Regular Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

Crossing Your Legs
Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

Not Changing Your Toothbrush
How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.

Eating Out Often
There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light
the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods. Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian food
restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you're getting served light and healthy food.

Skipping Breakfast
Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.

High Heels
High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.

Sleeping On A Soft Bed
You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.

Pillows
No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support.

Not Exercising
So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short. Forgive quickly. Love truly. Laugh often, and never regret anything that made you smile.

Now This Miracle Drink!

This MIRACLE DRINK has been circulating for a long time ago. It is worth your while to take note. There is a celebrity Mr. Seto who swears by it. He wants to make it public to draw the attention of people who have cancers. This is a drink that can protect bad cells forming in your body or it will restrain its growth! Mr. Seto had lung cancer. He was recommended to take this drink by a famous Herbalist from China. He has taken this drink diligently for 3 months and now his health is restored, and he is ready to take a pleasure trip.

Thanks to this drink!

How to Prepare the Drink: Very Easy Indeed

You need one potato, one carrot and one apple.
Wash the above,cut with the skin on into pieces and put them into the juicer and drink it immediately.
You can add lime or lemon for more refreshing taste.

This Miracle Drink is effective for the following ailments:

1. Prevent cancer cells to develop. It will restrain cancer cells to grow.

2. Prevent liver, kidney, pancreas decease and it can cure ulcer as well.

3. Strengthen the lung, prevent heart attack and high blood pressure.

4. Strengthen the immune system

5. Good for the eyesight, eliminate red and tired eyes or dry eyes

6. Help to eliminate pain from physical training, muscle ache

7. Detoxify, assist bowel movement, eliminate constipation. Therefore, make skin LOOK healthy & more radiant. It is God sent for acne problem.

8. Improve bad breath due to indigestion and throat infection

9. Lessen menstrual pain

10. Assist Hay Fever Sufferer.

There is absolutely no side effect.

Highly nutritious and easily absorbs! Very effective if you need to loose weight. You will notice your immune system will be improved after 2 week routine. Please make sure to drink immediately from the juicer for best effect.

When to Drink It
Drink it first thing in the morning with empty stomach. Please do not take your breakfast for at least one hour after you drink this miracle drink.
For fast results drink 2 times a day, in the morning and before 5 pm.

2011 Happy New Year

The Miracle of Green Tea

	"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." (Ancient Chinese Proverb)
	Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years. Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful: cancer rheumatoid arthritis high cholesterol levels cariovascular disease infection impaired immune function What makes green tea so special? The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke. Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers. Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases. Other Benefits New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo. Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market. Harmful Effects? To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee. Green Tea Health Benefits How much Green Tea should you drink? There are as many answers to this question as there are researchers investigating the natural properties of green tea. For example, Herbs for Health magazine cites a Japanese report stating that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day (there are approximately 240 - 320 mg of polyphenols in three cups of green tea). Meanwhile, a study by Cleveland's Western Reserve University concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease. And Japanese scientists at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute discovered that there were fewer recurrances of breast cancer, and the disease spread less quickly, in women with a history of drinking five cups or more of green tea daily.

12 Myths To Ignore About Breast Cancer

By Danielle Kosecki and Lauren Gelman

So many rumors and controversies surround breast cancer—what really causes it, what really prevents it—that it can be hard to know whom to believe. Just because a friend swears that wearing a bra can cause breast cancer doesn't mean it's true. And if you think that you're not at risk because there's no breast cancer in your family, you might be mistaken. The truth is that scientists still don't know what causes breast cancer—only that certain factors, such as obesity or drinking too much alcohol—may increase risk.

That's why Prevention has teamed up with a new organization called the Love/Avon Army of Women, whose mission is to help scientists better understand what causes breast cancer so we can prevent it once and for all. Learn more about this amazing initiative here, and then read on to separate breast cancer fact from fiction.

Myth: Breast cancer is largely genetic.
Fact: Just 5 to 10% of cases are due to faulty breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Even in women who have a family history, many cases are due not to specific gene mutations, according to the American Cancer Society, but, rather, to a combination of shared lifestyle factors and genetic susceptibilities. The truth is that scientists still have no idea what causes breast cancer. But one of the best ways to find out is to compare women who've never had it with those who have or who face an increased risk—the type of research the Army of Women hopes to contribute to.

Myth: Small-chested women have a lower risk.
Fact: Your bra size doesn't play a role in whether or not you get breast cancer. All breast cancers develop in the cells that line the ducts or lobules—the parts that make milk and carry it to the nipple—and all women have the same number of these, regardless of breast size. What makes breasts bigger or smaller is generally the amount of fat and stroma (fibrous tissue), which research shows have little impact on cancer odds. Bottom line: All women 40 and older need regular mammograms.

