Wednesday, March 29, 2017

These ten dietary habits cause nearly half of all heart and stroke deaths, study finds




 Researchers have found that 45 per cent of all deaths in the United States due to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes are associated with ten bad dietary habits, including a high intake of salt and too little fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

The study looked at 702,308 known cardiometabolic or CMD deaths (those concerning heart disease and metabolic disorders like diabetes) in the US in 2012 and found that 45.4 per cent or 318,656 of these deaths were linked to poor dietary consumption of ten specific factors.





Researchers used comparative risk assessment models to track the numbers of CMD deaths connected to poor dietary intake and arrived at the ten commonly observed poor nutrition habits through analysis of two National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 1999-2002 and 2009-2012.



The study found that the factor connected to the highest proportion of CMD was excess sodium intake, which was associated in 9.5 per cent of CMD deaths. Other top-of- the-list dietary no-no’s were low intake of nuts and seeds (8.5 per cent), high intake of processed meats (8.2 per cent) and low fruit and vegetable intake (7.6 and 7.5 per cent respectively).

In total, the list of top contributors contains six dietary items that many people need to eat more of: nuts and seeds, seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and polyunsaturated fats, along with four items we need to consume less of: sodium, processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and red meat.

Supported by the US National Institutes of Health and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the research shows how a large percentage of deaths due to cardiovascular disease and diabetes are linked to poor diet, a finding which should inform national food and nutritions policies, say the study’s authors.

 “These results should help identify priorities, guide public health planning, and inform strategies to alter dietary habits and improve health,” say the authors, whose study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.


Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Kale


Kale is being called “the new beef”, “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse.” Here are ten great benefits of adding more kale to your diet:

1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat.




One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below.

2. Kale is high in iron.

Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.

3. Kale is high in Vitamin K.

Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants.

Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.

 5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food.

One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.

6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support


Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels.

7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.



Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

8. Kale is high in Vitamin C.

This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

9. Kale is high in calcium.

Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility

10. Kale is a great detox food.

Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy.

Source: www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408

http://the.flatbellyovernight.com/?aff_id=879782

Diner Meat Loaf 'Muffins'


What child wouldn’t love a giant meatball? Molding meatloaf into muffin tins yields a perfectly portioned main attraction.
  Each muffin has less than 150 calories and is loaded with finely chopped carrots and onions to provide extra antioxidants and fiber (but we guarantee you're kids won't even know they're there). 
The dish uses extra lean ground beef to keep the calories and fat low while providing high quality protein. Parents, 
this recipe can be made ahead, wrapped individually, and frozen. Pull them out when you need a healthy and filling dinner in a hurry.

Source: www.cookinglight.com/food

Healthy Meals for Kids




Good things come in small packages and mealtime is no exception.
These healthy meals are perfect for popping into little mouths or picking up with tiny fingers. Your kids will delight in these bite-sized meals and snacks.
 Each meal is low in calories, provides a variety of healthy ingredients, and is so tasty even the big kids (a.k.a. Mom or Dad) will like them.With each recipe,
 find suggestions for the parents to help make prep easier, to involve the children in the kitchen, or to add a unique, adult-friendly spin to the recipe. Best of all, you can feel good serving these healthy recipes to your children.

Source: www.cookinglight.com/food

10 Foods That Are Super Healthy


Fruits and berries are among the world’s most popular health foods.
This is not surprising, given that they taste incredible. Fruits are also very easy to incorporate into the diet, because they require little to no preparation.
1. Apples
The apple is high in fiber, vitamin C and numerous antioxidants. Apples are very fulfilling, and perfect as snacks if you find yourself hungry between meals.
2. Avocados
Avocados are different than most fruits, because they are loaded with healthy fats instead of carbs. They are creamy, tasty and high in fiber, potassium and vitamin C.
3. Bananas
Bananas are among the world’s best sources of potassium. They are also high in vitamin B6 and fiber. Bananas are ridiculously convenient and portable.
4. Blueberries                                                                                                                                 
Blueberries are not only delicious, but also among the most powerful sources of antioxidants in the world.
5. Oranges
Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. They are also high in fiber, antioxidants and taste incredible.



