Abdominal fat increases the risk of pancreatic cancer
July 9, 2010 by
Filed under Health & Wellness
Fat on the abdomen is very dangerous, say experts. Persons, especially women with excess fat around the abdomen shows increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Scientists at the University of Medicine in New York found that the risk of pancreatic cancer increases with body mass index. The researchers found that overweight women shows a 31% higher risk of pancreatic cancer while the risk increases by 61% in obese women. These findings, together with those of previous studies, shows that obesity plays an important role in pancreatic cancer.
Belly fat and health risks
Fat on the abdomen is more dangerous than that of the shoulders, hips or thighs, say experts, and that’s because it is very active in terms of metabolic and sits easily on ships. Studies have shown that fat accumulation in the abdominal area is predominantly at high risk to those with hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Also have found evidence showing a link between visceral fat and risk of dementia. One study found that the risk of dementia is 2.3 greater in those with a greater amount of abdominal fat and 3.6 times higher in overweight people with a lot of abdominal fat. Amount of abdominal fat promotes dementia occurrence, even in people with normal weight, indicates the study .
According to Dr. Nicholas Hancu, President “a woman’s waist size must not exceed 80 cm and 94 cm in men. When size grows fat accumulates inside the abdomen. Even if it is normal weight and waist size is large, this is an alarm.
Minus weight = plus health
When overweight and obese individuals, a moderate weight loss of 5 to 10% already has a positive effect on health
Here are some steps that help you fight with the fat:
* Reducing calorie intake: less fat, more fruit, more vegetable;
* Regular physical effort (walking, swimming, cycling, stair climbing). Even if the first efforts seem minimal, is essential;
Experts do not recommend that sudden weight loss.
Obesity is a disease!
Obesity is considered a serious disease that adversely affect the health. Is required to calculate your body mass index (BMI) frequently to avoid being surprised by the modifications. Results of a study by German researchers shows that an overweight woman, but non-smoking live on average 7.1 years less, and a man with the same features live 5.8 years less than those who maintain their weight normal.
How to keep your cat or dog even if you are allergic to animals
July 8, 2010 by
Filed under Health & Wellness
To be the owner of an animal is not always easy. Although they bring so much joy, because of their behavior and cheerful devotion to us, we should not forget that pets need special care: medical care, training, love, attention and even tolerance. This is especially necessary when the owner is allergic to animals …
Studies indicate that approximately 15% of the population is allergic to dogs and cats. Approximately one third of Americans who are allergic to cat hair (about 2 million people) live in the presence of at least a cat … In fact, one of the factors which cause this type of allergy is so difficult to control and most allergic individuals decide to keep their pets in the house.
A study shows that, of 341 adults allergic to dogs and cats who have been advised by family doctor to give up their pets, only one in five did so. Moreover, 122 of them have got another pet after the death of the previous … A quiet and comfortable living, even if you are allergic to animals may be possible if you understand your allergy condition and if you follow some basic rules.
All cats and dogs are allergens (which means they are sources of allergies) for people who are allergic to animals in general. Cats tend to cause more allergies than dogs, although a large number of people are more sensitive to dogs than cats, even hairless animals may have an allergenic potential for people who have this sensitivity …
What is the source of irritation ?
Skin glands of small animals secrete proteins that trigger allergies, these proteins are called allergens. Allergens are present in saliva and urine of animals. Severity of reactions to these substances varies from one person to another: from runny nose to sneeze, cough, redness of face or throat, difficulty breathing, asthma to life-threatening ones. Besides the cat (the most common form of allergy) and dogs, people can develop allergies to other small pets such as guinea pigs.
What can you do to mitigate these reactions?
Use these air purifiers throughout the house and avoid materials and furniture that easily accumulates dust. Thoroughly clean dust and dirt accumulated.
A weekly bath of your pet can reduce up to 84% the allergens they! Although there are products that reduce allergens once they are sprayed on the pets, American studies show that they are much less effective than a weekly bath.
Stress, a health problem that can be easily avoided
June 30, 2010 by
Filed under Health & Wellness
How to identify personal factors of stress
Obviously, the more you think more closely at things stressing you, the more easily you handle stressful situations in your life. And this because:
Once you discover the root of your stress and triggers, the more you have more chance to avoid.
Learn to understand where they come from and how your feelings evolve to have control in your life. This will help to reduce the daily stress.
