Archive for the 'Medical News Bits' Category

« Older posts
Newer posts »

Is There A Magic Pill To Stop Aging?

November 22, 2006

images1.jpgOne of the most popular specialties in medicine nowadays is cosmetic surgery.  It’s not the usual form of “advocacy” medicine because it has become a big and very competitive business.  You see ads on restorative surgery, liposuction, and face lifts…all in the name of beauty.  Everyone hates the wrinkles and abhors looking old!  But not all can afford the surgery …so here comes the business of antiaging pills!  But Do they work?

One supplement touted to have the antiaging property is DHEA.  Shop around the malls and you’ll see this product marketed to make you look young again!  The beauty of marketing is that it attracts people of all ages to believe in what they say and buy the products they advertise without checking the truth behind the claim!

The truth however now finally came out on DHEA published in the New England Journal of Medicine. My mentor at the Mayo Clinic… DR Nair studied 87 elderly men and 57 elderly women for 2 years… and his results dispelled the fallacy of this antiaging pill because in-spite of achieving a high normal level of DHEA in the blood, the pill had:

It is therefore unlikely that this pill will have any effect at all in preventing or stopping aging.  It should in fact be a regulated drug rather than sold as a supplement where anybody can just grab and take it with no apparent benefit!

Remember…anything that is marketed as a supplement should riase doubts in terms of its effectiveness.  DHEA is one example of a….

A True Quackery of this Magic Pill!

Posted in Medical News Bits | 1 Comment »

Increasing Your Chances Of Having A Baby!

November 20, 2006

2929363525.jpgStress from work is the most common cause of infertility worldwide…thus the inability to conceive or get pregnant is becoming one problem that we never thought of as one.  We know of many married couples who have difficulty in conceiving such that after 1 year of unsuccessful pregnancies, they leave their jobs or resort to artificial means.  And yes…clinical practice involving artificial conception methods is becoming a booming business worldwide.  As an endocrinologist, two common conditions that are often blamed for infertility include uncontrolled blood sugar and thyroid diseases while the less common one includes- a prolactin producing tumor of the pituitary gland called prolactinoma.  They’re easy to treat as long as diagnosis is made.

Unknowingly for many… the infertility from not ovulating properly may actually just be simple lack of iron.  A new study by Harvard researchers offers great hope for these women.   This study intrigued me because this is the first study that looked at iron as the culprit.

Published in the November issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard researchers looked at data on more than 18,500 married, premenopausal women who were participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II and followed them for 8 years.

The clinical implication of the study is:  women who are trying to get pregnant should consider having greater amounts of iron in their diet from non-animal sources or from a  multivitamin supplement! 

It may be simple solution but it is a measure that is often not followed!  An iron pill a day to boost nutrition may be worth the wait.

Iron…A Simple Measure For A Lasting Bliss!

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | 4 Comments »

The Harm of Being Obese, Having Bad Breath and Gum Bleeding!

November 18, 2006

736552470.jpgThe moment you wake up and brush your teeth, you may have noticed gum bleeding.  You may take it for granted but if the bleeding or your bad breath is due to a gum disease then take note and see your dentist.  

So far this year… I was able to diagnose two cases of the fatal but rare disease called pancreatic cancer which unfortunately up to now has little to offer in terms of treament.  Almost always by the time it is detected… it has already spread beyond the pancreas.  So far only 5 % of those diagnosed can survive up to 5 years.

So what’s the relationship between gum disease, obesity and cancer?

Apparently based on recent studies, The American Association for Cancer Research states that gum disease and pancreatic disease are closely linked even among those who have never smoked.

In a study from the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston involving 52,000 male doctors in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study:

  • men with a history of gum disease had a 63-percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer relative to men without periodontal disease.
  • Those who never smoked with gum disease had a 2-fold increased risk in developing pancreatic cancer.

The harmful bacteria that is present in individuals with gum disease apparently can result in producing harmful substances in the mouth and the gut especially the cancer causing product called: Nitrosamines.

On a side note… the same institution using the same data also showed…obesity as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer noting that…obese people were 72% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than normal weight counterparts.

So… Be Fit and Have Healthy Gums!

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, The Truths on Obesity | 4 Comments »

Tip On How To Cook Your French Fries Safely!