20 Ways to never get cancer.

Myth: Breast cancer always appears as a lump.
Fact: Approximately 10% of those diagnosed with breast cancer have no lumps, pain, or other indications of a problem in their breasts. And among lumps that are detected, 80 to 85% are benign. They're often cysts or noncancerous tumors called fibroadenomas. That said, any lump or breast symptom (especially from the list below) that does not go away should be checked by a doctor.

• A change in how the breast or nipple feels or looks
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• Breast pain or nipple tenderness
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• A nipple or skin that turns inward into the breast
• Feeling warm to the touch
• Scaly, red, or swollen skin of the breast, areola, or nipple, perhaps with ridges or pitting that resembles an orange peel
• Nipple discharge

Myth: Mammograms prevent or reduce your risk.
Fact: Regular mammograms will not prevent or reduce your risk of breast cancer. They just detect breast cancer that already exists—reducing deaths among breast cancer patients by about 16%. However, most breast cancers have been present for 6 to 8 years by the time they appear on mammograms, and screening misses up to 20% of all tumors. That's why it's important that all women have an annual breast exam performed by a health care provider and pay close attention to their own bodies to spot potential changes as early as possible. Getting a high-quality mammogram and having a clinical breast exam on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, but we still need more information about how women can prevent it in the first place—which is where the Army of Women plays an important role.

Myth: Mammograms cause breast cancer.
Fact: The risk of harm from radiation is minuscule compared to the huge benefits of early detection. The ACS recommends that women 40 and older have a mammogram every year. Radiation doses are regulated by the FDA and are fairly low—equivalent to the amount the average person receives from naturally occurring sources over 3 months. Also, women today receive 50 times less radiation from mammograms than they did 20 years ago, with the risk of long-term health effects being almost zero, according to the FDA. As each case of breast cancer is different, every woman should talk with her doctor about her personal risk factors for breast cancer. Those at high risk may need to start getting mammograms before age 40 or couple them with more sensitive screening methods, like MRI.

Myth: Birth control pills cause breast cancer.
Fact: Doctors say the evidence isn't strong enough for them to recommend that women stop taking birth control pills to avoid breast cancer. Some studies from the mid '90s showed that birth control users had a slightly increased risk, but researchers caution that pill formulations have changed since then (most contain much lower doses of the hormones linked to breast cancer risk). This research also found that the risk returned to normal 10 years after women stopped taking the pills. Some research suggests that risk may depend on ethnicity or age (African-Americans and those who take pills after age 45 have a slightly increased risk), while other studies found no association between pills and cancer whatsoever. "This suggests that birth control-related breast cancer risk may not be the same for all women," says Susan Love, MD, a breast cancer surgeon and founder of the Army of Women, "which is why we need the Army of Women to help figure out whether subgroups have different risks."

The Anti-Cancer Diet.

Myth: Young women don't get breast cancer.
Fact: While it's true the disease is more common in postmenopausal women, breast cancer can affect people of any age. In fact, women under 50 account for 25% of all breast cancer cases, and they tend to have higher mortality rates. This may be partly explained by the fact that younger women tend to have denser breasts, which makes it harder to spot lumps during mammograms. Because of this, it's a good idea to perform monthly self breast exams starting at age 20, have a clinical exam by a doctor every 3 years, and start mammographic screening at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, ask your doctor about also getting a breast MRI: Younger women who get breast cancer are more likely to have a mutation in the BRCA 1 or 2 genes than older women are, and one study found that MRI picked up 77% of cancers in these women, compared with 36% by mammography. If your doctor says you have dense breasts, request a digital mammogram, which found 15% more cancers than standard mammograms in women under 50 and 11% more in women with dense breasts in a 2005 study.

Myth: Deodorant and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
Fact: Skipping these toiletries won't keep your breasts cancer free. One email rumor claimed that antiperspirant prevents you from sweating out toxins, which can then accumulate in the lymph nodes and cause breast cancer. But in 2002, researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle conducted a study to address this rumor—and found no link between deodorant or antiperspirant and breast cancer. A second rumor speculated that certain chemicals in antiperspirants, such as aluminum and parabens, may cause breast cancer because there is a lower prevalence of the disease in developing countries where women don't use these products. However, toxins are not usually released through sweat, and in Europe, where antiperspirants are not widely used, the rate of breast cancer is higher than it is in the United States. Finally, although a 2004 study found parabens in the tissue of breast cancer tumors, so far no studies have shown that these or any other chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.

