12 Problems That Can Be Solved With Baby Powder
If you believe baby powder is only for keeping skin
smooth and fresh, you’re really underestimating its power. Try sprinkling it
some on these household woes to unleash its full potential.
1. A knotted necklace
Never waste time desperately tugging at tangled jewelry again. Loosen the knot with a little baby powder and use a pin to pull it apart.
Never waste time desperately tugging at tangled jewelry again. Loosen the knot with a little baby powder and use a pin to pull it apart.
2. Musty furniture
“I like to keep drawers fresh with a sprinkle of baby powder under drawer liners,” says Becky at Clean Mama. “This is especially great with antique furniture that has that old smell.”
“I like to keep drawers fresh with a sprinkle of baby powder under drawer liners,” says Becky at Clean Mama. “This is especially great with antique furniture that has that old smell.”
3. Greasy hair
Most dry shampoos are starch-based, so baby powder has a similar effect in a pinch. Sprinkle some on your hands and massage it through your scalp to soak up excess oil.
Most dry shampoos are starch-based, so baby powder has a similar effect in a pinch. Sprinkle some on your hands and massage it through your scalp to soak up excess oil.
4. A sweltering summer night
Crawling into a hot, sticky bed is no one’s definition of nighttime relaxation. Dust powder between your sheets to help absorb sweat and keep things cool.
Crawling into a hot, sticky bed is no one’s definition of nighttime relaxation. Dust powder between your sheets to help absorb sweat and keep things cool.
5. A stuck-together deck of cards
When poker night gets messy, toss the playing cards into a paper bag with a few tablespoons of powder and give them a good shake. Then wipe them with a paper towel.
When poker night gets messy, toss the playing cards into a paper bag with a few tablespoons of powder and give them a good shake. Then wipe them with a paper towel.
6. A family of ants
Keep these intruders out of your kitchen by blocking their path with powder (they’re not fans of the scent).
Keep these intruders out of your kitchen by blocking their path with powder (they’re not fans of the scent).
7. Oily stains
Don’t stress over split salad dressing. Dab any oil-based stain with baby powder to absorb the grease before laundering like usual.
Don’t stress over split salad dressing. Dab any oil-based stain with baby powder to absorb the grease before laundering like usual.
8. Dish glove friction
“After washing dishes, I sprinkle a little powder into my rubber gloves,” says Victoria at Creative Home Keeper. “It helps keep them fresh while they dry and my hands easily slide through the next time.”
“After washing dishes, I sprinkle a little powder into my rubber gloves,” says Victoria at Creative Home Keeper. “It helps keep them fresh while they dry and my hands easily slide through the next time.”
9. Squeaky hardwood floors
Pour baby powder onto your wooden floor and sweep it into the cracks to quiet creaking floorboards. Wipe away the excess, and enjoy the sounds of silence.
Pour baby powder onto your wooden floor and sweep it into the cracks to quiet creaking floorboards. Wipe away the excess, and enjoy the sounds of silence.
10. Sandy feet
“Pack a travel size bottle of baby powder in your beach bag,” says Jamielyn at I Heart Nap Time. “At the end of the day, rub it on your skin and sand will come right off.”
“Pack a travel size bottle of baby powder in your beach bag,” says Jamielyn at I Heart Nap Time. “At the end of the day, rub it on your skin and sand will come right off.”
11. Wimpy eyelashes
Beauty bloggers swear by this one. In between coats of mascara, use a cotton swab to dust baby powder on your lashes. “I was surprised how much volume it added,” says Huda at Huda Beauty.
Beauty bloggers swear by this one. In between coats of mascara, use a cotton swab to dust baby powder on your lashes. “I was surprised how much volume it added,” says Huda at Huda Beauty.
12. Sweaty feet
Sprinkle the stuff in your shoes to keep odors at bay. And forget socks — the powder keeps your feet dry so you can go barefoot in flats without worry.
Sprinkle the stuff in your shoes to keep odors at bay. And forget socks — the powder keeps your feet dry so you can go barefoot in flats without worry.
And one place you shouldn’t use baby powder: Around babies. The American Academy of
Pediatrics warns against it, since the powder can be dangerous if babies inhale it.
Source:goodhousekeeping.com
5 Reasons To Drink Coffee Daily
Here are some health benefits and reasons why you should
have a cup of coffee everyday.
Which is better for you- coffee or tea.
The jury is still out on which
beverage is better.
But here are some health benefits and reasons why you
should have a cup of coffee everyday .
So sip from your mug of coffee
and keep these
health risks at bay.
Red Beans – The Most Important Health Benefits
What’s behind tasty beans
Vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folic acid,
calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper (you
tired? We have!), selenium, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, fiber , protein
and energy, they are treasures hidden in the little red beans!
With every delicious serving of red beans, add an extra “health” and vitality, with only 220 calories.
Let’s see together what makes red beans so healthy and essential to a life full of energy!
1. Wonderful source of antioxidants:
Red beans is one of the richest foods in antioxidants, even richer
than blueberries or cherries, according to a study by researchers from
the United States Department of Agriculture on 100 fruits, vegetables
and nuts. Thus, Frequently consumption of red beans help your body fight
free radicals and reduces the risk of cancer or other serious diseases,
keeping your youth longer!
2. Essential source of fiber:
A cup of red beans provides half your daily requirement of fiber,
which not only keeps the digestive system health, ease digestion and
prevent constipation, but shrinks the cholesterol levels, lowering the
risk associated with cardiovascular disease and regulate blood sugar
levels.
3. A healthy alternative to meat:
When you want a lighter meal or are in post, replacing the
consumption of meat with red beans. Excellent source of protein, red
beans will help to strengthen your body and muscles, to prevent
cardiovascular disease and live a life full of energy! A cup of red
beans is over 15 mg of healthy protein for your body.
4. Source of iron:
Let’s do a little test – keep your palm facing you and pull the
fingers back. How pink are the lines of your palm ? If they are white,
you may suffer from iron deficiency and red beans is a wonderful source
of iron, low in calories and fat (as opposed to red meat). Pregnant
women, children and teenagers need especially high intakes of iron, and a
cup cover of red beans have 30% of the RDA.
5. For a great memory:
Source of thiamine (vitamin B1), red bean consumption stimulates
attention and memory, is particularly beneficial during periods of
intellectual overloaded, eliminate insomnia, combat depression, fatigue
and anxiety and lowers Alzheimer’s risks .
Red Beans – for a long and healthy life.
Besides all the benefits mentioned above, regular consumption of red
beans strengthens teeth and bones, can help you lose weight Lower the
risk of heart attack and energize your whole body!
How to Treat Cold and Flu Symptoms
Are You Making Your Cold Worse?
A lot of what we believe about the common cold is myth. No, you won't get a cold because you went outside with a wet head or slept in a drafty room. But here's what is true. When you're sick, some common mistakes can make your cold symptoms worse -- or prevent you from getting better.
If you're feeling crummy and stuffed up, here are 7 things that could make your cold worse.
Pretending you're not sick.
This never works. You can't ignore a cold. When you get sick, you need to take care of yourself. Your body needs extra energy when it's fighting an infection. If you try to push through a cold, especially if you have a fever, you'll exhaust yourself. That could make your cold worse.
Not sleeping enough.
Getting enough sleep is key for a healthy immune system. One study found that sleeping less than 7 hours a night almost triples your risk of getting a cold in the first place. If your cold symptoms keep you up at night, try to go to bed earlier or take naps during the day. You need extra rest, however you get it.
Getting stressed.
It turns out that stress can make you more likely to get a cold. Over time, high levels of stress hormones can stop your immune system from working normally. The result: More sick days.
Drinking too little.
You need to drink a lot of fluid when you're sick. Why? Fluids will help thin your mucus, making your sinuses drain better. Just about any fluid will help. Water, juice, hot tea, and soup are all good. Contrary to what you've heard, even milk is OK -- the notion that it causes mucus build-up is a myth.
