(Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
7 Secrets to Losing Belly Fat
Medical Tests: Which Ones Do You Really Need?
"First,
do no harm," is a prime directive for doctors. But there are times when
medical tests do the patient more harm than good by leading to
unnecessary and dangerous biopsies, by damaging internal organs, and
even by raising the risk of cancer. They are also a big part of the
reason for America’s soaring medical costs.
After
decades of a “test-first, ask-questions-later” mentality, there
recently has been a profound shift in the attitude of nation’s
healthcare providers.
The
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation recently issued
new guidelines regarding 45 medical tests it believes are overused and
may expose patients to possible harm.
Family
physician Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos is glad to see the ABIM's
recommendations. "I think patients are being given too many tests," she
tells Newsmax Health. "Unfortunately, America has become a litigious
society, and many of the overused diagnostic tests are performed to make
sure the doctors aren't missing something.
"Medical costs are skyrocketing
Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Headline/medical-tests-overused-diagnostic-tests-The-American-Board-of-Internal-Medicine-DrStephanie-Haridopolos/2013/03/12/id/494389#ixzz2aoNL5Rps
Alert: What Is Your Risk for a Heart Attack? Find Out Now
Breastfeeding 'can enhance a child's IQ': Longer a mother chooses to feed baby the better their intelligence scores aged seven
The apparent decision by the Duchess
of Cambridge to breastfeed has been given a boost by fresh evidence
showing it can help raise a baby’s IQ.
The longer the child is breastfed – ideally exclusively – the higher the intelligence scores are at the age of seven.
The study also found breastfeeding can enhance language skills from the age of three.
The US researchers recommend
babies are solely fed on breast milk for the first six months and are
given the chance to breastfeed until a year old.
However, British experts warned that delaying the introduction of solid foods until six months at the earliest might leave some babies feeling hungry.
It emerged yesterday that the Duchess has at least one maternity dress made for breastfeeding and was given encouragement in hospital to help her baby George start on her milk.
The longer the child is breastfed – ideally exclusively – the higher the intelligence scores are at the age of seven.
The study also found breastfeeding can enhance language skills from the age of three.
The Duchess of Cambridge's apparent decision to
try to breastfeed Prince George has been boosted by evidence showing it
can raise a child's IQ
However, British experts warned that delaying the introduction of solid foods until six months at the earliest might leave some babies feeling hungry.
It emerged yesterday that the Duchess has at least one maternity dress made for breastfeeding and was given encouragement in hospital to help her baby George start on her milk.
Could CONDOMS boost vaginal health?
Color-enhanced scanning electron micrograph showing Salmonella typhimurium (red) invading cultured human cells (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Study finds they increase levels of friendly bacteria and prevent minor infections
- Lactobacillus are bacteria that dominate the natural flora of the vagina
- They prevent itchiness and even infection, including of the HIV virus
- It is thought condoms boost levels because they prevent alkaline sperm disrupting a vagina's acidic 'ecosystem' where bacteria thrive
Drinking more than five cups of tea 'cuts risk of prostate cancer by a third'
Drinking five or more cups of tea a day lowers the risk of advanced prostate cancer by a third, research shows.
Men who drink five or more cups daily have a 33 per cent lower risk of developing stage IV prostate cancer, scientists found.
They also have a 25 per cent reduced risk of reaching stage II, compared with those who drink just one cup a day.
Health benefits: Men who drink more than five cups of tea a day may reduce the risks of prostate cancer
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2379696/Drinking-cups-tea-cuts-risk-prostate-cancer-third.html#ixzz2aGYf4QFt
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
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Could fennel beat PMT?
Happier: Seeds from the vegetable fennel could make PMT more bearable
Young women given drops made from the liquorice-flavoured seeds of the plant felt less depressed and found it easier to do their jobs and get on with their friends and family.
It is thought that fennel helps to rebalance the female sex hormones blamed for some of the symptoms of PMT.
PMT affects around three-quarters of women, and up to 40 per cent of those say it damages their quality of life. In extreme cases, women can become violent and suffer from severe depression.
There is also an economic impact, with research suggesting that time off and loss of productivity due to the condition costs employers around £3,000 per female staff member every year.
Treatments range from simple dietary changes to hormones and anti-depressants. But they do not work for all and, in the case of drugs, can have side-effects.
Scientists in Iran, where fennel already has a variety of medical uses, tested its ability to stave off PMT on 36 women who were split into three groups.
