Stroke Warning Signs

Stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts, because time lost is brain lost! Know these stroke warning signs and teach them to others.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance - ideally with advanced life support - can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in none or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you or someone you're with has one or more of these signs,
call 9-1-1...Get to the hospital right away.

If you're the one having the symptoms, and you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. Don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

For more information, contact your nearest American Heart Association office or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) or online at www.americanheart.org

7 Symptoms Men Should Never Ignore

By Dr. Ranit Mishori

When it comes to health, men often take better care of their cars than their own bodies - or their roofs. "If they spot a leak in their roof, they want to fix it before it damages the whole house," says Dr. Jean Bonhomme of the Men's Health Network. "The slightest funny noise in their car will send men to the garage. If they could only do that with their own bodies."

In fact, a possible reason for men's higher mortality from major illnesses such as heart disease, cancer stroke and diabetes is their unwillingness to seek medical help as often as women do. Perhaps young men can get away with ignoring various aches and pains, but in middle age, these can be signs of something that might get worse over time.

Indeed, there are some symptoms that a man should always take seriously, whatever his age. If you have one or more of them, stop, think and call a doctor.

1. Chest pain. This is the holy grail of symptoms. If you feel as if an elephant is sitting on your chest, head for the nearest ER. (Call an ambulance or have somebody drive you.) Often, however, signs of a heart attack are less obvious, involving left-arm pain, sweating and shortness of breath. Chest pain that catches you after exertion, lasts a few minutes and then goes away could mean your heart is not getting enough blood (a condition called angina). Yes, sometimes chest pain is only heartburn, but why take a chance?

2. Shortness of breath. Being a little short of breath after running or a game of pickup basketball is not a big deal. But if you feel short of breath lying in bed at night, after walking a block or two or climbing one flight of stairs, you should see your doctor at once. These may be signs that your heart is getting weak - also called congestive heart failure.

3. Unintended weight loss. Many Americans are trying to lose weight. But what if you're losing weight without even trying? If your pants are suddenly too loose, something else may be going on. It may be something relatively benign, like an overactive thyroid gland, but sometimes it's the first hint of cancer.

4. Blood in the urine or stool. True, some people don't even want to look. But they should. The bottom line is: There shouldn't be any blood in your urine or stool.
Urine travels from the kidneys to the bladdre in special pipes called ureters, and then to the urethra before it leaves the body. Any disruption along the way from cysts, stones, infection or inflammation can introduce blood in the urine. So can cancer of the kidneys or bladder.

Don't brush off these signs of serious illness.

Blood in the stool may be trickier to see. If you see bright red blood, it's a no-brainer. But sometimes blood in the stool may make your bowel movement look dark and tarry. Don't assume it's hemorrhoids. When there's blood in the stool, colon cancer must be ruled out, usually by a colonoscopy. (Blood in the stool also can be related to a bleeding ulcer or a condition called diverticulitis.)

5. Change in urination. Getting up too many times at night to visit the bathroom, a weak stream, having difficulty passing urine or getting urine started can all be signs of an enlarged prostate. The walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra grows as men age and can cause a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It's not life-threatening, but it can have a profound effect on quality of life. Indentify it early, and you can prevent its progression. Prostate cancer - a life-threatening condition - has similar symptoms. A physical exam and a PSA blood test can often tell the difference between the two.
Increased visits to the bathroom also can be a symptom of other conditions, including diabetes - a serious illness that may lead to heart and kidney disease.

6. Leg swelling. When fluid accumulates in your feet, ankles or legs, don't ignore it. The swelling, also called edema, may be a warning of heart, kidney or liver disease. While there are medications (diuretics, or "water pills") that can help reduce swelling, it is critical to find the underlying cause: Is the heart not pumping effectively? Are the kidneys not filtering all the fluid they're supposed to? Is the liver congested? A battery of tests is likely to reveal the reason and get yo started on the right course of treatment.

7. Skin lesions that don't go away. Many people ignore skin wounds, especially whey they are not on the face. Skin ulcers, particularly on the legs and feet, that don't heal after a few days should raise a red flag. They may be a tip-off that something is wrong with the circulation. Non-healing wounds also can be the first clue of diabetes. A skin lesion anywhere on the body that doesn't go away, becomes larger or changes color or shape can suggest skin cancer. Don't brush it off. If caught early, the chances of a full recovery are great.