November 10, 2006

124541481.jpgWe know the story of french fries…but I myself am guilty of indulging in it once in a  blue moon.  Kids just love the sight of it!  So how can we make our french fries healthier especially if we cook them ourselves.  One study has showed us the way….

“Precooking your French fries in the microwave before you fry them reduces levels of a suspected cancer-causing substance called acrylamide“.

Apparently…deep frying the french fries can lead to the formation of a substance called acrylamide. The US FDA Fact Sheet states that ” Acrylamide has been shown to cause cancer in animals in studies where they were exposed to the chemical at very high doses.  Acrylamide has also been shown to cause nerve damage in people who have been exposed to very high levels at work. ” Apparently the FDA still has to make a determination as to how levels of this substance can have an impact on public health and is formulating an action plan on this matter.

But one study published in the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture, found that by the simple technique of microwaving French fries before frying can not only reduce frying time but in turn, can cut down the formation of acrylamide. By microwaving at 190 degrees cut down acrylamide formation by as much as 60%.

This information is also new to me.  As this health issue is evolving.. I will be updating my post.  This indeed has a major public health impact as this now relates to our way of cooking things especially frying.

So The Next Time You Ask For French Fries…

Think Again!

Read My Other Related Articles:

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | 8 Comments »

The Danger of Nasal Decongestants

November 8, 2006

images.jpgIt’s the cold season and your family may have contracted the virus spreading around your house.  The problem then comes when with nasal congestion where the usual reflex is to grab an over the counter drug decongestant.

Certain decongestants have already been pulled out in the US market due to the bad side effect profile.  I thought of writing this post to warn the readers after my wife was taking decongestants 2 x a day in the past 2 days due to congested nose.  Interestingly, the drug contained the banned substance but still being sold in our country is really amazing!

Here’s an FDA Fact sheet on this banned substance called Phenylpropanolamine:

What is phenylpropanolamine?Phenylpropanolamine is an ingredient used in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drug products as a nasal decongestant to relieve stuffy nose or sinus congestion and in OTC weight control drug products to control appetite.

Why is phenylpropanolamine unsafe when this product has been in use for many years?

On May 11, 2000, FDA received results of a study conducted by scientists at Yale University School of Medicine that showed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding of the brain) in people who were taking phenylpropanolamine. Phenylpropanolamine has been used for many years and a very small number of people taking the drug have had strokes. The Yale study helped show that the number of people having strokes when taking phenylpropanolamine was greater than the number of people having strokes who were not taking phenylpropanolamine. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is very low, FDA has significant concerns because of the seriousness of a stroke and the inability to predict who is at risk. Because of continued reports to the FDA of hemorrhagic stroke associated with phenylpropanolamine and the results of the Yale study, we now feel that the risks of using phenylpropanolamine outweigh the benefits and recommend that consumers no longer use products containing phenylpropanolamine.

Are there any population groups at higher risk when using products containing phenylpropanolamine?

The Yale University study showed that the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was found mostly in women; however, men may also be at risk.

What types of products contain phenylpropanolamine?

Phenylpropanolamine is found in some prescription and OTC nasal decongestants and cough/cold products and OTC products for weight control.

So before you grab another tablet of a decongestant…be sure it does not contain the label”phenylpropanolamine”!

Be Safe…Always Read The Label !

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits | 19 Comments »

The Benefits of Red Wine

October 31, 2006

1084423113.jpgThe low rate of heart disease in France despite a diet that includes plenty of butter and cheese has come to be known as the French paradox. The same observations have been noted in other wine drinking countries suggesting that the difference in heart disease risk maybe due to the red wine! More and more benefits in red wine consumption include a reduction in the risk to develop various forms of cancer like leukemia, breast and prostate… this I call The Wine Magic!

Now comes a new study presented in The Healthfinder of the US Dept of Health and Human Servicesthat showed drinking more than three glasses of red wine a week reduced the incidence of abnormal growths and cancers of the intestinal tract by two-thirds or approximately 68% reduction compared to non drinkers. Interestingly, drinking white wine did not have the same protective effect.

What is responsible for the benefits? A single product or a combined action of substances? Whatever it is… Wine Drinkers don’t care….