The first took a fennel extract from three days before their period until three days afterwards.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2379694/PMT-Could-fennel-beat-Women-given-drops-seeds-felt-depressed-like-easier-jobs.html#ixzz2aGWFtY20
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Related articles
8 Foods Rich in Iodine
Iodine is an essential trace mineral crucial in the functioning of
the thyroid gland, an organ that stores the minerals needed for the
synthesis of our thyroid hormones. It is important to get adequate
amounts of iodine in your diet to ensure the proper functioning of the
this vital gland which controls much of our metabolism, detoxification,
growth and development.
Research has shown that a lack of iodine foods in your diet may lead
to enlargement of the thyroid gland, lethargy, fatigue, weakness of the
immune system, slow metabolism, autism, weight gain and possibly even
mental states such as anxiety and depression.
The good news is that there are many popular foods with iodine, all of which are easy to incorporate into your daily diet.
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iodine is 150 micrograms daily for everybody over the age of 14. The RDA for children ages 1-8 is 90/mcg every day, ages 9-13 is 120/mcg every day. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended that you get 290/mcg every day.
The following list will discuss the top foods with iodine.
The ocean hosts the largest storehouse for iodine foods, including Kelp, Arame, Hiziki, Kombu, and Wakame. Kelp has the highest amount of iodine on the planet and one serving offers 4 times more than a daily minimum requirement. 1 tablespoon of Kelp contains about 2000/mcg of iodine, 1 tablespoon of Arame contains about 730/mcg of iodine, 1 tablespoon of Hiziki contains about 780/mcg of iodine, 1 one inch piece of Kombu contains about 1450/mcg of iodine, 1 tablespoon of Wakame contains about 80/mcg of iodine. I recommend sprinkling them in soups or on salads.
This antioxidant rich fruit is another great source of iodine. About 4 ounces of cranberries contain approximately 400/mcg of iodine. I would recommend buying fresh organic berries or juice. If you buy cranberry juice from the store, be cautious of how much sugar is in it.
A natural probiotic, yogurt is an excellent iodine food you should add to your diet. One serving holds more than half of your daily needs. 1 cup contains approximately 90/mcg of iodine. Other than yogurt, here is a list of probiotic foods you should think about incorporating into your diet for added health benefits.
This form of salt, also known as gray salt, is an excellent source of naturally-occuring iodine. While many types of table salt are iodine-enriched, they are also stripped of all their natural health properties, and are chemically processed. Just one gram of himalayan salt contains approximately 500/mcg of iodine.
The common potato is an easy addition to most meals, and is one of the richest sources of iodine in the vegetable kingdom. With the skin, one medium-sized baked potato holds 60/mcg of iodine.
If you’re not a fan of the iodine foods listed above, then you can always take an iodine supplement. There are many different types of iodine supplements
on the market, so knowing the differences between each is wise. I
personally recommend taking a transformative nano-colloidal detoxified nascent iodine supplement, which the body is able to rapidly turn into its own effective mineral iodides for absorption throughout the body.
Do you have any other favorite foods with iodine? If so, please leave a comment down below.
~Dr. G
The good news is that there are many popular foods with iodine, all of which are easy to incorporate into your daily diet.
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iodine is 150 micrograms daily for everybody over the age of 14. The RDA for children ages 1-8 is 90/mcg every day, ages 9-13 is 120/mcg every day. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended that you get 290/mcg every day.
The following list will discuss the top foods with iodine.
1. Sea vegetables
The ocean hosts the largest storehouse for iodine foods, including Kelp, Arame, Hiziki, Kombu, and Wakame. Kelp has the highest amount of iodine on the planet and one serving offers 4 times more than a daily minimum requirement. 1 tablespoon of Kelp contains about 2000/mcg of iodine, 1 tablespoon of Arame contains about 730/mcg of iodine, 1 tablespoon of Hiziki contains about 780/mcg of iodine, 1 one inch piece of Kombu contains about 1450/mcg of iodine, 1 tablespoon of Wakame contains about 80/mcg of iodine. I recommend sprinkling them in soups or on salads.
2. Cranberries
This antioxidant rich fruit is another great source of iodine. About 4 ounces of cranberries contain approximately 400/mcg of iodine. I would recommend buying fresh organic berries or juice. If you buy cranberry juice from the store, be cautious of how much sugar is in it.
3. Organic Yogurt
A natural probiotic, yogurt is an excellent iodine food you should add to your diet. One serving holds more than half of your daily needs. 1 cup contains approximately 90/mcg of iodine. Other than yogurt, here is a list of probiotic foods you should think about incorporating into your diet for added health benefits.