Original post in Parade Magazine of the Denver Post, Sunday, June 17, 2007

Some Medications May Cause Acid Reflux

I never had acid reflux or heartburn in my entire life until my doctor put me on Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis. Since I had never experienced any symptoms of acid reflux, naturally I didn't know what they felt like.

I had always been healthy and when I suddenly got very sick and doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with me I became very scared. I had pains that went from my stomach to my chest and at times down my left arm. Symptoms similar to a heart attack, so I was hospitalized twice and checked out from top to bottom. Even had a stress test done as well as an angiogram. However, the tests showed that there was nothing wrong with my heart. So why then was I feeling so terrible that oftentimes I had to lie down in the middle of the day? And why were doctors not able to figure out what was wrong with me?

After two years, and a different set of doctors, I was finally diagnosed with acid reflux. Turns out that one of the side effects of Fosamax was heartburn. (Had I read the package slip, I would have known that. My bad.)

After I found out that Fosamax was the cause of me feeling miserable for two years I stopped taking it. A bad decision on my part as now I do have osteoporosis. On a positive note though, I am now on Boniva, which can actually reverse bone loss. And although one of the side effects of Boniva is heartburn too, I am not worried about having any more problems.

I have to admit, I am really bad about following doctor's orders. Especially when it comes to taking any kind of pills. I don't even take vitamin supplements in pill form. (I do take chewables though.) Since I knew that my health was going bad and I needed a supplement I went online and looked for a supplement in liquid form. I found TAHITIAN NONI® Juice and have been drinking it for over 4 years now. To my surprise it helped me with my acid reflux and I haven't had any problems ever since I have been on the juice.

Acid Reflux and Lifestyle: 7 Tips to Reduce Symptoms

by Fallon Cullerne


It is surprising how much influence your lifestyle choices can have on your health overall. If you've been told you have acid reflux, you will obviously want to figure out how to control the symptoms, and live a more comfortable life. Of course, acid reflux disease doesn't simply go away, but its effects can be reduced, and many symptoms prevented by making a few easy lifestyle changes. Here are seven tips that you can try before you attempt more drastic steps:

1. Reduce Meal Sizes

Most people eat three large meals a day, but many experts suggest that consuming 5-6 small meals is better. Doing so can help prevent overeating. With a full stomach, gastric pressure also increases. So one of the main causes of acid reflux incidents is overeating. Sticking to smaller meals can give your stomach a break, and reduce discomfort, as can eating more slowly.

2. No Bedtime Snacks

Don't eat or drink anything for at least two hours before going to bed. If you typically take an afternoon nap, try doing it in a chair. Lying down on a full stomach will cause the contents of your stomach to press against the lower esophagus, increasing the chances of acid reflux.

3. Choose Foods Carefully

There are many common beverages and foods that can trigger acid reflux. They do so either by increasing acid production and gastric pressure, or by relaxing the lower esophagus muscle. Obviously, foods that trigger heartburn in you should be avoided. These foods vary, but for many people, spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, and coffee can cause irritation in the esophagus lining. Avoid eating these foods for dinner, to reduce the chances of heartburn at night. If you are unsure which foods tend to cause heartburn for you, keep a heartburn record for a week or two to help keep track of foods you need to avoid.

4. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Another smart step in reducing acid reflux is avoiding alcohol consumption. Alcohol has two problems: it creates stomach acid, and relaxes the muscle of the lower esophagus. When relaxed, that muscle can allow stomach contents to reflux back into the esophagus. Consuming very small amounts of alcohol might be okay, but keep an eye on your reactions. And stop smoking as soon as you can if you have digestion problems. Along with dozens of other health concerns, smoking stimulates production of stomach acid, and of course that leads to greater acid reflux symptoms.

5. Sleeping Patterns

The acid in your gut responds to gravity, so keeping your head higher than your waist will help to some degree in keeping the acid down. You might want to purchase a big, wedge-shaped pillow, which will help elevate your shoulders and head. Some people also purchase an adjustable bed, which allows them to incline the head of the bed. A cheaper (though slightly risky) alternative is to prop up your current bed's legs.