Myth: Wearing a bra increases your cancer risk.
Fact: There is no good scientific or clinical basis to support the claim that plain or underwire bras cause breast cancer. This rumor appears to have started after a book called Dressed to Kill suggested that bras obstruct toxin-laden lymph fluid from flowing out of the breast. However, this was speculation based on a survey and no scientific evidence. Since then, major medical institutions, such as the National Cancer Institute and the ACS, have refuted the claim. If nonbra wearers do get breast cancer less often, it's probably because they tend to be thinner; obesity is a known risk factor.

Myth: Drinking from a plastic water bottle left in a hot car can cause cancer.
Fact: This rumor falsely claims that dioxins—a group of toxic chemicals associated with an array of health problems, including breast cancer—leach from the heated plastic into the water.

Plastics do not contain dioxins, and the sun's rays are not strong enough to create them, says Michael Trush, PhD, deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Urban Environmental Health.

Most single-use beverage bottles sold in the United States are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a substance tested extensively for safety. There is some evidence that heat can cause bisphenol A (BPA), a compound that's been shown to have estrogenic effects in animal studies, to leach from plastic bottles into the water. (The "estrogenic effects" are thought to impact cancer risk.) However, most single-use water bottles sold in the United States are made from BPA-free plastic. And there's no proven link to breast cancer in women anyway. To be safe, drink from a reusable plastic bottle labeled "BPA free," or choose water bottles with a "1," "2," "4," or "5" in the recycling symbol on the bottom.

Myth: I had a normal mammogram, so I don't need to worry about breast cancer.
Fact: Mammograms offer our best means of early detection—current guidelines still recommend them annually for women 40 and older—but they're not perfect. Research shows they can miss up to 20% of breast cancers in women who don't have any symptoms. Mammography reduces a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer by only 16%, according to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. And just because one exam comes back normal doesn't mean breast cancer won't develop later—which is why current guidelines call for mammograms annually. To be safe, do self breast exams, paying particular attention to any changes in how your breasts look or feel. Women under 40 should have a clinical exam done every 3 years. Women 40 and older should get one yearly, along with a mammogram. Ask your doctor about the latest screening technology: Digital mammograms detected 15% more cancers in women under age 50 and 11% more in women with dense breasts, according to one study, and digital MRIs picked up 77% of cancers in women with a genetic mutation, compared with 36% detected by mammography. An MRI should be used in conjunction with, not instead of, a mammogram, according to the ACS.

Myth: Breast cancer is preventable.
Fact: Although you can certainly address certain risk factors like obesity and inactivity, there's not enough information about what causes breast cancer for women to prevent it completely.

"There is a difference between things that are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, such as obesity after menopause and alcohol, and what actually causes cancer," says Love. "It is likely that these are not the cause but either promote it or are in some way linked with it." A drug called Tamoxifen may reduce the risk of breast cancer in certain high-risk women—although more research is needed for treatments that apply to the general population—and double mastectomies can reduce the risk of breast cancer by more than 90% in women with a very high risk. To prevent breast cancer once and for all, more research is needed—especially studies that examine differences between women who get it and those who don't. By joining the Army of Women, you can help make this research happen.

The Surprising Benefits of Lemon

This is an email I have received from a friend about the surprising benefits of lemon.

It mentioned Institute of Health Sciences, 819 N. L.L.C. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 1201 and claimed this is the latest in medicine, effective for cancer!

Benefits of lemon.

Lemon (Citrus) is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells. It is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy. Why do we not know about that? Because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits. You can now help a friend in need by letting him know that lemon juice is beneficial in preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and it does not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy. If you can, plant a lemon tree in your garden or patio. How many people die while this is a closely guarded secret so as not to jeopardize the beneficial multimilionnaires large corporations? As you know, the lemon tree is down, does not occupy much space and is known for its varieties of lemons and limes. You can eat the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbets, pastries, ... He is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors. This plant is a proven remedy against cancers of all types. Some say it is very useful in all variants of cancer. It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood pressure is too high and antidepressant, combat stress and nervous disorders.

The source of this information is fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world, says that after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, the extracts revealed that: It destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas ... The compounds of this tree act showed 10,000 times better than the product Adriamycin, a drug normally used chimiothérapeutte in the world, slowing the growth of cancer cells. And what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract not only destroys malignant cancer cells and does not affect healthy cells.

Are you buying the news?

Fruits Which Are Delicious And Help To Prevent Cancer

Delicious Yet Help To Prevent Cancer

Cancer prevention starts with a healthy diet. The following fruits, while common in our daily life, are healthy and can help in prevention of the disease.