Drinking alcohol.
Too much alcohol can leave you dehydrated and worsen cold symptoms such as congestion. It can also suppress your immune system and -- potentially -- interact with cold medications you're taking. Until you're feeling better, it's best to lay off the booze.
Overusing decongestant sprays.
Be careful with nasal decongestant sprays. They may work well at first. But if you use them for more than three days, your stuffy nose will get worse when you stop.
Smoking.
Smokers get more colds than nonsmokers. They also get worse colds that last longer. Smoking damages cells in the lungs, making it harder for you to fight off a cold. If you're sick with a cold, don't smoke -- and don't let anyone around you smoke either.
WebMD Medical Reference
A lot of what we believe about the common cold is myth. No, you won't get a cold because you went outside with a wet head or slept in a drafty room. But here's what is true. When you're sick, some common mistakes can make your cold symptoms worse -- or prevent you from getting better.
If you're feeling crummy and stuffed up, here are 7 things that could make your cold worse.
Pretending you're not sick.
This never works. You can't ignore a cold. When you get sick, you need to take care of yourself. Your body needs extra energy when it's fighting an infection. If you try to push through a cold, especially if you have a fever, you'll exhaust yourself. That could make your cold worse.
Not sleeping enough.
Getting enough sleep is key for a healthy immune system. One study found that sleeping less than 7 hours a night almost triples your risk of getting a cold in the first place. If your cold symptoms keep you up at night, try to go to bed earlier or take naps during the day. You need extra rest, however you get it.
Getting stressed.
It turns out that stress can make you more likely to get a cold. Over time, high levels of stress hormones can stop your immune system from working normally. The result: More sick days.
Drinking too little.
You need to drink a lot of fluid when you're sick. Why? Fluids will help thin your mucus, making your sinuses drain better. Just about any fluid will help. Water, juice, hot tea, and soup are all good. Contrary to what you've heard, even milk is OK -- the notion that it causes mucus build-up is a myth.
Drinking alcohol.
Too much alcohol can leave you dehydrated and worsen cold symptoms such as congestion. It can also suppress your immune system and -- potentially -- interact with cold medications you're taking. Until you're feeling better, it's best to lay off the booze.
Overusing decongestant sprays.
Be careful with nasal decongestant sprays. They may work well at first. But if you use them for more than three days, your stuffy nose will get worse when you stop.
Smoking.
Smokers get more colds than nonsmokers. They also get worse colds that last longer. Smoking damages cells in the lungs, making it harder for you to fight off a cold. If you're sick with a cold, don't smoke -- and don't let anyone around you smoke either.
WebMD Medical Reference
Colors And Your Appetite And Eating Habits
If you’re trying to lose weight, you know that listening to your internal hunger cues can help you realize when you’re truly hungry and full. However, there may be more subtle, external nudges that could potentially increase or decrease your appetite. One crafty cue is color.
Scientists agree that color has a significant impact on how appealing or unappealing a food is to you. Just seeing food causes all sorts of reactions in your body. Neurons in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus, which regulates appetite, start firing up. The mere sight of food causes glands in your mouth to start increasing saliva production in preparation for eating.
Red
Scientists agree that color has a significant impact on how appealing or unappealing a food is to you. Just seeing food causes all sorts of reactions in your body. Neurons in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus, which regulates appetite, start firing up. The mere sight of food causes glands in your mouth to start increasing saliva production in preparation for eating.
Red
Results of a new study recently published in Appetite, a scientific journal, found that people ate less food when it was served on a red plate. Perhaps people consumed less on a red plate because oftentimes the color red is associated with danger, warnings or stopping (stop signs come to mind). However, most other studies find the opposite result and have shown that red is actually an appetite-stimulating color. In fact, people find red-colored foods to be the most appealing overall. Red activates your appetite so much that it’s often used in restaurant logos, on menus, and on tablecloths and napkins.
Yellow
Yellow
The color yellow has also been found to stimulate your appetite because yellow is associated with happiness. Your brain actually secretes more serotonin, a feel-good hormone, when you see yellow. This is why you may have noticed that many restaurants have yellow flowers on the table because yellow makes you feel optimistic and the more optimistic you feel, the more likely you are to splurge on your meal. Similarly to yellow, foods that are orange often elicit feelings of warmth and comfort.
Green
Green
People tend to think that all green foods are healthy, regardless of if the food itself really is nutritious or not. This habit may be traced back to our ancestors’ eating habits. Green foods were often viewed as being safe and weren’t likely to be poisonous or lethal.
White
White
White foods are often associated with excessive consumption, especially when it comes to snacks. You tend to forget that white foods contain calories and this leads to mindless eating. White foods and foods eaten from white dishware are also less satisfying. Keep your hands away from those white potato chips!
Colors to Curb Your Appetite
Are there certain colors that keep our appetites in check and help limit how much you consume? Research suggests that the color blue suppresses your appetite because there aren’t many naturally-occurring blue-hued foods other than blueberries, gooseberries, eggplant and perhaps bluish-purple potatoes. Long ago when your ancestors were out foraging for sources of food, blue, black and purple signaled that something was poisonous and it’s possible that the behavior of avoiding those colors in food are still with you. Research has found that when foods were dyed blue, people found them much less appealing even if the food tasted good. It’s even been suggested that you put a blue light in your fridge to discourage you from reaching in for more food.
Pink doesn’t stimulate your appetite because it’s somewhat of an unnatural color and often makes people think of raw meat or artificial preservatives.
Gray is another color that people find unappetizing. When was the last time you say a gray food and thought, “Wow, that looks delicious”? Brown foods are also thought to diminish your appetite because brown can be associated with foods that are burnt or overdone.
Source: fitday.com
Colors to Curb Your Appetite
Are there certain colors that keep our appetites in check and help limit how much you consume? Research suggests that the color blue suppresses your appetite because there aren’t many naturally-occurring blue-hued foods other than blueberries, gooseberries, eggplant and perhaps bluish-purple potatoes. Long ago when your ancestors were out foraging for sources of food, blue, black and purple signaled that something was poisonous and it’s possible that the behavior of avoiding those colors in food are still with you. Research has found that when foods were dyed blue, people found them much less appealing even if the food tasted good. It’s even been suggested that you put a blue light in your fridge to discourage you from reaching in for more food.
Pink doesn’t stimulate your appetite because it’s somewhat of an unnatural color and often makes people think of raw meat or artificial preservatives.
Gray is another color that people find unappetizing. When was the last time you say a gray food and thought, “Wow, that looks delicious”? Brown foods are also thought to diminish your appetite because brown can be associated with foods that are burnt or overdone.
Source: fitday.com
8 Benefits of Coconut Water You Didn’t Know About
Coconut water is the ultimate thirst quencher and offers a tasty alternative to water. This pure liquid is packed with nutrients that yield an array of health benefits.
1. Aids in Weight-loss Efforts.
The fat content in coconut water is extremely low, so generous quantities can be consumed without the fear of immediately packing on the pounds. It also suppresses the appetite and makes you feel full because of its rich nature.
2. Picture-Perfect Skin.
For those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, topical application of coconut water can go a great distance as it has the ability to clear up and subsequently tone the skin. It also moisturizes the skin from within if ingested orally and eliminates large amounts of oil. This explains why products such as facial creams, shampoos, conditioners and lotions that contain traces of coconut extract are more effective.
3. The Ultimate Hangover Remedy.
Next time you overdo it and drink more than your belly can handle, consume coconut water to settle your stomach. It will also replace those essential electrolytes that exit the body if you experience bouts of frequent urination and vomiting.
Next time you overdo it and drink more than your belly can handle, consume coconut water to settle your stomach. It will also replace those essential electrolytes that exit the body if you experience bouts of frequent urination and vomiting.