6. Wear Loose Clothing

Tight clothing can constrict your stomach, squeezing food in your stomach against your lower esophagus. Of course, we know where this will lead! So loosen that belt, or buy clothing with adjustable waistlines or elastic support. Be free and loose, and your stomach will thank you.

7. Avoid Stress

Stress may not have a close relationship with heartburn, at least researchers have not found one yet, but it still may be implicated in acid reflux. Stress may be more of a precursor to the problem. In any case, it is a good idea to use relaxation techniques to help reduce stress, and help you avoid heartburn inducing behavior.

Some health conditions aren't caused by a single factor; they're the result of many factors making up one big problem. Trying various lifestyle changes can add up to big relief from chronic acid reflux.

Fallon Cullerne contributes to a few well-known magazines, on acid reflux and health question topics.

Nutrition Facts and Basics

By: Juliet Cohen

Nutrition labels have revolutionized the way we buy food -- especially for people on special diets. Nutrition can affect more than just your weight. People who practice good nutrition, hygiene and exercise patterns develop a lifetime of habits that will keep them healthy for many years. Peanuts and peanut butter are whole foods that pack a lot of nutrition into just one serving. Peanuts and peanut butter are whole foods that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, ample protein and beneficial unsaturated fats. Since they are a plant food, they naturally contain no cholesterol. Peanuts and peanut butter contain high quality plant protein. Protein is estimated based upon the amount of bound nitrogen in the sample. Total fat is estimated from the weight of all individual fatty acids plus the imputed weight of one unit of glycerol for each three fatty acids. When comparing peanuts to similar foods, peanuts have more protein than any other legume or nut. This is especially important for children, vegetarians and people eating more meatless meals. Carbohydrates in food help our bodies produce serotonin -- a sleep-inducing hormone. This meal plan incorporates plenty of healthy carbohydrate-rich foods like fruit, pasta, potatoes, oatmeal and brown rice. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. This diet includes skim milk with meals and as a before-bed snack.

Carbohydrates are easy to digest and quickly absorbed. They can be found in sugar and sweets, honey, fruits and fruit juices. Daily values footnote is a reference tool, giving you basic guidelines on how much of each nutritional item you should eat daily. Grains based foods (pasta, bread, cereals) are very versatile and highly regarded by nutrition professionals because they are rich in nutrients. Whole grains are high in fibre and may help to lower blood cholesterol and maintain bowel regularity. They contain vitamin E and important trace materials like copper and zinc. For years, these foods were considered the ugly ducklings of nutrition. Thought to be fattening with little nutritional value, they were avoided in misguided attempts to control weight. Now scientific agreement among qualified nutrition experts points to increasing our consumption of grains based foods and reaping significant health benefits. Calories may be calculated using any one of several methods. The old-fashioned bomb calorimeter, one of the acceptable methods, is a poor model for the human body. Ideally, calories represent physiological energy -- the energy value remaining after digestive and metabolic losses are deducted from the gross energy. This type of calculation is called the At water system for determining energy values.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant. It is commonly found in fresh vegetables and fruit (peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruits). Severe lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy. It helps to heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy gums and teeth, and strengthen the immune system. It also helps the body absorb iron. Women and men should consume at least 60 milligrams of vitamin C each day. Vitamin C deficiency causes a disease called scurvy, which is uncommon in the United States. Taking more than 2,000 milligrams a day may cause a flushed face, headache, increased urination, mild diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. People who smoke need to consume more vitamin C because smoking interferes with the body's ability to use vitamins. Women who smoke should consume 110 milligrams per day of vitamin C, and men who smoke should consume 125 milligrams per day of vitamin C. Phytochemicals are natural substances in plants which may provide a wide range of health benefits such as reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Peanuts contain resveratrol which is one of the many phytochemicals found in plant foods.