Recognize that the stress is a bad behavior and not something else – this will help reduce your anxiety behavior
Identify personal factors of stress, depending on stress scale.
Review the severity of stress caused by regular events, such as marriage and divorce, birth and death, going to college or change in your service. Events located on the first position of this scale – those of death, accidents or illness – are considered to be at greatest risk for onset of physical and mental disorders related to stress than those at the end of the list (such as, retirement or receiving a traffic fine). People who are at risk, namely those that have more than one stress factor of “high caliber, they need the most a stress management system”.
Stress is a different experience for each of us – birth and death, accidents or illness, if were the victim of robbers or a similar crime, dramatic changes in life that affects your family and the financial situation.
More specific studies show that there are about 50 major events that may be listed depending on the degree of stress it causes. The higher the number of stressful events they live, the more there is a greater risk to develop a physical or mental illness.
* Death of your spouse or life partner;
* An accident or serious illness;
* Failure to obtain a loan or a financial help;
* Divorce;
* The fact that you were the victim of robbers, of a rape, etc..;
* Infidelity;
* Domestic violence or sexual abuse;
* A very bad financial period;
* The fact that you survived a disaster;
* The fact that you are a single parent;
* The fact that you were arrested or a family member was arrested for breaking the law;
* Obtaining a mortgage on the house
As you can see, stress can come from many sources, some perhaps unexpected.
Calcium helps to prevent obesity
June 30, 2010 by
Filed under Health & Wellness
We all know the importance of calcium for the body, especially for our bones. Scientists have discovered a new benefit in children: can prevent obesity in adulthood.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina State say that calcium deficiency in children can have great and lasting implications. Besides affecting bone development, calcium deficiency predisposes to obesity, ScienceDaily wrote.
The study was conducted on a group of 24 newborn piglets and was based on studying the link between calcium deficiency and bone development. During the research, specialists found that many bone marrow stem cells seemed already programmed to become fat cells. Thus increases the risk of osteoporosis and obesity in adulthood.
Researchers have used pigs to study because they are like people when bone growth and nutrition
.
“Although it is well known the importance of calcium in the nutrition of children and teenagers, the study shows that this mineral shows a much greater importance due to bone mesenchymal stem cells. The results also show that osteoporosis should not be treated as an aging disease, but one that begins in childhood but occurs later. For me, the most important message of this study is that this mineral should be a priority in nutrition since the first days of life
, “Said Dr. Chad Stahl, author of the study.
Your child consumes enough milk?
Eating habits affecting children’s long-term health may affect bone development. But studies indicate that calcium deficiency is a common problem among children. For a healthy and harmonious development, experts recommend regular consumption of milk or dairy, to ensure the body needs of calcium.
99% of existing calcium in the body is stored in the skeleton. Products most accessible and rich in calcium are milk and dairy products. Calcium-rich sources are: green vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), fish (especially sardines), nuts, peanuts and tofu (soy cheese).
Recommended daily intake of calcium
World Health Organization recommends the following daily doses of calcium to develop and maintain a strong skeletal system:
For children:
* 0-6 months – 300-400 mg / day;
* 7-12 months – 400 mg / day;
* 1-3 years – 500 mg / day;
* 4-6 years – 600 mg / day;
* 7-9 years – 700 mg / day.
Adolescents (10-18 years) the recommended dose is 1.300 mg / day.
For women:
* 19 years-menopause – 1000 mg / day;
* Menopause – 1300 mg / day;
* During pregnancy – 1,200 mg / day;
* While breastfeeding – 1,000 mg / day.
Men aged between 19 and 65 need 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily.
Eight tips for a good health condition
June 28, 2010 by
Filed under Health & Wellness
1. Beans should be part of the diet
If we make a change in our diet, we should. Every week, eat the equivalent of at least three cups of beans. Besides being a vegetable is easily digestible, adds flavor and texture of soups. In addition, is also a basic ingredient for salads. Beans are high in protein, iron, folic acid, fiber and potassium. So … you only have to choose among numerous existing varieties of beans and then enjoy tasty and healthy recipes!
2. Relieve stress with the help of your friends!
We advise you to improve stress through meetings with other people that mean a lot for you and those you love. Put your hand on the phone and call someone dear that you have not contacted him for a long time … Positive emotions will make you feel good.
