Archive for December, 2009
Breast-Feeding May Protect a Woman's Heart
December 21st, 2009 | 
Author: Arteries appear to be less clogged in those who nurse infants, study finds
By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter
Although many women choose to breast-feed because of the numerous health benefits it offers their offspring, new research suggests that breast-feeding may also help the health of the mothers’ hearts later in life.
In a study of nearly 300 women, researchers found that those who had not breast-fed were much more likely to have calcification or plaque in their coronary artery, aorta and carotid artery. When calcification and plaque build up in the arteries, blood flow can be reduced, and, if enough of these deposits build up, they can cause a heart attack or stroke.
“Women who had not breast-fed were more likely to develop changes that might lead to symptomatic heart disease,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Eleanor Schwarz, an assistant professor of medicine, epidemiology, obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Health Care. Read more
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Make Sure That You Absolutely Need that CT Scan…
Each year that today’s scanners are used, 14,500 deaths could result, researchers say. When healthy people are exposed to the radiation, the imaging may create more problems than it solves.
(Los Angeles Times) Widespread overuse of CT scans and variations in radiation doses caused by different machines — operated by technicians following an array of procedures — are subjecting patients to high radiation doses that will ultimately lead to tens of thousands of new cancer cases and deaths, researchers reported today.
Several recent studies have suggested that patients have been unnecessarily exposed to radiation from CTs or have received excessive amounts, but two new studies published Tuesday in the Archives of Internal Medicine are the first to quantify the extent of exposure and the related risks.
Each year that current scanners are used, researchers reported, 14,500 deaths could result. In one study, researchers from UC San Francisco found that the same imaging procedure performed at different institutions — or even on different machines at the same hospital — can yield a 13-fold difference in radiation dose, potentially exposing some patients to inordinately high risk. Read more…
21 Ways to Boost Energy
You can do it in just 10 minutes a day!
By R. Morgan Griffin
WebMD Feature
Feeling rundown and foggy on the job? Does the prospect of an afternoon’s worth of housework seem unspeakably grim? It’s time for a break to refresh and boost your energy.
Although you may not be able to take the afternoon off, you can surely afford 10 minutes to recharge yourself, no matter how hectic your life might be. And although a 10-minute break might not be quite as reinvigorating as 10 days on a Caribbean beach, it can boost energy and mood.
So how can you do it? How can you use a 10-minute break for something more energizing than aimless web surfing or yet another game of Minesweeper? To find out, WebMD turned to experts from different fields — therapists, dietitians, and integrative medicine specialists. Read more and find out about their 21 tips for quick ways to boost energy.
Herbal Remedies for a Good Night’s Sleep
From Alternative Medicine and Natural Health Information by Primmy
Sleep is vital to good health, yet many people do not get an adequate night’s sleep. The average number of hours for the best rest possible is eight; however, did you know that 100 years ago, the average was nine to ten hours? These days, even eight hours is a dream. While occasional insomnia is no big deal, frequent sleepless nights can cause a host of health problems. If you are not keen on prescription or over the counter sleep aids, there are several safe herbal remedies that can help as long as you do not have any underlying medical conditions that prevent you from sleeping.
Tension Tamers
Sometimes, working late at night or experiencing great stress can cause insomnia. If you fall into this category, there are a few herbs brewed in tea form that can help you unwind so you can get some shut-eye. Catnip is a popular herbal ingredient in relaxing teas because it in non-habit forming and has light sedative-like qualities.
Chamomile is a well-known tension tamer which soothes the nerves and calms the stomach. Teas or even tinctures with passion flower have sedative-like qualities which help clear the mind and ease worry and anxiety. Hops, an ingredient in beer, is also an effective herb for mild insomnia and works best in teas and tinctures as well.
Herbal Sleep Supplements
Valerian is one of the most researched herbs for insomnia, mainly because it has been used for thousands of years. It is an unpleasant tasting herb which is the primary reason why the supplement form of valerian is best. It is a non-addictive insomnia remedy which produces sedative-like effects. It is important to note though that some people experience vivid dreams and other side effects such as changes in heart rhythm and blurred vision, so it may not be for everyone.
Kava kava is a popular herbal remedy and can be found in drinks as well as supplements. This herb soothes frayed nerves and helps you achieve a deep sleep. Some people may experience more dreams or even elation with kava kava and it may cause liver problems with extended use. It is best to take this effective herbal sleep remedy infrequently.
Skullcap is an herb helpful for insomnia, especially when you are suffering from restless legs or extreme physical exhaustion. California poppy is an herbal ingredient safe enough for children with sleep problems.
Physical Problems Caused by Lack of Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping several times a week and you are not quite ready to try prescription medications, herbal remedies can be quite helpful. There are a whole host of physical problems that can occur when you consistently do not get enough sleep and rest. Your memory becomes faulty and your capacity to learn is affected. Weight gain can occur and metabolism can slow down as well. Lack of sleep and rest can alter your mood causing impatience, irritability and even irrational thought. Lack of concentration is normal and you may even put yourself at risk and compromise your safety when driving or even operating machinery when you doze off during the day because of lack of sleep.
Sleep is important to a fully functioning immune system. When you do not get enough of it, you are more susceptible to illness. Sleep problems have also been directly linked to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and other heart health issues. Sleep is clearly a vital part of your overall health and herbs can help you achieve it. Talk with your doctor about the different herbal remedies for a good night’s sleep to make sure they will not interfere with any current health condition or prescription medication.
Young Adults Who Exercise Get Higher IQ
The results were published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study involved 1.2 million Swedish men doing military service who were born between 1950 and 1976. The research group analysed the results of both physical and IQ tests when the men enrolled.
The study shows a clear link between good physical fitness and better results for the IQ test. The strongest links are for logical thinking and verbal comprehension. But it is only fitness that plays a role in the results for the IQ test, and not strength. "Being fit means that you also have good heart and lung capacity and that your brain gets plenty of oxygen," says Michael Nilsson, professor at the Sahlgrenska Academy and chief physician at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. "This may be one of the reasons why we can see a clear link with fitness, but not with muscular strength. We are also seeing that there are growth factors that are important." Read more…