: March 2010

Daily Health Headlines for Wednesday Mar. 31, 2010

HEADLINES Chocolatarians Rejoice: Daily Dose of Chocolate Can Be Heart Healthy http://bit.ly/cyvRDK We're keeping the cat.’ Surviving pet allergies http://bit.ly/cXUhfO Cholesterol pill may not be safe for healthy folks http://bit.ly/9Zagdt Sebelius to Insurers: Cover Children's Pre-Existing Conditions http://bit.ly/9qSzUn S.C. reports rise in H1N1 cases http://bit.ly/amkPKQ Cholesterol drug’s new potential is questioned http://bit.ly/9HLzKU Gonorrhea Close to Gaining Superbug Status http://bit.ly/bB9QMx INTERESTING The Male Brain: More Complex Than You Think http://bit.ly/b9pH9a Novel Method Eyed for Normalizing Blood Sugar http://bit.ly/a3yNmV In Pregnancy, Leg Clots More Likely on Left Side http://bit.ly/dzjNKsx Cola and unhealthy lifestyle lower sperm count http://bit.ly/96Tdqr Acupuncture Can Be Beneficial For Extremely Nervous Dental Patients http://bit.ly/dkINCZ The Literal Impact of Loneliness on Your Heart: What To Do About This http://huff.to/cQ9sCM Diabetes Screening Should Start Sooner http://bit.ly/cecdBQ GOOD ADVICE How much should you exercise? http://bit.ly/9C6o8c To Supplement or Not to Supplement? http://bit.ly/cv4IGt CT scans: How much radiation is too much? http://bit.ly/do5Cee The Magic of Magnesium: A Mighty Mineral Essential to Health http://huff.to/9Oounc Read More

Daily Health Headlines for Monday Mar. 29, 2010

HEADLINES Newborn Denied Health Insurance Coverage Days After Life-Saving Heart Surgery http://bit.ly/be25dA Study: Junk Food Can be Addictive http://bit.ly/dcmHRo Health overhaul likely to strain doctor shortage http://bit.ly/d4RGGf Is your breakfast giving you cancer? http://bit.ly/9wIbWk 28% of U.S. Kids Drank Alcohol in Past Month http://bit.ly/bUGacL Tanning beds face new taxes and restrictions http://bit.ly/bOjnjS Supplement May Give Older Athletes an Edge http://bit.ly/9DKtR6 Discovery May Lead to Better Multiple Sclerosis Treatments http://bit.ly/8Yjrb3 INTERESTING 7 TIPS to Stop Your Health Insurance Company From Messing With You! http://huff.to/c2S5Iu Few Drive Well While Yakking on Phone, Yet 1 in 40 'Supertaskers' Who Can Do Both http://bit.ly/8XKkI2 Losing Breast Not Always Best for Cancer Patients http://bit.ly/dsVo5c 7 Surprising Triggers of Lung Trouble http://bit.ly/cMEjln New moms and the post-baby sex slump http://bit.ly/dgJQfa Shift Work Linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome http://bit.ly/9mSQU9 Academics less likely to have AIDS http://bit.ly/bcbRWX Grief finds connection, healing online http://bit.ly/boJAPg GOOD ADVICE Watch Out for Lyme Disease http://bit.ly/akceCi Alcohol Fuels Bad Food Choices http://bit.ly/aUwqaK Grinning for a longer life? http://bit.ly/d127id Read More