4. Facilitates Digestion.
If you constantly encounter difficulty during the digestion process, coconut water may provide a source of relief. Because of its high concentration of fiber, it aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux.
If you constantly encounter difficulty during the digestion process, coconut water may provide a source of relief. Because of its high concentration of fiber, it aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux.
5. Boosts Hydration.
The ingredients in coconut water are way more effective at hydrating the human body than those of sports and energy drinks. During rigorous exercise or extended periods of physical activity, the human body loses mineral-rich fluids. However, coconut water serves as an excellent replacement medium with 294 mg of potassium and 5 mg of natural sugar per glass, unlike your favorite sports drink that only contains half of the potassium content and five times the amount of processed sugar. In addition, the sodium count is only 25 mg, which is relatively low compared to the 41 and 20 mg found in sports drinks and energy drinks respectively.
6. Reduces Blood Pressure.
In many instances, a disproportionate level of electrolytes can result in high blood pressure. Because coconut water contains an adequate supply of each, it can be used as a balancing mechanism. In some instances, it is recommended that coconut water be consumed at the start of each day to foster the balance of these electrolytes.
In many instances, a disproportionate level of electrolytes can result in high blood pressure. Because coconut water contains an adequate supply of each, it can be used as a balancing mechanism. In some instances, it is recommended that coconut water be consumed at the start of each day to foster the balance of these electrolytes.
7. Rich in Nutrients.
Unlike any other beverage on the market, coconut water contains five essential electrolytes that are present in the human body. These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. Because of its unique composition, coconut water can be enjoyed by individuals with varying medical conditions.
Unlike any other beverage on the market, coconut water contains five essential electrolytes that are present in the human body. These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. Because of its unique composition, coconut water can be enjoyed by individuals with varying medical conditions.
8. Compatible with Human Blood.
Since it is isotonic to human plasma, coconut water can be used in extreme emergencies to quickly rehydrate the human body if administered intravenously. It is not uncommon for the drink to be used in poorer, third-world countries to save human lives.
Since it is isotonic to human plasma, coconut water can be used in extreme emergencies to quickly rehydrate the human body if administered intravenously. It is not uncommon for the drink to be used in poorer, third-world countries to save human lives.
Coconut water can be enjoyed as a stand-alone beverage or combined with another liquid product. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the amount that should be consumed on a daily basis, but experts from the Mayo Clinic strongly suggest that you consider maintaining an active lifestyle if consuming large amounts of coconut water since each eight ounce serving is accompanied by 45 to 60 calories.
When searching for the perfect fresh coconut to enjoy, be sure to steer clear of those that have a hard brown shell as this is an indication that it is mature. Instead, look for those that are young and green on the exterior as they usually contain a large supply of the actual coconut water substance. To test it out, simply shake the coconut up and down to gauge how much liquid it contains.
Soymilk’s Incredible Health Benefits
The health benefits of soy milk are
controversial, in part because (like milk) soy is a common food
allergen. However, it is generally accepted that soy milk is a healthy
alternative to cow’s milk, and many believe that soy milk is healthier
than dairy milk.
Soy milk, which is made from soaking, grinding and boiling soy beans with water, is a very nutritious drink. Soy is naturally high in essential fatty acids, proteins, fiber,vitamins and minerals.
These nutrients provide energy and keep your body functioning at its
optimum level. Below are the six most important health benefits you can
acquire from drinking soy milk.
1. Soy milk contains no lactose
About 75 percent of the world population
cannot tolerate lactose. Some ethnic groups are more affected than
others. For example 75 percent of Africans and 90 percent of Asians have
lactose intolerance. As an additional benefit, soy milk contains the
prebiotic sugars stachyose and raffinose. These prebiotic sugars boost
immunity and help decrease toxic substances in the body.
2. Reduces Cholesterol
The saturated fats in cow’s milk are
unhealthy and increase your cholesterol. The protein in cow’s milk has
no benefits for the cholesterol. Soy protein can decrease cholesterol
levels. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration of US) confirms that soy
protein, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may
significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart. The FDA recommends to
incorporate 25 grams of soy protein in your daily meals.
3. It does not cause Insulin 2 Diabetes
Although no general consensus exists
among scientists, some studies have shown an association between
drinking cow’s milk in early life and the development of insulin
dependent diabetes. This association does not exist with soy milk.
4. Contain Vegetable proteins
Vegetable proteins have the advantage
that they cause less loss of calcium through the kidneys. It is known
that a diet rich in animal (and dairy protein) creates a higher risk for
osteoporosis.
5. Contains no Hormones
Cow’s milk contains natural hormones
(from the cow) but also synthetic hormones, which can influence the good
working of our own body. The synthetic hormone rBGH (recombinant bovine
growth hormone) increase milk production by as much as 20 percent.
6. Contains many Isoflavones
The presence of isoflavones is the most
important and unique benefit of soy milk. Each cup of soy milk contains
about 20 mg isoflavones (mainly genistein and daidzein). Cow’s milk does
not contain isoflavones. Isoflavones have many health benefits
including reduction of cholesterol, easing of menopause symptoms,
prevention of osteoporosis and reduction of risk for certain cancers
(prostate cancer and breast cancer). Incidents of these cancers are very
low in countries with high intake of soy products, including soy milk.
Isoflavones are also antioxidants which protect our cells and DNA
against oxidation.
7. Prevents Prostate Cancer
Phytosterols in soy milk mimics the
function of human estrogen. Studies have shown that men who regularly
eat soy products have significantly lower prostate cancer risks than men who do not.
8. Helps Control Weight
Each cup of plain soy milk contains
about 7 grams of sugar and 80 calories. Soy milk also contains fiber
which is not present in dairy milk. The extra fiber makes soy milk more
filling for natural suppression of your appetite. Additionally, the
monounsaturated fatty acids can inhibit fat absorption during digestion
and reduce the chance of fat storage.
9. Protects our heart
Elderly and heart patients are most suited to
use soy milk as a dairy alternative. Whole milk contains a significant
amount of saturated fat and cholesterol which increase the risk of
plaque formation and heart disease. Skim milk does not have this
problem, but it is watery and much less appetizing.
Soy milk is naturally cholesterol free with an
extra dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty
acids that can effectively reduce your blood cholesterol level. The
phytosterols in soy milk can further improve your heart conditions by
controlling your blood pressure and preventing cholesterol absorption in
your intestines. Studies have shown that drinking soy milk can lower
your risks for atherosclerosis and strokes, making them an effective aid
in prevention and treatment of heart diseases.
Tips for Power Walking
You don't have to be a runner to get fit. Try good, fast walking instead.
Every hour you spend walking may add 2 hours to your life, research suggests. Brisk walking can help trim your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and depression. To reap the benefits of walking and stay injury-free, try these tips.
Wear comfy, well-fitting shoes.
They should be lightweight and breathable. Look for thick cushioning in
the heel, good support, and flexibility. Replace them after 3 to 6
months.
Start with a warm-up. Stroll at a comfortable pace for 5 to 10 minutes. Then pick it up for the rest of your walk.
Set goals.
Aim for four to six walks every week. "If you're a beginner, shoot for
20 to 30 minutes. If you're more advanced, take it up to 45- or
60-minute sessions," says Juliet Kaska, a certified personal trainer in
Los Angeles. Bump it up an extra 10% each week.
Stand tall. Pay attention to your posture. Keep your head up, stomach in, and shoulders relaxed. Lift your chest and engage your abs.
Stride naturally.
Point your toes and knees forward. Straighten your front leg but don't
lock your knee. Try to land on your heel instead of the middle or front
of your foot, then roll your weight forward. Use a natural step length
and avoid over-striding.
Squeeze and tighten.