In the future I would suspect that we will have more data to support the recommendation of taking a glass of red wine to prevent heart disease and cancer just like asking people now to drink milk to prevent osteoporosis.  Until that time comes…I strongly discouraged people to start drinking wine for health benefits. For now… don’t substitute healthy activities and healthy food choices with a glass of wine! However… if you drink… then better choose Red wine.

Cheers to Red Wine!

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits | 2 Comments »

A Way To Stop Memory Loss!

October 28, 2006

923762090.jpgHave you misplaced our keys… or may have forgotten the name of somebody you just met… signs of aging? or just becoming forgetful? Aging is one process we cant avoid but now we have reason to be hopeful that there may actually be a way to prevent the signs of forgetfulness…and the solution is just within our reach!

Have you heard of the “Mediterranean” diet? It is a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes, cereals and fish. All of which except for olive oil are in abundance in our region. This diet as published in the October issue of Archives of Neurology showed that people on this diet had lower risk of being forgetful. The apparent benefit is “by protection from oxidative stress or by reducing inflammation in the brain.”

The study showed thta if you really closely follow the diet regimen, your risk of developing memory problem later on in life can be reduced by 68 percent.

The plus benefit of following the Mediterranean diet is the other benefits we can get from it as proven in other studies: protective for heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, obesity and a series of cancers.

The question of whether the benefit is due to Omega three fatty acids?  Most likely… but NOT from taking supplements sold in the market!   In one study from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, the researchers found no advantage in taking the omega-3 fatty acids supplements at different doses compared to placebo.

What does this study tell us?…Fish Vegetables and Fruits are great for meals… and great for health.  The earlier we intervene in any disease through prevention, the better.

Memory Loss is Better Prevented than Treated!

Read My Other Related Post on Forgetfulness:

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | Leave a Comment »

Can Cell Phones Cause Brain Tumors?

October 24, 2006

imagesquio.jpgIve been asked about this question several times.  We are using cellphones everyday for both personal and business use.  Even some kids are starting to use this technology.  But are they SAFE?

 Evidence so far is pretty limited and the best available studies on this subject was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2001.  with one follow up case control study done in UK published in the British Medical Journal recently in 2006. 

Both studies reached similar conclusions…that so far the use of hand held phones poses no threat to the general public in terms of increasing one’s risk to develop tumors especially the brain.  That with the data analyzed…there has been no increase in the incidence of glioma or meningioma up to the year 2004.

That’s great news to all of us who can’t live without our cell phones tucked inside our bag or belt.  However the authors cautioned that… the findings should be seen as an estimate of the risk at an early stage of the use of this technology.  We all are aware that technology advances so rapidly that complications arising from their use may be underestimated based on current findings.

My only advise on this matter  is … more of a concern on the rapid use of cell phones among children less than 10 years old.  I strongly recommend to limit the use of cell phones on the kids. We still have no firm data on cellphones and the developing brains of these kids.  Their impact may not be known until decades after.

 Use The Benefits of Your Cell Phones… With Care!  

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits | 1 Comment »

The Tale of Too Much Testosterone

October 20, 2006

imagessa1.jpgThe macho image of being fit with bulky bodies has driven a lot of men to self prescribe testosterone… hoping to boost energy and muscle mass.  Indeed too little testosterone can be bad to ones health and well being but too much can have a more lasting ill effect!

A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry showed that “Too much testosterone can kill brain cells. “ Tests done on brain cells in the lab showed that too much testosterone results in cells to self-destruct… a process similar to what happens with Alzheimer’s Disease.

This finding will definitely have an impact among athletes who tend to abuse steroid and hormones to enhance competitiveness through an increase in endurance and muscle mass.  But at the expense of nerve cell damage… which in the long run can mean dementia.

This is a tale that we want to remain a tale…not a reality!

Be Safe… Be Happy With What You Have!

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits | 9 Comments »

How To Lower Your Child’s Risk To Allergy!

October 19, 2006

2408478167.jpgMy kids have allergies and I know of a lot more kids of friends with allergies that I equate this problem to diabetes epidemic in adults… such that almost someone in the family is suffering from the disease.

Any study therefore that can help future parents reduce their child’s risk to suffer from allergy will be most welcome. This new study published in the Allergy, August issue  looked at this scenario in detail. This study involved 4000 children from birth to 4 years of age.

What They Found was:

Children who ate fish before 12 months had LOWER odds of developing asthma, allergic skin diseases and nasal allergies by the time they reach age 4!

It is in line with recent evidence that the omega 3 fatty acids present in fish ,which have anti-inflammatory properties help in improving  ones immune system and thereby lower allergy risk.

Clinical Implication of the study is that the result will change the way we view fish.  We are taught to delay fish up to 3 years of age because it may increase a child’s allergy risk… but this new finding will definitely change that view.

Opinions and evidences keep on evolving…this ever changing field of medicine which we call … Science ….

So again…

Let’s Enjoy The Benefits of Fish…This Time…Earlier!

Read My Other Related Posts:

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | 3 Comments »

The French Fries Freebie!

October 17, 2006

imagesert.jpgGo to any malls in any country… and you’ll see fast-food stations serving the yummy french fries!  Be it the children or the parents… you can see them eating their hearts out after a hectic day of shopping.  What a fun activity to watch and what a way to bond with your kids.  Not only will you show the kids the wrong way to eat but push them to gain the weight we’ve been wanting them to lose. 

As to the parents… do you want Diabetes with your order of Fries?  A recent study showed that Diabetes is now a freebie for every order of your fries!  yahoooo… we all like freebies! 

In a survey done by the Harvard School of Public Health study involving 84,500 women showed that:

  1. those that “splurged” on french fries just once a week were 21 percent more likely to get diabetes than those who ate none. 
  2. those that eat five servings per week of any white potatoes, whether mashed and baked, raised the risk by 14 percent!

The problem with french fries…aside from the fat… is that… it is a food with high glucose load!  I therefore strongly suggest that if you’re obese, or has a family history of diabetes… eating french fries with bread is loading yourself with free sugar!  So the next time you crave for potatoes…switch to sweet potatoes instead! 

Diabetes?…No Thanks For the Freebie!

Read my Other Related Posts:

Posted in Medical News Bits | 5 Comments »

What Is A Living Will…

October 2, 2006

We seldom discuss about a Living Will because we believe we’re healthy enough that nothing is going to happen to us.  Wikipedia defines a Will as a human trait that produces conscious choices.  But have you ever wonder…what happens if we are sick enough to make those choices…..

116782631.jpgJust heard the news from a friend regarding the sudden passing of her father complaining only of abdominal pain before collapsing.  This sudden death again is almost always heart attack which has been shown not to be sudden but should have manifested signs and symptoms prior to the event.  And this weekend I was in Dumaguete to pay my respect to my uncle who passed away after several months of being bed ridden due to a lung disease secondary to chronic smoking.  Even the movement of eating caused him to be short of breath.  This prompted me to write something about advance directives so our loved ones will know what we want if cases of life decisions come in but we as patients are no longer capable of giving.  Any competent individual 18 years old and above can write these directives.

Part of our training at the Mayo Clinic is talking to patients about this right of the patient.  The following information is sourced from the Mayo Clinic protocol with the sole purpose of public information:

Living will. “This written, legal document spells out the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures you do and don’t want, such as mechanical respiration and tube feeding.”

Medical power of attorney (POA).” the medical POA form is a legal document that designates an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you’re unable to do so. The medical POA document is different from the power of attorney form that authorizes someone to make financial transactions for you. If you don’t appoint a medical POA, the decisions about your care default to your spouse. If you aren’t legally married, decisions fall to your adult children or your parents.”

It is also possible to combine these two types of advance directives with a conversation with your loved ones.  Every situation may be different because there are medical conditions where long term prognosis will be good and others not.  

It is therefore best that we talk about what’s in our living will and explain how our values shaped our decisions.

Planning option What does it do? Benefits Limitations
Living will Details your feelings on certain medical treatments and interventions. Gives your doctors and loved ones an idea of the care you’d prefer if you can’t speak for yourself. You can’t possibly plan ahead for all situations. In those instances, your doctor and loved ones would use this as a guide.
Talking with your loved ones Lets you elaborate on your feelings about medical treatment. Helps your family better understand your wishes. Gives a greater understanding of your approach to each situation. A conversation isn’t as legally binding as written instructions.

 If You Love Your Family…

Have A Living Will.

Related Posts:

Posted in Medical News Bits | 2 Comments »

Your Faith Can Hasten Your Recovery

September 23, 2006

2012785724.jpgI always tell my patients who have chronic illnesses to look at their illness as a challenge to live and not as a threat to life.

I draw my inspiration to one patient of mine who is a diabetic who suffered from a lung cancer.  She was given 6 months to live by her pulmonologist here in Cebu.  But her faith to live and her trust in God made her through her disease.  She looked at chemotherapy as a way to kill the bad elements in her body, as a result she is excited to go and have chemotherapy sessions because she really wants to live longer.  She just asked God for strength. And her approach to her illness really made a difference and now 10 years after… she still visits me regularly!

And now comes this new research published in NIH website done on 300 subjects from the University of Washington presented in the Annual convention of the American Psychological Association that proved the concept of faith in overcoming an illness is true and can really help people recover from major illnesses including major surgery like a heart bypass.  

It was shown that “positive religious beliefs and resources gave people a sense of hope and social support.”However, faith struggles, religious doubt and resentment against God and other bad stressful thoughts — may hinder recovery. 

One very important note to remember in the study is that the perceived social support and the feeling of more hope for recovery due to their spiritual beliefs resulted in less post-op depression and anxiety.

So don’t lose hope even if you are told of the impossibility because… I strongly believe that having a positive outlook due to your beliefs and your hope to recover  can boost your immune system and your body’s will to fight the disease!

Ones Faith Indeed Can Move Mountains!

Posted in Medical News Bits | 1 Comment »

Air Fresheners and Your Lung May be A Bad Combination

September 11, 2006

23863564961.jpgAir fresheners are a commonplace in our cars. Unknowingly we may be damaging our lungs in the process.  What this new research has found is that the same chemical compounds that are used in air fresheners can also be found in toilet bowl cleaners as well as mothballs.

The study done by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, published in the August issue of Environmental Health Perspectives showed that this compound called 1,4 dichlorobenzene (1,4 DCB) can cause modest reductions in lung function.

The Findings included:

1.  Of the different compounds emitted as gases, only the compound 1,4 DCB was associated with reduced pulmonary function.  This compound is the one used in most of our household products inlcuding room deodorizers, urinal and toilet bowl blocks, and as an insecticide fumigant for moth control.

2. A 4 percent decrease in the test which measures forced expiratory volume in 1(FEV1) second between the highest and lowest levels of exposure. FEV1 is a pulmonary function test that is a commonly used index for assessing airway function and obstruction.

This research data suggest that 1,4-DCB may exacerbate respiratory diseases.  As such, a decline in lung function no matter how small may be a big factor among patients especially our children who already have allergic cough or asthma. Chronic exposure of this substance can definitely result in harmful effect to their lungs.

Therefore, if you plan to stay indoor for the day…make sure you avoid any deodorizing agents in cleaning your house.  And if you do…be somewhere else at that time.  Likewise, if you ride the car with the kids with the air-conditioner on, throw away the air freshener…

Protect Your Lungs…Anyway Fresh Air Is Better!

___________________________________________________________

 adtxtimg3.gif

Your lungs are a necessity and one of the worst
diseases that damages lungs is caused by asbestos and it is  called
mesothelioma. This disease has been responsible for many deaths over the last few decades. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are diagnosed with this dangerous disease you may want to contact a mesothelioma attorney. Many of
these attorneys also deal with other corporate misconduct cases such as benzene and water contamination.

______________________________________________

Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits | 2 Comments »

When There’s Lightning, Turn Off Your Cell Phone

September 9, 2006

images122.jpgWe’re into the rainy season… we get thunderstorms and lightning then we get the flooded streets. While in the traffic because of the congested road, we use the cell phones to pass the time. But you’re in actual danger of being hit by lightning if it strikes.

The June issue of the British Medical Journal reported a case of a  15-year-old girl struck by lightning while using her cell phone in a London park last year. The girl survived, but is now considered disabled suffering from not only physical injury but traumatic emotional problems.  She is presently confined to a wheelchair, has lost some hearing in the ear she was holding the phone to and can’t recall the moment she was hit by lightning because she had cardiac arrest then. 

The journal reports that ” this phenomenon is a public health issue, and education is necessary to highlight the risk of using mobile phones outdoors during stormy weather to prevent future fatal consequences from lightning-strike injuries related to mobile phones.“

It is important to note that according to the National Weather Service statistics: around 400 people are struck and approximately 67 are killed each year by lightning.  This number actually is more than deaths caused by hurricanes or tornadoes. What is significant is the life long disability that results after one is hit by lightning.

It is theorized in the report that normally: ” the high resistance of human skin means that if lightning strikes, it is conducted over the skin without entering the body, resulting in a low death-rate phenomenon known as “flashover.” But conductive materials such as liquids or metallic objects — i.e. cell phones — disrupt the flashover and result in internal injury with greater death rates”.

For Our Healthy Practice Tips Series 2: Here are some accepted guidelines in the use of appliances during bad weather:

  • Do not use metallic objects like cordless or mobile phones during a thunderstorm.
  • Don’t use a land-line telephone. Lightning can come through the telephone line and hit you.
  • Avoid electrical appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers or take a shower because lightning can travel through water pipes.

These guidelines are there for us to consider and follow.  Even if the jury is still out on whether mobile phones are really a hazard for use during bad weather is still being refuted by some… arguing that the metal content of mobile phones is so small to be a factor… but rather… being hit by lightning is a matter of being in a wrong place at a wrong time.

For now, it is still prudent that the next time you are stuck in traffic because of the rain… before you answer your mobile phone… Just make sure

Don’t Use Your Phone When Lightning Strikes!  

Posted in Healthy Practice Tips, Medical News Bits | 9 Comments »

The Social Impact of Wanting A Baby Boy

September 6, 2006

imagesdfghhj.jpgChinese tradition calls it that the first born be a boy…. however recent studies have shown that cultures that favour male babies may result in a surplus of men. It is theorized that once this happens these men will struggle to find sexual partners and could find themselves marginalised in society based on t he findings of a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by the University College London.

The social impact is intriguing and let me quote what the paper emphasized as the possible implication of this practice:

“As more men discover their lack of marriage prospects, this could lead to antisocial behaviour, violence and possibly more opportunities for organised crime and terrorism, threatening the stability and security of many societies.”

Likewise as quoted from Dr Therese Hesketh, of the UCL Institute of Child Health:

“The ratio of men to women in most populations is remarkably constant if left untouched. The tradition of son preference, however, has distorted these natural sex ratios in large parts of Asia and North Africa. Sex-selective abortion and discrimination in care practices for girls have led to higher female mortality. Although health care for women is generally improving, these advances have been offset by a huge increase in the use of sex-selective abortion, and there are now an estimated 80 million missing females in India and China alone.”

“Over the next 20 years, in parts of China and India there will be a 12 to 15 per cent excess of young men. These men will remain single and will be unable to have families, in societies where marriage is regarded as virtually universal and social status and acceptance depend, in large part, on being married and creating a new family.”

“This trend could lead to increased levels of antisocial behaviour and violence, as gender is a well-established correlate of crime, and especially violent crime. Gender-related violent crime is consistent across cultures. Furthermore, when single young men congregate, the potential for more organised aggression is likely to increase substantially, and this has worrying implications for organised crime and terrorism.”

The above scenario is pretty worrisome indeed.  But apparently certain measures with regard to sex preference have been made in terms of educating the public with some progress. In a recent national survey, 37 per cent of Chinese women surveyed claimed to have no gender preference, and 45 per cent said the ideal family consisted of one boy and one girl. Almost equal numbers of the women expressed a preference for one girl as for one boy.

So there you go… to the newly married…No sex preference please….

Just for fun…let me do a quick survey… of  my friends and readers who are getting married or are going to have a baby… How many would prefer having a baby boy versus a baby girl?

A Baby Boy? Dream for A Healthy Baby Instead!

Posted in Medical News Bits, Personal Thoughts | 4 Comments »

The Benefit of Drinking Apple Juice

August 30, 2006

234652767.jpgI usually refrain from taking apple juice because any fruit juice for me is plain sugar. I always have this rule: A fruit is better than a puree… a puree is better than a juice! BUT new studies may change my way of dealing with juices.

A recent study done in University of Massachussets Lowell published in the August issue of the International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease looked at the effect of apple juice in animal models and its effect in memory.