Daily Health Headlines for 3/26/2010

HEADLINES Health Care Reform Will Impact Long-Term Care http://bit.ly/aFlIbn Topical Drugs May Pollute Waterways http://short.to/1xtrs Ruling Restricts Use of Serevent, Foradil, Advair, and Symbicort http://short.to/1zev6 Tougher Restrictions Possible for Indoor Tanning http://is.gd/b0GRI Study of gay men in the Washington DC District finds 14% are HIV positive  http://bit.ly/deg1nh INTERESTING This Antioxidant Can Smash Insulin Resistance And Autoimmune Disease http://short.to/1zbs4 Long-Term Breast-Feeding Tied to More Aggressive Cancers http://is.gd/b0Jj9 92 million people in China living with diabetes http://short.to/1y5cf Parents Aren’t Only Ones Who Feel Stress of Unemployment http://bit.ly/d1xDF4 Condition Literally Leaves You Scared Stiff http://is.gd/b0GJE Despite initial self-doubt, woman loses 100 pounds http://bit.ly/bNwmyx GOOD ADVICE Jennifer Aniston's Yoga Workout http://bit.ly/dcFi8d Calorie Data to Be Posted at Most Chains http://short.to/1y3sv Kids Need to Break Rules That Squelch Self-Identity, Researchers Say http://short.to/1xtrp 4 Ways to Rescue Winter Vegetables http://short.to/1z1r3 12 Tips to Avoid Daytime Sleepiness http://short.to/1y648 Protect Your Home and Family From Dangerous Mold and Mildew http://is.gd/b0Hsu 7 Foods That Fight Fat http://is.gd/b0GXV Bathroom detox http://bit.ly/cLLEkD Read More

Daily Health Headlines for Wednesday Mar. 24, 2010

HEADLINES Health care reform: How it might work for real people http://bit.ly/bRRRo9 Obese teen credits surgery for weight loss http://bit.ly/aWzywb How health care reform affects your burgers and tans http://bit.ly/cCtAT5 INTERESTING What’s Cookin’? It Could Be Air Pollution http://bit.ly/jQDGz Mammograms May Not Boost Survival, Danish Study Suggests http://bit.ly/9X2Ix5 Poll Finds Americans Blame Insurers, Drug Companies for Rising Health Costs http://bit.ly/byiMqX Menstrual Cramps May Be Helped by New Drug http://bit.ly/d0KHSh Weight Counseling Plus Drug Helps Women Quit Smoking http://bit.ly/8XK4Mr New Inhaled Insulin Shows Promise for Diabetes http://bit.ly/a1jKYp New Drug Eases Menstrual Cramps http://bit.ly/9SebHX Exercise 1 Hour a Day to Avoid Weight Gain http://bit.ly/9Ahyh3 Moderate Drinking May Help the Heart http://bit.ly/cYJODy To Cut Diabetes Heart Risks, Diet and Exercise May Beat Drugs http://bit.ly/9NQNxC GOOD ADVICE 12 Tips to Avoid Daytime Sleepiness http://bit.ly/bKL2DK 7 Things To Know Before Logging on for Counseling http://bit.ly/aGqKrf How to Identify Suicide Risk Before It's Too Late http://bit.ly/cGsQM4 Read More

Daily Health Headlines for Thursday Mar. 18, 2010

HEADLINES ‘Gaming’ Sends Boys’ Test Scores Sliding http://bit.ly/96cZ4m 1.2 million high chairs recalled http://bit.ly/9pUAJQ WHO: Not sure if drug-resistant TB is worsening http://bit.ly/cQF1yg INTERESTING First lady asks foodmakers to be on front line tackling childhood obesity http://bit.ly/aSYibL Do Antibiotics Make People Fat? http://bit.ly/aKiGiU How to Treat Kids' Hard-to-Control Asthma http://bit.ly/asNf8U Are New Chemo Treatments Cost-Effective? http://bit.ly/cx3Ia8 The facts behind hangover remedies http://bit.ly/b4s78C Sneezing already? Allergy season starts earlier http://bit.ly/crcBHc Loneliness-linked-to-high-BP-in-elderly http://bit.ly/bd4961 Sexual Desire, Satisfaction Don’t Diminish During Pregnancy http://bit.ly/dA3mmg Twitter Therapy: Cancer Patients Tweeting Through Chemo http://bit.ly/ac0wjv New technique reduces tobacco smoke damage to lungs in mice http://bit.ly/bZeNUF Erection Fretting (or Why We're Dying to Talk About Sex) http://bit.ly/anbs41 GOOD ADVICE 7 Drugs That Can Kill Kids in a Single Pill http://bit.ly/8ZOfH3 7 Ways to Beat Depression for Seniors http://bit.ly/9nEu4u Read More