Squeeze your glutes and engage your core to strengthen your muscles and
cut your risk of injury. "Try not to just walk forward from the thighs
or hip flexors," Kaska says. "Squeeze and step."
Swing your arms.
Keep your shoulders relaxed so your arms swing freely, and so your back
and neck don't tense up. Keep your arms bent. Swinging them will propel
you forward and help you move faster. Don't use hand weights. They put
stress on your elbows and shoulders.
Try intervals.
They're great for endurance and weight loss. Speed up for a minute or 2
every 5 minutes, Kaska says. Or alternate one fast block with one or
two slower blocks.
Cool down. Walk at a slower pace for 5 to 10 minutes. Then stretch your hamstrings, calves, chest, shoulders, and back.
Power Walking Tips
Want to intensify your walk? Try these tips from Kaska.
Sneak in other exercises. Midway through your walk, "stop to do some jumping jacks, a few push-ups, or dips off a park bench," she says.
Switch up the terrain. Walking on grass, gravel, or sand is a bit tougher to pull off, so you'll burn more calories.
Wear a weighted vest.
But not too heavy. Kaska says it should be no more than 5% to 10% of
your body weight. If you're a beginner, try a 1- to 2-pound ankle weight
on each leg.
Choose hills. Walking uphill --
or dialing up your treadmill's incline -- strengthens your legs. Be
careful going downhill: To ease pressure on your knees, use a slower
pace, take shorter steps, and keep your knees slightly bent, Kaska says.
Reviewed by
Michael W. Smith, MD
Could Dark Chocolate Ease Poor Leg Circulation?
Perhaps, but experts say there are better ways to obtain beneficial polyphenols.
The antioxidants contained in dark chocolate might help people suffering from reduced blood flow to their legs, researchers from Italy report.
In a small study, people with artery problems in their legs walked a little longer and farther right after eating a bar of dark chocolate, the researchers said.
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. The researchers believe polyphenols improve blood flow to the legs by affecting biochemicals that prompt arteries to widen.
"Our body secretes chemicals that naturally dilate blood vessels in response to certain stimuli, improving the blood flow to certain areas," said Dr. Richard Chazal, vice president of the American College of Cardiology. "Some of the chemicals inside dark chocolate could affect the way these enzymes are metabolized in the body," suggested Chazal, who was not involved with the study.
The pilot study involved 20 people aged 60 to 78 who suffered from peripheral artery disease, a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs, stomach, arms and head. Reduced blood flow can cause pain, cramping or fatigue in the legs or hips while walking.
The patients walked on a treadmill in the morning and again two hours after eating 40 grams of dark or milk chocolate -- the size of an average American chocolate bar -- on separate days. The dark chocolate in the study had a cocoa content of more than 85 percent, making it rich in polyphenols. The milk chocolate, with a cocoa content below 30 percent, had far fewer polyphenols, the study authors noted.
After eating dark chocolate, patients walked an average 11 percent farther and 15 percent longer than they did earlier in the day. That's about 39 feet farther and about 17 seconds longer, according to the study, published July 2 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Milk chocolate did not improve time or distance, according to study co-author Dr. Lorenzo Loffredo, assistant professor at the Sapienza University of Rome, and colleagues.
The researchers found that levels of nitric oxide, a gas linked to improved blood flow, were higher after eating dark chocolate. They suggested that the higher nitric oxide levels may be responsible for widening peripheral arteries and improving the patients' ability to walk.
Both the results and the theory are "intriguing," said Dr. Mark Creager, director of the Vascular Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
"The results are certainly interesting but modest, in terms of the walking distance improved," said Creager, who also serves as a spokesman for the American Heart Association. "With information such as this, one would anticipate these investigators will conduct a much larger trial with long-term treatment to confirm their observations."
Creager and Chazal noted that chocolate is also high in fat and sugar, and eating too much can contribute to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol.
"People need to be very aware of the fact that there are many substances in chocolate bars that could have an adverse effect on health," Creager said. "I would not recommend that people eat chocolate bars to improve their walking distance."
Chazal agreed, saying the study's true value lies in identifying the way that polyphenols might affect blood flow to the legs.
Polyphenols also can be found in foods with less added sugar and saturated fats, such as cloves, dried peppermint, celery seed, capers and hazelnuts.
"All of us can get very excited about studies like this, but we have to be very cautious in interpreting it in terms of treatment," Chazal said. "At this point in time, I wouldn't consider dark chocolate to be something people should be taking large amounts of as a therapeutic agent. It's possible that moderate amounts might be helpful, but we need confirmation."
WebMD News from HealthDay
By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay Reporter
The antioxidants contained in dark chocolate might help people suffering from reduced blood flow to their legs, researchers from Italy report.
In a small study, people with artery problems in their legs walked a little longer and farther right after eating a bar of dark chocolate, the researchers said.
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. The researchers believe polyphenols improve blood flow to the legs by affecting biochemicals that prompt arteries to widen.
"Our body secretes chemicals that naturally dilate blood vessels in response to certain stimuli, improving the blood flow to certain areas," said Dr. Richard Chazal, vice president of the American College of Cardiology. "Some of the chemicals inside dark chocolate could affect the way these enzymes are metabolized in the body," suggested Chazal, who was not involved with the study.
The pilot study involved 20 people aged 60 to 78 who suffered from peripheral artery disease, a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs, stomach, arms and head. Reduced blood flow can cause pain, cramping or fatigue in the legs or hips while walking.
The patients walked on a treadmill in the morning and again two hours after eating 40 grams of dark or milk chocolate -- the size of an average American chocolate bar -- on separate days. The dark chocolate in the study had a cocoa content of more than 85 percent, making it rich in polyphenols. The milk chocolate, with a cocoa content below 30 percent, had far fewer polyphenols, the study authors noted.
After eating dark chocolate, patients walked an average 11 percent farther and 15 percent longer than they did earlier in the day. That's about 39 feet farther and about 17 seconds longer, according to the study, published July 2 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Milk chocolate did not improve time or distance, according to study co-author Dr. Lorenzo Loffredo, assistant professor at the Sapienza University of Rome, and colleagues.
The researchers found that levels of nitric oxide, a gas linked to improved blood flow, were higher after eating dark chocolate. They suggested that the higher nitric oxide levels may be responsible for widening peripheral arteries and improving the patients' ability to walk.
Both the results and the theory are "intriguing," said Dr. Mark Creager, director of the Vascular Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
"The results are certainly interesting but modest, in terms of the walking distance improved," said Creager, who also serves as a spokesman for the American Heart Association. "With information such as this, one would anticipate these investigators will conduct a much larger trial with long-term treatment to confirm their observations."
Creager and Chazal noted that chocolate is also high in fat and sugar, and eating too much can contribute to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol.
"People need to be very aware of the fact that there are many substances in chocolate bars that could have an adverse effect on health," Creager said. "I would not recommend that people eat chocolate bars to improve their walking distance."
Chazal agreed, saying the study's true value lies in identifying the way that polyphenols might affect blood flow to the legs.
Polyphenols also can be found in foods with less added sugar and saturated fats, such as cloves, dried peppermint, celery seed, capers and hazelnuts.
"All of us can get very excited about studies like this, but we have to be very cautious in interpreting it in terms of treatment," Chazal said. "At this point in time, I wouldn't consider dark chocolate to be something people should be taking large amounts of as a therapeutic agent. It's possible that moderate amounts might be helpful, but we need confirmation."
WebMD News from HealthDay
By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay Reporter
Bicyclists Happier Than Drivers, Train Riders?
Car passengers are generally in a good mood, too
(Health Day News) - Riding a bike may benefit your mind as well as your body. People who use a bicycle to get from one place to another are generally happier than those who drive or use mass transit, according to a new study.
"We found that people are in the best mood while they are bicycling compared to any other mode of transportation," said the study's lead author, Eric Morris, an assistant professor of city and regional planning at Clemson University in South Carolina. "Bicyclists are generally younger and physically healthy, which are traits that happier people usually possess," said Morris in a university news release.