4. Organic Navy Beans
Many beans are a great food source of iodine, but navy beans may top the list. Just 1/2 cup of these beans contain about 32/mcg of iodine. Beans aren’t just an iodine food, they are also incredibly high in fiber.5. Organic Strawberries
This tasty red fruit packs up to 10% of our daily iodine needs in a single serving. 1 cup of fresh strawberries has approximately 13/mcg of iodine. Try buying fresh, organic strawberries from your local farmer’s market.6. Himalayan Crstal Salt
This form of salt, also known as gray salt, is an excellent source of naturally-occuring iodine. While many types of table salt are iodine-enriched, they are also stripped of all their natural health properties, and are chemically processed. Just one gram of himalayan salt contains approximately 500/mcg of iodine.
7. Dairy products
Milk and cheese are good sources of iodine, with one cup of milk holding around 55/mcg. To avoid many of the negative digestive effects of eating cow’s milk and cheese, I personally would recommend opting for raw organic goat’s milk and goat’s cheese; a healthier alternative for extracting iodine from dairy.8. Potatoes
The common potato is an easy addition to most meals, and is one of the richest sources of iodine in the vegetable kingdom. With the skin, one medium-sized baked potato holds 60/mcg of iodine.
Taking Iodine Supplements
Do you have any other favorite foods with iodine? If so, please leave a comment down below.
~Dr. G
More Healthy Foods:
- 8 Foods High in Zinc
- 11 Foods High in Calcium
- 11 Foods That Speed Up Your Metabolism
- 8 Reasons Why Brown Rice Is Healthier Than White Rice
Related articles
- Excess Iodine Supplementation During Pregnancy Associated With Congenital Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid Cancer Treatment: the Low-Iodine Diet
- New study associates excess maternal iodine supplementation with congenital hypothyroidism
- Diet and Hyperthyroidism: Why It Matters
- Can Diet Affect Thyroid Function?
- Why Iodine is Added to Salt
- Iodine Deficiency Still Occurs
- Difference Between Iodine and Potassium Iodide
- Study: Iodine Salt Use May Have Increased The American IQ
- Iodine
Breastfeeding Found to Prevent ADHD
Chalk up another health benefit from breastfeeding. New research
out of Tel Aviv University has found a clear link between rates of
breastfeeding and the likelihood of developing attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder, even when other known risk factors are
taken into consideration.
The findings, published in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine,
are the latest to show breastfeeding has a positive impact on child
development and health — including protection against illness.
For the study, researchers led by Aviva Mimouni-Bloch, M.D., of Tel
Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine and head of the Child
Neurodevelopmental Center in Loewenstein Hospital, compared the
breastfeeding habits of parents of three groups of children: those
diagnosed with ADHD; siblings of those with ADHD; and children without
ADHD.
The researchers found children who were bottle-fed at three months
of age were three times more likely to have ADHD than those who were
breastfed during the same period. At three months, only 43 percent of
children in the ADHD group were breastfed compared to 69 percent of the
sibling group and 73 percent of the others. At six months, 29 percent of
the ADHD group was breastfed, compared to 50 percent of the sibling
group and 57 percent of the others.
Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Health-News/breast-milk-feeding-adhd/2013/07/23/id/516578#ixzz2ZuWJineE
Alert: What Is Your Risk for a Heart Attack? Find Out Now
Who is most at risk of getting prostate cancer?
We asked leading prostate specialist
Christopher Eden, a consultant urologist at the Royal Surrey County
Hospital in Guildford, to assess a group of men for their risk of
developing the disease - and to offer advice on what they could do to
protect themselves.
Lee Well, 52, a fireman, lives in Birmingham with his wife Lorraine, 51, a nurse and their four children, aged 22 to 30.
Six years ago, my older brother Martin was diagnosed with prostate cancer aged 53.
It was a real shock - he was fit, well, and went to the gym regularly. We had two uncles who'd been diagnosed in their 60s, but I never thought it was something that would affect my immediate family.
My brother had to have his prostate and surrounding tissues removed, as well as radiotherapy, which triggered some pretty unpleasant side-effects such as pain and erectile dysfunction.
It was awful to watch him suffer this way, but he's now in remission.
But it's made me mindful of any changes which could be a symptom. And I now have an annual PSA test - a blood test which checks levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced normally by prostate cells, but high levels could mean cancer. My reading was 1.03, which is normal for my age.
And I had an MRI scan last year because of my family history. Thank God, everything has been clear.
In my job we're warned about the risk of testicular cancer since chemicals found in fires can be absorbed by the skin and possibly trigger it.
So I'm fairly careful about regular self-examination. I also try to keep fit by cycling to and from work and I've been doing Pilates for a few years. I'm only a social drinker, maybe a couple of units a week, and am not overweight.
