It’s never over. That’s the inescapable truth, whether we accept it or not. Once your life had been threatened from the inside, you may learn to live with your new reality and even find a way to put it on the back burner. But that brush with death will inevitably spring to the forefront of your mind, prompted by anything that makes you think “it” could be happening again.

There are examples of close calls everywhere you look: the young woman who almost died of an aneurism while she was hospitalized having a baby (a case where location probably saved her life), the guy who was “cured” of thyroid cancer 34 years ago, but never misses his yearly test. The event that shapes the futures of survivors may have happened many years ago, like summer camp. Only unlike camp, this experience is terrifying. Even when you push it to the back of your mind and think it’s over, it’s never over.

I have survivor’s guilt, and I’ve got it bad. It seems that every time I turn around, someone I know who has faced mortality and received a reprieve is back in the trenches, fighting for his or her life. Only this time, probably because there was a first time, the stricken one isn’t as young or as strong as before. The fight is harder. The likelihood of winning is smaller.

This is what’s the same for all of us: we don’t know if “it” will happen again. We can’t ever be sure. We can’t store that period when we were being treated in the back of our minds and forget about it. It’s the other shoe that hangs over our lives, and we can never completely stop waiting for it to fall. Even if we think we’re fine – are we? The medical world throws around the word “cured” as though it’s real, but that’s a dangerous lie. Accepting it as truth could allow us to take our eye off the ball. There is no cure for cancer. And who can say if that artery wall will stand up to a normal life span? We can’t know with any degree of certainty. What happened to us took us to the outskirts of normal, from which there’s really no way back. Personally, that’s why I never take those great deals on subscriptions to magazines. One year is about all I’ll ever be able to be sure of.

~ And life has never been richer!

- Elaine Jesmer, an author and marketing consultant who lives in Los Angeles, wrote a book titled ” ‘I’m Hot! . . . and I’m Bald!’: Chemotherapy for Winners.” The book is available at Amazon.com, and Kindle. Her website, elainejesmer.com, connects patients to chemo-related resources, and includes a monthly newsletter, “Chemotalk”.

The American College of Sports Medicine today hailed federal legislation with huge potential to improve public health and deliver co-benefits including lower health care costs and reduced environmental impacts.

H.R. 2179, “The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act,” introduced by Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) and Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL), would require the secretary of Health and Human Services to publish physical activity guidelines every ten years based on the latest scientific evidence. During the intervening five-year period, the secretary would be required to issue a midcourse report that outlines best practices and ongoing issues relating to physical activity. The original U.S. physical activity guidelines were published in 2008.

The American College of Sports Medicine enthusiastically expressed its support. ACSM president Janet Walberg Rankin, Ph.D., FACSM, said, “Since the first federal U.S. physical activity guidelines were published in 2008, much research has led to a greater understanding of the relationship between physical activity and health. We are also learning how to motivate people to lead healthy lifestyles, and how better to incorporate physical activity and exercise into daily living. Just as with nutritional guidelines, Americans need physical activity guidelines that reflect the growing evidence base supporting this crucial area.”

Congressman Ron Kind, sponsor of the legislation, said, “The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act will help provide valuable, up-to-date information about leading a healthy, active and productive life.” “Public health and physical fitness are pressing concerns for our country. By empowering parents, students, and local leaders with access to more resources and programs, we’re taking a comprehensive approach to improving America’s health.”

Congressman Aaron Schock, an original co-sponsor of the bill, said, “An important aspect of living a healthy lifestyle is embracing good habits early in life. This includes educating both parents and children about the health benefits of physical activity. Key to good decisions is good information. By using a similar system to the Agriculture Department’s food pyramid, our bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to publish physical activity guidelines as a tool that families can use as they work together toward balancing the demands of life. Our bill is about arming the American public with good information so they can make smart and healthy choices for themselves. With two-thirds of our country obese and overweight, personal choices about food and physical activity can do more to curb rising health care costs than any pieces of health insurance legislation.”

Identical legislation (S. 531) was introduced in the Senate earlier in the year by Senator Harkin and Senator Wicker, garnering widespread support for its potential to provide better public health, cost savings and other co-benefits.

- Courtesy of ACSM

As Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-2/health-news/how-this-discovery-can-boost-vaccine-effectiveness) notes, a person’s genome is all of their hereditary information encoded in their DNA. In 2003, scientists in the U.S. completed the Human Genome Project. This was an incredible feat given that the DNA of the 24 different human chromosomes contains about three billion chemical building-blocks. The researchers undertook this massive investigation in order to reveal the 25,000 odd human genes within our DNA.