The researchers examined how people's emotions differed while they were traveling. Using data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they assessed feelings such as happiness, pain, stress, fatigue and sadness. The means of travel was also taken into account.
According to the study, recently published in the journal Transportation, bicyclists are a distinct group of people who generally love riding.
Trailing behind bicyclists, car passengers are the second happiest travelers. Car drivers came in third.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, bus and train riders are the unhappiest travelers. But trains and buses are usually used to commute to work, which might explain why folks taking these forms of transportation are less enthusiastic.
Commuters' emotional experience is as important as speed and travel time, the researchers said.
"Understanding the relationship between how we travel and how we feel offers insight into ways of improving existing transportation services, prioritizing investments and theorizing and modeling the costs and benefits of travel," said Morris.
WebMD News from HealthDay
(Health Day News) - Riding a bike may benefit your mind as well as your body. People who use a bicycle to get from one place to another are generally happier than those who drive or use mass transit, according to a new study.
"We found that people are in the best mood while they are bicycling compared to any other mode of transportation," said the study's lead author, Eric Morris, an assistant professor of city and regional planning at Clemson University in South Carolina. "Bicyclists are generally younger and physically healthy, which are traits that happier people usually possess," said Morris in a university news release.
The researchers examined how people's emotions differed while they were traveling. Using data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they assessed feelings such as happiness, pain, stress, fatigue and sadness. The means of travel was also taken into account.
According to the study, recently published in the journal Transportation, bicyclists are a distinct group of people who generally love riding.
Trailing behind bicyclists, car passengers are the second happiest travelers. Car drivers came in third.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, bus and train riders are the unhappiest travelers. But trains and buses are usually used to commute to work, which might explain why folks taking these forms of transportation are less enthusiastic.
Commuters' emotional experience is as important as speed and travel time, the researchers said.
"Understanding the relationship between how we travel and how we feel offers insight into ways of improving existing transportation services, prioritizing investments and theorizing and modeling the costs and benefits of travel," said Morris.
WebMD News from HealthDay
Methanol Can Be Deadly.
Make sure there's no methanol in your mampoer.
Methanol is a type of alcohol that is extremely toxic to humans.Here’s why it is sometimes used in home-brewed liquor and why it is so deadly.
Over 100 people have died in Kenya after ingesting alcohol that
contained industrial methylated spirits. Methanol, also known as wood
alcohol or methyl alcohol is toxic to humans, except in very small
quantities.
Methanol usually occurs naturally in very small digestible
quantities in legal drinks, but in larger quantities (usually found in
illegally brewed liquor) it can be a killer. Some people believe that it
is the small quantity of methanol and acetone in alcoholic drinks that
cause hangovers rather than the ethanol.
Methanol is a widely used industrial chemical that is found in
anti-freeze, building materials, car parts, plastics and paints.
Worldwide, more than 75 billion litres of methanol is produced and used
in industrial setting each year.
Ethanol vs. methanol
The alcohol used in normal legally brewed and sold liquor is called ethyl alcohol orethanol.
This only differs from methanol by one carbon and two hydrogen atoms,
but it’s enough to cause a critical difference in the liver’s ability to
metabolise it. Ethanol alcohol (in reasonable quantities) metabolises
quickly into carbon dioxide and water, with which the body can cope easily. But the liver converts methanol into formaldehyde, which in turn causes a build-up of formic acid
This quickly damages the ocular nerve, causing blindness. When taken in any significant quantities it can lead to death.
Other symptoms of methanol poisoning include drunkenness, headaches and gastric pain, vomiting, and liver failure. Symptoms take up to 12 -14 hours to manifest, whereas the symptoms of over-consumption of ethanol manifest much more quickly.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 2g of methanol is considered a safe dose, but 8g can be seriously toxic.
Why methanol?
The
reasons why home-brewers sometimes use methanol instead of ethanol can
be either greed or ignorance, or both. Methanol is cheaper than ethanol,
and is sometimes stolen from manufacturing plants or farm storage rooms
by people who are unaware of its lethal properties. They confuse it
with normal ethanol. They either drink it themselves or use it to pad
out illegally brewed liquor to increase their profit margins. Producers
of legally retailed alcohol often have to pay high government taxes,
whereas home brewers slip through the net.
To
discourage people from consuming industrial products containing normal
ethanol, methanol is sometimes added. The result is known as methylated
spirits. The drink is then not fit for human consumption.
Who controls alcohol production in SA?
The
production of alcoholic beverages and foodstuffs is controlled in South
Africa by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, but it
is generally accepted that much home-brewed liquor is sold in
unlicensed liquor outlets. It is usually from these sources that
methanol-laced alcohol finds its way onto the market. This tends to be a
worldwide phenomenon.
According to the World Health
Organization, in 2005, South African adult per capita alcohol
consumption equalled 9.5 litres of pure alcohol. Of this, 26,3% was
estimated to be homemade and illegally produced alcohol. The world
average of alcohol consumption per capita is 6,13 litres, making South
African consumption above average.
Sources: Livescience.org/ National Institutes of Health/ methanol.org/ Health24.com/ ara.co.za/ Sapa)
Five Reasons to Eat Watermelon
Studies link the summer treat to many health benefits.
Big, sloppy slices of watermelon served at a picnic table are the quintessential summer snack—sweet enough to be dessert but, as several recent studies remind us, good for our health as well. (And only 84 calories per wedge!)
1. It soothes sore muscles.
According to a new study in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, drinking watermelon juice before a hard workout helped reduce athletes' heart rate and next-day muscle soreness. That's because watermelon is rich in an amino acid called L-citrulline, which the body converts to L-arginine, an essential amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.
The study's seven participants, all men, were given 17 ounces (500 mL) of either natural watermelon juice, watermelon juice enriched with additional citrulline, or a placebo drink an hour before their workouts. Interestingly, the natural juice was just as effective as the enriched juice. The researchers also determined that intestinal cells can absorb more citrulline from watermelon juice than from citrulline supplements, especially when the juice is unpasteurized.
2. It helps heart health.
Postmenopausal women experienced improved cardiovascular health after six weeks of taking commercially available watermelon extract supplements containing citrulline and arginine, according to a study published earlier this year by Florida State University physiologist Arturo Figueroa.
And in a 2012 study—also led by Figueroa—such supplements helped alleviate high blood pressure in obese, middle-aged adults. (Not surprisingly, he's received two grants from the Watermelon Promotion Board.)
3. It could be a natural Viagra.
Improved circulation can benefit more than just the heart, as at least one watermelon researcher has pointed out. But you'd probably have to eat an awful lot to achieve the desired effect--and eating too much could cause unfortunate side effects, since watermelon has long had a reputation as a natural diuretic.
4. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, but low in calories.
Given its name, you might assume the fruit has little nutritional value—and it is more than 90 percent water. But a 10-ounce (300-mL) wedge of watermelon packs in about one-third of the recommended daily value of vitamins A and C, as well as a modest amount of potassium (9 percent of the daily value).
5. It could even combat cancer.
Watermelon is among the best dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, although scientists are still investigating the details of that connection.
National Geographic
Dark Chocolate's Health Secrets
Scientists Probe Dark Chocolate's Health Secrets
Heart benefits may stem from reaction in stomach bacteria, research suggests
It's said that dark chocolate can be good for your heart, and new research may have uncovered why.
Louisiana State University researchers tested cocoa powders in a model of the digestive tract and found that certain bacteria in the stomach eat dark chocolate, ferment it and then release anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit the heart.
The study was scheduled for presentation Tuesday at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Dallas.
"We found that there are two kinds of microbes in the gut: the good ones and the bad ones," Maria Moore, an undergraduate student and one of the study authors, said in a society news release.
