There are just a few more days for us all to firm up our New Years Resolutions. The acronyms give us handy little short cuts that can save time. The first one that comes to mind is “TSA”. That powerful silent word known as “Thought” multiplies and prepares us for action since they pack a powerful punch as the brain spins us into promoting more happiness.
Speaking and sharing these thoughts with a partner magnifies them as they are physically placed into action throughout the day. The next acronym that would fit nicely here is “KISS” which translates as, “Kindness Is Sweet and Silent.” I notice that in this place I’m renting for a few months until I regain some weight and strength that everyone speaks gently and with kindness. Loud voices are seldom needed in everyday life no matter where one lives. Any thoughts or words that can be delivered with a smile are both enjoyed and felt no matter where or when they are expressed.
There are still a few more days until the New Year is silently ushered in by the calendar as 2011, and it would be nice to hear an acronym from you and add yours to the list. I can be reached at Carrington Place at (250 545-5704) and ask for Sue, the “Staying in Touch” lady.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
THE LID IS DOWN
When asked about whether probiotics could be helpful with colds, Gene Stone (see yesterday’s Blog on How to Eat to Avoid Catching Colds) replied that some probiotics have proven helpful for digestive health and shows that one type lactobacillus casei lessens the duration of colds and flues in older people and that nothing is an immediate preventive or cures symptoms right away. You may have had to be eating yogourt for some time to get the benefits.
The interviewer asked him if any secrets that people gave him wound up on the cutting room floor. “Lots,” said Stone, “One of the most promising one was to close the toilet lid after flushing, which is one of those things your mother also tells you to do. It turns out that when you flush, amazing amounts of crap, literally gets in the air and it’s not good for you. I didn’t find the number of studies I would have liked, to back up these studies, but there is some research, and let’s just say, I always close the lid now.”
The interviewer asked him if any secrets that people gave him wound up on the cutting room floor. “Lots,” said Stone, “One of the most promising one was to close the toilet lid after flushing, which is one of those things your mother also tells you to do. It turns out that when you flush, amazing amounts of crap, literally gets in the air and it’s not good for you. I didn’t find the number of studies I would have liked, to back up these studies, but there is some research, and let’s just say, I always close the lid now.”
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
WHAT TO EAT TO AVOID CATCHING COLDS
A participating journalist in his book, “The secrets of People who claim never get sick, Gene Stone gives tips on how to avoid catching colds. His Number one mention is brewers yeast. This gives him all the B vitamins except B 12, and includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic and folic acid. Brewers yeast is also a great source of protein since the Bs also keep levels of homocysteine low. Epidemiological studies have linked high levels of homocysteine to stroke and coronary heart disease and one can get the needed minerals like selenium and potassium, a natural way in brewers yeast, unless it is purchased through a number of pills.
Aerobic exercises are also important as well since it helps to ward off mundane elements like colds. Strength training also releases natural hormones that rejuvenate the body and give increased energy that strengthens the body’s immume system because they fight off colds and flu.
For ancient news back to the Sumerians and Assyrians as well as the Native Americans, garlic has been renowned for centuries. This author picks garlic that stays at the top of his list with the B vitamins. He eats a clove of raw garlic each day even when he is on his book tour. A compound in the garlic called allinin, an enzyme that converts to what the body needs. He admits to not caring for the taste but for him a piece of dark chocolate immediately afterwards is reward enough.
Echinacea has been found useful as a cold preventative. The kind of Echinacea is of importance and he credits E.purpurea is the species that some studies have shown as to be most beneficial for the body’s health, and the German government has endorsed it recently as a cold preventative because it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Further information can be found in the November 29th, 2010 issue of Maclean’s Magazine.
Aerobic exercises are also important as well since it helps to ward off mundane elements like colds. Strength training also releases natural hormones that rejuvenate the body and give increased energy that strengthens the body’s immume system because they fight off colds and flu.
For ancient news back to the Sumerians and Assyrians as well as the Native Americans, garlic has been renowned for centuries. This author picks garlic that stays at the top of his list with the B vitamins. He eats a clove of raw garlic each day even when he is on his book tour. A compound in the garlic called allinin, an enzyme that converts to what the body needs. He admits to not caring for the taste but for him a piece of dark chocolate immediately afterwards is reward enough.