6. Strawberries
Strawberries are highly nutritious, and are low in both carbs and calories.
They are loaded with vitamin C, fiber and manganese, and are arguably among the most delicious foods in existence.
Other Healthy Fruits
There are many other healthy fruits and berries that aren’t listed here.
Some examples: Cherries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, lemons, mango, melons, olives, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums and raspberries.

7. Eggs

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.
They were previously demonized for being high in cholesterol, but new studies have shown that they are perfectly safe and healthy  

8-10: Meats

It is a myth that all meat is harmful. Unprocessed, gently cooked meat is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods you can eat.

15 Ways to Slim Down with the Walk/Run Plan

The Walk/Run plan is ideal for people who want to lose weight, but hate the monotony of repeating the same exercise day after day. The program keeps you on your toes (literally!) by combining walking, jogging, and running intervals in a particular way in order to maximize calorie burning. The walk/run exercise program will have you torching calories and losing inches thanks to its design; specifically, its inclusion of both cardio and strength training. Two days out of the week, the program has you performing a cross-training exercise of your choice. This allows your body to rest and shift its attention towards other muscles and target areas.





The key to slimming down with this plan, however, is to have fun, stay motivated, and keep boredom at bay. You can tweak your lifestyle in a way that’ll accelerate weight loss activity. Here at SkinnyMs., we’ve compile a list of tips and additional changes you can make to your daily routine with the Walk/Run plan that’ll keep you striving and driving through your workouts, all while helping you achieve the slender figure of your dreams!







New to running? Don’t stress, running newbies! This program for beginners will help you take baby steps to reach your goals. Meanwhile, it’ll also get you to love the oftentimes tedious, or dreaded physical activity.




No workout is complete without the right tunes to keep you motivated.This tabata program plays with speed and incline intervals, designing them in such a way where it’ll have you torching calories at an optimal level. Unlike most treadmill experiences, this routine switches things up quite frequently, preventing boredom.




Alternating between high and low intensity exercise revs up your metabolism and has you burning mega calories. Tackle this fat-burning workout on cross-training days when you’re not walking and running. Designed for all fitness levels, you can adjust the intensity of this workout as you please. Just don’t forget to warm up!





Cleansing your system of toxins will help you feel your best as you take on the walk/run workout plan. When it comes to slimming and trimming, what goes on in the kitchen matters just as much as exercise. A detox plan prior to taking on this particular exercise program allows your body to rid itself of accumulated junk, getting you off to a fresh start.




On strength training days, turn to this archive of awesome exercises! Circuit training workouts are definitely your go-to, as the routines target numerous muscle groups, allowing you to hit multiple areas while resting others. Tone, blast fat, and attain the figure of your dreams with these foolproof workouts!


                15 Ways to Slim Down? click for deatails  

click on image
Source; http://skinnyms.com/15-ways-slim-walkrun-plan/

The Wonderful World of Oil Pulling

Coconut Oil Pulling
From squeaky hinges to your best bathroom buddy, coconut oil has a wide array of uses for everyone. It can be used as a substitute for your lotion, moisturizer, or hair conditioner. It can be used to get that old sticky gum in your hair. It can also be used to make your ordinary dishes taste even better.
One of the many uses of coconut oil is oil pulling. It is an oral detoxification process that pulls bacteria and other toxins from the mouth and creates a clean antiseptic environment. This process aids the flow of dental liquid needed to fight cavities and diseases.
Oil pulling is done simply by swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth, just like mouth wash, only for a longer period of time. Studies show that this reduces gingivitis-induced plaque and bacteria that causes tooth decay after only 10 days. Although, this should not be considered a substitute for other oral health regimens.

Reasons You Should Try Coconut Oil Pulling

o    Cures tooth decay
o    Kills bad breath
o    Prevents heart disease
o    Reduces inflammation
o    Whitens teeth
o    Soothes throat dryness
o    Prevents cavities
o    Heals cracked lips
o    Boosts the immune system
o    Improves acne
o    Strengthens gums and jaw
The best ingredient for oil pulling is coconut oil. Why? It is because it contains Lauric acid that is proven to be anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It fights gingivitis and other oral conditions.