"The good microbes, such as Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria, feast on chocolate," Moore said in the news release. "When you eat dark chocolate, they grow and ferment it, producing compounds that are anti-inflammatory."
Study leader John Finley, a professor in LSU's department of food science, said, "When these compounds are absorbed by the body, they lessen the inflammation of cardiovascular tissue, reducing the long-term risk of stroke."
Finley said he believes this is the first study to examine dark chocolate's effects on different types of stomach bacteria.
The researchers also found evidence that people could gain even greater health benefits if they eat dark chocolate with solid fruits such as pomegranates and acai.
Data and conclusions presented at meetings typically are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
By Robert Preidt
HealthDay Reporter
City Cycling May Save the Planet, but Not Your Lungs
Urban cycling, while good for the environment, may pose a risk
your health, a new Dublin study has found.
Cycling in congested cities could do more harm than good to your heart and
lungs, due to the breathing in of dangerous pollutants in the air, the study
found. While pedestrians are exposed as well, cyclists exert themselves more and
breathe more heavily, which increases their risk, The Australian reports. Problems include breathing in exhaust
fumes as well as tiny particles generated by vehicle brakes and
tires.The study, led by Marguerite Nyhan of Trinity College, recruited 32 fit, healthy cyclers who opted for mostly traffic-free routes.
A separate 2011 UK study also found that urban cyclists may be inhaling high levels of black soot. The University of London study found that urbanites who cycled to work had 2.3 times more black carbon in their lungs than pedestrians. Previous research has shown that black carbon is linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including reduced lung function and a higher risk of respiratory diseases and heart attacks.
What's an avid city cyclist to do? Consider using a facemask, which experts told the BBC could be an effective way of reducing exposure, as long as the mask fits correctly. Previous studies carried out in Beijing have found that wearing a well-fitted face mask could reduce risks of exposure to particulate pollution, the report said.
Also, opt for roads with less traffic, or travel during times of day when there is less congestion, and avoid riding behind diesel-powered buses or trucks.
(Relaxnews)
Knowing cholesterol better
Good, bad, high density, low density? What is cholesterol exactly and why is it such a health issue?
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fatty substance made naturally in the body, and we need a certain amount because it's vital for the formation of cell structures, hormones and substances that aid digestion.
The body makes most of the cholesterol it needs. But cholesterol is also found in some animal food products, and consuming too many can contribute to blood cholesterol becoming dangerously high.
Some people have a heriditary condition where their bodies make too much cholesterol.
“Good” and “bad” cholesterol
There are basically two kinds of cholesterol:
- “Good” or HDL cholesterol (the full term is High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol). HDL cholesterol is sometimes called “good” because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries, the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the body’s cells.
- “Bad” or LDL cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol). LDL cholesterol is sometimes called “bad” because high levels are linked to build-up in your arteries.
A helpful way to remember the difference between HDL and LDL:
- You want HDL cholesterol levels to be HIGH.
- You want LDL cholesterol levels to be LOW.
Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both LDL and HDL cholesterol.
What is high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is when you have too much cholesterol in your blood. It may also be called high blood cholesterol, hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia.
Your total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol may be too high, or your HDL cholesterol too low.
The most important effect of high cholesterol is that it can cause narrowing and blockages in the arteries.
Excess cholesterol, and other substances normally found in the blood like calcium and fat, can start to build up just under the lining of artery walls.
The areas of the artery wall where cholesterol and other matter collects are called “plaques”.
The formation of plaques in the arteries is a condition called atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries”.
How arteriosclerosis progresses
Over time, the plaques get harder and narrow the arteries further, limiting blood flow and damaging the artery wall. The rougher the plaques make the artery lining, the more likely substances like platelets, which make the blood sticky and promote clotting, will also get trapped there.
If narrowing occurs in the coronary arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself, the condition is called coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease, which raises risk for heart attack.
Coronary artery disease may cause angina: pain or a sensation of pressure in your chest. You may also feel angina pain in your arms, shoulders, neck, jaw or back; it may even feel like indigestion.
A section of plaque can break open, causing a blood clot to form: this can suddenly and dramatically block blood flow to a vital organ. Blood clots can also break free and travel in the body to cause blockages elsewhere.
A heart attack occurs if blood flow to part of the heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. If you don't have emergency treatment to quickly get the blood flowing again, the section of heart muscle starved of oxygen-rich blood can die. A heart attack may be fatal.
Blockages in the arteries that supply the brain can lead to stroke, which damages the section of brain tissue deprived of oxygen-rich blood. Strokes are also sometimes fatal.
- Olivia Rose-Innes, December 2012, Health24
Angry outbursts raise heart attack risk.
Published in the European Heart Journal, the research focused on the relationship between anger and cardiovascular complications, reviewing studies between January 1966 and June 2013. Using this information, the researchers analyzed 5,000 heart attacks, 800 strokes, and 300 cases of arrhythmia.
The researchers determined that the risk of heart attack increases five times and the risk of stroke increases three times within two hours after an anger outburst, compared to when a person is not angry. The risk of abnormal heartbeat also increases.
The more heart issues or history someone already has, the greater the risk becomes. If someone with few risk factors loses their cool once a month, the risk is very small. However, someone with several risk factors who is often angry increases their risk, especially over time. For example, the researchers estimated the annual rate of heart attack per 10,000 people with low risk factors who are angry once a month increases by only one. But this number jumps to four in people with high cardiovascular risk.
The researchers did acknowledge that they did not establish a cause and effect. So it remains if anger actually triggers the cardiovascular problems.
Sourced from: Heart attack risk rises after anger outbursts, medicalnewstoday.com
Why Mozzies Love You
Whether you live in a malaria area or not, mosquitoes can make your life hell - especially at night. Here's what you can do to get rid of these pests.
People attract mosquitoes through the heat and chemical substances produced by their bodies. The carbon dioxide we breathe out is the biggest attraction.
Drink me!
No preventive medicines are 100% effective against malaria but it would be unwise not to take them. Chloroquine can be used only in areas that don't have chloroquine-resistant malaria. Use Malarone, doxycycline or primaquine in these areas. Another common drug, mefloquine (Lariam), has an unpleasant side-effect: it sometimes makes people think they're going mad.
What's more, the malaria parasite is becoming resistant to it. Some medicines aren't suitable for small children, pregnant women and porphyria sufferers so ask your pharmacist.
10 natural mosquito repellents
- cinnamon oil
- citronella oil
- eucalyptus oil
- castor oil
- rosemary oil
- citron grass
- cedar oil
- oil of cloves
- geranium oil
- peppermint oil
Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes seem to single you out?
Research has shown mosquitoes have strong likes and dislikes. Here are a few indicators - some scientifically proven and others just conjecture - as to what these pesky insects prefer. Mosquitoes . . .
- prefer blondes to brunettes.
- like kids better than adults.
- zone in on women who're ovulating.
- adore smelly feet.
- like sweet-smelling perfume.
- are attracted by lactic acid, which your body releases naturally after exercise.
- like you if you use certain medications such as ones for heart disease, blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The natural products above will keep mosquitoes away but they must be applied every two hours, About.com reports. Natural products aren't necessarily safer or as effective as chemical products and manufacturers' directions should be followed at all times.
Preventing malaria
Are you planning a trip to northeastern Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Kruger Park, other countries in Africa south of the Sahara, Central or South America or any tropical region in Asia? In that case see your doctor or pharmacist to find out about antimalarial drugs at least six weeks before you leave.
- Spray mosquito repellent aerosol on your skin, sleep under a mosquito net and between sheets treated with mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the early mornings and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Plug-in devices with pads or small bottles of mosquito repellant work very well.
- Consult your doctor if you have any flu-like symptoms after a trip to a malaria area and after you've stopped taking antimalarial drugs.
