A large study (41,836 postmenopausal women) of the relationships between the level of coffee drinking and
cardiovascular disease, cancer and some inflammatory diseases has found that coffee
may reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases, which includes coronary heart disease.
The study excluded women who already had evidence of a whole variety of existing conditions, leaving 27,312 women, who were studied for an average of 15 years.
For women consuming an average of one to three cups of coffee per day, the risk of dying from coronary heart disease was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.64-0.91), for four to five cups, 0.81 (0.66-0.99) and for six or more cups per day, 0.87 (0.69-1.09). These results relate to a risk of 1.0 for women not drinking coffee.
This reduction was attributed to the antioxidant content of coffee, which might reduce the inflammatory component of this condition. There is steadily increasing evidence that inflammation is a key component of the damage present in arteries in patients with coronary heart disease. This has been shown through elevated levels of substances [cytokines] associated with inflammation.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Coffee Help Us to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
Harm from Long-Term Use of Cell Phones
Although I have heard the warnings and the reassurances with respect to cell-phone safety and have been
meaning to write about this topic for some time, it has taken me this long to broach
this topic because I feel a bit like I am walking on foreign territory - something I don’t understand too fully, and am trying to wrap my head around. So I will present what I have found, and you can follow the resource links and make up your own mind. I use my cell phone daily, but am now trying to get into the habit of using the speakerphone option, rather than holding the phone to my head. Once again, I figure better safe than sorry.
The radiation the cell phones emit is between 1 and 3 Watts, in the microwave range, and that radiation DOES get absorbed by the head, or whatever body part is nearest the phone. Initially the concern was that this radiation heated the cells causing damage, but from the resources I’ve looked at, it looks like the body is able to dispel the heat quite easily. Based on that knowledge, claims to cell-phone safety have been made.
However, the radiation emitted from the phone is pulsed, and apparently very similar to the electrical oscillations sent within the brain (alpha and delta brain waves). Our body is a very sensitive electrochemical system, so it seems reasonable that radio waves from external sources at similar frequencies to our internal frequencies may interfere with our bioelectrical systems, in much the same way that cell phones interfere with airplane controls and hospital equipment. One can induce a seizure in photo-sensivitive epileptics by flashing a light at 15hz. The seizure is not caused by a reaction to the heat of the light, but rather by how the brain interprets or recognizes the frequency of the impulses. So it is the similarity to the frequencies commonly used within the body, confusing the body which may be problematic. One of the frequencies used by cell phones seems to be similar to one that induces cell division in the body, perhaps explaining the links between cell-phone use and brain cancer. Other EMF studies have shown links to Alzheimers, leukemia, ALS, breast cancer, blood pressure, heart disease, fertility, miscarriage, joint pain, migraines, fatigue, concentration difficulties, increased reaction time, and sleep disorders.
Children under the age of 16 are particularly vulnerable because their skulls are thinner and much smaller, increasing the radiation absorption. And if they are using cell phones at such a young age, they will have many more years of exposure than if they were starting later, potentially exacerbating the damage, as studies seem to indicate that the longer the exposure, the heavier the use, the more likely a problem. Some people may be far more sensitive to this electromagnetic pollution than others, and Bluetooth handsets actually increase rather than reduce exposure. Since radio frequencies are known to disrupt melatonin production, if you have difficulty sleeping, it may be worth getting a land line, rather than having a cordless or a cell phone, to reduce exposure. If you have a cell phone, carry it in your briefcase, knapsack or purse rather than in a pocket.
Green tea Able to boost Our Health
Green tea can boost your health in some pretty amazing ways. First of all, you need to know that it comes well recommended. The Chinese have been drinking this beverage for thousands of years -- giving it a long and proven history as a health remedy.
Here’s a list of seven health benefits of this tried and true brew:
1. Weight loss
Drinking this beverage helps you feel full, so it can curb your appetite. It may also help you burn more calories according to a study published in November, 1999, by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
2. Anti-Aging properties
Green tea is rich in the antioxidants vitamin E and C. Antioxidants destroy free radicals that damage cell membranes. Damaged cell membranes lead to diseases such as cancer, heart attacks and diabetes.
Drinking it may help relieve the suffering caused by rheumatoid arthritis. This was revealed in a study in April 1999 by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
3. Asthma relief
Green tea contains a substance called theophylline. It’s a muscle relaxant, so it can cause the muscles supporting the bronchial tubes to relax -- thus reducing asthma’s ability to restrict normal breathing.
4. Lowers blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, you will be more susceptible to a heart attack or stroke. Green tea may prevent the formation of blood clots which lead to heart disease and stroke.
5. Fights cancer
A team from the Mayo Clinic found that three out of four chronic leukemia patients (who were given green tea extract) seemed to experience regression of the disease. The fourth patient also showed some improvement. The doctors gave the extract a try after a 2004 test tube study of green tea revealed that leukemia cells were killed by the substance.