As the article “How This Discovery Can Boost Vaccine Effectiveness” reports, the DNA sequence maps are now being used to study human health and biology to better develop preventions and treatments for disease, as well as more effective vaccines. And this was the focus in a recent clinical trial that used genome sequencing technology to see what changes a population of pneumococcal bacteria went through after being exposed to a vaccine.

The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article states that pneumococcal bacteria typically cause respiratory problems including coughing, sneezing, and congestion. When this bacterium colonizes in the lungs, it can cause pneumonia. It can also spread to the blood where it can trigger septic shock and life-threatening low blood pressure.

The article reports that when scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the U.K. used genome sequencing to study a sample of pneumococci, they determined that some of the bacteria were wiped out when exposed to a certain vaccine. In this void grew pre-existing bacteria with a slight genetic variation, and this variation was likely responsible for a drop in the pneumococcal disease, according to the researchers.

Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin concludes by stating that the scientists hope to be able to follow the changes a bacterium goes through in order to flag the sudden emergence of a disease-causing strain. It’s this ability of being able to quickly and precisely investigate a disease outbreak that has got the medical community excited. However, there’s one snag: some infections are caused by two different strains of the same bacteria. If only one strain is sequenced, then the ability of genome sequencing to help is limited. Scientists are working on this problem right now.

(SOURCES: Croucher, N.J., “Population genomics of post-vaccine changes in pneumococcal epidemiology,” Nat Genet. May 5, 2013; Eyre, D.W., et al., “Detection of Mixed Infection from Bacterial Whole Genome Sequence Data Allows Assessment of Its Role in Clostridium difficile Transmission,” PLoS Comput Biol. May 2013; 9(5): e1003059; Schubert-Unkmeir, A., et al., “Genome-Based Bacterial Vaccines: Current State and Future Outlook,” BioDrugs. April 16, 2013.)

- Courtesy of PRWeb

As Bel Marra Health reports in its article, (http://www.belmarrahealth.com/general-health-2/dont-sweat-about-perspiration-heres-why-its-good-for-your-health/), sweating is a natural bodily function that occurs during exercise, hot temperatures and from stress. It is understandable that sweating can cause some people discomfort and embarrassment; however, research shows that sweating is linked to good health.

Sweating involves two different glands; the eccrine glands release perspiration to keep our body temperature under control, while the aprocine glands release sweat triggered by stimulation or stress, such as exercise. As body temperature elevates, people sweat in order to bring temperatures back down to normal, healthy levels. It is extremely important that the body is allowed to do this, in order to avoid over-heating, heat exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, or heat stroke.

Moreover, studies show that sweating is also good for the skin. As the glands release sweat and body temperature rises, pores open up and this allows skin to be properly cleansed. This is why many spas will use steam during facials to prepare the skin for deep cleaning.

Humans also contain toxins from a variety of sources, including air pollution and pesticides in farmed foods. Sweating can release some of these toxins to the surface of the skin, which is why older age groups have also become interested in activities such as hot yoga and sauna treatments.

More surprisingly, sweat may also be a natural remedy for contamination. According to researchers at Eberhard-Karls-University at Tubingen in Germany, sweat may contain an antibiotic known as “Dermcidin” which can help kill off bacteria such as E. coli. The University of Michigan Health System has also found that stem cells, found in human sweat glands, can arise from beneath a wound and quickly assist in healing them.

Without proper hydration, sweating does not occur properly. Fitness experts say the body loses about 10 percent of its daily water through sweat, and even more is lost with exercise. Water is essential to replenishing the body after sweating, but also to stay hydrated and maintain good health. The amount of water each person needs depends on weight and size, but Bel Marra Health Doctors suggest getting at least eight glasses a day for good health and hydration.

Sweating may not always be the most appealing or comfortable, but it can help to improve health. However, it is not good to leave sweat sitting on top of skin; this could cause glands and pores to become clogged. The best defense is to wash the face and body as soon possible after sweating.

(SOURCE: University of Michigan Health System, 2012, November 20; Sweat glands play major role in healing human wounds. ScienceDaily.)

- Courtesy of PRWeb

Even though nutritionists recommend that we eat three to five servings of vegetables each day, only 21% of men are meeting that goal. The average woman isn’t doing much better—just 31% consume that many veggies in their daily diets, and that’s largely because women tend to eat more salads (mostly lettuce) than men do (1).