Only the female mosquito bites- it uses the protein in our blood to produce eggs.
(YOU Pulse; Summer, December 2007)
Too Much Sitting After 60 May Lead to Disability
For each extra sedentary hour per day, researchers found a 50 percent increased risk.
Too much sitting has been linked to increased risk for health problems such as heart failure and earlier death. Now, a new study finds older adults who sit too much are more likely to be disabled -- regardless of their exercise habits.
"Sedentary behavior is its own separate risk factor [for disability]," said study researcher Dorothy Dunlop, a professor of medicine at the Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. She evaluated the exercise habits of more than 2,000 men and women, aged 60 and above, and their ability to perform normal everyday activities.
"Regardless of how much time they spent in moderate physical activity, the more time they spent being sedentary, the more likely they were to be disabled," Dunlop said.
However, another expert wonders if the relationship may occur in the opposite way -- that the more disabled people are, the more sedentary they are due to inability to exercise.
The study was supported in part by the U.S. National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. It was published online Feb. 19 in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health.
Dunlop and her colleagues evaluated responses given to the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The men and women answering the survey wore accelerometer devices to measure their activity on at least four different days between 2002 and 2005.
Few met the guidelines of getting moderate activity for 2.5 hours a week, Dunlop said. Only about 6 percent met that goal, and the other 94 percent did not, the study found.
On average, the men and women spent nine hours a day being sedentary during waking hours. About 4 percent reported being disabled. Disability was defined as having much difficulty (or inability) in performing activities of daily living, such as getting out of bed, dressing and walking.
For each additional daily hour of being sedentary, the odds of disability rose about 50 percent, Dunlop said. For instance, a woman aged 65 who was sedentary for 13 hours a day was 50 percent more likely to be disabled than a woman who was sedentary for 12 hours, she explained.
What is it about sitting? Dunlop can't say for sure, but said experts think that sitting for an extended period causes muscles to burn less fat and blood to flow more sluggishly. Idle muscles and sluggish blood flow can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, swollen ankles and diabetes.
Dunlop's study found a link, not a cause-and-effect relationship.
The connection may actually go the other way, said Andrea LaCroix, a professor of epidemiology in family and preventive medicine and director of the Women's Health Center of Excellence at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. She recently found a link in her own study between higher amounts of sedentary time and higher risk of death in older women.
In the new study, however, the disability may be driving the inactivity, she said. "The more disabled people are, the more sedentary, because they are unable to exercise," LaCroix said.
Among the study's limitations, she noted, was that it looks only at a snapshot in time -- four days of tracking over a few years. A better approach would be to follow people over time and see if being sedentary leads to disability, said LaCroix, who is also an affiliate investigator at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in Seattle.
The take-home message, study author Dunlop said, is that older adults, regardless of how much they exercise, should decrease their sedentary behaviors. So, she's still encouraging exercise. But if that's difficult, decreasing sitting time is another goal.
How to do that? Stand up when you talk on the phone, she suggested. Park in a far-away space at the mall or market when you shop. At work or home, walk around a bit when you get up for coffee or water, she advised. Walk to nearby errands instead of taking the car. If you're able, take stairs, not elevators. You can use a pedometer to track your activity.
WebMD News from HealthDay
By Kathleen Doheny
HealthDay Reporter
Too much sitting has been linked to increased risk for health problems such as heart failure and earlier death. Now, a new study finds older adults who sit too much are more likely to be disabled -- regardless of their exercise habits.
"Sedentary behavior is its own separate risk factor [for disability]," said study researcher Dorothy Dunlop, a professor of medicine at the Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. She evaluated the exercise habits of more than 2,000 men and women, aged 60 and above, and their ability to perform normal everyday activities.
"Regardless of how much time they spent in moderate physical activity, the more time they spent being sedentary, the more likely they were to be disabled," Dunlop said.
However, another expert wonders if the relationship may occur in the opposite way -- that the more disabled people are, the more sedentary they are due to inability to exercise.
The study was supported in part by the U.S. National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. It was published online Feb. 19 in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health.
Dunlop and her colleagues evaluated responses given to the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The men and women answering the survey wore accelerometer devices to measure their activity on at least four different days between 2002 and 2005.
Few met the guidelines of getting moderate activity for 2.5 hours a week, Dunlop said. Only about 6 percent met that goal, and the other 94 percent did not, the study found.
On average, the men and women spent nine hours a day being sedentary during waking hours. About 4 percent reported being disabled. Disability was defined as having much difficulty (or inability) in performing activities of daily living, such as getting out of bed, dressing and walking.
For each additional daily hour of being sedentary, the odds of disability rose about 50 percent, Dunlop said. For instance, a woman aged 65 who was sedentary for 13 hours a day was 50 percent more likely to be disabled than a woman who was sedentary for 12 hours, she explained.
What is it about sitting? Dunlop can't say for sure, but said experts think that sitting for an extended period causes muscles to burn less fat and blood to flow more sluggishly. Idle muscles and sluggish blood flow can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, swollen ankles and diabetes.
Dunlop's study found a link, not a cause-and-effect relationship.
The connection may actually go the other way, said Andrea LaCroix, a professor of epidemiology in family and preventive medicine and director of the Women's Health Center of Excellence at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. She recently found a link in her own study between higher amounts of sedentary time and higher risk of death in older women.
In the new study, however, the disability may be driving the inactivity, she said. "The more disabled people are, the more sedentary, because they are unable to exercise," LaCroix said.
Among the study's limitations, she noted, was that it looks only at a snapshot in time -- four days of tracking over a few years. A better approach would be to follow people over time and see if being sedentary leads to disability, said LaCroix, who is also an affiliate investigator at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in Seattle.
The take-home message, study author Dunlop said, is that older adults, regardless of how much they exercise, should decrease their sedentary behaviors. So, she's still encouraging exercise. But if that's difficult, decreasing sitting time is another goal.
How to do that? Stand up when you talk on the phone, she suggested. Park in a far-away space at the mall or market when you shop. At work or home, walk around a bit when you get up for coffee or water, she advised. Walk to nearby errands instead of taking the car. If you're able, take stairs, not elevators. You can use a pedometer to track your activity.
WebMD News from HealthDay
By Kathleen Doheny
HealthDay Reporter
27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health
(1) Stay Well With Your Animals
Most pet owners don't need reminding. Animals make people
feel good. But we're talking about more than feeling glad they're around. Your
favorite animal can make you healthy and help you stay that way. You may be
surprised at just how many ways a pet can improve your health.
(2)
Pets Are Natural Mood Enhancers
It only takes a few minutes with a dog or cat or watching
fish swim to feel less anxious and less stressed. Your body actually goes through
physical changes in that time that make a difference in your mood. The level of
cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered. And the production of
serotonin, a chemical associated with well-being, is increased. Reducing stress
saves your body wear and tear.
(3)
Keep Blood Pressure in Check
You still have to watch your weight and exercise. But having
a pet can help you manage your blood pressure. In one study of 240 married
couples, pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates during rest
than people who did not own a pet. That held true whether they were at rest or
undergoing stress tests. Another study showed that children with hypertension
lowered their blood pressure while petting their dog.
(4)
Help for Lowering Cholesterol
To manage cholesterol, doctors still recommend that you
follow guidelines regarding diet, exercise, and medication. But owning a pet
has the potential of making it easier to avoid the dangers of cholesterol.
Researchers have noted lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in people
who own pets compared to people who don't. However, this could be attributed to
lifestyle factors of pet owners.
(5)
Cats and Dogs Good for the Heart
Research has shown the long-term benefits of owning a cat
include protection for your heart. Over the 20 years of one study, people who
never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack than those who
had. Another study showed that dog owners had a significantly better survival
rate one year after a heart attack. Overall, pet owners have a lower risk of
dying from any cardiac disease, including heart failure.
