Dr. Grossman Suggests ‘Breakfast In Bed’ For A Healthy Alternative

“I know this is somewhat of a controversial notion,” said Nelson, who recently spoke at the 2013 Arnold Sports Festival. “But scientific research – as well as good old common sense – is squarely on my side.”

According to Nelson, whose research has been published in scientific journals, “Unless you’re raiding the fridge in the wee small hours of the morning, your insulin levels should be at their lowest point as you awake. That’s great for people interested in losing weight, because when insulin levels are low, it pushes your body to rely on stored body fat as its main energy source. The result? You’re going to burn more fat… and lose weight faster.”

Reduced caloric consumption is also an obvious, but it is an important benefit from blowing off breakfast to lose weight,” he says. “While there are a million diets on the market, the fact is that when it comes to weight loss – calories still matter! I’ve found that most people, if not all, can skip (or at least push out) breakfast and not feel deprived by doing either. The truth is that lots of people are simply so busy getting kids ready for school, and trying to get to work on time themselves, they don’t have time for breakfast even if they wanted to roll through a fast food restaurant or stop for a jelly donut. By simplifying your morning by skipping breakfast, you’ll be consuming fewer calories, and naturally losing weight faster.”

Nelson, who is a PhD candidate in Exercise Physiology and holds a Masters in Biomechanics, says this isn’t only a theory; there is published research to back up the tactics of blowing off breakfast to encourage faster weight loss.

“One of the most trusted forms of research methodology is a randomized, controlled trial,” he says. “In just such a study (Schlundt DG et al.) 52 overweight adults were divided into two groups. One group skipped breakfast and the other group ate breakfast. The no-breakfast group ate two meals per day, while the breakfast group ate three meals per day. Both groups consumed the same amount of calories only at different times.”

The result? He said the group that blew off breakfast lost almost six more pounds than the breakfast-eating group. “I’m convinced, if you can manage to skip breakfast, you’re going to lose weight faster without really having to work at it,” adds Mike, who will be a featured speaker at the Leading Training & Fitness Conference April 13th at the Alexandria Technical & Community College in Alexandria, Minnesota. “The moral of the story is to allow your body to burn fat on an empty stomach in the morning hours, instead of loading up on a carb-filled breakfast.”

- Courtesy of PRWeb

It’s tough to match the appeal of today’s video games when it comes to keeping kids engaged. The action is fast paced, the challenges are thought provoking, and the sound and visual effects are unparalleled. But when children and teens spend the bulk of their time in front of the TV, computer, or hand-held devices – they develop an increased desire for immediate entertainment. This can cause a significant decrease in their attention span and ability to retain information elsewhere (school for instance). The concerned parent will often find themselves frustrated, and feeling helpless when it comes to encouraging a balance between video games, and physical fitness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children get at least sixty minutes of physical activity everyday. Finding creative ways to get your child out and active – can be the tricky stitch!

Why Not Start By Playing A Video Game With Your Child?

This will take away the defensive barrier between you and your child that so often prevents effective communication. When your son or daughter feels that have taken the time to relate to their interests, they will likely be more receptive to other ideas and suggestions you may have regarding extra curricular activities. Playing video games with your child from time to time, also helps you keep a keen eye on the types of games they are playing, without invasive to their privacy. That, and there’s nothing wrong with upping the ‘cool factor’ just a bit as a parent!

Plan Engaging Indoor & Outdoor Activities For Your Child And Their Friends!

There are literally hundreds of things to do that will encourage your child to get outside and be physically active, without it feeling like a chore. We forget that in our communities, there are activities just as challenging and thrilling (more so in fact) as any video game on the market. Consider Go Karting, paintball, laser tag or wide game activities like capture the flag in your community parks. If you live in a community with accessible water activities like canoeing, knee boarding, scuba diving or parasailing, take nature up on its opportunity. Sometimes it’s not that our kids aren’t interested in living active lifestyles, it’s that they don’t actually realize all the cool things that an active lifestyle could entail!

Get Your Child On Board With An Organized Sport

According to the NYU Child Study Centre, organized sports help build physical, psychological, character, cognitive and academic development in children. Sports will help your child build muscle and bone while improving memory capabilities, the ability to focus and reduce any stress or anxiety your child may be experiencing. Organized sports also build self- esteem, assist with cognitive problem solving abilities, teach children the value of working together, build leadership skills and encourage kids to set and achieve personal goals. Getting your child involved with sports will also expose them to people from other cultures, which encourages empathy from an early age.

