Archive for General Health

What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin from the Sun

October 8, 2008 at 7:11 am · Filed under Diet and Nutrition, General Health

By Barbara Levine, R.D., Ph.D.

(ARA) – By now you probably think you’ve heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables. But, just in time for summer, researchers from Harvard University have announced that lutein — a potent antioxidant found in such dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale — may protect the skin from sun damage.

“Lutein has been widely recognized for its eye health benefits for several years. But, our data is the first of its kind to suggest that lutein may have the potential to act as a preventative agent against UVB-induced skin cancer,” said Salvador Gonzalez, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the Harvard research team. “In addition, these data suggest that lutein protects the skin against damage caused by exposure to UVB light, further validating our position that lutein is a critical component to overall skin health.”

Lutein (LOO-teen) is a yellow pigment (the yellow is covered up by chlorophyll in green leaves) found predominantly in vegetables. It is also present in the eyes and skin of the human body. In women, lutein is found in the breasts and cervix. As an antioxidant, lutein protects the eyes from the damaging effects of aging. Lutein also acts as a light filter, protecting against the sun’s harmful rays.

UVA and UVB rays are two types of harmful rays found in sunlight. UVA rays contribute to wrinkling the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are the ones that are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

Good sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays and are critical to skin health. But, you can do even more to protect your skin and eyes when you’re outside this summer.

Safety tips to keep top of mind:

* Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light can cause cataracts and increase your risk of macular degeneration, a disease that causes irreversible blindness.

* If you’re a parent, protect your children’s skin. Research indicates that one or more severe, blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of skin cancer later in life.

* Check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years.

* Eat a healthy diet comprised of green leafy vegetables. Consumption of 6 milligrams of lutein per day (approximately one-third cup of cooked spinach) has been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Vitamins and dietary supplements formulated with purified lutein provide another option for adding this nutrient to a daily diet.

It’s important to note that when lutein is consumed in foods or vitamins, it deposits in various tissues in the body — the eyes, the skin, fat tissue and so on. Therefore, it may also be beneficial to apply lutein directly to the surface of your skin. Several skin care products containing lutein are now available and can be purchased online at www.sephora.com or at salons that carry California Tan Heliotherapy sun care products.

For more information about how lutein can help promote healthy eyes and skin, talk to your doctor and visit the Lutein Information Bureau at www.luteininfo.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content
 
EDITOR’S NOTE: Barbara Levine is associate clinical professor of nutrition in medicine at Cornell University Medical College and chairperson of the Lutein Information Bureau.

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Antioxidant Vitamins and Zinc Reduce Risk of Vision Loss from Age-Related Macular Degeneration

October 8, 2008 at 7:10 am · Filed under General Health, Supplements

(ARA) – Findings from a nationwide clinical trial reported that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss.

Scientists found that people at high risk of developing advanced stages of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss, lowered their risk by about 25 percent when treated with a high-dose combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc. In the same high risk group — which includes people with intermediate AMD, or advanced AMD in one eye but not the other eye — the nutrients reduced the risk of vision loss caused by advanced AMD by about 19 percent. For those study participants who had either no AMD or early AMD, the nutrients did not provide an apparent benefit. The clinical trial — called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) — was sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI), one of the Federal government’s National Institutes of Health.

“This is an exciting discovery because, for people at high risk for developing advanced AMD, these nutrients are the first effective treatment to slow the progression of the disease,” said Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NEI. “AMD is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans 65 years of age and older. Currently, treatment for advanced AMD is quite limited. These nutrients will delay the progression to advanced AMD in people who are at high risk — those with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, or those with advanced AMD in one eye already.

“The nutrients are not a cure for AMD, nor will they restore vision already lost from the disease,” Dr. Sieving said. “But they will play a key role in helping people at high risk for developing advanced AMD keep their vision.”

A common feature of AMD is the presence of drusen, yellow deposits under the retina. Often found in people over age 60, drusen can be seen by an eye care professional during an eye exam in which the pupils are dilated. Drusen by themselves do not usually cause vision loss, but an increase in their size or number increases a person’s risk of developing advanced AMD, which can cause serious vision loss.