Good nutrition is more important than ever. Regulations requiring nutrition panels on food labels were implemented as part of a campaign to get people to eat less fat. Dietary fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and mitigate the blood sugar fluctuations of diabetes. Nutrients are divided into two groups. "Good" nutrients consisted of: "vitamin, mineral, protein, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, other carbohydrate, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, or potassium" and must be present in at least 80% of the label value in every unit tested. Conversely, "bad" nutrients: calories, sugars, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium must be present in no more than 120% of the label value but may be less than the label value by a "reasonable" amount. Nutrition label legislation is to help consumers cut fat out of their diets, carbs are considered a valuable nutrient. Labels have serving sizes as required by law and indicate the number of servings contained in the package. However, selling underweight packages violates the oldest consumer protection laws. Many manufacturers deliberately overfill their packages to avoid the risk that their filling equipment may not be precise or that the product might dry out or otherwise not measure up. As a result, packages often contain more food than the nutrition label indicates.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health care clinic and home remedies. She also writes articles on beauty tips.

What Is Balance Breathing?

by Fred H


It is an entire system of breathwork, that is completely separate from any others and highly complex. Balance Breathing is designed to generate greater well-being and raise your sense of joy in life and inner peace. Balance breathing can help with all sorts of trauma, including not just physical, but also spiritual and mental injuries.

Balance breathing is also extremely effective at maintaining optimal health, as it provides a significant number of benefits, arising from the improved energy levels that are a direct result of the balance breathing self healing system. Balance breathing brings each of the three aspects, physical, mental, and spiritual, into alignment. Once aligned, these three spheres will all benefit from a more ordered, positive energy flow.

On a purely physical level, balance breathing increases oxygenation throughout the body, as well as stimulating the circulation. The greater amount of oxygen in the bloodstream gives greater physical health and energy, in addition to resolving conditions and ailments such as headaches, anaerobic diseases, respiratory difficulties, and anything else that relies on the spread of oxygen throughout your system.

Previously significant problems, such as asthma or hyperventilation, fade away into nothing. These two are extremely common afflictions, with huge numbers of sufferers, and yet very few of these people realize that there is a simple system that can greatly help them. Why go on suffering, when a cure is available?

Besides the merely physical, balance breathing can be a great help to your emotional and mental health as well. Applied properly, it can relieve worry or anxiety, and help you get out of depression by producing a much improved clarity of thought. This will also let you easily resolve past traumas, and focus more clearly on the positive parts of your life.

This will in turn lead to a higher self-esteem, which will let you quickly spot thought self-sabotaging thought patterns, that might otherwise lead you back into negativity without you even being aware of them. Once you can stop problems before they occur, and see all the positive aspects of your life clearly again, you will find your enjoyment of life is greatly increased.

Last but not least, the spiritual side. Now, I know that many of you will scoff at this, but it is not something that you can healthily ignore. I know that many people ignore their spiritual side completely, but it is still there. Even without paying any active attention to it, balance breathing will help to bring your spiritual aspect into alignment with the rest of you, which will be of more benefit to you then you realize.

Balance breathing is designed to address all parts of your life, solving minor issues before they become real problems. Thus when you use balance breathing, and your mental, spiritual, and physical sides are in alignment, you will find that no problem is beyond your ability to handle. Balance breathing is an essential tool to maintain an ordered life.

Fred H is an experienced Balance Breathing practitioner. Click here to go to his website on ademen therapie.

Learn How You Can Lower Cholesterol Naturally.

by Dr. Suririnah


Your blood test results confirm that you have high cholesterol now. You need to take proper action to lowering your cholesterol level now, since having high cholesterol increases your risk of having heart attack and/or stroke anytime from now on. Basically lowering cholesterol means that you need to lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) and at the same time increase your HDL (good cholesterol) and maintain both cholesterol levels in healthy ranges. What you need to know is that now is possible to lowering cholesterol naturally!

I will share with you two options that you can learn how you can lowering cholesterol naturally:

1. Natural remedies and herbs will help you to lower cholesterol naturally safely.

2. You can lower cholesterol naturally by changes your lifestyle.

You will be free from the side effects of cholesterol- lowering drugs medication when you choose to lowering cholesterol naturally with the helps of natural remedies and herbs. You may ask recommendation from natural health practitioner about herbs and natural remedies that can help you to lower your cholesterol naturally beside ask your doctor to give you drug-free prescription to lower cholesterol naturally.