But, if you don’t eat a minimum daily requirement of vegetables, you are depriving yourself of proven health-promoting nutrients that help fight everything from heart disease and diabetes to cancer.

Americans are traditionally meat eaters with vegetables thrown in on the side. Some just don’t like the taste of vegetables. However, there is hope. We can retrain ourselves when we make up our minds to enhance our health and increase our longevity. The one thing you can do is:

Trick Yourself!

Yep. That’s exactly what I mean. I hated vegetables growing up because I was given mushy blobs of green and yellow stuff on my plate that was tasteless and not very much fun. You, too?

You can “beef up” your vegetable intake no matter how you feel about them. Vegetables are essential to your health. So get over yourself and add them to your meals. Here are some ideas that will take your veggies to a new level of enjoyment.

Steam, don’t boil them. Steaming brings out the natural flavor of fresh vegetables and gives them the kind of crunch and texture that greatly increases your enjoyment.

Roast or grill them. (See Preparation Tips below.) When you roast or grill your veggies, their natural sugars caramelize, which kicks up the flavor. Before you roast them, toss them with an aromatic oil such as pumpkin, tangerine, garlic or basil oil. You can roast: carrots, leeks, onions, butternut squash, acorn squash, potatoes, peppers, turnips, parsnips, rutabagas, tomatoes, eggplant, beans, snap peas, beets, Brussels sprouts, corn and other vine-grown veggies.

Preparation Tips: Chop 2-4 cups of vegetables into chunks and mix with one tablespoon of flavored cooking oil such as pumpkin, garlic, basil, citrus or other spicy, herbed flavors. Place veggies on cookie sheets or racks lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. For heavier vegetables, roast at 400°F for about 40 to 45 minutes, turning with a spatula at the halfway point. During the last five to 10 minutes, add the lighter and more fragile vegetables, such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes.

If you choose grilling, invest in a veggie grill basket or wrap vegetables in foil packets. Check after four to five minutes of direct heat. Add additional cooking minutes as needed.

Some Like it Hot!

If that’s you, feel free to add your spiciest hot pepper sauces to the mix. If you’re a tamer sort then you can add fresh herbs to add flavor, appeal and taste. Rosemary, cilantro, tarragon, basil, thyme, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, horseradish and garlic are great picker uppers for vegetables. Plus, you get some added nutrients and disease-fighting weapons all in one meal.

Train yourself to like vegetables just like you would train a puppy. Be kind and gentle, take it one step at a time, and praise yourself for making better health choices not only for you, but for your family as well. Check into: www.HeartEasy.com for more ideas about your heart and healthy eating. Now, go cook a veggie!

- Guest Author, Kac Young PhD, ND, DCH

References

(1) Susan Mitchell, PhD, RD, a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist

The Role Model In You
Today’s Guest – Meg Hagar

1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

Meg Hagar, Holistic Aesthetician, 23. I am the owner of a nutritional skin care company, Skintritious. I combine nutritional counseling with all natural skin care products and services to give clients an all around, more effective skin treatment.

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

My mom, Leslie.

3. What did they do to inspire you?

She was up every morning at the crack of dawn to do her exercises. She did this before beginning a long day of taking care of a family of 5, including 3 children. She cooked our meals, packed our lunches, cleaned our beautiful house, coordinated driving all 3 of us in all different directions (to dance, soccer practice, gymnastics, etc), and still managed to make time to take care of herself. And she always cooked us healthy, wholesome meals for dinner and lunches.

4. How did their lesson change your life?

Following her influence, when I got older I would work out with her in the afternoons, or with my sister. We were always an active family; going on hikes, camping, going for walks, etc. I couldn’t imagine my life if it were any different. I believe it was that early lesson of “doing something” that contributed to my energy and ambition that has lead me to build my business, and a life I’m proud of.

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?

I don’t have any kids in my life, we are all grown up including the younger cousins. But I do convey this to other people I meet that seem like they could use the influence (gently, of course!).

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

That it’s more than just “working out” or “eating well”. It’s a chain reaction. When you eat well you feel better, you are happier with your life, you live longer, you get more out of life. Same when you work out, or do other things in a healthy lifestyle. It can save your life.