Advanced AMD can cause serious vision loss. Scientists are unsure about how or why an increase in the size or number of drusen can sometimes lead to advanced AMD, which affects the sharp, central vision required for the “straight ahead” activities, such as reading, driving and recognizing faces of friends.

“Previous studies have suggested that people who have diets rich in green, leafy vegetables have a lower risk of developing AMD,” said Frederick Ferris, M.D., director of clinical research at the NEI and chairman of the AREDS. “However, the high levels of nutrients that were evaluated in the AREDS are very difficult to achieve from diet alone.

“Almost two-thirds of AREDS participants chose to take a daily multivitamin in addition to their assigned study treatment,” Dr. Ferris said. “The study also showed that, even with a daily multivitamin, people at high risk for developing advanced AMD can lower the risk of vision loss by adding a formulation with the same high levels of antioxidants and zinc used in the study.”

Dr. Ferris said some people with intermediate AMD may not wish to take large doses of antioxidant vitamins or zinc medical reasons. “For example, beta-carotene has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer among smokers,” he said. “These people may want to discuss with their primary care doctor the best combination of nutrients for them. With the use of the high levels of zinc, it is important to add appropriate amounts of copper to the diet to prevent copper deficiency.”

The AREDS participants reported few side effects from the treatments. About 7.5 percent of participants assigned to the zinc treatments — compared with five percent who did not have zinc in their assigned treatment — had urinary tract problems that required hospitalization. Participants in the two groups that took zinc also reported anemia at a slightly higher rate; however, testing of all patients for this disorder showed no difference among treatment groups. Yellowing of the skin, a well-known side effect of large doses of beta-carotene, was reported slightly more often by participants taking antioxidants.

“The AREDS formula is the first demonstrated treatment for people at high risk for developing advanced AMD,” Feris said. “Slowing the progression of AMD to its advanced stage will save the vision of many who would otherwise have had serious vision impairment.”

Courtesy of ARA Content
 
EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information, contact Michael Coogan, NEI Information Office, (301) 496-5248, mjc@nei.nih.gov.

VNR and ANR available in English and Spanish by calling 301-496-5248. Photos and other materials available in downloadable, camera-ready format on the NEI website at http://www.nei.nih.gov/amd

The National Eye Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health and is the Federal government’s lead agency for vision research. NEI-supported research leads to sight-saving treatments and plays a key role in reducing visual impairment and blindness. The NIH is an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

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Aloe Vera – No Wonder They Call It The ‘Miracle Plant’

September 20, 2008 at 3:30 pm · Filed under General Health, Supplements

By Kay BlackistonAloe Vera is a member of the Lily family. It is a succulent that looks a lot like a cactus and is known by various names such as the burnt plant, the miracle plant, the natural healer and the medicine plant. Although there are more than two hundred species of Aloe Vera, only a few have medicinal properties, and of these Aloe Vera Barbadensis is the most beneficial.

The Aloe Vera plant reaches maturity at about four years of age. The outer leaf is smooth and rubbery and inside is the gel and sap which is harvested, preserved and bottled to give either a juice or when combined with other ingredients creams, lotions and gels. About 96% of the plant is water. The rest is made up of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, chromium and the antioxidant selenium, vitamins including the antioxidants C, E and beta carotene, 20 of the 22 amino acids required by the body including 7 of the 8 that cannot be manufactured by the body, sugars, enzymes and fatty acids. The combination of these elements has a more powerful effect together than they would individually. This is because each enhances the effect of the other, an occurrence that is known as synergism.

Aloe Vera works in two different areas; by promoting healing or preventing injury to the epithelial tissues (the skin, the lining of the gut, the bronchial tubes, etc) and by balancing the immune system when its antioxidants fight the free radicals produced by our metabolism and pollutants in the environment.