(6)
Pet an Animal to Fight Depression
Therapists have been known to prescribe a pet as a way of
dealing with and recovering from depression. No one loves you more
unconditionally than your pet. And a pet will listen to you talk for as long as
you want to talk. Petting a cat or dog has a calming effect. And taking care of
a pet -- walking with it, grooming it, playing with it -- takes you out of
yourself and helps you feel better about the way you spend your time.
(7)
Better Physical Fitness
People who own dogs tend to be more physically active and
less obese than people who don't. Taking your dog for a daily 30-minute walk
will keep you moving and ensure that you meet the minimum recommendations for
healthy physical activity. Two 15-minute walks, one in the morning and one in
the evening, will do the same thing. And after that, just playing fetch in the
back yard with your dog will earn you healthful dividends.
(8)
Make Your Pet an Exercise Buddy
If you exercise with your pet, you'll both benefit. Shine a
flashlight on the wall or wave a string while you do a step aerobics routine.
Your cat will get a healthy workout chasing the light, and you'll be thoroughly
entertained. And nationwide, there are yoga classes for people and their dogs,
called doga. Call your local gym or ask your vet if there are similar programs
in your area.
(9)
Fewer Strokes Among Cat Owners
Researchers aren't sure why. But cat owners have fewer
strokes than people who don't own cats. It's partly due to the effects owning a
pet can have on a person's circulation. But researchers speculate that cats may
have a more calming effect on their owners than other animals do. It may also
have something to do with the personality of a cat owner. Cats often become the
focus of their owner's interest, which diverts them from other stressful
worries.
(10)
More Interaction, Less Isolation
(11)
Fewer Allergies, Stronger Immunity
Researchers have found that when children grow up in a home
with a dog or cat they are less likely to develop allergies. The same is true
for kids who live on a farm with large animals. In addition, higher levels of
certain immune system chemicals show a stronger immune system, which will help
keep them healthy as they get older.
(12)
Cats and Asthma Prevention
It doesn't seem to make sense. Pet allergies are one of the
most common triggers of asthma. But researchers have studied the effects of
having cats in the homes of infants at risk for asthma. What they found was
that those children were significantly less likely to develop asthma as they
got older. There's one exception. Children whose mothers have a cat allergy are
three times more likely to develop asthma after early exposure to cats.
(13)
Snack Alarm
For people with diabetes, a sudden drop in the level of
blood glucose can be very serious. Some dogs can alert their owner to a
dangerous drop before it actually happens. They may be responding to chemical
changes in the body that give off a scent. The alarm gives the owner time to
eat a snack to avoid the emergency. About one in three dogs living with people
with diabetes have this ability. Dogs for Diabetics is training more dogs to
help more people.
(14)
Working With a Counselor
Some mental health therapists use a dog in therapy. A dog in
the office may help someone be more comfortable. But that's not all. A remark
to or about a dog may show what's really on someone's mind. One therapist tells
about a couple in his office who started arguing. The dog, which usually just
slept during the session, got up and wanted out. He used that to help the
couple see how their fighting affected others, especially their children.
(15)
Partners in Better Cancer Care
Cats and dogs both get cancer, and both benefit from
research on human cancer. But more and more the opposite is also true. Humans
are benefiting from research on pet cancers. Dogs and cats can get the same
kinds of cancers humans do. For example, studies of prostate cancer in dogs
have led to a better understanding of how it develops in older men. And
preventing cancer in pets may lead to new prevention strategies for their human
owners.
(16)
Overcoming the Limitations of ADHD
Kids with ADHD can benefit from working with and keeping a
pet. Taking charge of the jobs on a pet care schedule helps a child learn to
plan and be responsible. Pets need to play, and playing with a pet is an great
way to release excess energy. That means an easier time falling asleep at
night. And because the bond between a pet and a child is unconditional love,
pets help children with ADHD learn about self-esteem.
(17)
Autism: Addressing the Senses
Sensory issues are common among children with autism.
Sensory integration activities are designed to help them get used to the way
something feels against their skin. Or it may be how they react to certain
smells or sounds. Dogs and horses have both sometimes been used in these
activities. The children usually find it calming to work with animals. And
animals easily hold the attention of children with autism.
(18)
Want Stronger Bones? Walk the Dog
Strong bones are your best defense against osteoporosis and
painful fractures. Walking your dog helps. It's a weight-bearing exercise that
strengthens your bones and the muscles around them. It also lets you spend time
in the sun, which provides vitamin D. If you have osteoporosis, be sure you
guard against falls. Use a short leash that won't get tangled. And don't walk a
dog that is liable to jump on you and make you lose your balance.
(19)
Stretching With the Cat
If you have arthritis, you know its important to stretch.
You also know it can be hard to know when you're stretching enough. Cat owners
may want to learn from their cat. Watch how many times she stretches every day,
and when she does, you do it too. If you can, get down on the floor and go
through the same motions. If you can't get on the floor, sit on a chair and
follow along by stretching your upper body.
(20)
Managing Arthritis Together
If your dog has arthritis, you can use the effort to manage
his to help manage yours. When you make an appointment at the vet, also call
and make your own doctor's appointment. Regular exercise is important for both
of you, so walk with your dog. Keep your medicine in the same place you keep
the dog's. That way you'll see it when you get his. And if you can, coordinate
taking your medicines at the same time you give him his medicine.
(21)
Getting Back in the Saddle
Some rehab programs for stroke patients use horses to help
with recovery. Often, people who have had strokes start riding with someone
walking alongside them as someone else leads the horse. Horseback riding gives
stretching exercise, which is especially good if one side has been made weaker.
It also helps the person regain balance and build core strength.
(22)
Relief From RA
People with rheumatoid arthritis benefit from movements like
walking and throwing a Frisbee with their pet. And pets give you a distraction
that can help take your thoughts off of your own condition. But perhaps the
best help comes from those dogs or cats that seem to be super sensitive to
people who aren’t feeling well. Sometimes just their presence can make you feel
better.
(23)
Soothing Heat for Chronic Pain
A Mexican hairless dog called a Xolo is known for generating
intense body heat. An organization called Paws for Comfort trains Xolos to be
service dogs for people with fibromyalgia and other forms of chronic pain that
respond to heat. People get relief just by placing their hurting limbs against
the dog's body or lying up next to it. Some dogs have even been trained to ride
around wrapped around the neck of a person with chronic neck pain.
(24)
Seizure Dogs
A "seizure dog" is one that has been specially
trained to live and work with people who have epilepsy. Some are trained to
bark and alert the parents when a child is having a seizure outside or in
another room. Some lie next to a person having a seizure to prevent injury (as
seen in this demonstration). And some work has been done training dogs to warn
before a seizure occurs. This gives the person time to lie down or move away
from a dangerous place such as a hot stove.
(25)
Staying Independent
Specially trained dogs can perform tasks that let people
with Parkinson's disease maintain their independence. They can pick up dropped
items or fetch requested ones. They can provide balance support, open and close
doors, and turn lights on with their paws. They can also sense when someone
with Parkinson's is "freezing" and touch the foot to let the person
keep walking. Groups like Pet Partners can help you find a good service dog.
(26)
A Better Quality of Life
Visits from therapy dogs help patients recovering from
devastating illness or an event such as a stroke. Some dogs are trained to
understand a range of commands which lets them help people with aphasia (a
language disorder common in older adults, particularly those who’ve had a
stroke) feel good when they see the dog understands them. And, petting or
scratching a dog can help a patient rebuild strength while recovering from a
stroke or other illness. It also creates a feeling of calm.
(27)
A Calming Presence
People with AIDS are less likely to be depressed if they own
a pet, especially if they're strongly attached. And with an animal in the home,
people with Alzheimer's have fewer anxious outbursts. The animal also helps the
caregivers feel less burdened. Cats seem to be particularly helpful since they
require less care than dogs.
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