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Detoxifying the Body
In today's world, many dangerous chemicals are poured into our foods and into the environment, and our bodies have become a dumping ground for toxic chemicals like acrylamide, sodium nitrate, phytic acid, and hydrogenated oils. Some people have chemicals in their tissues that were never intended for the human body - such as rocket fuel, mercury, lead and others. We know very little about the effects these burdens have on the human body. (Read more about Detoxifying the Body)
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The Most Alarming Health Stories of 2007
With a new year full of it's own surprises soon to be underway, now is a good time to reflect on the most shocking medical stories of 2007.
5. For Older Men Low Levels of Testosterone Can Be.. Fatal?
We don't usually associate testosterone levels in men with matters of life and death. However, research revealed that older men with low levels of testosterone were 40 percent more likely to die during an 18 year period. It's not certain if testosterone supplements are safe or effective at reducing mortality. Researchers recommend lifestyle changes to prevent or decrease incidence of obesity. (Read more about The Most Alarming Health Stories of 2007)
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The Top Wellness Stories of 2007
The new year is fast approaching and it's time to start thinking about those yearly resolutions. Here are some suggestions from the top 2007 wellness stories on how to begin 2008 with a healthy and refreshing lifestyle. (Read more about The Top Wellness Stories of 2007)
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Smoking Associated With Risk of Diabetes
A recent study from the University of Lausanne looked at 25 studies involving over 1 million patients and found that smokers had a 44% increased risk of type 2 diabetes compared with non-smokers. Researchers believe smoking may be one of the last pieces of the diabetes risk puzzle that could help identify who is at the greatest risk. The study found that for individuals who smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day, the increased risk of developing diabetes rose to 61%. For lighter smokers, the risk was 29% higher than a non-smoker and the risk of developing diabetes is 23% higher in former smokers. (Read more about Smoking Associated With Risk of Diabetes)
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Worried Sick? There Might Be Some Truth There
A recent report by health provider BUPA has found that people's worries are damaging their health by causing sleepless nights, loss of sex drive, and erratic eating habits. The 2007 Worry Report demonstrates that almost one in five people constantly worry about numerous things, and more than half feel they worry more now than five years ago. Half of the people surveyed this year, which is 6% more than in 2006, claimed they were more worried about their health and their family's health than about other concerning issues such as climate change or terrorist attacks. The survey finds that almost three quarters of people worry, but around 19% admit to worrying all the time or about a number of things. (Read more about Worried Sick? There Might Be Some Truth There)
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What is Barrett's Esophagus?
Video: Dr. Jonathan Cohen of the Concorde Medical Group discusses Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett's esophagus (sometimes called Barrett's syndrome, CELLO, columnar epithelium lined lower (o)esophagus or colloquially as Barrett's) refers to an abnormal change (metaplasia) in the cells of the lower end of the esophagus thought to be caused by damage from chronic acid exposure, or reflux esophagitis.[1] Barrett's esophagus is found in about 10% of patients who seek medical care for heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux). It is considered to be a premalignant condition and is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.[2]
The condition is named after Dr. Norman Barrett, Australian-born British surgeon at St Thomas' Hospital, who described the condition in 1957.[3] (Read more about What is Barrett's Esophagus?)
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Cancer Patients In Need of Psychological and Social Support
A recent report from the Institute of Medicine addresses the toll that cancer therapies have on patients' mental and emotional state that may potentially cause other health problems. Cancer treatments save and prolong many people's lives; however, care that focuses solely on eradicating tumors without acknowledging a patient's well-being can increase the patient's suffering and affect their ability to follow through on treatment. The report proposes that oncology care providers use a new standard of care that accomplishes three goals: screen patients for distress and other problems, coordinate and connect patients with health care or service providers who can treat these problems, and periodically re-evaluate patients to determine if patient care needs adjustment. (Read more about Cancer Patients In Need of Psychological and Social Support)
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Older Men With Low Levels of Testosterone May Be at a Greater Risk of Death
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism finds a connection between older men with low levels of testosterone and an increased long-term risk of death compared to men with normal testosterone levels. The study followed nearly 800 men, ages 50 to 91 years, who were living in a southern California community and who participated in the Rancho Bernardo Study during the 1980s. The men who were found to have total testosterone levels in the lowest quartile at the start of the study were 40 percent more likely to die over the next 18 years than those with higher levels. This difference could not be explained by age, illness, or lifestyle. (Read more about Older Men With Low Levels of Testosterone May Be at a Greater Risk of Death)
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American Children Are Not Consuming Enough Milk
A recent study from Penn State has found that American children are drinking insufficient amounts of milk and the dairy they are choosing to consume are very high in fat. The study examined a children's daily dairy intake and compared it with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid dairy recommendations. The findings revealed that only 2 to 3 year olds met the MyPyramid dairy recommendations. It was also observed that most children choose to eat more of the highest fat varieties of cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and dairy based toppings. (Read more about American Children Are Not Consuming Enough Milk)
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Reducing Stress Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Problems
A Review in The Lancet reveals the importance of healthy lifestyle choices to reduce stressors related to cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers from John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore examined records between 1990 to 2006. They observed how stress affects the sympathetic nervous system, impacts physiology, and the effect it has on the cardiovascular system. Lead author, Daniel Brotman, claims "Acute physical stressors such as sugery, trauma, and intense physical exertion are well known triggers of cardiovascular events. Emotional stressors are increasingly recognized as precipitants of such events." (Read more about Reducing Stress Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Problems)
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