When taken internally, Aloe Vera is soothing to digestive tract irritations, such as colitis and peptic ulcers. The anti-inflammatory fatty acids are also helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It alkalises the digestive juices preventing overacidity – a common cause of indigestion. Amongst many other ailments that have been helped by Aloe Vera are diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and haemorrhoids. Conditions that are improved by balancing the immune system are arthritis, asthma, ME (post viral fatigue syndrome) and LE (lupus).

When applied to the skin Aloe Vera improves a large variety of skin complaints such as eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, burns, stings, acne, bites, scrapes, abrasions, scalp care, sore muscles, cold sores, bruises, sprains and frostbite to name but a few!

More recent studies show Aloe Vera can help prolong survival time and stimulate the immune system of cancer patients. This is partly by fighting free radicals with its antioxidant properties and also by stimulating the white blood cells causing the release of immune-activating and anticancer substances such as interferons, interleukins and tumour necrosis factor. These properties of Aloe Vera have also made it an effective part of a nutrition support program for HIV patients; leading to fewer occurrences of infections such as thrush, fatigue and diarrhoea and an increase in the number of white blood cells meaning a boost to their immune system.

About The Author

Kay Blackiston has had an interest in health and nutrition for several years. She is now a personal weight loss coach supporting anybody who wishes to take charge of their lives and lose their excess weight. http://www.from-flab-to-fab.com. Various Aloe products are available from: http://www.healthandbeauty-online.com

kayblackiston@msn.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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American Heart Association’s New Health Guide Offers Tips, Debunks Myths

September 20, 2008 at 3:28 pm · Filed under General Health

(ARA) – Every year we tell ourselves that we’re going to lose weight, quit smoking and get in shape, and by mid-year, those resolutions are tossed out the window.Quitting smoking can be difficult due to the physical and mental addiction, and you will need to address both aspects to be successful. And since many Americans are sedentary or have developed bad habits, such as eating when they’re depressed, losing weight and exercising can be the most demanding resolutions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that obesity is becoming more of a problem in the United States than ever before. “In the United States, obesity has risen at an epidemic rate during the past 20 years. Research indicates that the situation is worsening rather than improving.”

The CDC also lists many conditions as health risks associated with obesity, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes
  • Hyperinsulinemia
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory problems
  • Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon)
  • Complications of pregnancy
  • Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities, infertility and irregular ovulation)
  • Bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence)
  • Psychological disorders (such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image and low self esteem)

Add to this staggering list the deaths associated with smoking. According to the CDC, 47 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes. Smoking is responsible for more than 430,000 (one in every five deaths) deaths each year and kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, car crashes, murders, suicides and fires — combined.

If you’ve thought about getting in shape and leading a healthier life, this is the time to exercise, lose weight and quit smoking. You can keep those New Year’s resolutions with simple steps and help from the American Heart Association’s (AHA) new book, “To Your Health! A Guide to Heart-Smart Living.”

The AHA’s new book is an informative look at why fad diets don’t work, what does work, and success stories to keep you motivated. Acting as both a guidebook and workbook, “To Your Health!” concentrates on four steps that simplify making life changes:

  • Taking stock of your life
  • Discovering what you really want
  • Uncovering your personal barriers
  • Starting a simple plan you can live with

Rebecca Mullis, Ph.D., head of the University of Georgia Food and Nutrition Department, explains that we most often fail to keep resolutions when we use the wrong tools.

“Every one of us has our own unique ways to succeed,” said Mullis. “We have to find something we can and want to do to get ourselves moving in the right direction. Telling people who don’t like broccoli that they have to eat it will guarantee that they fail eventually. This book doesn’t give concrete rules, it’s about choices.”

Whether it’s breaking through the 10 biggest exercise excuses, discovering eight reasons to lose weight and 10 secrets to keep it off, or beating the 14 most common smoking triggers, there are tips to help conquer every vice. Along with tips, each chapter features self-tests — quizzes that help people discover what causes them to backslide and what can drive them to succeed.

One man’s lifelong struggle with weight loss expresses the most important point about taking control of your life and making it a healthier one. “I — and I alone — am responsible for my size,” says Ralph, an overweight child and obese adult. “I determine my own fate.”