The benefits behind encouraging your child to be physical active and involved in his or her community are really boundless. The important thing, is to make sure your they know you are on their side, and want to get, be and stay engaged right along with them. So, while you’re encouraging your kids to be active, make sure you’re ‘walking the walk’!

- Article supplied Sandra Goldstein of www.krilloil.com/ – a manufacturer and a retailer of high quality krill oil.

Dental health occupies a vital role in determining the overall health of the human body. It refers to the healthy functioning of the teeth and gums which should be free from bacterial infection, cavities and bad breath. People who seldom rinse their mouth after consuming junk food and sweets are susceptible to tooth infections, loss of tooth, decay and gum problems. Today there are many dental offices in the neighborhood for effective dental treatments. The Anchorage dental clinic offers all types of dental treatments and specializes in a dental emergency.

Importance of Brushing and Flossing

Regular brushing and flossing of the teeth is very essential to maintain dental hygiene and health. Doctors recommend regular brushing at least twice a day. Both adults and children are advised to brush their teeth once in the morning after waking up and at night before going to bed. In most cases, both children and adults brush their teeth hurriedly which can lead to poor dental hygiene. Cavities, plaque, bleeding gums and so forth are some of the most common dental problems faced by most of the people today. When faced with dental problems, most people approach emergency dentist in Anchorage to obtain best treatments.

Dietary Practices

For effective dental health, it is quite important to abstain from consuming alcohol, unhealthy snacks, sweetened dishes and drinks. It is also pertinent to include a lot of dietary fiber in your diet along with fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and so forth. It is also important to avoid the consumption of food with high sweet content. While searching for expert dentist, Anchorage clinics are often recommended for its exemplary care and assortment of dental procedures.

Regular dental checkup

To ensure overall dental health, a regular dental checkup is recommended by the dentists. It is important to consult a dentist to evaluate dental problems such as cavities, bleeding of gums, tooth misalignment and so forth. Visiting an emergency dentist is one of the best options for all types of dental health problems. Most of the clinics in the Anchorage area offer a cozy atmosphere to the patients and address their issues in a gentle manner. Various dental health care programs such as whitening of the teeth, dental implants, veneers, sedation dentistry and so forth are offered to the patients. Emergency dentistry services are also offered at most of these dental offices.

Today, various dental insurance plans are offered, which makes it easier to avail the best services at affordable prices, to ensure dental health care. Dental health care plans are also offered online at an affordable price rate. It is very important to maintain a high standard of oral health in today’s fast paced environment to ensure healthy teeth and gums.

- Dana Smith is a niche blogger; she is currently works for Anchorage Midtown Dental. Contact for right now if you have suffered an emergency dentistry treatment in Anchorage.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, with an emphasis on anxiety and depression throughout the week of May 5th -11th. The state of our nation’s mental health is truly a terrifying picture. “The need for resilience and happiness skills is immense,” says Renee Jain, Founder of GoZen. A fully animated, online program designed to help children combat anxiety, stress and prevent depression. As an active contributor to National Mental Health Awareness Month – GoZen, in partnership with sister company GoStrengths, is launching the #FightFear campaign set to start May 5th.

Renee is urging other organizations, schools, and the media to reach out and get involved. “This is a prevention plan. Instead of sticking a band aid on the mammoth of issues our children face: cyber bulling, growing rates of anxiety, depression and increasingly violent behavior – we’re going straight to the heart of the issue.”

The GO brand is working on a new Kindle book that will help parents teach their child how to overcome anxiety. The Kindle book is a compressed version of the online course. The fully animated, interactive course is backed by the latest scientific research and hundreds of successful testimonials. The course allows parents and kids to work at their own pace learning how to overcome anxiety by engaging with the GoZen crew.

While GoZen is a program aimed at parents, GoStrengths is a program working to teach youth K-12, and teachers, essential life skills by utilizing the power of animated learning. This social and emotional learning (SEL) program is centered on 8 core skills of character development. Corporations, such as Google and Disney, are implementing similar mindfulness approaches to career development in both their leadership and social development learning strategies. These programs are needed in our schools.

In schools where social and emotional learning skills are actively incorporated into the curriculum, drastic, positive effects are beginning to emerge. Congressman Tim Ryan readily supports the integration of SEL training into schools nationwide, “There’s a whole body of literature in neuroscience today explaining why this works. We don’t have time to wait. It’s changing kids’ lives. It’s transforming teachers. It’s transforming schools. And we see it in our own community now.” SEL programs aim to raise awareness within the individual so that one has the ability to self-regulate, facing life’s challenges from a mindful perspective.