1. Grapes: Grapes contain resveratrol which prevents normal cell from becoming cancerous and inhibits the spreading of malignant cells. Chinese medicine believes that grapes are good for many body functions. Sour grapes are suitable for cancer patients after surgery or undergoing radiotherapy.
2. Strawberry: Ellagic acid in strawberry can protect the body against carcinogens harm and certain effects in anti-cancer. Strawberry is effective in easing out nasopharyngeal, lung, and laryngeal cancer patients with radiation reaction.
3. Banana: It is found that banana extract can control intrinsic carcinogens such as aflatoxin B1. Animal studies found that magnesium deficiency could significantly weaken the body's ability to fight cancer cells. Banana contains magnesium and potassium to help prevention of cancer. Banana benefits colorectal cancer patients in alleviating symptoms resulted from radiotherapy.
4. Fig: Fig contains ingredients that can fight tumors, control cancer cells and inhibit protein synthesis. Six cancer hospitals, through the observation of more than 1,300 patients, found that figs can be used as the daily diet for cancer patients including ascites carcinoma, sarcoma, liver, lung, and other tumors with good therapeutic results.
5. Kiwi: Each 100 grams of the kiwifruit contains 150 mg. of vitamin C, topping all kinds of fruits. Through the protection barriers of the interstitial cells, kiwi can eliminate carcinogenic substances. It is believe this effect can help to lengthen the survival period of cancer patients. The mildly sour kiwifruit is especially suitable for certain cancer patients after radiotherapy (i.e., breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, etc.)

Bad Breath Remedial Soup

Are you embarrass by your bad breath which prevent you to talk confidently with others? Then how about trying this menu to overcome the problem!

Bad Breath Remedial Soup

Ingredients:

1 piece of green turnip,
2 pieces of tofu (bean curds),
1 tilapia (or Japanese seaperch), pan fry it before preparing soup,
3 slices of ginger.

Method:

Put the above ingredients to a cook ware, add water, slowly cook for about 2 hours. Add desirable amount of salt at your preference.

Happy nice meal and fresh breath!!!

Michael Douglas says tumour gone, cancer may be beat

LOS ANGELES, Jan 11 — Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas,

who revealed in August that he had throat cancer, said
yesterday that his tumour is gone and chances are good he has
beaten cancer. In an interview with US morning news and talk
show “Today,” Douglas told co-host Matt Lauer: “I feel good,
relieved.”

“The tumour is gone. But, you know, I have to check out on a monthly basis now to maintain. I guess there’s not a total euphoria. I’ll probably take a couple of months of getting checked out. But it’s been a wild six-month ride,” Douglas said in a transcript of the interview released by the NBC network.

A portion of the segment will air today, and the full interview will air on “Dateline NBC” on January 23.

Lauer asked Douglas about putting on weight after radiation treatments, and Douglas said he had been “eating like a pig.” He is working out in a gym and even planning for an upcoming film role as famed pianist Liberace, he said.

“I think the odds are, with the tumour gone and what I know about this particular type of cancer, that I’ve got it beat,” Douglas told Lauer.

Douglas, 66, made a surprise announcement in August that doctors had diagnosed him with stage IV throat cancer but he was optimistic he would recover. Given the late stage of the tumour, however, many fans were concerned.

In the months since, Douglas has only sporadically appeared in the media and has been seen most often in paparazzi pictures walking the streets of New York with family members.

On “Today,” Douglas told Lauer he had lost 32 pounds during treatment, but had recently added back 12 pounds. He said he had lost a lot of muscle mass and that radiation treatment caused his salivary ducts to stop functioning for a time.

Read more here.

10 Foods That Can Help You Sleep

By Sarah Jio
Source: Here

Trying to get more shut-eye? Take a look at your diet. Eating the right foods in the hours before you hit the hay may help you fall asleep faster, say experts, and even improve the quality of your sleep. Keep reading for your get-sleepy grocery list, and remember to stop noshing two hours before bedtime to give your body enough time to properly digest.

