Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Coffee and You


Coffee good for you, but it's OK to hold back - CNN.com -http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/18/health/coffee-health-benefits/index.html

Antioxidants are one potential reason that good outcomes are seen from coffee. Although antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, research has shown that coffee is the top source of antioxidants for Americans.

Coffee also appears to lower levels of insulin and estrogen, which is perhaps why a study last year found a lower risk of endometrial cancer in coffee-drinking women. Insulin also plays a role in prostate cancer, another disease coffee may help stave off.

Different people metabolize caffeine differently, so some people can have a cup of coffee at night and fall asleep right away, while others need to keep their distance from java for several hours before bedtime to avoid insomnia.

Coffee that's boiled -- popular in Scandinavia, for instance -- will increase bad cholesterol; espresso has the same effect, Hensrud said. But filtering regular coffee reduces those cholesterol-raising substances.

Some milky, sugary coffees may contain upwards of 500 calories -- particularly if they begin with the sound "frap." So, if you think you're doing your body a favor with these treats, health detriments of the added calories and fat may cancel out coffee's magic.

Hot Cocoa May Boost Seniors' Brain Power -
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Dementia/34179

Cocoa flavanols have shown some benefits for the heart, but they may also be good for cognitive function in older people, researchers found.

elderly patients with MCI who consumed high or moderate levels of cocoa flavanols for 2 months had significant improvements on certain cognitive assessment tests, as well as decreases in insulin resistance and blood pressure, compared with those who took in only small amounts.

The Health Benefits of Tofu: Is it Nutritious Enough to Replace Meat? / Nutrition / Healthy Eating - http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/the-health-benefits-of-tofu-is-it-nutritious-enough-to-replace-meat.html

The health benefits of tofu | Healthy Eating | Eat Well | Best Health -http://www.besthealthmag.ca/eat-well/healthy-eating/the-health-benefits-of-tofu

The only difference between tofu and meat protein is that you have to eat more tofu to meet the recommended dietary protein levels. In fact, every 100 g of tofu yields approximately 17.19 g of protein. To get the protein benefit of 150 g of lean meat, you should consume 290 g of tofu.. And it’s low in calories and high in calcium: A four-ounce (½ cup) serving of extra-firm tofu contains only 120 calories and as much calcium as an eight-ounce (1 cup) serving of cow’s milk.
Bonus: It contains isoflavones that may help ease the symptoms of menopause. 

CDC to baby boomers: Get tested for hepatitis C  | abc11.com -http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news%2Fhealth&id=8776312

More than 15,000 Americans die each year from hepatitis C-related illnesses and the number has been growing.

Hepatitis C virus is most commonly spread today through sharing needles to inject drugs. Before widespread screening of blood donations began in 1992, it was also spread through blood transfusions.

The virus can gradually scar the liver and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, and is the leading cause of liver transplant. It can trigger damage in other parts of the body, as well.

Overwhelmed by Milk Substitutes? -
http://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-08-2012/milk-substitutes-five-healthy-choices.html

Today milk alternatives are widely available and growing in popularity. Sales of nondairy milk beverages — including soy, almond and coconut milks — reached $1.33 billion in 2011, a jump of more than 10 percent from 2009.

Milk substitutes fill a diet ­ ary void for vegans, animal advocates, people with high cholesterol, those with dairy allergies and the estimated 30 million who are lactose intolerant.

7 Famous People With Gout -
http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-08-2012/famous-people-with-gout-slideshow/

Luciano Pavarotti
Pancreatic cancer killed the legendary tenor in 2007, but he also suffered from gout. Although his voice remained remarkably powerful well into middle age, his battles with weight gain took a toll on his body. "The Fat Man Won't Sing," declared the New York Post when he withdrew from a gala performance of Tosca at the Met in 2002.

7 Myths About Gout -
http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-08-2012/gout-myths-vs-facts.html

1. Myth: Only wealthy and obese people get gout.
2. Myth: Women aren't afflicted by gout.
3. Myth: Gout pain always attacks the big toe.
4. Myth: If you stay away from liver and alcohol, you'll avoid gout attacks.
5. Myth: Gout is painful, but it won't kill you.
6. Myth: There aren't effective medicines for gout.
7. Myth: Once you've got gout, lifestyle changes don't really help.
7 Myths About Gout »
The notion that gout is no longer prevalent is just one of the many misconceptions swirling around this age-old malady. Experts dispel myths with facts.
Olive oil may help strengthen bones -
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/olive-oil-may-help-strengthen-bones-8049464.html

Food For Healthy Bones: Olive Oil And 8 Other Picks -http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/16/food-for-bones_n_1784377.html

Only consumption of the Mediterranean diet with olive oil was associated with a significant increase in levels of osteocalcin and other bone formation markers. Osteocalcin was associated with preserved insulin secretion in men consuming olive oil, which may help guard against diabetes.

Seven ways to make our cities better places for those with Alzheimer's »
We cannot rely on medical advances to solve the problem of dementia. The few drugs that help stave off the disease have limited effectiveness and new drugs will take decades to develop.
Thyroid cancer risk persists decades after Japan atomic bombs: study | Reuters - http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/08/20/health-thyroid-idINL4E8JK00R20120820

Tokyo - People who survived the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as children continue to have a higher-than-normal risk of thyroid cancer more than 50 years after radiation exposure, according to a US study.

