Latest Health Research

New study: strong anti-cancer properties of soybeans

How extra virgin olive oil protects against Alzheimers

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Also Reduces Cancer Risk

Adhering to six or seven of the factors reduced the risk of cancer by 51 percent, compared with participants who met none of the factors. Meeting four factors led to a 33 percent risk reduction and one or two 21 percent.

Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Muscle Efficiency

Coffee holds the key to a longer life?

Aspirin May Lower Melanoma Risk

Green tea, coffee may help lower stroke risk

People who drank at least one cup of coffee daily had about a 20 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those who rarely drank it.

People who drank two to three cups of green tea daily had a 14 percent lower risk of stroke and those who had at least four cups had a 20 percent lower risk, compared to those who rarely drank it.

People who drank at least one cup of coffee or two cups of green tea daily had a 32 percent lower risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, compared to those who rarely drank either beverage. (Intracerebral hemorrhage happens when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds inside the brain. About 13 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic.)

Hot Dogs Could Kill You (So Can Salami and Ham)

Anyone who eats over 40 grams a day of sausage products or other kinds of processed meat is asking for trouble: the risk of mortality increases by 18 percent for every 50 grams of processed meat per day.

Probiotics reduce stress-induced intestinal flare-ups

Resveratrol directly activates a protein that promotes health

Short Bouts Of Exercise Boost Self Control

A stimulating environment may protect against Alzheimers

Exercise Key to Good Sleep

Why fish is so good for you

Walking Away from Back Pain

The Importance Of Eating Your Greens

Colonoscopy Reduces Advanced Cancer Risk by 70 Percent

Moving about more could be more important than vigorous exercise

Maintaining Physical Activity Essential For Health

Declines in high levels of recreational exercise and other physical
activity can potentially account for between 12-30% of the increase
in obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease observed over
the sample period.

Pessimism about the future may lead to longer, healthier life

Older people who have low expectations for a satisfying future may be more likely to live longer, healthier lives than those who see brighter days ahead, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.

Omega-3 Supplements May Prevent Skin Cancer

Mediterranean Diet Helps Cut Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke

Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or tree nuts reduces by 30 percent the risk of suffering a cardiovascular death, a myocardial infarction or a stroke.

Crucial Insulin Pumps Accessories for Diabetics

Insulin pumps are one of the most important tools for diabetics. These help in maintaining and keeping tabs on blood glucose levels on an individual. Apart from buying a pump, it is also crucial to know about various accessories it should be teamed up with.

There are three important accessories one should focus on when buying an insulin pump. These accessories are important for facilitating users get the pumping done in an effective and proper manner.

The first most important accessory is the electronic pump. It utilizes battery power. The pump comes with a control panel as well as a processor. Next, you should have the container with the insulin. The moment the container is inserted into the pump, it will help insulin to pass through in an easy manner. Users can dispose off the container as soon the process is done.

Another important accessory is the disposable infusion set. All Insulin Pumps are available with the set. These are included with the kit. It also includes a cannula tube to be placed beneath the skin. This helps in getting the insulin inside the body.

These days, insulin pumps are available with find accessories such as cool insulin pouches with strap, a special pocket to be wrapped around user’s calf or thigh, insulin pump belt, and many more. These accessories are also known as fashion accessories and easily available online. This belt can be easily attached comfortably to the waistband.

The market place is loaded with a huge number of accessories that one can choose from. This depends on how and where you wish to carry the insulin pump. An insulin pump is known to be a very important tool for diabetics. These pumps help diabetes patients to lead a better, healthy and happy life.

Cell Phones and Health

One of the most common sights we see these days, is that of people with their mobile phones next to their ears. A boon for better communication, cell phone usage nonetheless has many health hazards. Various studies indicate that the emissions from a cell phone can be extremely harmful, causing genetic damage, tumors, memory loss, and increased blood pressure and weakening of the immune system. This is alarming information, and one has to take into account all these factors..

CELL PHONES AND HEALTH
Though there is no evidence of cell phones causing cancer or any such illness, but the suspicion, or fear of the same is not baseless either. The electromagnetic radiation from cell phones does have a potential link to cancer. The fact that this radiation is invisible, intangible, and enters and leaves our bodies without our knowledge makes it even more intimidating.