Almonds

“Almonds are a winner,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, and author of the bestselling book From Fatigued to Fantastic! “They contain magnesium which promotes both sleep and muscle relaxation,” he says. “And they have the added benefit of supplying proteins that can help maintain a stable blood sugar level while sleeping, and help promote sleep by switching you from your alert adrenaline cycle to your rest-and-digest cycle.” Try this bedtime snack: Have a tablespoon of almond butter or a 1-ounce portion of almonds to help your body relax. Photo: Shutterstock

Tea

Yes, avoiding all caffeine in the evening hours is key, but some decaf varieties can help get you into sleep mode, says Dr. Teitelbaum. “Chamomile tea is a very helpful and safe sleep aid,” he says, adding that green tea is another good choice. “Green tea contains theanine, which helps promote sleep. Just be sure you get a decaf green tea if drinking it at bedtime.” Experts recommend trying a 1-cup serving of the hot stuff. Photo: Thinkstock

Miso Soup

You love to order this comforting, broth-based soup in Japanese restaurants, but keeping a few 8-ounce packs of instant miso soup at home may be key when you’re having trouble falling asleep, says Stella Metsovas, CN, a nutritionist in Laguna Beach, California. Here’s why: Miso contains amino acids that may boost the production of melatonin, a natural hormone that can help induce the yawns. Bonus: Research shows that warm liquids like soup and tea may also relieve cold symptoms, helping you sleep better when you're feeling under the weather. Photo: Shutterstock

Find out 9 surprising facts about your dreams and what they mean.

Banana

Worried about falling asleep tonight? Have a banana before bed, says Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, an internist and the author of Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves. “Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium, which help to relax overstressed muscles. They also contain tryptophan, which convert to serotonin and melatonin, the brain’s key calming hormones." Try this tasty and incredibly simple bedtime smoothie: Blend one banana with one cup of milk or soy milk (and ice, if desired). Pour and enjoy! Photo: Shutterstock

Dairy

Yogurt, milk and cheese do contain tryptophan, notes Dr. Dalton-Smith, but also have a surprising sleep-inducing nutrient: “Calcium is effective in stress reduction and stabilization of nerve fibers, including those in the brain." That means a serving of your favorite Greek yogurt before bed can not only help you sleep, but also help you stop worrying about the weird thing your boss said earlier at work. Photo: Thinkstock

Oatmeal

You eat it for breakfast, but could a bowl of warm oatmeal help you get more rest? Yes, says Stephan Dorlandt, a clinical nutritionist based in Southern California. “Think about it,” he says. “Oatmeal is warm,soft, soothing, easy to prepare, inexpensive and nourishing. It’s rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and potassium—the who's who of nutrients known to support sleep.” But go easy on the sweeteners; too much sugar before bed can have an anti-calming effect. Instead, consider topping your bowl with fruit, like bananas (see above). Photo: Shutterstock

Hard-Cooked Egg

If you have trouble staying asleep at night, it may be because you didn’t eat a pre-bedtime snack high in protein, or perhaps your snack was too high in simple, high-sugar carbohydrates, like cake and candy. “The problem with simple carbs is that they can put you on a ‘sugar roller coaster’ and drop your blood sugar while you're sleeping, causing you to wake at 2 or 3 in the morning,” says Dr. Teitelbaum. A better bet? “Eat an egg, cheese, nuts or other protein-rich snack instead,” he says, “so you can not only fall asleep, but stay asleep.” Photo: Shutterstock

Edamame

Craving a salty snack before bed? Turn to lightly salted edamame, says Dr. Dalton-Smith—especially if you’re dealing with menopause-related symptoms. “The natural estrogen-like compounds found in soy-based products can be very beneficial in controlling those nighttime hot flashes that can disturb your sleep,” she says. If it’s crackers and dip you’re craving, try making this easy edamame recipe: In a food processor, blend together 2 cups of shelled, cooked edamame with 1 tsp salt, a drizzle of olive oil and 1 clove garlic (optional) until smooth. Photo: Thinkstock

Cherries

Oddly, a glass of cherry juice may be an effective way to fall asleep faster, says a team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Rochester. In their study, they found that cherries, particularly tart cherries, naturally boosted the body’s supply of melatonin, which helped people with insomnia. While the jury is still out on how much juice or how many cherries are needed to make you sleepy, experts say sipping a glass of cherry juice (available at most natural foods stores) or having a serving of fresh, frozen or dried cherries before bedtime couldn’t hurt. Photo: Thinkstock

Cereal

There’s no need to feel guilty about having a small bowl of cereal before bed, especially if it’s a low-sugar, whole-grain cereal. Not only is it a healthy snack (make sure you top it with milk to give your body the protein it needs), but it may also help you snooze. “Complex carbohydrate–rich foods increase the availability of tryptophan in the bloodstream, increasing the sleep-inducing effects,” says Dr. Dalton-Smith. Bonus: Top your bowl with a sprinkling of dried cherries (see above) for extra help catching your zzz's. Photo: Thinkstock

Can't Find Out Reasons for High Incident of Cancer

Ohio child cancers confound parents, investigators

Since 1996, 35 children have been diagnosed — and three have died — of brain tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, and other forms of cancer — all within a 12-mile wide circle that includes two small towns and farmland just south of Lake Erie. With many of the diagnoses coming between 2002 and 2006, state health authorities declared it a cancer cluster, saying the number and type of diagnoses exceed what would be expected statistically for so small a population over that time.