Reducing Inflammation: BodBeat Episode 13

While there is a tendency to consider the inflammatory response as a reaction that is harmful to the body, a more balanced view is that it is actually a protective and restorative response. I explain to my patients that inflammation stops them from doing the very movement that causes pain or injury. The splinting or spasming they feel in adjacent muscles is a signal to STOP, the muscle are actually protecting the deeper structures ( discs, ligaments, and tendons) from further injury. The healing process is very complex and involves more than just an inflammatory response.  Tissue that has been injured must be repaired.  It is well established that nutrients can be rate-limiting factors for tissue repair and wound healing.  For example, vitamin C deficiencies have been directly linked to slow wound healing. THE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE The classic signs of inflammation are local redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function.  The events of inflammation that underlie these manifestations are induced and regulated by a large number of chemical mediators, including eicosanoids, kinins, complement proteins, histamines, and monokines.  Some forms of anti-inflammatory therapy involve regulating the production of some of these chemical mediators.  For instance, the regulation of eicosanoids synthesis is a classic mechanism for controlling inflammation Eicosanoids Eicosanoids are short-live, hormone-like substances present in tissues throughout the body.  They function as mediators of a variety of physiological responses such as inflammation, blood clotting, vascular dilation, and immunity.  Eicosanoids can be divided into four classes: Prostaglandins Leukotrienes Thromboxanes Prostacyclins Beyond ibuprofen.  Natural ways to reduce inflammation There  are a number of herbal remedies that have been reported to help reduce inflammation when you have an injury. The number of chemical compounds, called phytochemicals, found within the plant kingdom is truly vast and some of the phytochemicals found in certain herbs and plants are reported to demonstrate pain and inflammation-reducing properties.  Like aspirin, many are presumed to work by blocking the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways and possibly by other mechanisms as well.  Bioflavonoids are a broader class of phytochemicals found largely in citrus fruits, tea, and wine.  Research suggests that bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, may reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and phospholipase. Ginger and Tumeric Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa), two very popular herbs used within the East Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda), have long been used in folk medicine for a variety of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions such as sprains and arthritis.  Numerous animal and in vitro studies have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities for both ginger and turmeric.  These studies suggest that both herbs may block cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase activity, thereby inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene release.  In addition, turmeric may inhibit the release of histamine. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, the principal compound found in turmeric, were studied in a double-blind clinical trial of 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Significant improvement was seen, with relief of morning stiffness and joint swelling Cayenne Pepper Another compound structurally related to those found in ginger and turmeric is capsaicin, the main constituent of cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum).  Capsaicin may play a role in inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis by blocking cyclooxygenase activity.  In addition, cayenne pepper has been shown to possess powerful antioxidant compounds, reduce platelet aggregation, and improve blood circulation, and thus may play a role in reducing inflammation. Boswellia Boswellia gum resin, derived from the Boswellia serrata tree, is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy that is used for a variety of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and cervical spondylitis.  Boswellic acids have also been shown in vitro to inhibit the complement system, a set of enzymes that work with antibodies to attack foreign cells and bacteria.  Pathologically prolonged and sustained activation of the complement system is implicated in a variety of inflammatory disorders. Boswellic acids have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity in a variety of animal experimental models as well as human studies.  Unlike traditional NSAIDs, Boswellia extract appears to exhibit no significant side effects or toxicity. PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES A great deal of the research that describes an anti-inflammatory effect of proteolytic enzymes centers around acute (e.g., sports) injuries, although post-surgery and degenerative joint conditions have been studied as well.  In most cases, the patients that received the enzymes demonstrated significant reductions in pain and inflammation and faster recovery rates compared to the placebo groups (the duration of healing was reduced by half in some instances). *The anti-inflammatory activity of proteolytic enzymes is believed to be, in part, the result of eicosanoid modulation.  Animal studies suggest that oral proteases may inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Supplemental proteolytic enzymes are derived from plant and animal sources.  Common proteases include bromelain from pineapple; papain and chymopapain from papaya; the fungal protease from the Aspergillus oryzae fungi; and trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatin usually from porcine (pig) or bovine (cow) origins.  However, porcine sources yield higher specific activity than do bovine sources. HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES Homeopathic remedies for pain and inflammation have been around for over 100 years.  Believed to provide an "energetic" stimulus to the natural healing qualities of the body, homeopathic remedies are reported to be highly effective and at the same time quite innocuous.  Traditionally, they have been used for both acute and chronic injuries.  The growing interest in alternative medicine and the numerous anecdotal reports of homeopathy's effectiveness have led to an increase in the number of clinical trials performed.  While these trials  may not provide scientific explanations as to how homeopathy works, many do support their use. INFLAMMATION INCREASES FREE RADICAL DAMAGE A direct result of inflammation is an increase in free radical reaction with the polyunsaturated fatty acids of cell membranes leading to the eventual destruction of the cell.  One single free radical can destroy an entire membrane through a self-propagating chain reaction.  The body defends itself against free radical damage with an integrated antioxidant defense system that utilizes antioxidants produced naturally within the body and from antioxidants found within foods.  During inflammation, the need for a variety of antioxidant nutrients may be increased. Vitamin E, which is an important membrane antioxidant, provides chain-breaking free radical protection. It may be especially important to include vitamin E with routine essential fatty acid supplementation since fatty acids are readily oxidized.  It has been suggested that long-term fish oil supplementation, for example, may increase lipid peroxidation and compromise vitamin E status. CONCLUSION Basically, the idea is to shift the balance of eicosanoid synthesis toward anti-inflammatory mediators and away from pro-inflammatory mediators.  Furthermore, it has been suggested that a healthful balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids leads to better overall health and may help reduce the risk of several common diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. For acute pain and inflammation, a more natural method for inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways (the mechanism behind NSAIDs) is with herbal support such as ginger, turmeric, and Boswellia, and with bioflavonoids.  In addition, homeopathic remedies and proteolytic enzymes are widely used as part of a comprehensive holistic approach to managing pain and inflammation. Have a question or comment.  Contact us at bodbeat.com. Plus, follow us at twitter.com/bodbeatshow Thanks for watching.  We'll see you next week. -Dr. Loretta Read More