EXPERT VERDICT: Although Lee is fit and well (exercise boosts the immune system's reaction to cancer), he has a first-degree relative with prostate cancer, making him two to three times more likely to get it.
Risk generally increases from the age of 45, climbing steeply from 60 - the cell mutations that lead to cancer can happen all the time, but the longer you live the more mutations you've had, and the greater the chance the immune system will be defeated.
This is why most cancers become more common with age. Working as a fireman may have an impact for testicular cancer, but this cancer is not linked to the prostate.
Because of his family history it's important for Lee to keep up the PSA tests - in some countries, all men aged over 50 are recommended an annual test.
It doesn't need to be more frequent as most prostate cancers are slow growing. In the UK, it's up to an individual to request one, or it's at the behest of their GP because of family history, although I think all men should have it done.
My view is that it's vital to anticipate prostate cancer with this test as by the time symptoms show, the cancer is likely to be incurable (although not necessarily life-threatening).
In 20 per cent of cases, PSA results are inaccurate, so for Lee in particular, it's important to combine the test with a rectal examination, which studies show improves the detection rate. Some cancers are diagnosed solely on the rectal examination.
RISK: 1 in 4
David Bor, 52, an
actuary, lives in Manchester with his wife Natalie, 49, an
administrator. They have five children, aged between 14 and 25.
My work is highly specialised - I assess how divorcing couples split their pension arrangements - so when I'm sitting at my desk, I simply don't move for hours as I work out the minutiae of the case.
But then I can't wait to start exercising. I cycle more than 100 miles a week and swim three times a week, doing up to 100 lengths at a time.
I'm 5ft 8in and weigh only just under 10st. Yet during a yearly medical, arranged through work, I was told my cholesterol was a little high - around 6 (normal is below 5.2).
I've been told to try to control it through diet - avoiding fatty foods such as chocolate and cake, which I admit are my weaknesses since I don't drink or smoke.
Overall, my health has been pretty good - in fact the main problems I have are with the injuries I sustain during exercise.
EXPERT VERDICT: David is clearly in superb shape. But if he decides to have a PSA test he should be aware cycling can temporarily inflate the readings: the constant vibrations against the hard bicycle seat can damage the tissue, injuring the prostate.
This doesn't increase his risk of prostate cancer, but higher readings mean David might face needless invasive tests such as a biopsy (which can cause pain and bleeding).
Cycling can raise PSA for up to 48 hours so he should skip the rides for a couple of days beforehand.
The same goes for sex - ejaculation can cause PSA levels to rise temporarily for at least 24 hours.
As for his sedentary work life, a Swedish study found that men who spent most of their working lives sitting down are almost 30 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than those with very active jobs.
However David makes up for this with all his exercise.
He is also very slim, which will give him greater protection. Although his cholesterol is slightly high it doesn't actually impact on prostate cancer.
RISK: 1 in 15
BATTLING WITH HIS WEIGHT
BROTHER AND UNCLES HAD PROSTATE CANCER
Mindful: Keeping in mind his family's predilection for the disease, Lee Well makes sure to look out for symptoms
Six years ago, my older brother Martin was diagnosed with prostate cancer aged 53.
It was a real shock - he was fit, well, and went to the gym regularly. We had two uncles who'd been diagnosed in their 60s, but I never thought it was something that would affect my immediate family.
My brother had to have his prostate and surrounding tissues removed, as well as radiotherapy, which triggered some pretty unpleasant side-effects such as pain and erectile dysfunction.
It was awful to watch him suffer this way, but he's now in remission.
But it's made me mindful of any changes which could be a symptom. And I now have an annual PSA test - a blood test which checks levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced normally by prostate cells, but high levels could mean cancer. My reading was 1.03, which is normal for my age.
And I had an MRI scan last year because of my family history. Thank God, everything has been clear.
In my job we're warned about the risk of testicular cancer since chemicals found in fires can be absorbed by the skin and possibly trigger it.
So I'm fairly careful about regular self-examination. I also try to keep fit by cycling to and from work and I've been doing Pilates for a few years. I'm only a social drinker, maybe a couple of units a week, and am not overweight.
EXPERT VERDICT: Although Lee is fit and well (exercise boosts the immune system's reaction to cancer), he has a first-degree relative with prostate cancer, making him two to three times more likely to get it.
Risk generally increases from the age of 45, climbing steeply from 60 - the cell mutations that lead to cancer can happen all the time, but the longer you live the more mutations you've had, and the greater the chance the immune system will be defeated.