Traditional pharmaceutical cholesterol-lowering medications may not react well and cause allergies to some people, therefore natural remedies is their best options to lower cholesterol beside using diet to lower cholesterol.

You can keep your cholesterol levels to healthy ranges all the times by changing your lifestyle and start only to eat foods that lower cholesterol. Diet to lower cholesterol would lower your risk of having heart attack or stroke since it would keeps you cholesterol levels at healthy and safe ranges.

You may still need help from drug medication to control your cholesterol levels if you suffering very high levels of LDL cholesterol. Your doctor would give you better advice on how to lowering your cholesterol naturally by examining your health condition and blood test results.

Remember that when your doctor prescribes any of drug medications for your high cholesterol, you still need to continue with healthy lifestyle treatments to help you lowering your cholesterol successfully.

Diet to lower cholesterol is not enough if you have serious levels of high cholesterol, which is why following your doctor advised, is necessary to help you manage your cholesterol levels. Doctor would recommend you to take some medicine if it really needed to lowering your cholesterol.

Healthy lifestyle changes action above to lowering cholesterol naturally is needed to keep your cholesterol levels in healthy ranges even for you who already have good cholesterol levels.

Author Dr. Suririnah How To Lowering Cholesterol Naturally?

Are you having high cholesterol problem? High Cholesterol caused Heart Attack & Stroke. They can take your life suddenly! Do you still want to neglect your high cholesterol until it's too late?or STOP Now this! Click here: FREE Special Report How to Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

9 Common Health Myths Debunked

By Shannon Davis, Men’s Health


Myth: A high-fiber diet will prevent colon cancer

Not even if you eat a pine tree, cones and all. Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that no matter how much fiber study subjects ate--from 10 grams a day to 27--it did nothing to reduce their risk of recurrence of precancerous polyps. "The fiber hypothesis dates from an old epidemiological study," says James E. Allison, M.D., a professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. "It was presumed that the shorter intestinal transit time accompanying a high-fiber diet decreased a person's exposure to potential carcinogens."

Reality check: Despite the myth, keep eating a high-fiber diet (it can help lower cholesterol and prevent diabetes), but don't count on it to cancer-proof your colon. For that, you need folic acid. Studies have shown that this B vitamin significantly lowers a man's risk of colon cancer, with research from Louisiana State University linking it to a 60 percent reduction. If your multivitamin (or cereal) doesn't contain at least 400 micrograms of folic acid, buy one that does.


Myth: A soy burger is healthier than a beef burger

Here's the problem: Soy, in all its forms, contains phytoestrogens--that is, plant estrogens. And while having some of the female hormone in our bodies is okay, and even normal, having high amounts of the plant version isn't. In fact, Australian researchers found that men who consumed a soy-rich diet had significantly lower testosterone levels than beef eaters. And as for red meat's artery-clogging reputation, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that eating lean beef can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL levels.

Reality check: At only 10 percent fat, ground round is the leanest hamburger meat at the market. It also has the potential to taste the worst, since less fat generally means less flavor. Stick with ground chuck, which, with 15 percent fat, still qualifies as lean. And make sure you pick a package with little "juice" pooled in the Styrofoam tray. "It comes from water in the protein molecules called 'free water,' which is released over time," says Mike De La Zerda, Ph.D., beef-quality manager for the Texas Beef Council. "The more free water that has drained into the package, the less juicy your burgers will be."


Myth: Ginkgo biloba will improve your memory

This popular herbal supplement gained a reputation as a smart pill after certain medical studies suggested that it could improve brain function. And it does--in Alzheimer's patients. In healthy people, "we found no evidence that ginkgo has any effect on memory or cognitive function," says Paul R. Solomon, Ph.D., director of the memory clinic at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Solomon's research team debunked the myth when they found that the people taking Ginkgo biloba for 6 weeks did no better on 14 tests of learning, memory, attention, and concentration than those taking a placebo. "There is nothing in our research to justify taking ginkgo," says Solomon.

Reality check: Go take a nap -- one that lasts 10 minutes. Australian researchers studied the effects of three naps of differing lengths and found that the people who grabbed 10 minutes of shut-eye concentrated better and had more-accurate memories than the rest. Still feel addled? See your doctor. You could be suffering from sleep apnea, a nighttime breathing disorder that deprives your brain of restorative REM sleep.