Daily Health Headlines for Friday Mar. 12, 2010

HEADLINES Scientists Find Stem Cells in Hair That Can Become Skin http://bit.ly/95qpXg $650m compensation settlement for heroes of September 11 http://bit.ly/cgXR1q Experts say US doctors overtesting, overtreating http://bit.ly/cUvFRm Efforts to Cut Soda Consumption in Schools are Working http://bit.ly/cLYxR0 INTERESTING Pain: Why it's 'ow' for me and 'YOW!' for you http://bit.ly/d6TK46 Learning to Keep Patients Safe in a Culture of Fear http://nyti.ms/aypSIr Dutch nurses’ union: Care does not include sex http://bit.ly/d8u3f0 Onion Cream Treats New Stretch Marks http://bit.ly/cXmXBO Can the Sunshine Vitamin Ease Fibromyalgia Pain? http://bit.ly/c33O5U 600 Million-Year-Old Origins Of Vision Discovered By Scientists At UCSB http://bit.ly/djmTq8 Actress Glenn Close Has Genome Mapped http://bit.ly/bn8ML1 Variable Blood Pressure a New Stroke Risk Factor? http://bit.ly/d4zYWN Platelet-Rich Plasma Helps Tennis Elbow http://bit.ly/a8rZgS GOOD ADVICE Which Over-the-Counter Medication Is Right for You? http://bit.ly/c9z0q6 How to save a friend from the brink http://bit.ly/b7ZGPE Read More