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only? ​

​www.skintritious.com​

Now that summer is just around the corner, you may be trying on swimsuits, and wondering what you can do about those dimpled bumps and lumps that have taken residence on your legs and rear end. Cellulite, often referred to as “cottage cheese” skin, is an unattractive visual condition caused by fat cells globbing together in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), and collectively pulling on the skin’s connective tissue. This creates a dimpled surface, and is most often seen on the derriere, thighs, and back of the legs. Getting rid of cellulite seems to be at the forefront of many women’s summer beauty issues.

While cellulite may be eliminated or greatly reduced through expensive surgical and laser procedures (be aware that traditional liposuction will not correct this condition), there are simple inexpensive things you can do at home to minimize and reduce its appearance, all by yourself!

Here are several suggestions:

• Brush your skin. If you are not familiar with skin brushing, now is a good time to acquaint yourself with this practice. Daily dry brushing with a loofa or natural plant fiber pad can stimulate a stagnant lymphatic system, increase blood flow, slough off dead cells and increase cellular growth and turnover rate. The best time to brush your skin is right before you bathe or shower. Be sure to follow up with a cool rinse to further tone your skin, and moisturize while your skin is still damp with an essential oil blend created specifically for the purpose of reducing cellulite.

• Stop smoking and cut down on your alcohol consumption. Detoxing your body can be enormously helpful to reducing cellulite. A product I like to use is the detox foot pads carried by many health food stores. These pads contain a combination of Chinese herbs and botanicals that help draw out toxins. I apply mine at night, and always feel better the next morning. You will need to wash your feet well afterwards, to get rid of the funky smell that accumulates on the pad, but it is well worth the extra few minutes added to your morning routine.

• Avoid yo-yo dieting. Frequent fluctuations in weight can stress the skin’s connective fibers and aggravate cellulite. Enough said.

• Some dietary supplements are thought to help repair trauma to the skin. Glucosamine is one nutrient that is often used in connection with cellulite treatments. Be sure to check with your naturopath to figure out the proper dosage for your body weight and type.

• Stay away from junk food! This includes processed foods, saturated fats, diet soda, synthetic preservatives and artificial anything. Too much salt or sugar in your diet can cause you to retain fluids in addition to creating a slew of other health-related problems further down the line.

• Embrace a healthy diet that includes plenty of greens, fresh fruit, veggies and organic protein. Try to stay away from produce that has been conventionally grown using toxic agricultural chemicals.

• Increase your water consumption. Drinking clean, filtered water stimulates the body’s metabolic processes and is a natural diuretic. Be sure to drink 2 glasses of water for each glass of caffeinated tea or coffee that you consume, to avoid dehydration.

• Last but not least, get out there and exercise! Exercise stimulates circulation, brain function, burns calories, and releases endorphins that make you feel alert and vibrant!
By incorporating these suggestions into a healthy lifestyle, you can improve your chances for cellulite-free skin, and help prevent the deterioration of your body’s connective tissues as you age.

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

Five million Americans will buy a personal training session this year. For those who do, Tiffany Liashek, owner of Studio South Fitness in Sarasota, FL, has some advice. “Take a long look at credentials and experience. The variation in education and qualifications among personal trainers is huge,” she says. “A trainer can pay $69.50 and get certified online in just 40 minutes. That scares me.”

Good trainers invest in themselves

A serious, professional trainer spends close to $9,000 and seven months of study on anatomy and technical body movement. Prevent injury and maximize workouts by picking a trainer who is certified by a reputable organization (such as NSCA, NASM or ACSM) and is required to take continuing education classes.

Top tips for choosing a trainer & gym

A recent University of Arkansas study cites a 35% rise in workout injuries at gyms, so it’s especially important to work out at a quality gym with a conscientious trainer.

1. Pick a trainer with top-notch credentials – Studio South doesn’t leave it to chance – Tiffany conducts background checks and requires her gym’s trainers to evaluate each other. She says, “I’ve seen some personal trainers lie about their background and experience. And a few years ago, I sustained an eight-month-long back injury while working with a supposedly experienced personal trainer at a big box gym.”

2. Look for happy clients rather than sheer numbers – Instead of a judging by a packed gym, measure quality by effectiveness and client results. Consider the number of options for getting fit, the personal attention to make it happen, and above all, the return on the investment.

3. Get a Functional Movement Screen™ assessment – A baseline evaluation is a smart way to start a new fitness program. Before Studio South trainers design a custom workout program, they assess their clients’ strengths, weaknesses, balance and mobility with an FMS screening. Used in the NFL and other professional sports leagues, FMS also provides data on how to set up a safe strength training plan.

