and eliminated by the body.
Cesium has been used to raise the pH of the body as an alternative or complementary cancer treatment or therapy for breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, skin cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, cervical cancer, brain cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, bone cancer, throat cancer, thyroid cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, cancers of the bladder and gallbladder, metastatic melanoma, and cancers in animals including feline, canine, and equine cancer.
Keith Brewer, Otto Warburg, and H.E.Sartori all contributed to the concept of high pH therapy.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Alkaline Diet
The internal environment of our bodies is maintained at a pH of just about 7.0. This means our internal environment is alkaline. Maintenance of this state is a dynamic, not static, process mediated moment to moment by numerous reactions that produce acid products. Our internal chemical equilibrium is primarily controlled by our lungs, kidneys, intestines, and skin. For necessary reactions and functions to occur, our body must maintain a proper pH. Adequate alkaline reserves are necessary for optimal pH adjustment. The body needs oxygen, water, and acid-buffering minerals to accomplish the pH buffering, while also briskly eliminating waste products.- Bony Vegetables
- Native Climate May Influence Your Ability to Burn Calories
- "I am Eating Healthy Organic Foods, So Why am I Still Feeling Miserable?" Finally, A Solid Answer!
When an alkaline environment is maintained in the body, metabolic, enzymatic, immunologic, and repair mechanisms function at their best. The acid-forming metabolics of stress and inflammation and of high fat and high protein foods are adequately and effectively neutralized only when sufficient mineral-buffering reserves are present. Mineral-buffering reserves are the gift that alkaline-forming foods give to our body. A diet that is predominantly alkaline-forming is essential to the maintenance of sustained health. More:
Sauna Detox Benefits
Heating of the tissues enhances metabolic processes. Greater cellular energy production facilitates healing. Viruses, tumors and toxin-laden cells are weaker than normal cells. They tolerate heat poorly. Raising the body temperature causes infections to heal more quickly. Hyperthermia or fever therapy help combat infections and even cancer. Our bodies develop fever when ill to enhance metabolism and help kill germs.
Saunas enhance circulation and oxygenate the tissues. They open the nasal passages and assist the sinuses to drain. A major eliminative organ, most people's skin is very inactive. Many do not sweat. This may be due to synthetic or tight clothing that does not breathe. Sedentary living and sun damage also inactivate the skin. Hundreds of chemicals affect the skin from lotions, soaps, creams and deodorants. Other are cleaning solvents, detergent residues and chemicals from bathing water.
Repeated use of the sauna slowly restores skin elimination. Toxic chemicals and metals can be removed faster than with any other method. It is a daily habit that pays many dividends. Steam baths, sweat lodges, vigorous exercise and hot tubs are more extreme and less effective.
Detox-Tips
- Detox-Tip 01: Danger of Toxic metals
- Detox-Tip 02: Oxidation Type
- Detox-Tip 03: Are you toxic?
- Detox-Tip 04: Alkaline Diet
- Detox-Tip 05: Important Energy Force
- Detox-Tip 06: Mercury Detox Protocol
- Detox-Tip 07: FIR Medical Facts
- Detox-Tip 08: Why Detoxification?
- Detox-Tip 09: Different Detoxification
- Detox-Tip 10: Facts About Mercury
- Detox-Tip 12: Detoxification Elements
- Detox-Tip 13: Colon-Kidney-Detox
- Detox-Tip 14: Aspartame
- Detox-Tip 15: Assess your Health
- Detox-Tip 16: Nutrition Plan
- Detox-Tip 17: Metabolic Typing
- Detox-Tip 18: Advanced Plan
- Detox-Tip 19: Body Pollution
- Detox-Tip 20: Nutrition Secrets
- Detox-Tip 21: Raw Food & Enzymes
- Detox-Tip 22: Other Super Food
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Small Blister, Big Trouble
Small Blister, Big TroubleA small blister from a new pair of shoes might seem harmless at first, but it can lead to big problems if you're not careful. Germs can get into your foot if the blister breaks, possibly causing an infection on the skin, as well as in the bone. Bone infections are difficult to treat and can eventually result in amputation.Get tips on caring for a blister.
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