"All you think about is what happened to these kids," said Donna Hisey, 43, the mother whose family has been devastated by cancer. "Is it gone? Or is it still here? What is it?!"

After three years of exhaustive investigation, no cause is known. Investigators have tested wells and public drinking water, sampled groundwater and air near factories and checked homes, schools and industries for radiation.

Read more here.

Low Dose Aspirin Cuts Cancer Risks

08 December 2010 @ 09:46 am EST

A new investigation reveals that a long term use of aspirin in low dosage can significantly reduce the risk of dying due to cancer. A British research team presented evidence showing the a low dose of aspirin in 75 milligrams that is taken daily for not less than five years brings a drop of 10 to 60 percent in cancer risks depending on its severity and type.

These specific findings are rooted from a new analysis of eight studies which involved more than 25,500 patients. This is initially conducted in order to see the potential of low-dose aspirin to protect against cardiovascular diseases. The observations made are designed according to the previous research conducted by the same researchers. They reported in October that a long-term regimen of low-dose aspirin can, in a way, drop the risk of deaths due to colorectal cancer by nearly one third.The study team noted that the findings had provided a tangible proof that aspirin can help man in reducing certain deaths due to cancers. However, Prof. Peter Rothwell, the study’s lead author from John Radcliffe Hospital and the University of Oxford, noted that the results are not the same as to saying that all adults should instantly take aspirin. Rothwell said that there were major benefits shown in using aspirin that have not been included before into the guideline recommendations. However, the guideline also states clearly that aspirin intake can result to bleeding, which may outdo the benefits from stroke and heart attacks prevention. Rothwell further noted that the reduction in deaths caused by most common cancers will now modify the said balance for most people.

Rothwell, together with his colleagues, made their findings available online on December 7 in the online edition of The Lancet. The said research was conducted for about four to eight years. The patients, however, have been monitored for more than 20 years after. Some of them were given low dosage of aspirin while the others were not.

During the undertaking of the studies, as the authors said, the overall risk of cancer deaths plunged by 21 percent among the patients who have been taking low dosage of aspirin. The long term benefits for other patients only showed five years after the studies has ended.

After five years, deaths that were caused by gastrointestinal cancers dropped by 54 percent among the patients who underwent low-dose aspirin regimen. However, the benefit of low-dose aspirin for colorectal cancer was not visible until after 10 years. On the other hand, it took 15 years to see the benefits of low-dose aspirin in prostate cancer.

After 22 years after the initial study was conducted, death risks fell by 10 percent among those with prostate cancer. Lung cancer patients also saw an improvement, with 30 percent drop on death risks. 40 percent of colorectal cancer deaths have been cut down and lastly, 60 percent drop was visible among esophageal cancer patients.

Read more here:

Protein Requirement in Chemotherapy

November 30, 2010 - By Jim Duffy

Cancer is the unrestrained increase of cells because of DNA injury (mutations) and often, because of an inherited propensity to develop certain tumors. Chemotherapy is mostly a cancer treatment that uses medication to prevent the increase of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from separating. Because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, healthy cells that normally grow and divide rapidly might also be affected by the cancer treatments. These include cells within the mouth and digestive tract and scalp causing nausea and balding, which are usually temporary and reversible.

Cancer and cancer treatments might have negative affects on nutrition along with psychologically in depressive disorders or nervousness. Chemotherapy might also bring about side effects that interfere with eating and digestion. The subsequent unwanted side effects are common: poor appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, inflammation and sores within the mouth, changes in the way in which food tastes, and infections [Wojtaszek et al, 2002].

Whereas as normal, healthy adult could only require 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of actual body weight per day, patients undergoing chemotherapy require 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight every day [Gelinas et al, 1990, Bell et al, 1996]. Because of this it is clear to see why nutrition is crucial for cancer patients going through chemotherapy. The goal for almost any cancer patient, before after as well as during treatment is always to attain an adequate amount of calories every day for weight maintenance and protein to optimize the immune system, strength, and tolerance to treatments. However, it is grueling for a number of patients to get the nutrients needed to develop healthy blood counts between chemotherapy treatments when dealing with the negative effects that come with the treatment. In cancer patients nutrition therapy is advantageous in treating uncomfortable side effects and providing the necessary nutrients to help tolerate and get through treatment, avert weight loss, and sustain general health. Nutrition therapy includes supplements high in calories and protein, and tube feedings.