According to the American Cancer Society, “Green tea contains chemicals known as polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties. Catechins are the major group of polyphenols in green tea. The most important catechin seems to be epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG may cause cancer cells to die like normal cells do. It may also work by stopping new blood vessels from forming, a process called angiogenesis, thereby cutting off the supply of blood to cancer cells.”
It is interesting to note that there seem to be fewer cancer deaths in Japan than in the United States. Could it be because citizens there drink a lot of green tea?
6. May lower cholesterol
Studies have shown that this drink may help lower cholesterol with no side effects. By lowering cholesterol, the body receives help in fighting heart disease and stroke as well.
7. Guards against infections
In April of 2003 the New York Times reported that its extract has the ability to strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight disease. Microbiologist Milton Schiffenbauer, professor at Pace University (New York) stated, “Our research shows tea extracts can destroy the organism that causes disease. If we can stimulate the immune system and at the same time we are destroying the organisms then it makes sense to drink more tea.”
Green tea treats sunburn, strained eyes, blemishes, rashes and minor cuts because of its antiseptic properties.
Our Healthy Skin
Nobody really likes looking like last year's luggage. Nearly everyone with a crocodile complexion could have prevented it. Let's look at how.
The two most damaging things you can do to your skin are getting direct sunlight on it and breathing tobacco smoke. The ultra-violet radiation of direct sunlight destroys and scars skin cells. It makes them lose their elasticity. Wear a sunscreen! Smoking causes vasoconstriction, which means you starve your skin of nutrient-bearing blood. So, your first step is to stay out of the sun and stay away from smoke. It doesn't matter if the cigarette belongs to someone else--you are breathing the same smoke they are. Steer clear or look like leather.
Most people are dehydrated. If your urine isn't clear, you are drinking too little water. This is hard on your kidneys, and can lead to painful stones and/or urinary tract infection. Plus, it causes your skin to be as flexible as leather and look about the same. Drink up! Alcohol dries the skin, so keep it off your skin and out of your diet for maximum skin protection. Sodas don't help. Their caffeine is dehydrating, as is their sodium. The carbonation reduces the amount of calcium in your bones, and that means earlier onset of osteoporosis. The sugar causes insulin problems. There is nothing of value in a soft drink, so always opt for a different beverage or go without.
So then?
You can buy a sports water bottle at any department store, and keep it with you. Or get a jug to keep at your desk if you work in an office. A good rule of thumb? Drink a quart (or liter) within an hour of starting work, and another quart before lunch. Drink a third quart before dinner, and a fourth quart after. If you do anything athletic, adjust accordingly. Sure, that's a lot of water, and a lot of trips to the bathroom. But, that's the cost of having a human body designed the way it is, and wanting it to look good.
New skin products can help. However, it's hard to figure out which ones are useful. You really need to develop a skin care program. A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will most benefit your skin. You first need to consider your diet and type of lifestyle, since these two factors play an important role in the health of your skin.
Those fast-food meals mean fast loss of skin health. Don't eat them. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a wider range of flavors than do grease-laden burgers. If you put some thought to it, you can make sure there's time to eat a diet rich in these foods.
You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of makeup you sue. And be sure to clean your tools regularly. Things such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria and germs and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. One of the leading cosmetic authorities suggests you thoroughly clean cosmetic brushes at least twice a month. A good way is to soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo. Rinse and blot excess moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a tall glass until they are thoroughly dry.
Prevent your skin from absorbing environmental pollutants, with a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier. Check the labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help block the penetration of pollutants.
A good exercise program, consisting of both weights and aerobics will activate and rejuvenate the skin, while improving blood flow. Also, body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own natural moisturizer.
Get serious about stress reduction. Skin conditions such as acne appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin conditions tend to worsen. Set aside quiet time to meditate or daydream. Be sure to get enough sleep. To avoid morning eye or facial puffiness, sleep on your back so fluid doesn't collect in your eyes. You can keep the oil from your hair away from your face by wearing a head covering or a soft headband when you go to bed. And keep in mind that too much stress can affect your overall health as well as your complexion. If you're stressing out, look for things that cause you stress and start eliminating them one at a time. Most of those things are not essential. For example, if your credit card bills stress you out, put a one-month moratorium on spending--buy only food, fuel, and other things you cannot do without. Don't buy clothes, restaurant dinners, or even merchandise from this website. You'll be surprised at how much stress relief this provides. Does traffic stress you out? Find someone to pool with. Or bring an audiocassette so you can learn a new language, hear a great novel, or learn a new subject. Does your boss drive you nuts? Have a heart-to-heart talk. Just tell your boss some things are stressing you out and you'd like to get back on track. Your boss is probably under stress, too. Stick to the issues, and go into the conversation with the idea of getting at least one thing you can do to reduce stress. Make sure you smile and don't accuse or complain. You just want to see if there are ways to improve the work process. Maybe you can telecommute one day a week. Spousal stress? Stop and think about what you like about your spouse. Count your blessings in that area. Then, go get a card from Hallmark and add a list of those things to the card. Finish with a note saying, "I just took a few minutes to count my blessings." You will be surprised at how much less stress you will get from your spouse. This could ward off a divorce. As we all know, you can "lose your hide" in a divorce. Save your skin ahead of time!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Massage is Great for You
More and more sports and fitness enthusiasts are including massage as a part of their conditioning programs. It's not just for the professional athlete or the
person who is training for the Olympics. Massage is for everyone and needs to be looked at as a health benefit and not a luxury. People just like you and me are including massage as part of their regular exercise programs. Almost anyone can benefit from massage, athlete or not.