Possible hazards:
* Two minutes of exposure to emissions from mobile phones can disable a safety barrier in blood causing proteins and toxins to leak into the brain, could increase chances of developing Alzheimers multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons. (Scientists at Swedens Lund University)
* Scientists say exposure to the phones low-level radiation causes red blood cells to leak hemoglobin and can lead to heart disease and kidney stones.
* Recent studies suggesting a link between cell-phone use and brain tumors, and the possibility that the microwaves could ignite petroleum fumes at gas stations.
* A cell phone unit, or communications tower, has so many of thee radiation emanating gadgets. This can be a problem for its immediate environment.
SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS

Cancer / Tumors
Studies have been conducted suggesting that rats that have been exposed to microwaves similar to the sort generated by mobile phones but more powerful, showed breaks in their DNA which could indicate an adverse effect. Also, mice exposed to radiation for 18 months developed brain tumors. Though of course, these studies are not concrete proof.

Blood Pressure
It was observed that people using cell phones were prone to high blood pressure. Again, there isnt any concrete evidence of the same.

Pregnancy
A study at the University of Montpellier in France was carried out on 6000 chick embryos and suggested that the heavily exposed chick eggs were five times less likely to survive than the control group. This study raised questions about possible effects on pregnant women but it has not yet appeared in peer-reviewed scientific literature or been reproduced, so its findings are difficult to assess.

Headaches, Heating Effects, Fatigue
A study brought out that longer the people used mobile phones, the more likely they were to report symptoms such as hot ears, burning skin, headaches and fatigue.
The study did not include a control group (that is people who do not use mobile phones, to make a comparison); theore the symptoms reported could have been caused by any number of other factors in the mobile phones users environment, such as working with computers, stress, driving or reading.

Memory
There have been various studies into the connection between mobile phones and memory loss. A study looked into the effect of radiofrequency (RF) on the section of rats brains that is linked with the memory. The results showed that RF could modify signals in the cells in a part of the brain that is responsible for learning and short term memory.

Posture (holding phone between raised shoulder and ear)
Some researchers claim that holding a mobile phone between the raised shoulder and the ear could have a damaging effect on muscles, bones, tendons and discs. These problems would apply equally to a cordless phone or a landline phone as to a mobile phone and are the effect of bad posture.

Mobile Phones and Children
Because of their smaller heads, thinner skulls and higher tissue conductivity, children may absorb more energy from a given phone than adults.
PREVENTION TIPS

* Cell phones should be used for emergencies, and not for long conversations.
* A small chip-like cell phone microwave radiation protection device is available, which has the ability to absorb electromagnetic energy waves from your mobile phone. It helps in reducing the potential harmful effects of these emissions to the human body.
* Using a mobile headset is a good idea, you dont have to hold phones next to your ears all the time
* Use a hands free mobile car kit while driving, without taking your hands off the steering wheel

THE WHO (World Health Organisation) RULES

* Mobile phone users should limit their exposure to harmful radio frequencies by cutting the length of calls.
* Hands-free devices cut exposure by keeping the instrument away from the head and body.
* Driving cum mobile phone talking should be banned.
* Mobile phones should not be used in Intensive Care Units of hospitals as they can pose a danger to patients by interfering with the working of pacemakers and defibrillators.
* People with hearing aids should not use mobile phones.
* Base stations, which have low powered antennae on their terrace to communicate with cell phones, should not be located near childrens schools and playgrounds.

CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING
Studies indicate that a lot of car accidents have happened, while the driver was on the phone. This is because while driving, one obviously needs to concentrate, and talking on a phone doesnt help. Some countries like Portugal have banned the use of cell phones, which may not be very practical, as their main use is to be reachable while you are on the move. Thus, it is important to take certain precautions while driving:

* Position your phone within easy reach so that you dont have to take your eyes off the road.
* Get to know the features of your cell phone - speed dial, redial, voice mail, they can be your lifesaver. But dont dial and drive at the same time. Use a hands free kit.
* Avoid using a phone when road conditions are hazardous or traffic is heavy. You can let your voice mail take messages and then call back later.
* Dont engage in stressful conversations that may distract your attention from the road.
* Dont take notes or look up phone numbers whilst driving, wait till you can pull over.
* User abbreviated speed dialing. In fact, voice activated dialing is even better. It leaves both hands free. Frequently called numbers can be programmed.
* Have an answering machine installed that could take messages until you can return the calls. Let your co-passenger handle the calls if you are not traveling alone.

Junk Food Diet Lowers Intelligence in Later Life

Most people understand the importance of a well balanced diet including the minimum daily requirements of vitamins and minerals to prevent chronic disease. These critical cofactors of life are repeatedly shown to promote health and prevent a myriad of chronic diseases from diabetes and dementia to heart disease and cancer.

The impact of proper nutrition on a child`s developing brain is brought to light in a study published in the British Medical Journal. A processed food diet packed with sugar, fat and excess salt can lower IQ in early childhood, while eating a diet filled with healthy natural foods providing a full compliment of vitamins and nutrients is shown to benefit cognitive development.

Junk Foods Directly Lower Child IQ

The study results were based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children involving 14,000 children born in 1991 and 1992. Based on parent questionnaires, children were placed into one of three dietary groups based on eating patterns: `processed’ including excessive fats, sugars and salt, `traditional` based on high quantities of meats and vegetables and `health-conscious` that stressed salads, fruits, vegetables, rice and pasta.

IQ was measured at the age of 8 ½ using the standardized Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Researchers found that children eating the most processed food diet at age 3 scored 1.67 IQ points lower for each 1 point increase in dietary pattern score. Similarly, those eating the most healthful diet scored 1.2 IQ points higher for every 1 point improvement in dietary pattern score. Diet was found to have no effect on IQ score after the age of 4 years.

This study underscores the importance of proper diet on the developing brain. Prior research has shown an association between early childhood diet and later behavior and school performance. The research authors noted "This suggests that any cognitive/behavioral effects relating to eating habits in early childhood may well persist into later childhood, despite any subsequent changes (including improvements) to dietary intake".

Proper Nutrition Improves Brain Development and Cognition

The brain is growing at an accelerated rate during the first three years of life, and scientists have observed that head growth during this time is linked to intellectual ability. Clearly a diet filled with processed and ined foods that have been stripped of most natural nutrients during these formative years stunts normal brain growth and the development of the critical neural network that are essential to higher brain function and learning.

Researchers concluded "It is possible that good nutrition during this period may encourage optimal brain growth." Starting infants and children on a natural diet early in life is one of the most important lifestyle habits we can teach our children. The diet they become comfortable eating during these early years will help them to develop optimally and avoid the many diseases that plaque adults throughout life.

Push ups of the most important exercises fitness exercises

The exercise Push-ups of the most important fitness exercises any athlete and is considered exercise mother for sport because of the first exercises that have been invented, despite its simplicity and ease but the benefits are too many for the body and a lot of athletes neglect and marginalize its role and they do not know how important that when exercising exercise Push-upsTrain 6 muscles important and essential in your body.

Learned from muscle the exercise Push-ups:
-----------------------------------------
1: the entire muscle triceps
2: front shoulder muscle
3: rear back muscle
4: the entire chest muscle
5: front thigh muscle
6: calf muscle

The benefits of exercise Push-ups:
--------------------
1: renew the blood circulation in the muscle cells
2: strengthen nerves
3: Building muscle fibers which helps large muscle
4: helps to stimulate the heart muscle

Many studies have been conducted and proved that continue to exercise Push-ups for 40 continuous enough to completely change the shape of your body and increase muscle size significantly

Types of exercise Push-ups
-------------------

1: Push-ups wide
2: Push-ups tight
3: Push-ups High
4: Push-ups with closed fist
5: Push-ups with one hand

Few breast cancer survivors maintain adequate physical activity despite benefits

Breast cancer survivors are among the women who could most benefit from regular physical activity, yet few meet national exercise recommendations during the 10 years after being diagnosed, according to a study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Prior studies and available evidence show a strong association between physical activity and reduced mortality, extended survival and higher quality of life among breast cancer survivors. With 2.9 million breast cancer survivors living in the U.S. and another 80,000 added annually, there is considerable interest in the factors that promote health and well-being among these women.