- Courtesy of PRWeb

Doctors Health Press, a division of Lombardi Publishing Corporation and publisher of various natural health newsletters, books, and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, recently released a statement on organ donation to mark the end of National Donate Life Month in April.

As Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-2/health-news/why-april-is-an-important-month-to-save-a-life) reports, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 100,000 people are waiting for an organ right now. Eighteen people die each day waiting for an organ; and one organ donor can save up to eight lives.

The statement issued by Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin notes that: “Many people struggle with the decision to become an organ donor. It’s an important decision that can affect your family and friends at a very difficult time—and that’s why it’s vital to be prepared if the time comes when you don’t expect it.”

Commenting on the roadblocks that get in the way of many people making the choice to become an organ donor, Dr. Victor Marchione, Editor at Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, states: “Anyone can sign up to become an organ donor. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your medical history is. You are never too old to donate.” Marchione continues: “Some people mistakenly think that their families will be charged a fee for organ or tissue donation. This is not true. Organ donation is a gift and is received in kind.”

“It’s easy to sign up to become an organ donor. All you have to do is sign up in your state’s donor registry,” Marchione adds. “Simply enter your name, your address, your ethnicity, and your age, and then check the appropriate boxes for organ donation… You can also check off your intention to be an organ donor on your driver’s license.”

Marchione concludes by stating: “Making the decision to become an organ donor shouldn’t be taken lightly. But if you’re comfortable with organ donation, then you can save someone’s life when the time comes. Check out your government’s organ donation web site and read the testimonies of people who are recipients and have been given a second chance at life.”

(For further information, see: “Donate the Gift of Life,” U.S. Government Information on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation web site; http://www.organdonor.gov/index.html.)

As Bel Marra Health reports in its article (http://www.belmarrahealth.com/cancer/this-demonized-substance-may-actually-improve-survival-rates-from-breast-cancer/), there are many risk factors for breast cancer that women are now routinely being told to stay away from. For years, medical experts have been cautioning women that alcohol was among these risk factors. However, a recent study has spun the argument on its head again, indicating that modest alcohol consumption could actually improve survival rates for breast cancer patients.

A study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle demonstrated that being a moderate alcohol drinker can in fact improve breast cancer survival rate. The research team followed over twenty two thousand women with breast cancer over an eleven year period, and discovered that those who drank modest amounts (3 to 6 drinks per week) before developing breast cancer were 15% less likely to die from the disease than non-drinkers. Furthermore, drinking after diagnosis did not appear to impact survival rates either. In fact, breast cancer patients experienced a 25 percent lower risk of death from other causes during the eleven years they were followed.

During the study, the researchers also discovered there was another benefit to moderate alcohol consumption: the risk of cardiovascular disease in women with breast cancer was lower. Cardiovascular disease is a known contributor to the mortality of those who survive breast cancer. Studies show that women who drink 3 to 6 drinks per week before being diagnosed with breast cancer are also 25 percent less likely to develop heart disease.

Cancer Research UK is a strong proponent of reducing alcohol consumption to prevent all types of cancer. The organization supports the notion that it is not too late for heavy drinkers to reduce their consumption levels. The organization adds that a reduction does not mean having to quit altogether; drinking in moderation (defined as approximately one drink a day in the UK) is deemed acceptable.

While the Seattle study is getting worldwide attention, Bel Marra doctors concur with most oncologists who caution women not to view this as a license to drink. If alcohol consumptions are beyond the moderate level, women could be increasing their risk of breast cancer. Scientists don’t completely understand how alcohol increases cancer risks, but they do believe it may have to do with the way alcohol breaks down in the body, changing into a substance that could cause genetic mutation.

Other medical experts also suspect that alcohol increases the production of the hormone oestrogen. This hormone is secreted by the ovaries and placenta, and stimulates changes in female reproductive organs. High levels of oestrogen could cause cancer cells to multiply quickly.

The researchers involved in the Seattle study say that despite the ongoing debate when it comes to alcohol and cancer, it would seem that breast cancer survivors can feel comfortable indulging in an occasional alcoholic beverage. Bel Marra doctors remark that this line of research will hopefully continue to evolve, in order to shed a more accurate light on the level of alcohol consumption that constitutes the tipping point between cancer protection and increased cancer risk.

(SOURCE: Newcombe, Polly A., et. al. “Alcohol Consumption Before and After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Associations With Survival From Breast Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Other Causes.” Journal of Clinical Oncology. Web. 18 Apr. 2013.)