Myth: Antibacterial soap is better than regular soap for beating germs

Like antitank missiles and antimatter rays, antibacterial soap just sounds more destructive than, say, Dove. Thing is, the germs don't know the difference. In a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, researchers asked 222 New York City housewives (who better, right?) to wash their hands with either antibacterial hand soap or regular soap. Then, on two separate occasions, bacterial cultures were taken from the women's hands, but the results were exactly the same: "We found that antibacterial soaps provide no added value," explains Elaine Larson, Ph.D., R.N., the study's lead author. Even more worrisome, washing exclusively with an antibacterial soap can cause bacteria to become resistant to the soap's germ-killing ingredient.

Reality check: If you want to commit germicide with regular soap, take your time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends scrubbing for at least 15 seconds. And pay particular attention to the area under and around your fingernails. "This is where most bacteria tend to collect," says Howard Donsky, M.D., a clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Rochester. For those times when your hands aren't visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer gel. Squirt out a dollop and rub it on for 30 seconds. Repeat.


Myth: The higher the SPF of a sunscreen, the better

To a point. "There is a property of diminishing returns at work," says Martin Weinstock, M.D., Ph.D., director of the American Cancer Society's skin-cancer advisory group. Here are the numbers: SPF-15 sunscreens block 93.3 percent of the sun's burning ultraviolet rays, compared with SPF-30 products, which block 96.7 percent. But making the leap to SPF-45 offers only an additional 1 percent of protection (97.8 percent total), and SPF-60, just 0.5 percent more than that (98.3).

Reality check: You don't need 1 percent more protection. Unless you have a family history of skin cancer or look like the prototypical burner -- fair skin, red or blond hair, green or blue eyes, and freckles -- "reapplying SPF-30 throughout the day is the best you can do, as long as you're really slathering it on," says Dr. Weinstock. Just as important, make sure the bottle contains Parsol 1789 (a.k.a. avobenzone), zinc oxide, or micronized titanium dioxide; these compounds will block dangerous UVA rays that some sunscreens let through.


Myth: Only women get breast cancer

Men don't have breasts, per se. Therefore, men shouldn't get breast cancer. But we do, to the tune of 1,500 new cases a year (with 400 men dying of the disease annually). "The biggest problem is that most men, and even many doctors, don't recognize it," says Sharon H. Giordano, M.D., a professor of breast oncology at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. "Men will dismiss a lump, while a woman knows exactly what it is." Nor do men understand the three major risk factors: age (60 years or older), family history of the disease (male or female relatives), and obesity (the extra tonnage messes with a man's hormone levels).

Reality check: Having even one risk factor is reason enough to do a quick self -exam every 3 months. When you're in the shower, "feel under the nipple and across the chest with the tips of your fingers, looking for any unusual lumps," says Dr. Giordano. "The lump will feel small and hard, like a knot or pea." And, lump or no lump, if you have any discharge or bleeding from the nipple, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist in male breast cancer.


Myth: Aerobic exercise is the only workout that will keep your heart healthy

Despite what the Dupont heirs would have us think (they hold the patent on Lycra), pumping iron may also prevent a coronary. In a recent Harvard study of 44,000 men, researchers found that the men who weight-trained for 30 minutes or more a week had a 23 percent lower risk of heart disease than those who didn't lift at all. "Weight training increases your muscle mass and your resting metabolic rate, both of which contribute to a decreased risk of heart disease," says Mihaela Tanasescu, M.D., one of the study authors. "It also leads to better glucose control and decreased insulin resistance, which further reduce the risk to your heart."

Reality check: If you're lifting for life insurance, make sure your workout is high intensity (one way to do this is to try supersets--pairing two exercises that work different muscle groups). In the same Harvard study, the researchers noted that increasing the intensity of an exercise also reduced the risk of heart disease. "This increase was independent of the type of training," says Dr. Tanasescu, "and although we didn't study it, I suspect that weight training for longer than 30 minutes a week would be of additional benefit."