The current study, published online ahead of print in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, followed an ethnically diverse group of 631 breast cancer survivors ages 18-64 from New Mexico, Los Angeles County and western Washington for 10 years. Recreational aerobic activity was ascertained for each woman via interviews and questionnaires the year before diagnosis and again two, five, and 10 years after enrollment into the study.

Prior to diagnosis, 34 percent of the women met U.S. physical activity guidelines. This percentage remained unchanged two years later. The percentage of women who complied with the activity guidelines increased to 39.5 percent at five years but then dropped to 21.4 percent at 10 years. Overall, researchers found that fewer than 8 percent of the survivors met U.S. physical activity guidelines at all of the study time points.

U.S. physical activity guidelines call for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity. Researchers focused on 16 recreational physical activities: fast walking, jogging, running, hiking, aerobics, bicycling, swimming, tennis, golf, skiing, Nordic track, fast dancing, bowling, rowing, horseback riding and light calisthenics.

"The American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. Most survivors may also benefit from strength training exercises at least two days per week," said Caitlin Mason, Ph.D., corresponding author and a postdoctoral research fellow in the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutch. "For survivors who have not been previously active, we advise that they gradually work up to these recommendations," she said.

The researchers were surprised by the large drop in activity between five- and 10-year follow-up. After taking into account factors such as age and body size at diagnosis, the study found no other personal characteristics or aspects related to the type of breast cancer or its treatment were significantly associated with the drop in activity between the five- and 10-year reporting periods.

"It seems unlikely that this pattern lects aging alone given the consistency and magnitude of the trend across all age groups," the authors wrote. "Whether this lects a cohort effect or a unique aspect of the cancer survivorship experience is unclear."

All of the women were enrolled in the HEAL (Health, Eating, Activity and Lifestyle) Study, which investigates methods to improve breast cancer survival.

Senior author Anne McTiernan, Ph.D., a member of the Public Health Sciences Division at Fred Hutch, is principal investigator of the multi-site study.

The HEAL Study cohort represents one of the few breast cancer survivor groups that has repeated assessments of physical activity for as long as a decade after diagnosis. The authors acknowledge that levels of inactivity may be underestimated because the women included in the study tended to be a bit younger and were less likely to smoke, have advanced disease or have limits to doing physical activity compared to survivors who were not followed for 10 years. The predictors of physical activity in this population remain poorly understood, according to the authors.

"Our inability to identify many significant predictors of long-term physical activity participation suggests that the factors influencing physical activity behaviors in breast cancer survivors are complex and may differ from those in the general population," the authors wrote. "Additional consideration of psychosocial factors and issues related to pain management, fatigue, and specific treatment effects may help to better understand the unique issues faced by cancer survivors and their impact on physical activity participation."

Besan Badam Burfi

Diwali is just around the corner, am very tempted to see all the beautiful savouries and sweets made by my other blogger buddies sharing since a week in this virtual world. Since this diwali is going to be a working day for us,we wont have much fun this time and i ll be doing my pooja either before everyone goes or else late in the evening, yep its going to be a usual week day for us. I really miss this festival here, wish i live in India during this wonderful festival of lights.Its going to be almost 18years i didnt celebrated in India,every year ill console myself that may be next year ill be in India during this festival, but unfortunately it never happened to me.

Yesterday i quickly give a trial to this delicious burfi prepared with roasted gram flour and almonds, the outcome was a fantabulous,super soft burfi, we couldnt stop ourselves having them. If you are bored of usual sweets give a try to this irresistible burfis,am damn sure you guys will love it.Sending to 60days of Christmas hosted by Priya and Divya.

1cup Gram flour
1cup Almonds (blanched)

1cup Milk

2cups Sugar
1/4cup Oil

1/2cup Ghee

pinch Salt

Dry roast the gram flour until the aroma comes out.

Mix the oil to the gram flour and keep aside.This will avoid the lumps while adding the gram flour.

Grind the blanched almonds with milk and make a paste.

Meanwhile make a sugar syrup with sugar and a half cup of water, sugar syrup must be in one string constitency.

Add gradually the thick almond paste, gram flour to the sugar syrup and the ghee to the sugar syrup,stir the mixture until they turns as a dough (at this time this dough will get off from the vessel).

Pour this dough over a greased plate, let them cool and cut them as any shape as u desire..

Delicious burfi is ready.