Coconut oil is also known to do the following:

o    Reduce cellulite, wrinkles, and age spots
o    Moisturize skin
o    Increase HDL
o    Lower HDL
o    Burn fat
o    Balance hormones
o    Kill candida
o    Improve digestion
o    Balance blood sugar
o    Improve energy
o    Prevent and improve Alzheimer’s

Coconut oil pulling has been practiced for generations. This was very common in India and was used mainly in Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing system. Some practitioners believe that the section of the tongue is connected to different organs, like the kidneys, lungs, and liver.

   How-to Guide

One can easily start with just 5 minutes a day. Swishing for 20 minutes a day is a long time. The longer one pulls, the more chances of bacteria being pulled out. There are 3 things one should remember:
1. Don’t work too hard.
2. Don’t swallow.
3. Don’t skip brushing and flossing.
Source: https://www.guthealthproject.com

Weight loss surgery

ssure

 

Introduction 

Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is used to treat people who are dangerously obese.
This type of surgery is only available on the NHS to treat people with potentially life-threatening obesity when other treatments, such as lifestyle changes, haven't worked.
Potentially life-threatening obesity is defined as:
  • having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
  • having a BMI of 35 or above and having another serious health condition that could be improved if you lose weight, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure

  • Adults who have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may also be considered for an assessment for weight loss surgery if they have a BMI of 30-34.9. 
For people who meet the above criteria, weight loss surgery has proved to be effective in significantly and quickly reducing excess body fat. 
However, it's always recommended that you try to   through a healthy, calorie-controlled  and increased amounts of   before you consider weight loss surgery, as surgery carries a risk of complications and requires a significant change in lifestyle afterwards.
Because of these associated risks, most surgeons, whether they're working privately or for the NHS, would only consider someone for surgery if there was a clinical need, and not for cosmetic reasons.
Read more about 

Availability of weight loss surgery

Even if you're eligible for weight loss surgery, the demand on the NHS is currently higher than supply in many areas of the country. Therefore, there may be a considerable waiting list.
Weight loss surgery is also available privately. Prices are around: 
  •   
An increasing number of people are seeking treatment abroad, as costs for private treatment are often cheaper in other countries, but this should be considered carefully.    

Types of weight loss surgery

The three most widely used types of weight loss surgery are:
  • gastric band – where a band is used to reduce the stomach's size, so a smaller amount of food is required to make you feel full
  • gastric bypass – where your digestive system is re-routed past most of your stomach, so you digest less food and it takes much less to make you feel full
  • sleeve gastrectomy – where some of the stomach is removed to reduce the amount of food that's required to make you feel full
Several other surgical techniques may be recommended in certain circumstances.
Read more about 





Life after weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery can achieve impressive results in terms of the amount of weight lost, but it shouldn't be seen as a magic cure for obesity.
People who have had weight loss surgery need to stick to a rigorous and lifelong plan afterwards to avoid putting weight back on or long-term complications.
This plan will include:
  •   
The rapid weight loss may cause relationship problems – for example, with a partner who is also obese – and it may lead to unwanted loose folds of skin, which may need further surgery to correct.
Many people with mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, find that these problems do not automatically improve because they have lost weight.

It's important to have realistic expectations about what life after weight loss surgery will be like.
Read more about 

Risks

As with all types of surgery, weight loss surgery carries the risk of complications, some of which are serious and potentially fatal, such as:
  • internal bleeding
  • a blood clot inside the  
  • a blood clot or other blockage inside the lungs  
The overall risk of death in hospital after having any kind of weight loss surgery is around 1 in 1,000. Certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure or a BMI of 50 or above, also increase the risk of complications.

Weight loss best t-shirts:  click for details

Results

As long as a person is willing and able to stick to their agreed plan afterwards, surgery can effectively reduce their weight and treat conditions associated with obesity, such as diabetes.
Recent research carried out in America found that, on average:
  • people with a gastric band will lose around half their excess body weight
  • people with a gastric bypass will lose around two-thirds of their excess body weight
Both techniques also lead to a considerable improvement (and sometimes a complete cure) of obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. click for weaight loos product





Source: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/weight-loss-

Are Smartphones Going to Replace Doctors?