3. Take care of your teeth!
Regarding the health of your teeth, stay focused on aggressive habits of your teeth … That means given up on chew ice cubes or popcorn …
4. Fitness: have some fun!
Try a fitness lesson less conventional. Break the monotony and go to a dance lesson or a lesson that coordinate, at the same time your body movements, and those of mind, such as yoga.
5. Eye control
Your condition will not improve overnight, As such, go for an inspection of your eye. A complete examination should include an assessment of the clarity of your vision, and an assessment of overall health of your eyes.
6. Your heart health – be aware of it!
Get in touch with everything involving your general health status. As heart health is not negligible, focus especially on prevention. This implies a cardiologist doctor appointment, that makes your routine tests – blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose …
7. Wine comes to your aid!
Diversify your tastes and choices regarding alcohol with a glass of wine. Of course, in small quantities and decent … Pregnant women and people with certain physical conditions should stay away from drinking alcohol.
8. Sync your sleep!
There is a way you can face the program becoming more demanding in this time. Morning, get out of the house in the first five minutes of when you woke up and exhibit strong light about 30 minutes. At night, avoid direct light in the first two or three hours of sleep because may interfere with this sleep schedule.
How to reduce the risk of skin cancer!
June 24, 2010 by
Filed under Health & Wellness
1. Avoid the sun
However sunlight are beneficial for skin. His rays have the greatest power in the middle of the day, between 10.00 – 14.00. During this time, the sun is most harmful for your skin. Exaggerated sunburn and tan is the first sign that your skin is suffering.
2. Use cream with protection factor (SPF)
Use creams with sun screen against or protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, even in cloudy days. The cream should be applied 30 minutes before you expose to the sun. Do not think that the sun does not affect you during your walks around town – is preferable to apply the cream all over skin, even on the ears and neck. Also, balding men should use such a cream with SPF on the scalp. Do not forget to apply a new coat of cream each time, especially if you swim or sweat excessively.
Remember that using these products with SPF is a step in the program to prevent skin cancer. To greatly reduce the risk of disease, must follow all the tips against ultraviolet rays.
3. Wear a wide hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
If you need to get out, cover your skin. A wide hat will help to protect your face, neck and ears from the harmful effects of the sun. Choose sunglasses that block both ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB). Eye exposure to the sun for a long time increases the risk of cataracts. Instead, using sunglasses can prevent this. If your clothes are a little wider, your body will feel coolness. Also, there are special clothing that protects you against the sun.
What other preventive measures exist?
Some doctors recommend monthly dermatological control. If you have questions about this recommendation, consult your family doctor. The more this type of cancer is detected and diagnosed quickly, is a greater chance to be treated. It is preferable to do dermatological control every month.
Observe any changes in moles or the appearance of new ones. Any mole that appears on your skin after the age of 30 years must be kept under strict surveillance and reported to a specialist.
When you investigate moles, looking for these signs can help prevent skin cancer:
A mole whose edges are blurry, jagged or notched.Color changes of moles, including darkening, color expansion, loss of color or appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple or gray.A mole greater than 6.35 – 6.50 mm in diameter.
How is the vegetarian diet healthy?
June 22, 2010 by
Filed under Health & Wellness, Preventive Medicine

- Image via Wikipedia
Drastic diets, which prohibit consumption of meat or any other product of animal nature, existed in various forms throughout human history, whether it was based on religious grounds, or, more recently, based on concepts of moral or environmental.
Presently many people opt for vegetarian diet convinced that make the ideal choice to keep their health. But is it true?
What are the effects of a vegetarian diet on the body?
Vegetarian diet has generally beneficial effects on the body. Firstly lower body digestion, also fibers are essential to detoxify the body, it diminishes the risk of conditions such as: high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer. Also, fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of antioxidants and helpful in fighting cancer, cardiovascular disease or premature aging. But must keep in mind that the human diet, especially belonging to the European area, is omnivorous and the digestive system, is suitable for such a system.
Therefore, if we really want to give up eating meat, would be preferable to adopt a lacto-ovo-vegetarians, who provide animal protein from eggs, milk and dairy derivatives. Excessive consumption of fiber from vegetables can not be completely metabolized by the body and can often cause irritation to the digestive system,
Also, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of refined sugars (in particular pastry, confectionery), replacing them with a moderate consumption of honey (linden, acacia), which brings vitamins and minerals. Excessive consumption of flour should be avoided.