Myth: A PSA of 4 or higher means prostate cancer

That's the health myth some urologists have led us to believe. "Most men think elevated PSA levels can only mean prostate cancer," says William Catalona, M.D., a professor of urology at Washington University in St. Louis. "But any trauma or inflammation can cause PSA to leak into the surrounding tissue [of the prostate], where it is picked up in the bloodstream." In fact, everything from a bacterial infection to a long bicycle ride can cause a minor jump in your PSA level.

Reality check: PSA scores between 4 and 10 fall into a diagnostic gray zone, where, until recently, the only way to confirm the presence of cancer was with a biopsy. Now, however, doctors can follow up with a complexed PSA (cPSA) or percent-free PSA exam, tests that, according to Dr. Catalona, measure different molecular forms of PSA. "It's the best way to determine whether your PSA is elevated due to cancer or a benign condition." If your PSA is even 2.5, ask your urologist for a cPSA or percent-free PSA exam.


Myth: Only old men develop Alzheimer's disease

Forget the myths about Alzheimer's disease. Each year, 5 percent of its four million victims are younger than 60 years of age. It's called early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and it even strikes men in their 30s and 40s. "The symptoms are no different from those of late-onset Alzheimer's disease," says Bill Thies, Ph.D., vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the Alzheimer's Association. "The main difference is that people afflicted with early-onset Alzheimer's are still working and trying to support a family."

Reality check: "The biggest risk factor is a strong family history [of late- or early-onset Alzheimer's]," says Thies. Have an afflicted relative? Now's the time to see a neurologist about genetic testing. If it turns out that you have one of the three known trigger genes, you might want to start taking that Ginkgo biloba or, even better, drinking an occasional glass of red wine. In a study published in the journal Neurology, researchers discovered that people who drank wine just once a month were half as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease as those who didn't raise a glass at all. Why red wine rather than white? It's much higher in flavonoids--the compounds scientists believe confer the brain-saving effect.

Original Article Source:
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10 Foods That Build Bones

(Source MSN health & fitness)


Alaskan King Crab

High in protein and low in fat, the sweet flesh of the king crab is spiked with zinc — a whopping 7 milligrams per 3.5-ounce serving. "Zinc is an antioxidant, but more important, it helps support healthy bone mass and immune function," says Susan Bowerman, assistant director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California at Los Angeles.

"Several studies have linked adequate zinc intake to increased immunity and decreased incidences of respiratory infection." And you can reap all these benefits by swapping one of your weekly fish meals for a six-ounce serving of crab.

Dried Plums

Also known as prunes, these dark shrivelers are rich in copper and boron, both of which can help prevent osteoporosis. "They also contain a fiber called inulin, which, when broken down by intestinal bacteria, makes for a more acidic environment in the digestive tract," says Bowerman. "That, in turn, facilitates calcium absorption." Enjoy four or five a day to strengthen your bones and boost your energy.

Bok Choy

This crunchy cruciferous vegetable is more than the filler that goes with shrimp in brown sauce. "Bok choy is rich in bone-building calcium, as well as vitamins A and C, folic acid, iron, beta-carotene, and potassium," says celebrity trainer Teddy Bass. Potassium keeps your muscles and nerves in check while lowering your blood pressure, and research suggests that beta-carotene can reduce the risk of both lung and bladder cancers, as well as macular degeneration. Shoot for a cup a day.

Oysters

Shellfish, in general, is an excellent source of zinc, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, potassium, and selenium. "But the creamy flesh of oysters stands apart for its ability to elevate testosterone levels and protect against prostate cancer," says Bass. "They aren't a food most people will eat regularly, but getting five into your diet twice a week will make your weekends more fun."

Bananas

Athletes and performers are familiar with the calming effect of bananas — a result of the fruit's high concentration of tryptophan, a building block of serotonin. But their real benefit comes from potassium, an electrolyte that helps prevent the loss of calcium from the body.

"Bananas also bolster the nervous system, boost immune function, and help the body metabolize protein," says Bass. "One banana packs a day's worth of potassium, and its carbohydrate content speeds recovery after strenuous exercise."

Kiwis

Like bananas, this fuzzy fruit is high in bone-protecting potassium. "They're also rich in vitamin C and lutein, a carotenoid that can help reduce the risk of heart disease," says Bowerman. "I try to eat at least one or two a week after exercising." Freeze them for a refreshing energy kick, but don't peel the skin: It's edible and packed with nutrients.