- Courtesy of PRWeb

As Bel Marra Health reports in its article (http://www.belmarrahealth.com/weight-management/a-stimulating-solution-for-binge-eating-and-weight-loss/), deep brain stimulation (or DBS) therapy uses a surgically implanted battery-operated device, similar to a pacemaker. Once implanted, it delivers electrical stimulation to a specifically targeted area of the brain. For example, in the case of Parkinson’s disease patients who experience tremors, the target area for DBS is the section of the brain that controls movement. The electrical current produced from the device blocks abnormal nerve signals that cause tremors for Parkinson’s disease sufferers.

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania shows that deep brain stimulation in a specific area of the brain seems to lead to weight loss in obese animals. The scientists involved in the experiment say the stimulation appears to reinforce the involvement of dopamine shortages in increasing behavior like binge eating. Testing showed that brain stimulation could reverse binge eating through the activation of the dopamine type-2 receptor.

During the study, the researchers targeted a small area in the reward centre of the brain known for addictive behavior. Mice receiving the stimulation consumed a lot less high-fat food than the mice who did not receive any deep brain stimulation. On days when the stimulation device was turned off, the implanted mice resumed their binge eating.

The testing went a step further by examining the long-term impact of deep brain stimulation on mice that had been given unlimited access to high-fat foods. The mice who received DBS consumed fewer calories and experienced considerable weight loss. The animals showed a big improvement in their glucose sensitivity, leading researchers to believe this could hold potential for the reversal of type-2 diabetes.

This study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, is the first of its kind to show that deep brain stimulation can be successfully used to stop harmful behaviors like binge eating, and can lead to effective weight loss. The next step for the Penn-U researchers is to pursue human trials. They are hopeful, for other studies involving DBS are already on the verge of proving positive weight loss results in human subjects.

While the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated positive results with stimulation in mice, another U.S university has also made significant strides in human research.

Just a few years ago, the FDA gave the University of West Virginia approval to move forward with a clinical human study on deep brain stimulation in morbidly obese individuals. Under tightly controlled guidelines, only 3 patients were approved for the study. Electrodes were surgically placed in the “feeding centre” of the brain, and the patients have been monitored for 2 years now. So far, the results show successful weight loss for 2 of the patients, with no adverse side effects due to the procedure. While the authors were encouraged by the findings, they admit that a larger study group is needed.

Researchers say that deep brain stimulation could work in the treatment of binge eating in different ways. One theory is that it simply reduces the craving for food. Another possibility is that it accelerates metabolism. One of the patients who participated in the University of West Virginia study went on national television 9 weeks after her procedure, stating that she didn’t have cravings anymore and had already lost close to 12 pounds.

While brain surgery sounds like a dramatically drastic approach for many, doctors say that the risks associated with DBS are minimal, and with proper patient selection, can prove to be quite successful.

Bel Marra doctors note that, at the present time, weight loss strategies like diet programs, weight loss drugs and even gastric bypass surgery have not been able to work successfully for everyone. With the obesity epidemic continuing to grow, and binge eating and weight management continuing to be pressing issues for the general population, finding new methods for weight control are especially important – before this global problem spins completely out of our control.

(SOURCE: Halpern, CH., et. al. “Deep brain stimulation in the treatment of obesity.” Journal of Neurosurgery. 11 Feb. 2013.)

- Courtesy of PRWeb

If you are an American woman, chances are that you grew up watching your mama apply lotion to her face and body, but if you hail from Europe or Asia, you are more likely to be familiar with using oils to hydrate and nourish your skin.

There are many pros and cons to using each of these, but the main physical difference between them comes down to percentage of water content.

Lotions need water to emulsify (combine oils and liquids that normally resist being mixed together) and generally require heat to bind the ingredients so that they won’t separate. The downside of this process is that exposure to high temperatures can destroy whatever therapeutic properties are contained within the natural oils. Lotions are also looser in consistency, giving them a lighter, less-greasy feel on the skin. If you tend to have an oily complexion this may not be a concern, but a lighter weight also means that the lotion’s moisturizing effects may not last very long.

Whether you prefer to use a lotion, cream or oil, another important consideration is permeability: whether or not the moisturizer will just sit on top of the skin, or be easily absorbed within a short period of time. In order for a moisturizing agent to do any good, it must be able to penetrate the top layer of skin. Oils in general have a good history of doing this but can be a bit too oily for some people’s personal tastes. Lotions, on the other hand, usually won’t leave behind an oily residue, but their moisturizing benefits seem to evaporate within ten to fifteen minutes, leaving your skin as bone dry as it was before you applied the lotion.