 "You have to see a doctor," my boyfriend insisted groggily one night, his own sleep destroyed by my nagging cough, which hadn't subsided in three weeks. As much as I hate going to the doctor (the scheduling, the waiting room, the festering germs), I knew he was right. There was one problem: I had recently switched insurance plans and had yet to find a new primary care physician. The next morning, in a pinch, I decided to take advantage of my insurer's telemedicine service: All I had to do was go online, fill out my basic medical history and explain the current issue. There. Done. And I didn't even have to get off my—cough, cough—couch. 

Within an hour, my phone rang. As the doctor quickly read my medical profile aloud, I described my symptoms. "This cough, it's relentless," I told him, hacking into the phone. "Do I need to be worried? Is it weird that it's been going on so long?" 

"Do you have a temperature?" he asked. 
"I don't know," I said. "I don't have a thermometer." 
"You don't...own...a thermometer?" 

Before I could ask whether a fever would signal a more serious problem, he was giving instructions: "This is what I want you to do. When you go to bed tonight, make yourself a hot toddy. NyQuil is loaded with alcohol anyway, so it's basically the same thing." 

Wait, what? Is this 1950? 

"Uh, sure," I said, staring at my bar cart and feeling increasingly less confident that my health was in good hands. "But this cough—do you think it's viral? Bacterial? Allergies?" The doctor never answered my question, but he did tell me he would send a prescription for a sleep aid and a cough suppressant just in case the toddy didn't cut it. Then, after what had been a five-minute conversation, we hung up. 

Still, not knowing the cause of my cough made me nervous, so I immediately scheduled an in-person appointment with the first doctor I found who accepted my insurance and could squeeze me in at the last minute. After examining me, she diagnosed me with adult-onset allergies and recommended an over-the-counter antihistamine, which did the trick in just a few days. That cough and shot of bourbon wouldn't have helped much. Which makes you wonder: Is telemedicine really such a good idea? 


Doctors have long answered calls from their patients, sometimes prescribing medication over the phone; the difference now is that the doctors employed by telemedicine companies, such as Teladoc and American Well, are treating patients they've never met and may never speak to again. (Most people using these services have acute conditions, says Lori Uscher-Pines, PhD, a researcher at the think tank RAND Corporation, who is studying the telemedicine trend. The most common complaints, according to a 2014 study she coauthored in the journal Health Affairs that analyzed claims for more than 2,700 people using Teladoc: respiratory illnesses, urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and skin problems, like a sudden rash.) 

And the industry is booming—by 2018, the number of patients using telehealth services is expected to increase to seven million, according to a 2014 report by IHS, a research and consulting company. In 2013, there were fewer than 350,000. In June, even the Cleveland Clinic began offering the service to its patients in Ohio. According to a 2015 American Well survey, 64 percent of Americans are willing to have an online video visit with a doctor, and 70 percent prefer such a visit to traveling to their doctor's office for a prescription. In the age of Uber and Netflix and same-day everything, can we really be surprised that our healthcare has also gone on-demand? 



Telemedicine's supporters argue that it fills a void, with the added bonus of being convenient, cost-effective and accessible. But as you might expect, medical boards and healthcare organizations have their concerns; chief among them is misdiagnosis. À la carte care, in which a patient sees a different doctor for each condition, lacks an orchestra conductor, says Robert Wachter, MD, professor and interim chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and author of   "With episodic care, you run the risk of missing the big picture," he says. This might not be a big deal for a healthy 25-year-old, but for older patients—especially those with a chronic condition—piecemeal treatment can be hazardous. "Anyone with chronic problems is more likely to benefit from a physician who knows them well," he says. "If you have someone with emphysema and a history of lung cancer who is on five medications, and they have a new cough, that's very different from a young person with a new cough."

 





    Source: http://www.oprah.com/health_wellness/The-Rise-of-Telemedicine