Commonly known benefits include relaxation, improved circulation and relief of muscle tension. Fitness enthusiasts/athletes will find that massage helps improve their flexibility; muscles tend not to be as sore and stiff; it helps in their recovery time, and reduces the anxiety of athletic competition. Massage can help improve performance, increase endurance, and help lower fatigue levels. By reducing fatigue, althletes can train better with longer more effective workouts. When you choose massage or stretches between workouts, there is a high increase in recovery time.
There are many styles of massage around, so shop around and find the one that is best for you. A few styles to look for that are good for people involved with an exercise program are Swedish,DeepTissue, Shiatsu and Sports massage. Each is very different. A good massage therapist may use many different styles and gear the massage toward your needs.
Swedish
Most people who have not had a massage will start with this. It includes the full body and is a light massage penetrating the top layer of muscle.
Shiatsu
A Japanese hand healing method effective for stress, locomotion and internal disorders.
Deep Tissue
This method gets down into the muscles that are under the top layer. It is deeper, slower and more muscle specific.
Sports Massage
Usually for athletes in training, it is used before and after a competition and tailored specifically for that person and their sport. (This is not to be confused with deep tissue.)
The best way to find a therapist:
* A referral from a friend.
* Seek out an established business with more than three therapists.
* Try a local fitness club
What to expect:
* Professional massage therapists will have you fill out a health questionnaire on you first visit.
* It will generally last one hour unless other arrangements are made.
* You should only be asked to remove as much clothing as you are comfortable with.
* You should be draped with a towel so only the part being worked on is exposed.
* Professional therapists should always respect your privacy.
Love Our Life and Being Happy
Living your life happily, resiliently, and optimistically is wonderful, but it's also essential to your health. Being a happy person actually protects you from stress linked to such top
killers as heart attacks and strokes, and thus helps you live longer and better.
Income, social status, skin color, or health have nothing to do with real happiness. According to recent research, it has more to do with the ability to deal with the devastating blows that life deals, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, etc.
How does one become a content and optimistic person? It's up to you to reach your potential�when situations arise that anger or frighten you or bring on negative feelings, examine your reaction. You can actually train yourself to see the brighter side of a situation and deal with it more effectively and healthfully.
One of the smartest things ever said is that only one thing in life will always remain the same: change. Whether you're in an intolerable situation or even a euphoric one, things always change. Truly acknowledging this will help you cope during times of difficult personal trials.
Social networks are imperative to happiness. Accept people for who they are, avoid constant arguments, and let go of resentments. I don't mean that you should lie down and be a doormat, but rather make an effort to get along with others and try to understand their point of view. This small change can make an enormous difference in the way people treat you and the way you feel about both them and yourself.
A religious connection can provide you with a sense of belonging, support, and purpose. Being part of a dedicated group, with its singing, chanting, and meditation fosters joy and peace.
Gain a sense of power and take control of yourself and your thoughts. Therapy can help people harness a sense of control over themselves and their lives. Don't limit yourself to being a robot performing the perfunctory duties of wife, mother, and employee. But rather, empower and train yourself, and you will not only be happy and optimistic, but you will also be a better person to those who surround you. You are. responsible to yourself to live your life to the fullest of your potential.
Tips for You to Quit Smoking
Stop buying cigarettes. Cold turkey is typically the most effective way to be free from the tobacco addiction.
Start working out. Running, aerobics, or high-intensity weight lifting all boost a smoker's will to quit smoking.
Spend more time in no-smoking activities, with non-smokers. This will reduce the amount of "reinforcement" from those who don't choose life over addiction.
Make it a rule that nobody can smoke in your home and/or your car. Besides, smoking in these places damages them and lowers their value.
Pick a month and declare it "no smoking month." Resume smoking when the month is up. Three months later, stop smoking again--this time, for good.
Volunteer as an orderly at the local hospital, for 3 months. Ask to be assigned an area dedicated to smoking-related illnesses. This will definitely boost your motivation.
Visit your library and check out one "quit smoking" book, tape, or video every other week. The continual reinforcement and good ideas will help you win.