In cancer patients going through chemotherapy it is critical that diet and nutrition be centered on what can be tolerated in managing the various symptoms. It’s vital to manage these symptoms while maintaining the aims for sufficient calories and protein.

The most common secondary diagnosis in people diagnosed with cancer is protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) which stems from insufficient intake of carbohydrate, protein, and fat to satisfy metabolic requirements and/or the reduced absorption of macronutrients. [McMahon et al, 1998, Colasanto et al 2005]. Anorexia is an nearly universal side effect in people with advanced cancer because the loss of appetite or need to eat is usually gift in fifteen to twenty five percent of all cancer patients at diagnosis and may also occur as a side effect of treatments.

Good nutrition practices can help cancer patients maintain weight and also the body’s nutrition stores, offering relief from nutrition impact symptoms and improving quality of life [American Cancer Society, 2002]. Over and over again patients with inadequate nutrition practices wind up malnourished, with worse treatment uncomfortable side effects, and increased risk of infection which reduces their probabilities of survival [Vigano et al, 1994].

In an endeavor to avert losing weight cancer patients normally require a high calorie diet. They’ll additionally require a diet that’s high in protein content to forestall muscle wasting Foods which are rich in protein provide the body with amino acids, that help to assemble, fix, and sustain cells and muscle tissue, to repair wounds, also to maintain the immune system.

Your body utilizes proteins for tissue growth and repair. Cancer patients going through chemotherapy commonly go through an increase protein loss. If untreated this will cause malnutrition. Protein supplements like casein and whey help our bodies in supplying the increased demand for proteins. Unfortunately digesting abilities might be impacted by the side effects of chemotherapy. For that reason little recurrent meals of easy to digest foods need to be given every day is what is recommended. Casein meets this criterion. Casein’s capability to form a clot in the stomach that releases amino acids into the blood stream at a decelerated rate and its simple digestibility allow it to be perfect in this application. This facilitates with our body’s need for an increased supply of amino acids essential for energy and protein synthesis. Chemotherapy treatments decrease one’s immunity levels. In an effort to boost immunity one might take whey protein. In a normal person, GSH is present in the body, which prevents the formation of cancerous cells. The precursor of GSH is the amino acid cysteine which can be available in whey proteins. The concentration of important amino acids is higher in whey protein than it is in all of the vegetable proteins. It is suggested that casein and whey proteins are used to support chemotherapy nutrition since the amino acids within whey are efficiently absorbed and utilized by the body.

References
American Cancer Society.: Nutrition for the Person with Cancer: A Guide for Patients and Families. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society, Inc., 2000.

Bell SJ, Forse, RA. Positive Nutrition for HIV Infection and AIDS. ChroniMed: Minneapolis, 1996

Colasanto JM, Prasad P, Nash MA, Decker RH, Wilson LD.: Nutritional support of patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Oncology (Huntingt). Mar;19(3):371-9, 2005

Counous, G: Whey protein concentrates (WPC) and glutathione modulation in cancer treatment. Anticancer Research, 20: 4785-4792, 2000.

Gelinas MD, Bell SJ, Akerman P, Blackburn GL. A practical guide to managing nutrition in cancer patients. In: Bloch AS (ed.). Nutritional Management of the Cancer Patient. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 138-158, 1990.

Langstein HN, Norton JA: Mechanisms of cancer cachexia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 5 (1): 103-23, 1991.

McMahon K, Decker G, Ottery FD: Integrating proactive nutritional assessment in clinical practices to prevent complications and cost. Semin Oncol 25 (2 Suppl 6): 20-7, 1998.

Source:


Tisdale MJ: Cancer cachexia. Anticancer Drugs 4 (2): 115-25, 1993.

Vigano A, Watanabe S, Bruera E: Anorexia and cachexia in advanced cancer patients. Cancer Surv 21: 99-115, 1994.

Walzem RL, Dillard CJ, German JB: Whey components: millennia of evolution create functionalities for mammalian nutrition: what we know and what we may be overlooking. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 42:353-375, 2002

Wojtaszek CA, Kochis LM, Cunningham RS: Nutrition impact symptoms in the oncology patient. Oncology Issues 17 (2): 15-7, 2002.

Source: http://www.helpwithcancer.org/?expref=next-blog

The Tragedy of Preventable Blindness

Sanitation, funds, simple operations could save sight for millions

According to the World Health Organization, some 314 million people are visually impaired worldwide, 45 million of them totally blind. The tragedy is that three-quarters of all blindness can be prevented or treated.