“I could not believe the improvement in balance and flexibility I gained from the corrective exercises,” says Studio South client Steve Appelbaum. I lost 18 pounds with the recommendations they gave me and 5% body fat in 8 weeks, as well improved the drive of my golf game.”

Whether the motivation for starting a fitness program is to boost strength, tone up or just for fun, Tiffany offers a nudge. “I’m inviting Sarasota folks to Studio South for a complementary one-week trial in May 2013.”

- Courtesy of PRWeb

As Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin (http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-2/why-arthritis-patients-arent-taking-their-meds) notes, it is an interesting conundrum: a disease that causes chronic pain, but patients who often refuse to take their meds.

As the article “Why Arthritis Patients Aren’t Taking Their Meds” reports, arthritis refers to almost 200 different versions of the disease. In general, arthritis can be divided into two categories: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation, which is celebrating Arthritis Awareness Month this May, results from the natural wear and tear of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy cells.

The Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article adds that it can be a challenge to reverse arthritis symptoms—medical experts say there is no cure.

As Dr. Victor Marchione, Editor at Doctors Health Press, states, “Many people find that living with pain simply becomes a part of their life. Doctors freely prescribe meds, and yet, according to a recent study, many don’t take these meds. This ‘intentional non-adherence’ is rampant.”

Marchione adds, “Why are arthritis patients refusing to take prescription drugs? Part of the problem is the ever-present threat of side effects. NSAIDs—the drugs most commonly prescribed as painkillers for those with osteoarthritis—can potentially cause heart problems … and raise blood pressure… But side effects aren’t the only deterrent that keeps arthritis patients from taking prescription drugs—cost is a major factor as well. Popular NSAIDs like ‘Celebrex’ and ‘Voltaren’ can cost upwards of $200 for a month’s supply.”

According to the Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin article, if arthritis patients are truly to be helped through medication, scientists need to work together to find drugs that have minimal side effects. Drugs that are affordable also need to be manufactured.

Marchione continues, “During this Arthritis Awareness Month, we want to encourage you to become more aware of the need for more research and more treatments to help cure this debilitating condition.” He concludes, “Educate yourself on how we can all do our part to find a cure.”

(SOURCES: Tracey-Lea, L., et al., “Patient preferences for adherence to treatment for osteoarthritis: the Medication Decisions in Osteoarthritis Study [MEDOS],” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2013, 14: 160; “Cardiovascular side effects of NSAID painkillers,” Harvard Health web site, last accessed May 14, 2013.)

- Courtesy of PRWeb

May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones resulting in an increased risk of fracture. Dr. Stuart H. Garber, D.C., Ph.D., explains “Today osteoporosis affects more than 10 million Americans while another 18 million suffer from low bone density, placing them at increased risk for the disease. Although most commonly thought of as a “woman’s disease,” one in every five diagnosed with osteoporosis is a man. “

Fractures of the hip, vertebra or wrist are the most common complication. In fact, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, half of all women over the age of 50 and one in four men will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

In the elderly, however, a fracture can be more serious. Becoming bed ridden as a result of a broken hip, for example, can lead to severe complications and in many cases death.

Achieving and maintaining optimum bone health is not difficult when you follow a proper diet. Good nutrition can help insure better bone health and protect you from the risks of osteoporosis. By “good nutrition” we mean both what we consume, absorb and assimilate, as well as what to avoid or limit.

Calcium is essential to normal bone formation. The majority of calcium in our bodies (99%, in fact) is found in our bones and teeth. Since our bodies are not able to produce new calcium, it is vital to consume calcium-rich foods every day.

For most people the best source of calcium are non-dairy products with green leafy vegetables such as arugula, kale, collard greens, and spinach at the top of the list. These are also great sources of vitamin K, another key nutrient for bone health.

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin required for the proper absorption of calcium and can be found in fish oils, fatty fish and certain mushrooms. Your body also makes Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the sun. If necessary, Vitamin D and calcium can also be consumed as a supplement.

Good nutrition also means avoiding foods that can negatively affect bone health. Excessive amounts of alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated drinks such as tea and soft drinks may interfere with calcium absorption, resulting in bone loss. As with anything moderation is the key.

Dr. Garber’s Natural Solutions for Bone Strength enhances the assimilation of calcium and other minerals into the bone. Daily use can support the cells that build new bone and the cells that break down and remove old bone. The unique biotherapy formula can be found at many Whole Foods Markets, on Amazon and the website store at drgarbers.com.

- Courtesy of PRWeb