Cataract surgery prevents hip injury in seniors, study says - Healthzone.ca -http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/1243370--cataract-surgery-prevents-hip-injury-in-seniors-study-says

Seniors in their early 80s and those who were sickest benefited most from the improved sight provided by cataract surgery as they experienced almost 30 per cent fewer hip fractures. 
Cataract surgery prevents hip injury in seniors, study says - Healthzone.ca Article Page »
Doctors are carrying out eye surgery to prevent hip injury. Seniors who had eye surgery to remove cataracts were less likely to have a hip fracture...
Five ways to stop bedbugs before they bite -http://travel.usatoday.com/deals/inside/story/2012-08-16/Five-ways-to-stop-bedbugs-before-they-bite/57071840/1

Check your room.
Request a different room.
Cover your bags.
Keep everything off the floor.
Treat your luggage and clothes after travel.
Five ways to stop bedbugs before they bite »
Bedbugs are one souvenir you don't want to bring home. Avoid these pests while traveling by following these tips.



KP Wellness

9:28 AM  -  Public
The Health Benefits Of Male Circumcision Are Now Reconfirmed -http://www.businessinsider.com/the-health-benefits-of-male-circumcision-are-now-reconfirmed-2012-8

falling infant circumcision rates could end up costing billions of U.S. health care dollars when men and their female partners develop AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections and cancers that could have been prevented. 

Sleep and Diabetes - Diabetes Article by Marianne Tetlow -http://www.empowher.com/diabetes/content/sleep-and-diabetes

“People who don't get enough sleep often have higher levels of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Lack of sleep also can increase production of cortisol (the body's primary stress hormone), impair memory and reflex time, elevate blood sugar, and increase appetite -- ultimately promoting weight gain,”
Sleep and Diabetes - Diabetes Article by Marianne Tetlow »
I almost always laugh when someone asks me if I am tired. Of course I am! I’m a mom, I work and I have diabetes!
Why does medication cost so much--and who decides what the company should charge? - Drugsdb.com -
http://www.drugsdb.com/blog/why-drugs-cost-so-much.html
Why Drugs Cost So Much - Drugsdb.com »
It's the rare American (or one with phenomenally good health insurance) who hasn't griped at least once about the cost of prescription medication.
7-Keto: Supplement to Speed Metabolism? - Ask Dr. Weil -http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA401158/7Keto-Supplement-to-Speed-Metabolism.html

7-keto-DHEA is a derivative of DHEA, but unlike its "parent" hormone, it does not affect sex hormone levels in the body.

 7-keto DHEA promotes weight loss by speeding metabolism - the rate at which the body burns fat. However, we have limited knowledge of this effect since there have been very few clinical trials of the supplement and no long-term investigations have been performed.

taking 200 mg of 7-Keto DHEA daily seems safe enough. the effects of long term use of this supplement are not known. You should also bear in mind that 7-Keto DHEA is no magic bullet for weight loss - 

World’s Longest-Living Women Aren’t in Japan Anymore -http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2012/07/27/worlds-longest-living-women-arent-in-japan-anymore/

Hong Kong may be notorious for its smog and stressful lifestyle, but in 2011, the average lifespan of Hong Kong women was a robust 86.7 years, according to the government. Local experts cite the city’s advanced, extremely affordable healthcare, high...
Expand this post »

Older Americans Living Longer, But Becoming More Obese - Drugs.com MedNews - http://www.drugs.com/news/older-americans-living-longer-but-becoming-more-obese-39891.html

THURSDAY Aug. 16, 2012 -- Older Americans are living longer, healthier lives than in past generations, according to new government research. However, rising obesity rates and high housing costs could take a toll on these gains in longevity,

Breast-Milk Compound May Shield Babies From HIV - Drugs.com MedNews -http://www.drugs.com/news/breast-milk-compound-may-shield-babies-hiv-39903.html

FRIDAY Aug. 17, 2012 -- A compound found in breast milk may help prevent HIV-infected mothers from passing the virus on to their infants, a new study suggests.

Smoking During Pregnancy May Cause Asthma, Wheezing in Kids - Drugs.com MedNews - http://www.drugs.com/news/smoking-during-pregnancy-may-cause-asthma-wheezing-kids-39909.html

FRIDAY Aug. 17, 2012 -- New research from Sweden suggests that smoking during early pregnancy may boost the risk that preschool children will develop asthma and wheezing problems, even if the kids aren't exposed to smoke after birth.

High-Potency Pot in Pregnancy May Cause Brain Damage - Drugs.com MedNews - http://www.drugs.com/news/potency-pot-pregnancy-may-cause-brain-damage-39886.html

THURSDAY Aug. 16, 2012 -- New high-potency marijuana and synthetic "weed" can interfere with early brain formation in developing fetuses, according to a new study, and many pregnant women may be unaware of the heightened risk.

Patients Often Kept in Dark About 'Off-Label' Drug Use: Study - MedicineNet -http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=161214

Off-label drug use is a term used to describe when a medication is prescribed using a dosage, form of dosage, or for a purpose that hasn't yet been approved by the FDA,

Because doctors are not required to disclose the off-label use of a drug, and are also not liable for off-label drug use, patients are commonly not told that they are taking a drug in a way that is not FDA-approved.

Does your son have a hernia -- or worse? - CNN.com -http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/17/health/testicular-problems/index.html

Cyclist Lance Armstrong and Olympic swimmer Eric Shanteau have both battled testicular cancer.

Heavy backpacks can cause chronic back pain -http://fox13now.com/2012/08/08/heavy-backpacks-can-cause-chronic-back-pain/

Backpacks and Chronic Pain  | South Mountain News |  Phoenix Arizona Local News | Phoenix Newspaper - http://somonews.com/28665/

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child’s backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of his or her body weight.

Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.

Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.

If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load.

The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline