Coffee Cuts The Risk To Develop Diabetes

July 24, 2007

3517174637.jpgAnything that we do as long as these activities dont harm us is worth enjoying.  If you love to drink coffee and enjoying your cup while reading your morning daily then this report is good news to you!!!

A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine involving 28,812 postmenopausal women who were followed up for 11  years where 1,418 women developed diabetes… showed that postmenopausal women who drink coffee regularly decreased their risk  of developing type 2 diabetes by 22% compared to women who never drink coffee.  The risk continued to drop as ones coffee consumption increased!!!!

The researchers stressed “in light of the popularity of coffee consumption and the high rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus in older people, these new finding may be of significance from a public health point of view.”  But it is very important for us to remember that: the right diet and exercise continues to be the first line in preventing the onset of this chronic disease called Diabetes.

Is it the Caffeine? Or is it the Coffee itself that gave the protection?

The study found that the women in their study who consumed caffeine from other sources – not coffee – did not experience the same benefit as those who drank coffee.  Meaning it should be what is in the coffee that offered protection.  Likewise, women who regularly drink decaf experience an even lower diabetes 2 risk meaning it may not be the caffeine after all.

I am not depending on my coffee each morning to help me cut my risk to develop diabetes.  I do my own homework of eating right and doing my regular exercise BUT this report helps me enjoy my coffee even more!!!! And Lastly…I dont own a Coffee Shop…..

Double The Fun With Your Daily Coffee!

Read My Other Related Posts:

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, The Diabetes Facts | 5 Comments »

How Much Exercise To Prevent Diabetes?

July 23, 2007

imageswer.jpgExercise and exercise…we know its benefits.  But one thing that really makes me exercise is my risk to develop Diabetes.  We know we can prevent this disease by behavioral therapy like taking care of ones diet and physical activity but doing the exercise for an hour can be TOO MUCH! A lot of friends buy the exercise gadget including the famous treadmill machine…but bet you, if I survey on this site how many of you out there has this machine but has no longer been used it for more than a year?  Any takers?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “one in three American children born in 2000 will develop type II diabetes!!!!” So parents take note: 1 in 3. As much as we want to pamper our kids for the lack of time we sometimes spend with them…be the parents or the grandparents who usually spoil these kids ( smile)  with candies, burgers and ice cream… Be AWARE!

But there’s hope:  new study at the University of Missouri-Columbia says that acute exercise — as little as 15 minutes a day — can have a profound influence on preventing and fighting the disease.  That’s easy!!!! 15 minutes is definitely manageable to anybody and am one of those that finds this study rewarding to all of us who feel disappointed about the need to really do the workout for an HOUR! But for guys who just dont have the time…read my other article below this…

This exercise activity is not the exercise of daily living BUT an acute form of exercise which is a bout of activity in which people Actively Participate!!!.  Activities like running, walking or biking for straight 15 minutes!

Remember there is no limit as to the impact of exercise on this disease… it has been proven to be effective at all levels.  Whether you are still trying to ward off this disease because of obesity or you are already a diabetic on medications or even if you are already on insulin for several yearts, exercise can make a difference in improving your body’s response to insulin.

A bit of good news for this week folks!

Only 15 Minutes Of Exercise Can Make A Difference!

Read My Other Related Posts:

Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, Personal Thoughts, The Diabetes Facts | 3 Comments »

How To Live Longer Without Exercising!

July 20, 2007

3904728485.jpgBeing busy or too busy to exercise may not be bad after all….

A recent report from the Mayo Clinic may prove to be worth considering if we talk about the need to be more active to live long.  We all know the fact that increasing exercise not only prevents one from developing chronic illnesses associated with inactivity and obesity but also can make us feel better and live longer.

According to the March issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource: marathon training or going to a gym is not required but by staying busy and active all day can do the trick.  Such activities that can help people live longer by expending more energy include household chores such as vacuuming, mopping the floor, washing windows, lawn work, caring for children or adults, walking or volunteering.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked 302 adults between the ages of 70 and 84 for six years.  The study showed that:

” Participants who had shown the highest energy expenditures due to more physical activities had about half the chances of dying of those with the lowest energy expenditures. Participants most likely to be in the high-energy group reported climbing stairs or working for pay as a daily part of their lives.”

There you go… being busy can mean healthier lives as long as people who are “too busy” for exercise,  can stay “too busy” around the house and at work, or in the community doing what they have to do and in return live healthier lives.

Great news to those busy bees…. just dont be geeks and be sedentary and “too busy” sitting in your chair facing your computers with only your fingers and mouths exercising.  Those activities dont count!

No More Excuses..Start Moving!

Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, The Truths on Obesity, Tips To Protect Your Heart | 3 Comments »

The Art Of A Relationship….

July 19, 2007

imagesaaa.jpgOver the years that Ive pratice medicine, what I find interesting when seeing patients is the feeling of their trust in us that we are doing the right thing for their health.  For me this is one precious gift we have that should be guarded, protected and should never be abused.  So anytime I give advises to my patients… be it medication or surgery… they know it’s for the good of their health and nothing else!

Giving time to tell them what they want to know and giving them the chance to ask questions are keys to a successful relationship.  This is A True Relationship.  I may not be as smart as the one next door but if patients feel comfortable when they see me then I am a better doctor to the eyes of that patient.

I guess my training at Mayo taught me to deal with patients more than their illness…treat them as your family…. and they will see you again…refer more patients to you and their kids to you.

I guess this is true to everything in this world.  Be it in business, government or as an employer.  It’s the relationship that you have with your customers or your employees that will put you up in the pedestal for your clients and friends to look up to and emulate.

Everytime, my patients leave my office… they often say “thank you”. This has made me think over the years.  I guess they’re thanking me for taking time to explain and to help them understand about their disease and thanking me for making them feel better by the mere fact that now they know what they have and how to handle their illness.  I guess by making them feel that I care and I am here to help was all worth their time to see me.

Build a relationship and one that should last… and that’s what I call SUCCESS!….

Love What You Do and Its Will Show! 

Posted in Lifestyle Measures, Personal Thoughts | 5 Comments »

Foods To Avoid If You Have High Uric Acid or GOUT!

July 18, 2007

2325435892.jpgThe scenario is common: the patient goes to sleep then around early dawn, he is awakened by severe pain in the big toe followed by fever and chills. This is almost always the symptom of a gouty attack!!!!  This condition affects the age group 30 to 50 years old and is the most common cause of joint pain among men.

Hyperuricemia or an excess of uric acid in the blood is the culprit for gout and is very common among diabetic patients. Likewise, in general population, gouty arthritis due to high uric acid commonly manifests as pain in the joints especially the big toe.  Unfortunately people always mistake any form of joint pains in the body as due to uric acid and therefore wants to avoid food associated with gout.  To be sure therefore if your joint pains are due to this disease, a simple blood test called uric acid can easily be determined in any lab.

NO NO if You Have GOUT or High Uric Acid:

  • The NUMBER ONE on my list is ALCOHOL!!!!
  • Anchovies
  • Gravies
  • Herring, Sardines
  • Mussels or Tahong
  • Internal Organs like liver, kidney
  • Dinuguan, Chicharon Bulaklak
  • Mackerel
  • Patis and Soya Products
  • Bacon and scallops

Use in Moderation:

  • Crabs, Oysters, Shrimps, and eel
  • Poultry and Meat incluidng soup and broth
  • Oatmeal
  • Certain Veggies like asparagus, spinach, mushroom and cauliflower
  • Legumes like beans or lentils

Once given a diagnosis, it is prudent that one takes care of it since the condition can recur and if not treated well may lead to other complications like kidney stones! Yikes!

Taking simple steps starting with our diet can go a  long way in improving our health….

Eat To Live and Not Live To Eat!

Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Nutrition Health Tips | 511 Comments »

Do You Have A Family History of Diabetes?

July 17, 2007

1997049824.jpgI always counsel my patients to inform their siblings, relatives and kids regarding the potential risk to develop diabetes in their lifetime.  I often require my patients to bring their kids during their next visit so my counseling and education can be heard and have an impact several fold!

Recently, a study from the International Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, published in the June 19 issue of the journal Circulation has shown that even the very earliest signs of Diabetes can increase the risk of dying from heart disease.  The findings confirm our previous observations that by the time ones fasting blood sugar is increased: 50% of the patients have already signs and symptoms of complications including that of the heart.   Now comes this finding that tells us more: that many more people are at risk of suffering from the complications of diabetes — even BEFORE they are diagnosed with the elevated blood sugar.

One message therefore that this study gives us is:

Dont take any abnormality of blood sugar for granted.  Consider it serious form the very start because any amount of early intervention can mean a lot to ones risk of developing heart attacks and strokes.  Not anly are they disabling but more so a tremendous economic load especially treating the complications!

So whats a normal blood sugar? Anytime your fasting blood sugar exceeds 99 mg/dl is already abnormal! Anytime of the day if your blood sugar reaches 200 even immediately after a meal is already abnormal.  Anytime if your blood sugar 2 hours after a meal is > 140mg/dl is already a red flag!  Now once your fasting blood sugar exceeds 126 mg/dl…that’s Diabetes!

So Take action…if you’re at risk! The earlier you change your lifestyle …the better!

The Earlier We Intervene in Disease… 

The Better Outcome For Health!

Posted in Medical News Bits, The Diabetes Facts | 6 Comments »

Dont Reuse Takeaway Plastic Containers

July 16, 2007

imageser.jpgJust came from Malaysia to attend an emergency meeting for 2 days and while going through the Malaysian Daily read an interesting headline: Plastic Peril.

The main message of the headline was that since takeaway plastic containers are made to be used only once…make sure you dont reuse them nor use them to store your food!  These plastic containers apparently dont have the sturdiness and thermal stability that are present in reusable plastic containers. 

Similar recommnedations were given for plastic mineral water containers…not only is it difficult to clean, the stability of the plastic is also questionable considering the heat and humidity of Malaysia similar to our country.

The recommendations were based on the study done by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaysia where in 45 containers examined …at least one chemical was detected in all.  Although the chemical content was low…repeated exposure can result in accumulation of these chemicals esepcially one particle called BBP or Benzyl Butyle Phthalate which in the long run can cause endocrine function abnormalities involving the thyroid and the pancreas!

I am sure a lot of us have the practice of reusing these containers we get from the restaurants and reusing them in reheating foods in the microwave stored in the fridge.  Now we know this is not advisable nor safe!  So always remember…..

Reusing Takeaway Containers Is  Harmful To Your Health!

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

The Will Power To Stop The Urge To Eat…

July 11, 2007

3582617281.jpgI follow this simple principle to following a strict dietary habit that I feel is the most rewarding in terms of curbing one’s desire to eat… and eat MORE!

When I see a patient in the clinic who is apparently Gaining Weight or with fluctuating blood sugars especially 2 hours after a meal, I know there is a problem of Discipline and Will Power. The Urge to Eat defeated his Desire to stop eating and as a result, the patient gains weight and has high blood sugar levels. 

Because of my family history of Diabetes with my two siblings having Prediabetes, my risk is high to have the same problem…so I follow what I preach to my patient.  Experience wise…I know the Will Power should defeat the Urge To eat!

It may not be easy but it’s a doable thing.  I eat my oat meal for breakfast at around 6 AM. I then have a half of a sandwich by 9 AM plus a cup of Kafe Latte which I place in my coffee heater and have small sips in between patients and finish it by 12N.  Dont wait before you feel hungry beofre having lunch- eat at 12N whether you’re hungry or not! Sometimes the Desire to eat more can be rather strong but if you have the Will Power then after finishing a plate of half a cup of rice, 1 slice of meat/fish and veggies you should STAND UP and leave the dining table and start working on something else.  If you continue to nurture that desire to eat then definitely you will eat more! Then the guilt feeling starts to sink in once you feel bloated and FULL! You therefore FAILED!

Then slowly, you will notice that you feel good because you were disciplined enough to know when to stop and fight that bad desire to make you sick!

Remember my simple meassage of Will Power… and if you carry this habit for life… then I guarantee you good health.  Remember also that everything that comes out in our body comes from what and how much we put inside our mouths! Out due to IN!

Have the Will Power To Fight The Urge To Eat For Health! 

Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Nutrition Health Tips, Weight Loss Tips | 4 Comments »

Too Little Sleep Because Of Work?

July 10, 2007

imagesslp.jpgIt’s not uncommon to party all night… study for our exams (especially when I was in Medical school) or staying awake late at night because of hospital duties OR as parents being awake all night with a sick child!  Whew… those were the times! 

 During these “Awake” periods our body tends to compensate by making us sleep more the next day…our bodies way of        ” catching up”.  These acute sleep debt or loses are not known to be harmful because our body is able to adapt to acute changes in life from sleep to emotions to hormonal changes.  What is not known until now is the chronic lack of sleep where we lose a little bit of sleep over a period of days, months or even years due to work and work and work!!!!!

Understanding the effects of chronic lack of sleep was recently published online by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) from the group of Northwestern University.  In that study, the researchers discovered that “when animals are partially sleep deprived over consecutive days they no longer attempt to catch up on sleep, despite an accumulating sleep deficit.”  

The impact of these finding in humans is immense as experimental studies in humans showed that chronic partial sleep loss of even two to three hours per night was found to have detrimental effects on the body.  The effects include: impairments in cognitive performance, as well as cardiovascular, immune and endocrine functions.

The problem with these sleep-debt people is that they dont look sleepy nor report feeling sleepy BUT their performance on tasks was shown to decline.  Likewise, repeated partial sleep restriction in humans has been linked to metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.  In fact in our recent Endocrine Society Meeting, Sleep debt is now considered one major risk factor for Obesity and Diabetes!!!!

So how do we counter the effects of chronic sleep loss?

 Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests: if you’ve missed 10 hours of sleep over one week, make up for it over the weekend and the following week. If you’ve missed sleep for decades, it could take a few weeks to repay the debt. Plan a vacation with a light schedule, and sleep every night until you wake naturally. Once you’ve determined how much sleep you need, factor it into your daily schedule.

So guys… it’s not bad to work and finish our tasks on time BUT if we overdo things to satify somebody even ourselves at the expense of our health…is something else!

Enjoy Your Work But Stay Within The LIMITS!

Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, The Diabetes Facts, The Truths on Obesity | 7 Comments »

Obesity Surgery Can Help Diabetics Live Better Lives….

July 9, 2007

imagesobesir.jpgThe prevalence of Obesity and Diabetes is fast rising with an apparent increase of 60 to 70% within a 10 year period.  The relationship between the two is closely linked which brought a new disease state called: Diabesity or Diabetes plus Obesity!  Two major epidemics in one… result into TROUBLE!  They have the same major problem of lifestyle: improper food intake and plain inactivity and the same kinds of complications long term.

One magic bullet to hit two birds with one stone is the procedure called: Laparoscopic Gastric Banding.  This is a procedure that we now routinely perform in our institution with remarkable success.  It is a less invasive procedure than gastric bypass and has written about its procedure in one post in this website.  In a study done recently, not only did the procedure resulted in weight loss but likewise resulted in changes that reduced the culprit of developing diabetes , hypertension and high cholesterol: the Insulin Resistance State.

Below is the summary of the results of the study from the American Physiological Society Homepage: 

____________________________________________________________________________

   *      prior to surgery, there were expected gender differences in body composition measures. Men were heavier, had greater waist circumferences, and HbA1c( a measure of overall blood sugar control). Women had higher a percentage of body fat.

*      6months after surgery the overall group had a l5 percent reduction in body weight (275 vs. 233 pounds), a 14 percent reduction in BMI (43.4 vs. 37.3), a 13 percent reduction in body fat percentage (49 vs. 43 percent), a 13 percent reduction in waist circumference (53 vs. 46 inches) and a 10 percent reduction in hip circumference (57 vs. 51 inches).

*      six-months after surgery the insulin resistance was reduced 60 percent, according to a HOMA score. This was due primarily to a 50 percent reduction in fasting insulin concentrations with no change in fasting glucose concentrations.

*      there were a few gender differences in surgery-related changes. In women only, the waist-to-hip ratio tended to decrease (0.92 vs. 0.86), and the HbA1c tended to decrease (5.8 vs. 5.6 percent).  Diastolic blood pressured tended to decrease (81 vs. 75 mmHg) and CRP tended to decrease (8.3 vs. 4.7 mg/L).

__________________________________________________________________________

The findings are really promising.  If we reduce the state of Insulin Resistance by making a patient lose weight then we unburden our pancreas from over producing insulin in response to our meals. Likewise we therefore reduce a patients risk from developing chronic complications that can cause disability.

The authors concluded that:” These improvements occurred despite the fact that patients were still clinically obese. Rapid improvements in insulin resistance after surgery will have a positive impact on long-term patient health and may delay or prevent progression to diabetes.”

Behavioral Therapy remains the cornerstone of losing weight as well as managing diabetes.  If one can lose weight without invasive procedures through discipline with proper food intake and physical activity…the BETTER! 

But for weight loss remedy beyond the weight loss achieved by behavioral modification that may have lasting long term outcomes especially with regard to risks for chronic complications like heart disease and stroke…then

LAP Banding Is The Way To Go!

For further readings on Lap Banding: The Magic Way To Lose Weight

Posted in Medical News Bits, The Diabetes Facts, The Truths on Obesity, Weight Loss Tips | 4 Comments »

One Hour of Exercise Weekly Can Lower Your Blood Pressure…

July 6, 2007

Just One Hour of Exercise A Week Controls Hypertension!!

4150893541.jpg….says one headline that caught my attention.  Apparently this amount of aerobic exercise can be spread out over a week and has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure ( the upper number) by an average of 12 points and the diastolic reading ( the lower number) by 8 points.

The study which was published in the American Journal of Hypertension, proves that one does not need to really spend a lot of time working out to get a benefit!  But the study also showed that the more you exercise the more the benefit in terms of lowering ones BP suggesting that we should do more than just an hour a week.

It is very important to remember that several medical guidelines recommend 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week because physical activity has been shown to reduce ones risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.

My Advise?

  1. Make sure you make exercise FUN… in so doing… you can sustain the idea of doing it daily!  
  2. Make it part of your daily routine just like driving a car of eating your meals! Once exercise has made its way into your daily schedule, then it becomes part of your daily routine!

We should have only ONE goal in mind when we think about Exercise…simply….

Keep Fit  To Be Healthy!

Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Tips To Protect Your Heart | 6 Comments »

Are You Eating What’s Right For Your Bones? … Nutrition and Osteoporosis

July 3, 2007

Bone health is an important part of one’3681618293.jpgs yearly checkup.  The loss of bone mass contributes to early disability and death if the consequences of bone disease take its toll.  Fractures involving the spine and the hip contribute to significant morbidity and mortality that prevention of bone loss is the KEY!

Heres an important Fact Sheet from the University of Nebraska that I want to share because this involves common concepts in bone health involving common foods that we eat:

______________________________________________________________

While dietary calcium and vitamin D are important in helping prevent or treat osteoporosis, the following dietary concerns also come into play.

1.Fiber. Excessive fiber can interfere with calcium absorption. Dr. Miriam Nelson (author, Strong Women, Strong Bones) advises that the fiber occurring in food is probably not a problem. But, if you’re sprinkling extra fiber on food, such as bran on cereal, that might affect calcium absorption.

2.Caffeine. Excessive caffeine can increase urinary excretion of calcium. A 6 oz. cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams caffeine — the actual amount would depend on brewing time, etc. Tea, soft drinks and various medications also can contain caffeine. There are about 40 milligrams of caffeine in 6 oz. of regular brewed tea; green tea may contain less caffeine. Some soft drinks are comparable to tea in caffeine content.

3.Excessive sodium. Excessive sodium can increase urinary calcium excretion. Go easy on the salt shaker; taste before you salt. Limit the number of high salt foods. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends sodium be limited to 2,400 mg daily.

4.Alcohol. Consuming more than seven alcoholic drinks per week is associated with an increased risk of low bone density and of falls and fractures. Obviously, you shouldn’t drink seven drinks all in the same day.

5.Oxalic acid. This acid, present in certain foods, such as spinach, chard and beet greens, binds up the calcium in these foods. However, it doesn’t seem to affect the calcium in foods served with them. These greens are still good for you and may actually help improve calcium status in other ways. Also, though chocolate is a source of oxalic acid, it doesn’t seem to tie up the calcium in milk if you drink chocolate milk.

6.Soft drinks. When soft drinks replace milk as a beverage, individuals are drastically reducing the calcium content of their diets.

______________________________________________________________

Nutrition will always remain a part of once daily life whether for health and to prevent disease… be it for diabetes, obesity,hypertension or osteoporosis.

Eat Right, Be Light and Live Longer!

Read My Other Related Posts:

Posted in General Health Tips, Health Facts on Osteoporosis, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Nutrition Health Tips | 2 Comments »

Are Your Kids Addicted To Video Games?

June 27, 2007

3788732059.jpgAny form of addiction from food to video games can be “life threatening”. You have heard stories of a kid having lost his life after losing a game online. And when the American Medical Association started to voice out specific concern to include Video Game Addiction as a disease means…it’s now becoming a problem!

According to the AMA council, “up to 90 percent of American youngsters play video games and as many as 15 percent of them – more than 5 million kids – may be addicted.”  Likewise, it further noted that: “dependence-like behaviors are more likely in children who start playing video games at younger ages.”

According to the Associated Press release:

Overuse most often occurs with online role-playing games involving multiple players, the report says. Blizzard Entertainment’s teen-rated, monster-killing World of Warcraft is among the most popular. A company spokesman declined to comment on whether the games can cause addiction.

The telltale signs are ominous: teens holing up in their rooms, ignoring friends, family, even food and a shower, while grades plummet and belligerence soars. The culprit isn’t alcohol or drugs. It’s video games, which for certain kids can be as powerfully addictive as heroin, some doctors contend.

So guys…beware.  Check your kids before it’s too late and before it becomes an Addiction!

Are Your Kids Playing Too Much Video Games?

Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, Personal Thoughts | 6 Comments »

The FDA Rules on Dietary Supplements

June 26, 2007

3847290624.jpgFinally!!!…The US FDA has made some firm stand on dietary supplements.  In the medical community it has been a puzzle as to why the health governing agency has always been hands off with regard regulating these dietary supplements!.  And how come nobody monitors the safety and the standards of this multibillion dollar industry.

The same goes with our local FDA and BFAD where supplements boast as being BFAD approved as if this is a tag to prove that the products are safe to be used by consumers.  You hear this on radio and you see these claims on print…Herbal Supplement is BFAD Approved!

So consumers beware because even if your supplements came from the US, the regulation of the sale of these products has not been standardized till now.  Toxic levels of certain substances present in your pill are not monitored nor are labels required… which at least for now is being changed!

Here’s more from the US FDA Fact Sheet:

 ___________________________________________

“The regulations establish the cGMP needed to ensure quality throughout the manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and storing of dietary supplements. The final rule includes requirements for establishing quality control procedures, designing and constructing manufacturing plants, and testing ingredients and the finished product. It also includes requirements for recordkeeping and handling consumer product complaints.“The final rule will help ensure that dietary supplements are manufactured with controls that result in a consistent product free of contamination, with accurate labeling,” said Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D., director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

Under the final rule, manufacturers are required to evaluate the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their dietary supplements. If dietary supplements contain contaminants or do not contain the dietary ingredient they are represented to contain, FDA would consider those products to be adulterated or misbranded. The aim of the final rule is to prevent inclusion of the wrong ingredients, too much or too little of a dietary ingredient, contamination by substances such as natural toxins, bacteria, pesticides, glass, lead and other heavy metals, as well as improper packaging and labeling.The final rule includes flexible requirements that can evolve with improvements in scientific methods used for verifying identity, purity strength, and composition of dietary supplements.”

___________________________________________

We Need Stricter Rules On Dietary Supplements!

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Personal Thoughts | 6 Comments »

The Truth About Sex and Aging….

June 23, 2007

3046855028.jpgIt may be true that as we age, our sex life tends to deteriorate “literally”.  The frequency of sex may now be a factor due to more stresses in life both on the part of the husband and wife.  Likewise the notion that sex in older people is a “taboo” and not to be talked about is no longer acceptable.

Sex will always be a part of a good relationship.  And no matter how old, sex should be an essential element to a happy and healthy companionship.

The AARP recently in America held a survey on the topic Sexuality at Midlife and these are some of the interesting facts that came out:

  • 5 out of six respondents strongly disagree with the statement that “Sex is only for younger people.”
  • 6 out of 10 people considered that sexual activity is indeed a crucial part of a good relationship.
  • 10% of adults accepted the fact that they don’t particularly enjoy sex
  • 12% agreed never having sex again would be okay!
  • For the majority, the results from the study show that sexual activity is a critical part of a good relationship, and that a satisfying sexual relationship is an important factor affecting quality of life.

We have to accept the fact that as our body changes with age, so do the changes of sexuality follow.  Hormanal changes that occur especially with the declining testosterone levels in men resulting in loss of desire and erectile dysfunction as well as in women resulting in the loss of libido all contribute to the decline in sexuality.  But the good news is… there are now ways to address these medical needs so as we can continue to enjoy this one thing in life that is free and enjoyable!

Live stress as part of ones life and not let it deter you to enjoy sex.  If your mind is so preoccupied with the other thoughts then the pleasure from sex will be lost and depression can set in.  Stress maybe unavoidable but solving the problems besetting us should be done outside the bedroom!

There’s  no age limit to enjoying sex…there’s no limit to the frequency of sex.  Enjoy every minute of it and just have FUN!

Living and Aging Graciously Equates Wonderful Sex! 

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

Cancer Cases Are Rising…..

June 20, 2007

imagescancer.jpgThis alarm comes not as a surprise to me.  I got hold of this news release from the Associated Press which I want to share just to make us all wake up and think twice before we eat, and before we plan things in our lives…..

___________________________________________________________________________Longer Longer life spans and changing diet and lifestyles are among the factors that could lead to a dramatic increase in cancer cases in Asia by 2020, experts attending a conference in Singapore warn.If current trends continue, the total number of new cancer cases in Asia could climb from 4.5 million in 2002 to 7.1 million in 2020, the Associated Press reported.That increase could cause a major health crisis as poorer Asian countries struggle to pay the cost of cancer screening, vaccines and treatment, the experts said.“This will put a tremendous burden on patients, their families and the health-care system in each country,” said Singapore Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, the AP reported.Smoking is a major cancer threat. In a number of Asian nations, more than 60 percent of males smoke, said Dr. Donald Max Parkin, a research fellow at the University of Oxford’s Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit.In many Asian nations, large numbers of people have moved from rural areas to the cities. That switch has led to more sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of meat and fried foods, and fewer vegetables in the diet._____________________________________________________________________________

Havent you noticed that whether we are talking about Obesity, Diabetes or Hypertension… and now The Big C, the modifiable risk factors are all the same…The Lifestyle!  It may be a challenge to change the urban lifestyle but any chage for the better is worth the package! 

 

Changing Habits for the Better Means A Healthier Lifestyle!

Posted in Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, Personal Thoughts | 3 Comments »

Tips to Overcome WORRY…

June 18, 2007

2741649040.jpgEver so often I have patients who worry too much on something that for me is so trivial that needs no worrying.  To worry can be normal but prolonged worrying can be bad!  The stress hormones associated with worrying can result in long term harm to ones body. I beleive in counting my blessings first before I start to consider if this thing is worth my worrying or not!

Worrying from time to time is normal, even healthy, because it is the body’s way to respond to threatening situations. But be careful because if this continues for long this will lead to anxiety and panic attacks and the obsession of something is going to happen to you will occupy your whole self leading to a destructive self image.  How then can we deal with worries?

Here are some tips that I got from the Harvard Health Beat:

What If You Are Just Plain Worried?

Not everyone who suffers from frequent worry has an anxiety disorder. If you don’t have anxiety disorder, but think you worry too much, the following advice may help. • Practice relaxation techniques. Listen to music or to relaxation recordings to take your mind off whatever is worrying you. Or try progressive muscle relaxation.

• Exercise regularly. Studies have found that exercise improves mood and modestly decreases anxiety symptoms. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on all, or most days.

• Consider biofeedback. Biofeedback helps you become aware of your body’s responses to stress and teaches you control them using relaxation and cognitive techniques.

Think twice: Is it worth my time? Is it worth my worry?

Count Your Many Blessings and Ask: Do I Need To Worry?

Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Personal Thoughts | 1 Comment »

The Life Expectancy of a Diabetic…

June 16, 2007

imagesrtyui.jpgI was reading through several articles today and one study that struck me is one that calculated how long a diabetic can live.  It is known that a diabetic patient is at risk of developing heart attack in his lifetime but how about the effect of diabetes on how long a diabetic can live.

It is known that being a diabetic increases ones risk to develop heart disease. In this study, having diabetes was shown to significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio 2.5 for women and 2.4 for men) and of dying when cardiovascular disease was present (hazard ratio 2.2 for women and 1.7 for men).  Suggesting the need to be vigilant in targeting the prevention of the different risk factors that will increase this risk. 

The author of the study which was published in the June 11, 2007 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine also said it straight to the point in heartwire: “We showed that diabetes cuts out about eight good years of your life. While diabetics and nondiabetics have a similar number of years with cardiovascular disease, the disease process starts earlier in diabetics.

 Effect of diabetes on life expectancy with and without cardiovascular disease at age 50 years (men)

Life expectancy (y) Without diabetes With diabetes
Total life expectancy 28.8 21.3
Life expectancy with CV disease 6.8 7.1
Life expectancy free from CV disease 22.0 14.2

Effect of diabetes on life expectancy with and without cardiovascular disease at age 50 years (women)

Life expectancy (y) Without diabetes With diabetes
Total life expectancy 34.7 26.5
Life expectancy with CV disease 6.6 6.8
Life expectancy free from CV disease 28.0 19.6


The above table shows that a diabetic at 50 cuts his life expectancy by 8 years!!!!

The study authors explained this finding that :” diabetic patients reach the final stages of the movie prematurely by missing out on some of the best bits in the middle.” These findings underscore the importance of diabetes prevention for the promotion of healthy aging. Toward this end, it is essential to implement global strategies to change the current Western lifestyle and to promote the adoption of physical activity and healthy diets.”

The fundamental objective of everyone therefore at risk of developing Diabetes is to implement strategies of lifestyle changes that can reduce ones risk to develop the disease…. meaning…

Prevention Is The Key To Long Life Span!

Check Out My Other Related Posts:

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, The Diabetes Facts | 7 Comments »

Yoga and Your Weight…

June 13, 2007

2622133215.jpgExercise your body has been shown to help lead healthier lives.  But there may be some exercises which make a person more inclined to eat.  It is now known that aerobic exercises like running can trigger this response.  But a study conducted on yoga proved this to be a better option in helping patient maintain weight or be conscious of their body image resulting in weight loss.

But waht is Yoga?  According to Wikipedia: Yoga is a group of ancient spiritual; practices that originated form India and has become primarily associated with the practice of asanas  or postures.  You can see several yoga centers anywhere in the world but I have only come accross this article only now that looked at the benefit of yoga on weight.

It is said that “Yoga may make women feel better about their bodies, steering them away from eating disorders.”, according to a  new study  published in Psychology of Women Quarterly by affecting the mind-body relationship.  Likewise, yoga may actually help prevent and treat eating disorders.

In the study, the authors compared women who practiced yoga regularly with those who did other forms of exercise. Women who hadn’t done either form of exercise for at least two years were also included.  The result showed that yoga indeed can affect a persons attitude to self image and may in fact affect bad eating habits that may lead one to gain weight.

Here’s one tip for those desiring to exercise but is confused as to what regimen to use.  Is Yoga good for you?  Well based on this study… it has benefits.  Its a form of mind and body relaxation and an activity that may prove to work for you! 

Cheers To Yoga!

Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Weight Loss Tips | 1 Comment »

Sleep and The Risks of Obesity and Diabetes…

June 9, 2007

One of the highlights of the Endocrine Society meeting that I attended just this week in Toronto Canada was  a plenary session on Sleep Debt and the Risk of Diabetes and Obesity. 

While reading Canada’s daily newpaper, the headline was that… companies are now allowing their workers also to take a nap in between work schedules with nap stations in their offices to allow workers to relax and sleep and be more productive as a result.  Suggesting that sleep debt is actually affecting productivity in the work place!

BUT how much sleep is healthy? or how many hours of sleep are needed to reduce diabetes and obesity risks? 

The magic number is 7 hours!!!

A study published in Diabetes Care this March of 2006 showed that  men who got little sleep (< 7 hours ) or a lot of sleep (8-10 hours) were more likely to develop diabetes than men with 7 hours of nightly sleep.  The same token people with less than 7 hours of sleep have a 23% to 73% increased risk of obesity!

But quality of sleep is also as important. Deep sleep is a must.  Even 7 hours of light sleep may do no good but harm.

Again the stress hormones may be responsible as more activation of the sympathetic nervous system resulting in overproduction of cathecholamies may be result in the increased risk.  Likewise, obesity may follow if you sleep less because you easily feel hungry and you tend to eat more if you’re awake!

So…..

Sleep Well and Be Well!

Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, The Diabetes Facts, The Truths on Obesity | 7 Comments »

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