Daily Health Headlines for Thursday Mar. 11, 2010

HEADLINES Alternative to Statins Shows Promise http://bit.ly/d9yx3y Salmonella Risk Prompts Wider Food Recal http://bit.ly/9HYQ29 CDC says genital herpes is still a 'serious health threat' http://bit.ly/arvx3g Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome Kills With One Puff http://bit.ly/dACzOT Revamped Female Condom Gets Promotional Push http://bit.ly/c0ZoSh Study suggests too many invasive heart tests given http://bit.ly/98UvGr Disease Cause Is Pinpointed With Genome http://nyti.ms/951LSG INTERESTING Cuba’s free sex changes mark break from past http://bit.ly/aOuDPf Online Dating as Honest as Real Life http://bit.ly/9EjPNh NIH Panel: End Bans on Vaginal Birth After C-Section http://bit.ly/9DiMcR Medical ID bracelets go glam to save lives http://bit.ly/cpdigs For Tough Head Lice, Pill Tops Lotion http://bit.ly/9F8si4 Suicide Rate Greater Among Divorced Men, Research Finds http://bit.ly/dpXDBM Severe Injuries From ATV Accidents on the Rise http://bit.ly/aRXlU0 New Knee May Improve Balance http://bit.ly/8YMUwI GOOD ADVICE 31 reasons you shouldn't feel mom guilt http://bit.ly/av7Pf2 7 Ways To Beat Depression After A Divorce http://bit.ly/9hymcy Boost Your Brain by Following the Heart Healthy DASH Diet http://bit.ly/dyxedw How to save a friend from the brink http://bit.ly/b7ZGPE Read More

Daily Health Headlines for Wednesday Mar. 10, 2010

HEADLINES Can baby slings actually hurt baby? http://bit.ly/9MfDvm Pringles Recall: Flavor Company http://bit.ly/9gfQko Herpes Infects One in Six in U.S. http://bit.ly/bmxUoL Men Outlive Women Sexually http://bit.ly/cQ3yYE Study: Donating a kidney doesn’t boost risk of premature death http://bit.ly/97r38A Fewer Patients Undergo Knife For Beauty http://bit.ly/d9xqWO Assisted suicide group's members indicted http://bit.ly/cWGJwX Survey May Help Docs Diagnose Mood Disorders http://bit.ly/awRzj3 Few U.S. studies compare one drug to another: report http://bit.ly/aUCj2d Genetic Variant Raises Lung Cancer Risk http://bit.ly/cjUKr1 INTERESTING Supermarket Display May Make Spinach Even Healthier http://bit.ly/agWsi7 In the sex game, stressed men choose dissimilar mates http://bit.ly/aY0y3c Aging: What Are We So Afraid Of? http://bit.ly/bS6ycM 'Curry' Cream May Fade Wrinkles http://bit.ly/90qg2I Sleep, Pray, Love: Survey Sheds Light on U.S. Bedtime Routine http://bit.ly/c5Kfgj GOOD ADVICE Good Health Boosts Sexual Life Expectancy http://bit.ly/dbeNoT Read More

Daily Health Headlines for Tuesday Mar. 9, 2010

HEADLINES Supreme Court accepts appeal over vaccine safety http://bit.ly/dggu1m Women who drink moderately less likely to gain weight http://bit.ly/cseyR4 Majority of Americans Are Sleep Deprived http://bit.ly/b8vWoh Kid-Sized Condoms: Company Markets Contraceptive for 14-Year-Olds http://bit.ly/bUFwTy Researchers: AIDS virus can hide in bone marrow http://bit.ly/bEtqLU Health Buzz: Scientists Expose an HIV Hiding Spot http://bit.ly/bc8cjP Hoped-For Drop In Childbirth Deaths Not Happening http://bit.ly/c6Dgrp UPDATE 1-US school drink deal cuts sugar; NY mulls soda tax http://bit.ly/ak8ta7 INTERESTING 6 Women Hospitalized After Botched Butt-Enhancing Procedures http://bit.ly/aV0NzO Specialty may bias doctors' prostate cancer advice http://bit.ly/9Td61T What Are Hiccups? What Causes Hiccups? http://bit.ly/ahUmxo Two of the World's Oldest People Die on Same Day http://bit.ly/bStrQd Bleeding Alert Sounded for Stroke Drugs http://bit.ly/chMB9L Sleep, pray, love -- survey sheds light on U.S. bedtime routine http://bit.ly/cXuwiK GOOD ADVICE 10 Good Things About Depression http://bit.ly/cJWAiK Too much exercise can lead to overuse injuries http://bit.ly/bU048I Read More