Echinacea has been found useful as a cold preventative. The kind of Echinacea is of importance and he credits E.purpurea is the species that some studies have shown as to be most beneficial for the body’s health, and the German government has endorsed it recently as a cold preventative because it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Further information can be found in the November 29th, 2010 issue of Maclean’s Magazine.
Monday, December 27, 2010
A CHILD OBESITY PROBLEM
The November 29, 2010 issue of Maclean’s Magazine carried an article titled “A Child Obesity Problem.” The ever-widening waistline in the larger centers in China is causing worries regarding the levels of obesity which has risen by 150 percent from 1996 and 2006. However, the country is still struggling with childhood undernourishment in poorer rural areas. The traditional culture equates “Fat Baby” as “Healthy Baby” but not in booming and northern and coastal regions. In Shanghai over one third of the children are overweight or obese.
China’s one-child per family has led families (mainly grandparents) to spoil and over-feed little ones. Chinese officials are well aware that the Western-style overall population is obese. Because of their sedentary lifestyle officials as well as parents, are taking a drastic approach to the problem, including military style fat camps and one-hour-a-day physical exercise which includes mandatory physical exercise in schools.
China’s one-child per family has led families (mainly grandparents) to spoil and over-feed little ones. Chinese officials are well aware that the Western-style overall population is obese. Because of their sedentary lifestyle officials as well as parents, are taking a drastic approach to the problem, including military style fat camps and one-hour-a-day physical exercise which includes mandatory physical exercise in schools.
Friday, December 24, 2010
PEOPLE, PETS AND POSSESSIONS - ALL NEED CARE
According to a review in the March 2010 issue of the Veterinary Clinics in the U.S., one third of all cats and dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Excess weight harms their health too, including an increased risk of arthritis, heart disease, and premature death.
And how often have we heard the automobile “caregiver” say, “Let’s plan a vacation this summer with our motor home so we can give it a good run and keep all the parts running smoothly.
Italian researchers analyzed the most healthful ways to cook broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Fresh vegetables retain more of their nutrients after cooking than frozen ones, and steaming preserved and, in some cases enhanced their nutritional profile.
According to a June 2010 study, being deprived of sleep for just one night impairs the ability of insulin to ferry sugar from the blood to the body’s tissues. Such insulin resistance may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you love ice cream but can’t downsize to the recommended half cup serving, fill a bowl with berries or other fruit and top with a small scoop of ice cream.
According to a survey of 4,800 adults, nearly 40 percent of the people who recognized common stroke symptoms in a friend or family member would not call 911. That is a potentially fatal error, since the sooner you get emergency care the greater chance of survival and recovery. Symptoms include trouble speaking or understanding, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, or difficulty in seeing from one or both eyes.
And how often have we heard the automobile “caregiver” say, “Let’s plan a vacation this summer with our motor home so we can give it a good run and keep all the parts running smoothly.
Italian researchers analyzed the most healthful ways to cook broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Fresh vegetables retain more of their nutrients after cooking than frozen ones, and steaming preserved and, in some cases enhanced their nutritional profile.
According to a June 2010 study, being deprived of sleep for just one night impairs the ability of insulin to ferry sugar from the blood to the body’s tissues. Such insulin resistance may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you love ice cream but can’t downsize to the recommended half cup serving, fill a bowl with berries or other fruit and top with a small scoop of ice cream.
According to a survey of 4,800 adults, nearly 40 percent of the people who recognized common stroke symptoms in a friend or family member would not call 911. That is a potentially fatal error, since the sooner you get emergency care the greater chance of survival and recovery. Symptoms include trouble speaking or understanding, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, or difficulty in seeing from one or both eyes.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
POWER UP THE DAY WITH A BETTER BREAKFAST
People who regularly eat breakfast have lower rates of type 2 diabetes and are less likely to develop heart failure over their lifetime than those who don’t. Prepare it yourself at home. A fortified breakfast is fine, especially if mixed with low fat yogurt help to meet the levels of key nutrients such as B12, C and folic acid. To find upper limits go to http://www.iom.edu/ and search for “Dri Tables”)
Breakfast boosts your energy and improves cognition, memory and problem-solving skills. “It gets the brain going,” says Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., M.P.H., RD., a physician and nutrition consultant in Sarasota, Fla. That’s because it swiftly replenishes the blood’s circulating level of glucose, which is depleted overnight and serves as the brain’s most immediate source of energy.