Broccoli

Our president's dad may hate this cruciferous all-star, but one cup of broccoli contains a hearty dose of calcium, as well as manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. And that's in addition to its high concentration of vitamins — including A, C, and K — and the phytonutrient sulforaphane, which studies at Johns Hopkins University suggest has powerful anticancer properties.

"One cup a day will do the trick," says Bowerman. Try cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, or cabbage for variation, as all possess many of the same nutritional qualities. "Broccoli may also help reduce excess estrogen levels in the body, thanks to its indole 3-carbinol content," says celebrity trainer Gunnar Petersen.

Spinach

A renowned muscle builder, spinach is also rich in vitamin K, which has been shown to bolster bone-mineral density (thus protecting against osteoporosis) and reduce fracture rates. Spinach is also high in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and even selenium, which may help protect the liver and ward off Alzheimer's.

One more reason to add it to your diet: A study in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that the carotenoid neoxanthin in spinach can kill prostate cancer cells, while the beta-carotene fights colon cancer. "Popeye was on to something," says Bowerman. "Eat one cup of cooked spinach, or two cups raw, four times a week."

Leeks

These scallion-like cousins of garlic and onions are packed with bone-bolstering thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, and potassium. Leeks are also rich in folic acid, a B vitamin that studies have shown to lower levels of the artery-damaging amino acid homocystein in the blood.

What's more, "Leeks can support sexual functioning and reduce the risk of prostate cancer," says Michael Dansinger, MD, an assistant professor of medicine and an obesity researcher at Tufts-New England Medical Center, in Boston. "Chop the green part of a medium leek into thin ribbons and add it to soups, sautés, and salads as often as possible."

Artichokes

Lauded for centuries as an aphrodisiac, this fiber-rich plant contains more bone-building magnesium and potassium than any other vegetable. Its leaves are also rich in flavonoids and polyphenols — antioxidants that can cut the risk of stroke — and vitamin C, which helps maintain the immune system. "Eat them as often as you can," says Bowerman. Ripe ones feel heavy for their size and squeak when squeezed.

6 Ingredients For a Green, Clean Home

By Valerie Rains.

Sure, it’s great to find that one magical product that solves a very specific household problem. (The Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter a multiple-cat-owning friend received as a Christmas gift truly has no equal.) But the truth is, you need little more than the following six ingredients—baking soda, borax, lemon juice, salt, olive oil and white vinegar—to clean just about anything in your home (pet hair excluded). Here are just a few of the many uses for these, well, magical multi-taskers:

1. Baking soda: Acts as a scrub to remove hard water stains; polishes metal; deodorizes pretty much anything it touches (try stashing some in the fridge).

2. Borax: Mixed with three parts water, it makes a paste for cleaning carpet stains; mixed with ¼ part lemon juice, it cleans stainless steel and porcelain. (Note: although borax is a natural substance, you still shouldn’t eat it—and neither should your kids or pets.)

3. Lemon: Deodorizes and cuts grease on counter tops; rubbed on cutting boards, it bleaches stains and disinfects; combined with baking soda, it removes stains from plastic food storage containers.

4. Salt: Another natural scrubber—sprinkle it on cookware or oven surfaces, then rub; add citrus juice to turn it into an effective rust remover.

5. White vinegar: Deodorizes and disinfects; combine with water (and a little liquid soap—I know, it feels like cheating) to clean windows, mirrors, and floors; use at full strength in a spray bottle to fight mold and mildew.

6. Olive Oil: Mix two parts oil with one part lemon juice and use as a natural wood polish. (Save the really good stuff for dinner.)

One added bonus of using natural cleaners: as part of your spring cleaning regimen, you can now clear out all those bottles of specialized (and possibly toxic) potions.

For more tips on rounding out your eco-friendly cleaning closet, see Christina Strutt’s cleaning-pantry-checklist from her new book, A Guide To Green Housekeeping; for a video demonstration of how to mix up some natural cleaning solutions with these ingredients, watch this clip from Decor It Yourself.

What are your best natural cleaning techniques?