If you are concerned about oils being comedogenic (causing acne or breakouts), you may be surprised to learn that many natural oils can actually be helpful to acne prone skin and will not cause clogged pores. It is the type of oil that determines the likelihood of breaking out, so it is a good idea to read product labels very carefully and research any ingredients that you are not familiar with. Even when a product is labeled non-comedogenic, it is not a guarantee that it is free of all comedogenic ingredients. Retin-A cream contains Isopropyl Myristate, a highly comedogenic and occlusive substance, yet in spite of this, many dermatologists prescribe it for acne-prone skin.

(By the way – if you tend to break out on your neck and back, the true culprit might be residue from your shampoo or conditioner. Make sure to rinse all hair products off your body to reduce the likelihood of irritating skin and clogging your pores).

Ultimately, the best way to figure out what will work for your individual needs is to buy small trial sizes or – preferably – samples of the products you are considering. Be sure to use them one at a time until you find the brand that suits you best. This method of trial and error takes a little time and patience, but is the most sure-fire way to discover which type of moisturizer and brand name will ultimately help protect your skin and keep it young-looking and healthy. Looking beautiful requires dedication and consistency, but when you consider that you have only one body to last an entire lifetime, it is a labor of love that is well worth the effort!

- Sharon Gnatt Epel is the CEO/Founder, La Isha Natural & Organic Skincare.

As a biochemist I have been a researcher and clinician in the area of bio-identical hormone use, and their impact on women’s mood.

I have come to believe the ignorance surrounding this topic is the dark area of women’s health.

In 1997 Science News published its summary of two major studies detailing the huge difference between synthetic progestin and bio-identical progesterone; this research clearly underscored the potential for negative impact on cardiac function in women; this was not reported in medical journals. At that time I was starting my molecular research into the difference in the molecules and the results were astounding as evidenced in the following quote:

Phyllis Bronson has done years of molecular research; see the important quote below from her great chemistry colleague and mentor, Dwight Smith, Ph.D., former chancellor of the University of Denver:

“The research which Phyllis and I pursued here, resulting in a significant finding, involved the spectroscopic study of natural progesterone and the synthetic version developed by pharmaceutical companies. The structural differences between the natural and synthetic progesterone have significant implications for women’s health. The work which Phyllis has done generally in the chemical and physiological effects of bioidentical hormones has received wide attention through her numerous lectures and publications.”

This was an interesting time to be doing original research in women’s hormones.

We saw many women struggling with years of benzodiazepine use and even addiction who were able to eliminate their use after getting started on real progesterone, under a knowledgeable physician’s care. Properly made transdermal progesterone is made in a cream at a reputable (most are highly reputable) compounding pharmacy. The creams found in health food stores are simply too weak to impact mood and emotion, our area of concern.2

Estrogen is of vital importance to mood in women, for those who can use it.

Women are profoundly affected by fluctuations in their hormones, both natural as well as those from exogenous sources such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In 2002, after the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was halted due to unexpected safety concerns, the medical establishment largely recommended that doctors take women off their hormones. Women, particularly those vulnerable to chronic depression and related mood issues, knew they did not do well without their hormones, notably estrogen, but they had no place to turn.

According to the eminent scholar of women’s hormones, Jeffrey Dach, M.D., it is wrong to put women on anti-depressant drugs generally when what their bodies and minds and moods are crying for is primary estrogen (estradiol).3

As the less desirable estrogen, E1, rises as we age, the vitality-enhancing estrogen, E2, decreases, and brain fog and depression often set in. These are two of the first signs of serious estrogen imbalance.4

- Phyllis Bronson, Ph.D. – My book: “Moods Emotions and Aging: Hormones and the Mind- Body Connection” is being published July 15 by Rowman- Littlefield.

Most people are walking around mildly dehyrated and are not even aware of it. They are suffering from joint pain, headaches, fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, hunger and much more – all due to a lack of hydration. Our bodies are mostly water, our brain is 80% water – so when the cells in the body are not adequately hydrated, cellular function slows down and so do our bodies. For example, without adequate water, our brain function slows resulting in headaches and/or foggy thinking, our metabolism slows resulting in weight gain and fatigue. Do not rely upon thirst as an indicator to drink water – by the time we are thirsty, our bodies are already 1-2% dehydrated. It is essential that we hydrate for optimal health and weight loss. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. If you weigh 120 lbs, drink 60 ounces of water every day.

- Lori L. Shemek, PhD, CLC, NC is the Health Expert for the ABC Show ‘Good Morning Texas’
and the author of the best-selling book “Fire-Up Your Fat Burn!”