Besides providing a mental and physical jump-start, breakfast is a nutritional cornerstone for the day. Other breakfast standards, including eggs and citrus fruit, contribute various vitamins plus folic acid, which might protect against bone loss and colon cancer. Skipping breakfast deprives you of an opportunity to get those nutrients and increases the chance that you’ll reach for less-healthy options later in the day, when you’re too hungry or busy to eat sensibly.
Ideally your breakfast pantry should be eaten the first hour of two of the day and get up to 25 percent of the total daily calories from the meal and include a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats and keep you fuller and more satisfied than just a meal of carbs. A University of Massachusetts study found that people who often ate out in the morning were more likely to be obese than those who didn’t. Consuming too many carbs makes the body beg for more of its complete needs. Oatmeal can be soaked and then cooked with milk adding raisins, dried cranberries, slivered almonds or chopped walnuts. If you’re watching your waistline eggs for breakfast helps lose weight because it reduces the chance of overeating later.
Breakfast boosts your energy and improves cognition, memory and problem-solving skills. “It gets the brain going,” says Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., M.P.H., RD., a physician and nutrition consultant in Sarasota, Fla. That’s because it swiftly replenishes the blood’s circulating level of glucose, which is depleted overnight and serves as the brain’s most immediate source of energy.
Besides providing a mental and physical jump-start, breakfast is a nutritional cornerstone for the day. Other breakfast standards, including eggs and citrus fruit, contribute various vitamins plus folic acid, which might protect against bone loss and colon cancer. Skipping breakfast deprives you of an opportunity to get those nutrients and increases the chance that you’ll reach for less-healthy options later in the day, when you’re too hungry or busy to eat sensibly.
Ideally your breakfast pantry should be eaten the first hour of two of the day and get up to 25 percent of the total daily calories from the meal and include a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats and keep you fuller and more satisfied than just a meal of carbs. A University of Massachusetts study found that people who often ate out in the morning were more likely to be obese than those who didn’t. Consuming too many carbs makes the body beg for more of its complete needs. Oatmeal can be soaked and then cooked with milk adding raisins, dried cranberries, slivered almonds or chopped walnuts. If you’re watching your waistline eggs for breakfast helps lose weight because it reduces the chance of overeating later.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
AVOID EXCESSIVE TESTING
Medical imaging can be life saving, but computed-tomographic (CT) scans and other tests also pose risks. The average radiation dose from medical imaging is estimated to be six times higher now than it was a few decades ago. A 2009 analysis of nearly one million medical records suggests that roughly 20 percent of the adults in the U.S. younger than 65 have a moderate or higher annual dose of radiation.
Such exposure increases cancer risk, especially in younger people and women. For example, CT scans of the heart cause one extra cancer for every 270 40-year-old women who undergo the test, researchers estimate. Yet in a study of CT scans investigating abdominal, hip, or pelvic pain, only 9 percent of emergency-room doctors knew that the scans increased cancer risk.
To reduce unnecessary imaging:
Make sure that the scan is really necessary and that there aren’t simpler safer options.
Avoid duplicate tests. Make sure that medical records travel with you to different departments and facilities. A study of 410 patients transferred to trauma centers found that more than half had imaging tests repeated.
Ask about guidelines. Following established protocols could reduce the number of unnecessary CT scans by 20 – 40 percent. For example, most people seen in an ER with only minor head trauma and normal neurological scans don’t require a CT scan of the head.
Consumer Reports, December 2010
Such exposure increases cancer risk, especially in younger people and women. For example, CT scans of the heart cause one extra cancer for every 270 40-year-old women who undergo the test, researchers estimate. Yet in a study of CT scans investigating abdominal, hip, or pelvic pain, only 9 percent of emergency-room doctors knew that the scans increased cancer risk.