You can lose weight, start exercising and quit smoking if you want to make those choices. “To Your Health!” will help you to stay focused and succeed in your health goals.

To Your Health! A Guide to Heart-Smart Living is available from general retailers and booksellers. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit its Web site at www.americanheart.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Eliminate Agonizing Hand Pain Quickly and Easily!

September 20, 2008 at 3:25 pm · Filed under General Health, Joint Health

By Nathan WeiAccording to Dr. Nathan Wei, “The hand and wrist are the mirrors of disease.” While the cause of hand pain can be a localized problem, hand pain can also be the presenting sign for other diseases.
The wrist and hand are capable of power and precision. As a result, pain and swelling are often accompanied by weakness of grip in hand disorders. A careful history and a complete physical examination are important. The presence of symptoms elsewhere in the body is important to establish.

Two serious hand problems are:

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). This is caused by a disorder of the sympathetic nervous system. Typically, it is described as a burning pain. The precipitating factor may be trauma Color changes including purplish discoloration of the fingers may occur. The treatment involves a special procedure called stellate ganglion block. Usually performed by an anesthesiologist, this procedure is often very effective.
• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. The hand becomes swollen and painful. This picture occasionally occurs in patients with underlying cancers.

Other hand problems that point to other diseases:

• Psoriasis may also cause pitting or lifting up (onycholysis) of the fingernails.
• Abnormal blood vessel patterns near the fingernails may signify auto-immune diseases like lupus.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon… When fingers blanch (turn white) this may be a sign of an underlying autoimmune problem such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma.
• Bumps, called “nodules” can develop as a result of osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Depuytren’s contracture is a problem where the skin in the palm may become thickened and shortened. A cord of tissue develops and causes fingers to bend into the palm. Treatment for this problem may be steroid injection, splinting, and physical therapy. Surgery is often needed. This condition occurs with other medical diseases.

Virtually all types of arthritis can affect the wrist and hand.
Arthritis when untreated or poorly treated will lead to deformity. Tendonitis is another common problem in the wrist and hand. In the wrist, tendonitis usually causes pain and localized swelling. Tendonitis can be confused with arthritis.

Tendonitis in the hand is most common in the palm. This causes locking or triggering of the fingers. Steroid injection and physical therapy are usually effective treatments. Treatment consists of anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injection, splinting, and occasionally physical therapy.

Tips to make your hand pain better…

• Wear splints if you’re going to be doing a lot of repetitive motions
• Use your whole arm instead of just your hand and wrist
• Enlarge the handles on your tools. You can get kitchen utensils and writing implements with enlarges handles. They’re worth it.
• Make sure to take rest breaks.
• Avoid repetitive movements when possible.
• Carry objects with the palms open and flat. This will take the pressure off your wrists and fingers.

A common cause of hand pain is carpal tunnel syndrome
… pinching of the median nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a symptom- much like fever… it is not a disease! It is the most common cause of tingling in the hands. Besides tingling, burning pain may also occur. Patients often have discomfort at night that is relieved by hanging the affected hand over the side of the bed or vigorously shaking the hands. The discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome can also be brought on by holding up the newspaper while reading, or by driving. Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include arthritis, endocrine problems, pregnancy, trauma, infection, tumors, and overuse. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity. Mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome is treated with splinting, sometimes steroid injection, and avoidance of overuse. For patients with carpal tunnel syndrome that doesn’t respond to conservative measures or where the carpal tunnel syndrome is severe, surgery is indicated.
Radial nerve damage leads to wrist drop. Radial nerve pressure in the wrist can occur as a result of repetitive motion, tight pressure (handcuffs, watchbands, bracelets), diabetes, and trauma. Ulnar nerve damage and compression in the wrist can cause a “claw hand.” Treatment consists of anti-inflammatory medication, rest, splinting, injection, and sometimes surgery.
Treatment of hand disorders is entirely dependent on making an accurate and specific diagnosis.

Dr. Wei (pronounced “way”) is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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