Avoidable blindness poses an enormous challenge to the global health care system, particularly in low- and middle- income countries. There are 9 million people in Africa alone with preventable blindness, 50-75 percent due to cataracts and 5 percent from glaucoma, says Keerti Bhusan Pradhan, who represents the NGO Right to Sight, and who is to present research he did in Africa at the Irish Forum for Global Health biennial conference Nov. 29 and 30.

And, while Pradhan’s work has centered on Africa, his research applies equally to Asia. There are 4 million blind in Pakistan, 1.3 million in Indonesia. There are 12 million blind in India, with eye-damaging diabetes increasing in what health authorities call epidemic proportions. Most visually impaired people are older and females are more at risk at every age, in every part of the world. About 87 percent of the world's visually impaired live in developing countries.

Although 50 to 75 percent of blindness is attributable to cataracts, the health response has been appalling. According to the WHO, cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective treatments that can be offered in developing countries. It can allow people to increase their economic productivity by up to 1,500 percent of the cost of the surgery during the first post-operative year.

In Pakistan, for instance, it is a simple one-hour procedure that costs about US$30, but that figure is well beyond what many can afford in the developing world.

Besides cataract and glaucoma, other causes are age-related macular degeneration, corneal opacities, diabetic retinopathy, trachoma, and eye conditions in children including those caused by vitamin A deficiency. Age-related blindness is increasing throughout the world, as is blindness due to uncontrolled diabetes. The Netherlands-based IRC International Water and Sanitation Center reports that simple face washing and improved access to safe water and sanitation would play a major role in eliminating trachoma, which currently blinds more than 6 million people across the world, with 150 million at risk from infection.

NGO Right To Sight is dedicated to eradicating preventable blindness through the use of proven techniques in cost recovery, training and surgical practice. One of his major landmarks is his contribution to improving eye care and preventing avoidable blindness in India as well as many countries in Africa.

There are many challenges to initiatives that aim to eliminate avoidable blindness and two major ones are inconsistent quality of care and shortage of healthcare workers. One of the novel approaches Right To Sight brings in Africa is using private public partnership to engage the private sector in public health. Most of health care in sub-Saharan Africa is in the public sector and Pradhan envisions a growing role of the private sector in meeting public health needs in the region. According to a research study, US$20 billion of additional investment is needed for health care in private sector to improve health outcomes in Africa.

Preventing avoidable blindness mandates a stronger response at all levels and from all stakeholders. The biennial conference of the Irish Forum for Global Health could change the game for evoking a response to eliminate avoidable blindness.

Source: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it www.citizen-news.org

More Bad News For Smokers

Passive Smoking 'Kills 600,000' Worldwide

Children are particularly at risk of the effects of passive smoking in their own homes

The first global study into the effects of passive smoking has found it causes 600,000 deaths every year. One-third of those killed are children, often exposed to smoke at home, the World Health Organisation (WHO) found.

The study, in 192 countries, found that passive smoking is particularly dangerous for children, said to be at higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome, pneumonia and asthma.

Passive smoking causes heart disease, respiratory illness and lung cancer.

"This helps us understand the real toll of tobacco," said Armando Peruga, of the WHO's Tobacco-Free Initiative, who led the study.

'Deadly combination'
The global health body said it was particularly concerned about the 165,000 children who die of smoke-related respiratory infections, mostly in South East Asia and in Africa.

It said that this group was more exposed to passive smoking than any other group, principally in their own homes.

"The mix of infectious diseases and second-hand smoke is a deadly combination," Mr Peruga said.
As well as being at increased risk of a series of respiratory conditions, the lungs of children who breathe in passive smoke may also develop more slowly than children who grow up in smoke-free homes.

Worldwide, 40% of children, 33% of non-smoking men and 35% non-smoking women were exposed to second-hand smoke in 2004, researchers found.

This exposure was estimated to have caused 379,000 deaths from heart disease, 165,000 from lower respiratory infections, 36,900 from asthma and 21,400 from lung cancer.

According to the study, the highest numbers of people exposed to second-hand smoke are in Europe and Asia and the lowest rates of exposure were in the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa.

The research also revealed that passive smoking had a large impact on women, killing about 281,000 worldwide. This is due to the fact that in many parts of the world, the study suggests, women are at least 50% more likely to be exposed to second-hand smoke than men.

More on This Story

Related stories

• Passive smoking hearing loss link 16 NOVEMBER 2010, HEALTH
• Passive smoking 'global threat' 09 DECEMBER 2009, HEALTH
• Smoking curbs: The global picture 01 JULY 2009, WORLD

Source: BBC Online: 26 November 2010 Last updated at 05:48 GMT