To reduce unnecessary imaging:
Make sure that the scan is really necessary and that there aren’t simpler safer options.
Avoid duplicate tests. Make sure that medical records travel with you to different departments and facilities. A study of 410 patients transferred to trauma centers found that more than half had imaging tests repeated.
Ask about guidelines. Following established protocols could reduce the number of unnecessary CT scans by 20 – 40 percent. For example, most people seen in an ER with only minor head trauma and normal neurological scans don’t require a CT scan of the head.
Consumer Reports, December 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
HOW TO IMPROVE BALANCE
The American Heart Association has teamed with Nintendo to promote active versions like Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort for people of any age who don’t get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Two studies suggest that the devices – which use wireless, motion-sensitive, handheld controllers to interact with your TV – can improve balance and burn calories, which may help prevent falls.
Elizabeth Orsega-Smith, Ph.D., a professor of health behaviour sciences at the University of Delaware, studied 24 people 66 to 74 and found that they burned an average of 103 calories during 30 minutes of Wii bowling and 70 calories playing Wii baseball. A second study, of 31 adults 61 to 79, found an improvement in balance after four weeks of playing games that emphasize balance, such as skiing.
Tests in 2008 of the Wii Fit concluded that while the devices don’t offer much of a workout to people who are already fit, they might motivate people to become more active. “Caution is necessary, in case the devices might interfere with pacemakers and, like real sports, can cause injuries so talk with your doctor if you are middle-aged or older and just start to exercise,” adds Dr. Orsega-Smith.
Two studies suggest that the devices – which use wireless, motion-sensitive, handheld controllers to interact with your TV – can improve balance and burn calories, which may help prevent falls.
Elizabeth Orsega-Smith, Ph.D., a professor of health behaviour sciences at the University of Delaware, studied 24 people 66 to 74 and found that they burned an average of 103 calories during 30 minutes of Wii bowling and 70 calories playing Wii baseball. A second study, of 31 adults 61 to 79, found an improvement in balance after four weeks of playing games that emphasize balance, such as skiing.
Tests in 2008 of the Wii Fit concluded that while the devices don’t offer much of a workout to people who are already fit, they might motivate people to become more active. “Caution is necessary, in case the devices might interfere with pacemakers and, like real sports, can cause injuries so talk with your doctor if you are middle-aged or older and just start to exercise,” adds Dr. Orsega-Smith.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
FRIENDS AND THE FLU
Popular people get the flu, on average, two weeks earlier than other people, according to a study in the September 2010 issue of the online journal Plo5ONE. The study analyzed a flu outbreak last year among 744 Harvard students and concluded that people with more social connections got sicker sooner.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
SIDE EFFECT OR SYMPTOM?
The risk of the effects and drug interactions increases with the number of medications taken. When a new symptom is noticed, talk it over with your doctor as soon as possible. New symptoms can create what appears to be a transient ischemic attack (mini stroke) can be suspected, and cause the patient to spend hours in bed.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription drug use is rising. By 2008, 90 percent of Americans 60 and older reported using at least one medication and 40 percent took five or more. “This likely reflects the need to treat the many diseases that commonly occur in this age group,” the report says. “However, excessive prescribing or polypharmacy, is also an acknowledged safety risk for older Americans.”
The risk of side effects and drug interactions increases with the number of medications taken. If a new symptom is noticed, it pays to talk with your doctor immediately.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription drug use is rising. By 2008, 90 percent of Americans 60 and older reported using at least one medication and 40 percent took five or more. “This likely reflects the need to treat the many diseases that commonly occur in this age group,” the report says. “However, excessive prescribing or polypharmacy, is also an acknowledged safety risk for older Americans.”
The risk of side effects and drug interactions increases with the number of medications taken. If a new symptom is noticed, it pays to talk with your doctor immediately.
Friday, December 17, 2010
WALK FOR YOUR BRAIN
According to a study in the August 2010 issue of Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, the brain scans of adults 55 to 80 who walked three times a week showed increased connections between brain areas after a year, compared with adults who did stretching and toning exercises alone.