The FINDINGS are interesting:

The apple juice fed animals had more neurotransmitters produced in the brain important for memory signaling.  Likewise the animals tested did better in memory and learning evaluations.

What’s the implication of the Study in out daily practice?

With the baby boomers reaching the age where we fear the era of forgetfulness… this study is pretty reassuring. The antioxidant properties in apple may have helped in increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain that improved the outcome in terms of memory.

I usually recommend apple as fruit serving to my patients with diabetes because it has a lower glycemic index- meaning it does not significantly increase ones blood sugar.  With this new data on apples… I may have helped them unknowingly in helping preserve their memory!

Other vegetables and fruits may have similar outcome but for now, foods rich in antioxidant properties like apple are known to possess properties that may prevent cognitive decline due to dietary and genetic deficiencies and aging.

An Apple A Day Keeps Your Mind Being Blown Away!

Related Articles:

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | 21 Comments »

Being SINGLE Can Be Bad For Your Health

August 24, 2006

671582262.jpgThe September Issue of the Journal of Epidemiology revealed an amazing fact. It is often believed that staying with friends or having friends or being with somebody you love makes a dull day bright!

Several research studies have already been done looking at longer life spans and lesser heart diseases among happily married couples. But this is the first study done at University of California that I know of,  that looked at singleblessedness and decreased life span.

THE FINDINGS:

1. A 58% increase in death rate among single persons versus those who are married.

2. Unmarried persons whether divorced, separated or widowed had higher death rate.

3.The effect was STRONGEST among those NEVER MARRIED and more pronounced in men than in women.

Practical Implication of the study in our decision making:

Being unmarried is a high risk condition. In fact it was assessed that… the risk of being unmarried is similar to ones risk if he has high blood pressure or high cholesterol and the risk of death!

*Does this mean married couples lead happier lives? Or live  healthier lives because of the children or because they want more happier years together that they live healthier lives? OR

*Do you think being single equates to being lonely and less health conscious? …. What do you think? 

As the saying goes…

The Happier You Are…The Longer You Live!

Posted in Medical News Bits, Personal Thoughts | 17 Comments »

Obesity Genes:Why We Become Obese May Not Be Our Fault After All!

August 16, 2006

imagesftu.jpgWe always think of the equation: what you take in EQUALS what you take out!  A simple equation now being questioned with new findings on studies that this may not be so….

Studies involving twins who ate the same amount of calories had different weights. Subjects given the same quantity of calories- one gained 1 pound a week the other did not. So what made the difference?

New research has shown that Obesity genes now numbering to 50 regulate the way we eat…whether its enough to stop…the way our body utilizes the calories.. and the way fat is built up. This may explain the difference why with so little fuel, some patients gained weight a lot.

Recently… a new cultprit is believed to contribute to this menace… The Microbes just like the way ulcers are made.

In short… it is not ones fault if one has these biological factors causing them to be obese but the whole problem still boils down to too much eating with too little exercise. We may not be able to change the biological makeup, but we can definitely change the way they manifest.

So…It May Not Be Your Fault After All….

…But You Still Take Responsibility Of The Outcome!

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, The Truths on Obesity | 1 Comment »

The Truth About Mercury Contamination and Eating Fish

August 15, 2006

802970253.jpgIt’s indeed a CATCH 22… The Benefits of Fish versus The Fear of Mercury Contamination!

It’s been reported that contamination of fish with mercury has stopped a lot of consumers from eating fish and therefore denied themselves of the benefits of fish.

Because of the many benefits of fish, the National Institute of Health, National Academy of Sciences, The US Dietary Guidelines recommend eating fish at least 2 x a week.

However, The Food and Drug Administration recommends to avoid shark, white tuna, swordfish and king mackerel because they contain high levels of mercury and therefore harmful to children and pregnant women.

The general consensus however is that…

The general public should not avoid FISH out of the concern for mercury. Because even eating high mercury laden fish… IF NOT EATEN FREQUENTLY… will cause no harm!

Likewise,according to Harvard School of Heath…” Neither the Mercury Concern nor the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (known to cause neurological disorders) conatamination in fish are enough for people to reduce their fish intake!”

There You Go…

Fear of Mercury Should Not Put The Fish At Bay….

Posted in Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | 4 Comments »

« Older posts
Newer posts »