Can we cover all the body’s nutritional needs through a vegetarian diet?
Vegetable protein content (peas, chickpeas, beans, green vegetables, fruit and vegetable oils, cereals, vegetables and dried fruits, bread, flour , pasta, rice, semolina) are more poor or do not contain all essential amino acids, particularly important for the functioning of the body.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to severe anemia and nervous system and circulatory diseases, in this case is indicated the consumption of cereals with added vitamins. Calcium Deficiency can be improved by consuming soy milk and tofu. Vitamin D deficiency (vitamin present in fish oil), especially in children, may lead to the appearance of rickets, with growth disorders and bone diseases.
Are food supplements recommended?
Administration of food supplements is recommended only in case of deficiencies. We can not replace the absence of natural vitamins and minerals adding products containing different supplements, often synthetic or in inadequate amounts. There is also competition regarding the absorption of some elements over others, for example, an excess of calcium inhibit the absorption of magnesium and iron.
Anti-Aging With Organic Foods – Useful Info
June 21, 2010 by
Filed under Health & Wellness

- Image by Ewan-M via Flickr
Did you know you can dramatically improve the way your skin looks and feels like for the better? There is no hard to keep up with diet, nor expensive anti aging skin care lotions. Go organic! Switch to organic eating now! In case you’re not familiar with the term, organic also known as bio food consists of food that haven’t been altered with the aid of any kind of chemicals or additives during their life cycle.
Thus we can say organic food is a synonym for 100% natural food. Recent studies show that the natural texture of the organic products can give the skin a healthier, younger look and invigorate ones body.
If you don’t know whether you’re feeding you’re body organic food or not, all depends on where you’re buying your food from. Most of the grocery stores around have their shelves stacked with non organic products.
However certain shops include specially designated isle for organic products.If organic food is healthy, then why isn’t it as available just as non organic food one might ask.
Well, the answer is sitting right under your nose: organic food takes lots of time and special care to prepare: you have to assist the development of an organic farm closely when not using chemical pesticides, hence the high price, in comparison to factory scale non organic food which uses chemical boosters to boost vegetables or fruits giving them with an unnatural look.
Interesting to know is that until not too long ago- a few hundred years tops , there was no record of non organic food. All the products consumed by human kind where natural, unharmed by the presence of chemicals, additives, preservatives. Such food which today we proudly call organic food helps one’s body to function at its best.
The safest way of consuming organic food would probably be having your own organic garden behind the house, or purchasing your vegetables from someone you know for sure has one. Then again you might find yourself among the people who live in apartment flats where growing organic food is not as easy with the organic garden missing and all.
In this case check for bio or organic food areas in your supermarket and look closely at the label making sure the product you’re about to buy is all natural. If the label reads “natural” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s organic.
The label should contain a direct reference to an organic organization in order to be considered organic. A good example is the case of Australia, where organic products are easy to recognize by the “Your Guarantee of Integrity Australian Certified Organic” written on the label.
Organic food consumption is highly advocated by professionals who sustain that healthy eating consisting in high nutrition organic foods can keep chronic disease such as cancer and not only, away.
It is well known that the consumption of organic food alters your state of being in a positive way. People like the Okinawans who live in high volcanic soils, develop extremely high anti oxidant potential in their bloodstream by eating food grown in soil unknown to the pesticides. These people keep the lowest rate of cancer and heart disease in the world.
You shouldn’t let the high prices of organic foods change your mind going organic. It’s worth the price, for there should be no high price when your health is on debate. Plus there’s lots of organic food sales as well.
If you decide to go organic take a look at the rest of the organic products on the market. They’re just like a B side of a track. Almost any, if not all, product are available in an organic form. Keep that in mind when you’re looking to buy a shampoo, skin cream or make up products.
A healthy breakfast, full of nutrients
June 19, 2010 by
Filed under Food, Health & Wellness

- Image via Wikipedia
A healthy breakfast, full of nutrients, is everything we need to start the day full of energy. But routine, rush, diet, stress, lack of appetite in the morning is always an obstacle in achieving this goal – a healthy meal to start the day.
Benefits of a substantial breakfast. Studies that examined the eating habits shows that the breakfast, taken regularly, has a number of benefits on your body:
Reduce the risk of obesity and cholesterol;
Decreases insulin resistance (a condition that may increase risk of diabetes and heart disease);
Improves performance in terms of tasks that require memory;
Minimize desire to take snacks between meals or excessive eating for the rest of the day;
Assist in the assimilation of nutrients that are rarely supplemented by other meals of the day;
Help to improve school performance in children and the professional performance in adults.