This is why most cancers become more common with age. Working as a fireman may have an impact for testicular cancer, but this cancer is not linked to the prostate.
Because of his family history it's important for Lee to keep up the PSA tests - in some countries, all men aged over 50 are recommended an annual test.
It doesn't need to be more frequent as most prostate cancers are slow growing. In the UK, it's up to an individual to request one, or it's at the behest of their GP because of family history, although I think all men should have it done.
My view is that it's vital to anticipate prostate cancer with this test as by the time symptoms show, the cancer is likely to be incurable (although not necessarily life-threatening).
In 20 per cent of cases, PSA results are inaccurate, so for Lee in particular, it's important to combine the test with a rectal examination, which studies show improves the detection rate. Some cancers are diagnosed solely on the rectal examination.
RISK: 1 in 4
SPENDS DAYS AT HIS DESK
Desk-bound: David Bor makes up for his sedentary work life with exercise
My work is highly specialised - I assess how divorcing couples split their pension arrangements - so when I'm sitting at my desk, I simply don't move for hours as I work out the minutiae of the case.
But then I can't wait to start exercising. I cycle more than 100 miles a week and swim three times a week, doing up to 100 lengths at a time.
I'm 5ft 8in and weigh only just under 10st. Yet during a yearly medical, arranged through work, I was told my cholesterol was a little high - around 6 (normal is below 5.2).
I've been told to try to control it through diet - avoiding fatty foods such as chocolate and cake, which I admit are my weaknesses since I don't drink or smoke.
Overall, my health has been pretty good - in fact the main problems I have are with the injuries I sustain during exercise.
EXPERT VERDICT: David is clearly in superb shape. But if he decides to have a PSA test he should be aware cycling can temporarily inflate the readings: the constant vibrations against the hard bicycle seat can damage the tissue, injuring the prostate.
This doesn't increase his risk of prostate cancer, but higher readings mean David might face needless invasive tests such as a biopsy (which can cause pain and bleeding).
Cycling can raise PSA for up to 48 hours so he should skip the rides for a couple of days beforehand.
The same goes for sex - ejaculation can cause PSA levels to rise temporarily for at least 24 hours.
As for his sedentary work life, a Swedish study found that men who spent most of their working lives sitting down are almost 30 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than those with very active jobs.
However David makes up for this with all his exercise.
He is also very slim, which will give him greater protection. Although his cholesterol is slightly high it doesn't actually impact on prostate cancer.
RISK: 1 in 15
BATTLING WITH HIS WEIGHT
Is that kosher? Brand of LUBE gets certified for use by observant Jews
A personal lubricant manufacturer has announced that its products have been certified as kosher.
Trigg laboratories, the Valencia, California factory that produces Wet lube, underwent a two-year assessment by the Rabbinical Council of California to determine whether the lubricant met the standards of Jewish dietary law, also known as kashrut.
The council certified 95per cent of Wet products as kosher, meaning that they do not contain ingredients derived from pigs or shellfish, and that any animals used in production are treated humanely.
Now that Wet lubes have been certified, the brand has been allowed to label its packages with a K to show that they are safe for use among religious Jews.
Michael Trigg, founder of the lubricant company, said in a release: 'The K imprint on our packages says that we maintain the highest standards of purity and answer to a higher authority.'
The company's statement reads: 'Moses gave us The Ten Commandments and the Kosher laws. Since then, we’ve had Kosher hot dogs, Kosher wine and Kosher matzoh. But now, thanks to Trigg Labs, Wet personal lubricants and intimacy products are also Kosher!'
Trigg laboratories, the Valencia, California factory that produces Wet lube, underwent a two-year assessment by the Rabbinical Council of California to determine whether the lubricant met the standards of Jewish dietary law, also known as kashrut.
The council certified 95per cent of Wet products as kosher, meaning that they do not contain ingredients derived from pigs or shellfish, and that any animals used in production are treated humanely.
Rejoice: Wet lube, manufactured by Trigg
Laboratories in Valencia, California, has officially been certified as
kosher by the Rabbinical Council of California
Now that Wet lubes have been certified, the brand has been allowed to label its packages with a K to show that they are safe for use among religious Jews.
Michael Trigg, founder of the lubricant company, said in a release: 'The K imprint on our packages says that we maintain the highest standards of purity and answer to a higher authority.'
The company's statement reads: 'Moses gave us The Ten Commandments and the Kosher laws. Since then, we’ve had Kosher hot dogs, Kosher wine and Kosher matzoh. But now, thanks to Trigg Labs, Wet personal lubricants and intimacy products are also Kosher!'
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