Another tip for improving health in general is diet. People who followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet for eight weeks – eating nine to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, low-fat dairy products, and reduced fats – cut their risk of heart disease by an estimated 18 percent compared with people who consumed a more typical American diet. The September 2010 study found even greater benefits among African-Americans.
Another tip for improving health in general is diet. People who followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet for eight weeks – eating nine to 11 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, low-fat dairy products, and reduced fats – cut their risk of heart disease by an estimated 18 percent compared with people who consumed a more typical American diet. The September 2010 study found even greater benefits among African-Americans.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
THANKS TO DOCTORS, CHEFS AND MANY OTHERS
Taking my doctor’s advice I have moved to Carrington, a residence that provides meals and does some light housekeeping for me together with advising that I do more walking and more gentle exercising. I am recovering from Pneumonia over a six-week week period of time where all food become unappetizing, creating weight loss and weakness. Then Shingles moved in for the next six weeks creating itchy pustules that beg to be scratched. A friend from Alberta had come for two weeks to assist me. My doctor tells me that stress can bring on these health problems and life changes have to be made to reduce stress.
The meals provided here are tasty and nourishing and the kindnesses and understanding of all the staff each day is greatly appreciated. It often comes up with the foursome folks seated at each table how considerate and cheerful the health providers are, including the efficient and gracious servers.
I am always so grateful for the food substitutes the chefs provide for me and the plain vegetables that help resist food items that can be too rich for me. For example after one evening meal I was helping a fellow diner with her TV remote and we visited together. She commented on how good the food is here and said “Now weren’t those chicken wings tasty tonight – they were just so good!” I agreed with her but have to use caution myself regarding foods that may be too rich for me that make them delicious but hard for my digestion to handle. Our table talk often includes guessing the seasoning the chefs may have used that make foods so delicious.
When I see those wonderful “trees” of broccoli, shredded spinach or other healthy and nourishing vegetables left on the plate of a fellow diner I want to borrow the words that many mothers used especially during the 30s depression, “Now eat all your vegetables or there is no dessert for you”. But I refrain from voicing it because each person has to determine the best for themselves from one of the entrees they have chosen.
I feel such gratitude for the patience and the wonderful help from the staff here. When my doctor had weighed me in at 98 pounds she said “I love your poetry, take time now to use your writing skills to help others learn not to be too trusting and they may be able to avoid the health problems that brought you here.” My appetite is being restored as I recover. Between meals I supplement snacks that include the ancient grains like Amaranth, Millet and Quinoa – all non acid foods. This with gentle exercising has helped me take a turn for restored health.
The meals provided here are tasty and nourishing and the kindnesses and understanding of all the staff each day is greatly appreciated. It often comes up with the foursome folks seated at each table how considerate and cheerful the health providers are, including the efficient and gracious servers.
I am always so grateful for the food substitutes the chefs provide for me and the plain vegetables that help resist food items that can be too rich for me. For example after one evening meal I was helping a fellow diner with her TV remote and we visited together. She commented on how good the food is here and said “Now weren’t those chicken wings tasty tonight – they were just so good!” I agreed with her but have to use caution myself regarding foods that may be too rich for me that make them delicious but hard for my digestion to handle. Our table talk often includes guessing the seasoning the chefs may have used that make foods so delicious.
When I see those wonderful “trees” of broccoli, shredded spinach or other healthy and nourishing vegetables left on the plate of a fellow diner I want to borrow the words that many mothers used especially during the 30s depression, “Now eat all your vegetables or there is no dessert for you”. But I refrain from voicing it because each person has to determine the best for themselves from one of the entrees they have chosen.
I feel such gratitude for the patience and the wonderful help from the staff here. When my doctor had weighed me in at 98 pounds she said “I love your poetry, take time now to use your writing skills to help others learn not to be too trusting and they may be able to avoid the health problems that brought you here.” My appetite is being restored as I recover. Between meals I supplement snacks that include the ancient grains like Amaranth, Millet and Quinoa – all non acid foods. This with gentle exercising has helped me take a turn for restored health.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