Although, as appears at first sight, if you skip breakfast also means getting rid of a number of calories, the statistics suggests something else. In a study by American researchers showed that approximately 90% of 3,000 adults who have lost 15 pounds and have maintained their weight for a period longer than one year reported that they ate breakfast almost every day.
Regarding the breakfast, not compromising the quality!
You must think of breakfast as the best opportunity to gain vitamins and minerals in fruits, vegetables and grains are recommended for optimum health. In addition, experts recommend that adults to consume 21-38 grams of fiber per day. This is a challenge for those who opt for a low-fiber breakfast
Seeds, fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts are the best sources of fiber. Foods with high fiber intake have the great advantage to combat the need to eat snacks before lunch, creating a feeling of saturation. Also, if you add protein such as seafood, low-fat dairy, skinless chicken or eggs, you have a “weapon” in your fight against the hunger between meals …
Here are some tips:
The combination of fruit with low-fat cheese are always very appropriate – for example, you can get sandwiches with cheese and sliced peaches, compote.
A low-fat yogurt or milk with cereal, dried fruit and nuts, is a tasty breakfast.
Vegetables with a hard boiled egg and a weak sauce.
A bowl of vegetable soup and graham crackers or bread.
Fighting Colds
November 26, 2008 by
Filed under Health & Wellness
Each winter, the cold, flu and bronchitis virus spread and circulate among us, affecting some people more or less seriously. How to escape the cold of winter? An essential oil called ‘drops essences’ can help us to do this in an incredible way.
The virtues millennia of essential oils
Body care, welfare or improving some small problems daily, essential oils extracted from various herbs are used throughout the world for thousands of years. They are valued for their many virtues cosmetics and antiseptics for their perfumes, their actions on the well-being and digestive joints, their effects on the tone and vitality, and so on.
Antiseptic properties for some essential oils
During the winter, antiseptic properties, antimicrobial, antiviral and even essential oils are useful.
The corresponding essence drops to a mix of essential oils (mint, clove, thyme, cinnamon and lavender), who’s a local antiseptic property on airway foster breathing welfare. They can be used against colds and mild acute bronchitis.
These are very common during winter and are subject to a large number of prescriptions of antibiotics. But the origin of these viral infections is predominantly, meaning that antibiotics are unnecessary and that healing is spontaneous. And to achieve this some essential oils seems to be very helpful in the recovery process enhancing.
A study has shown by comparing the evolution of bronchitis among people treated with antibiotics or taking drops essences. The healing was much faster with essential oils compared to antibiotics, with a significant improvement from the 3rd day of cough, hoarseness, chest pain and fatigue, and from the 5th day of sleep and the sputum. A beautiful demonstration proving the interest of limiting antibiotics on the one hand and efficiency drops to other species.
Attention however, the cough is a symptom that can reveal many diseases, hence the need to consult a doctor if it persists for several days. It is also the case in the presence of fever.
Drops essences in practice
Drops essences are available in pharmacies without a prescription.
They are to be diluted in a large glass of water or hot drink.
The adult dose is 25 drops 3 or 4 times a day.
A few precautions on essential oils
1) Contains Alcohol: Do not give infants and never absorb without dilution.
2) This specialty contains terpene derivatives (terpenes): observe the dosages and even more particularly in children or in cases of epilepsy because the excess can have serious side effects (seizures, agitation, confusion of ideas …).
3) In case of pregnancy and breastfeeding, avoid because of the lack of data.
Here are also some cures, based on essential oils to meet different needs. With an important recommendation: choose one or other of these proposals, but do not earn very effective and interesting for our well-being, essential oils are not insignificant!
The essential oil of eucalyptus, with its disinfectant and expectoration, is undoubtedly the best oil for bronchial!
- Add 2 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus in a little honey, and take 3 times a day at most involuntary three weeks.
Or:
- Add 2 drops of essential oil of rosemary in a little honey, and take up to 3 times a day, involuntary 10 days.
Caution still the essential oil of rosemary, you’ll enjoy here for his ability to energize, to give a real “boost” to the body, it is absolutely not recommended in cases of hypertension or pregnancy!





