Elegant Survival
Stylish Living on a Shoestring
An Apple a Day Just Might Keep the Doctor Away!
Apples, because of their pectin and bioflavonoids, have properties that
really can, like the old adage says, keep the doctor away.
In 1996, a study was conducted in Finland to determine whether or not eating apples can lower cholesterol. The Finnish team determined that eating three apples a day for three months can help lower a person's LDL, or low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) level by twenty points. Apples contain quercetin, an antioxidant which also helps to reduce the amount of LDL in the bloodstream.
Apples, having natural ACE-inhibitor properties, can help to relax arteries, lower blood pressure and improve the pumping ability of the heart. The apple is also a hemetic, something that builds up the blood.
Eating apples can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. The well-known Women’s Health Study found that females who regularly ate foods high in flavonoids, such as apples and onions, had a 35% reduction in cardiovascular events. The Finnish study found a lower risk of thrombic stroke among those who eat apples often. The study concluded that “flavonoid intake was strongly correlated with a decreased mortality from heart disease in elderly men and also negatively correlated with myocardial infarction.”
The Finnish research team proved that the apple’s bioflavonoids have an effect on cerebrovascular health. The apple provides antioxidants for the body. Oxidative damage on cells by free radicals contributes to age-related brain deterioration. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are examples. Apples have been cited as anti-Alzheimerian. A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts suggests that whether the brain-oxidation is caused by genetics, metabolism, or dietary insufficiencies, apples can improve the condition.
The apple can help to prevent sugar alcohol, called sorbitol from being trapped in nerve and eye cells. Apples contain a natural aldose-reductase inhibitor, which can help to prevent this devastating effect of diabetes.
Apples are a digestive aid, and help to prevent the absorption of fats.
The health-benefits of apples are numerous, and autumn is harvest time.
In 1996, a study was conducted in Finland to determine whether or not eating apples can lower cholesterol. The Finnish team determined that eating three apples a day for three months can help lower a person's LDL, or low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) level by twenty points. Apples contain quercetin, an antioxidant which also helps to reduce the amount of LDL in the bloodstream.
Apples, having natural ACE-inhibitor properties, can help to relax arteries, lower blood pressure and improve the pumping ability of the heart. The apple is also a hemetic, something that builds up the blood.
Eating apples can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. The well-known Women’s Health Study found that females who regularly ate foods high in flavonoids, such as apples and onions, had a 35% reduction in cardiovascular events. The Finnish study found a lower risk of thrombic stroke among those who eat apples often. The study concluded that “flavonoid intake was strongly correlated with a decreased mortality from heart disease in elderly men and also negatively correlated with myocardial infarction.”
The Finnish research team proved that the apple’s bioflavonoids have an effect on cerebrovascular health. The apple provides antioxidants for the body. Oxidative damage on cells by free radicals contributes to age-related brain deterioration. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are examples. Apples have been cited as anti-Alzheimerian. A study conducted by the University of Massachusetts suggests that whether the brain-oxidation is caused by genetics, metabolism, or dietary insufficiencies, apples can improve the condition.
The apple can help to prevent sugar alcohol, called sorbitol from being trapped in nerve and eye cells. Apples contain a natural aldose-reductase inhibitor, which can help to prevent this devastating effect of diabetes.
Apples are a digestive aid, and help to prevent the absorption of fats.
The health-benefits of apples are numerous, and autumn is harvest time.
Elegant Survival: Health Maintenance
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Than fee the doctor for a nauseous draught.The wise, for cure, on exercise depend; God never made his work for man to mend."
~~John Dryden, Epistle to John Dryden of Chesterton
How true. I worked in a Princeton company that wrote papers for the pharmaceutical industry. I read a lot of papers by scientists and physicians about what they euphemistically call "therapies"--drugs. Not only were the diseases frightening to read about, but some of the remedies and their side-effects were horrifying! I'll write about remedies that I have seen and used for common ailments, in hopes that we who take personal health into our own hands can ward off participation in a socialist-scheme! I'll be adding to this chapter regularly, so have a look for updates.
New! Book Recommendation: Doctor Yourself, by Andrew Saul, M.D., PhD.
Don't drink from hotel room glasses.
Here is a must-see video on dangerously sloppy maid service in hotels.
When my husband and I absolutely must stay in a hotel, we always pack lightweight slippers to avoide stepping on the floors, and we also protect ourselves from guest-bed pillows by putting a thin, 13-gallon plastic bag over the pillow, and placing our own pillow cases over that impermeable layer. With that procedure, we lessen our chances of catching airborne, breathable pathogens.
Article in Forbes Magazine
UPDATE, January 5th: low-energy, coiled light bulbs (we use them in our house) contain a tiny bit of mercury, so take care that you don't drop them. Be careful when disposing of them (they're supposed to last five years, so I haven't done that yet). I saw the news on the BBC site, and if I can retrieve the article, I shall post a link to it here.
UPDATE, January 5th: low-energy, coiled light bulbs (we use them in our house) contain a tiny bit of mercury, so take care that you don't drop them. Be careful when disposing of them (they're supposed to last five years, so I haven't done that yet). I saw the news on the BBC site, and if I can retrieve the article, I shall post a link to it here.
We've been using these for years. They may not save your life, but can really make the air that you breathe more salutory: Personal Air-Purifier
Make your own eye-pillows from soothing chamomile and lavender. This site will tell you how:
Save-on-Crafts
Save-on-Crafts
Get Enough Sleep: Our bodies produce the hormone melatonin while we sleep. Melatonin decreases the production of estrogen, the female hormone linked to breast cancer, and may be involved in other cancers as well. Sleep in total darkness. Exposure to any light while you slumber suppresses melatonin secretion.
Your body is a temple. Make sure that it's not the Temple of Doom! ~~M-J de Mesterton, copyright 2006
UPDATE, 27th August, 2007:
In May, I wrote about the dangers of eating fish. I'd like to recommend a good substitute for fish-oil: flaxseed oil. It contains omega-3 fatty acids.
June 5, 2007 Health Alert: Soda Pop Ingredient
Research from a British university suggests that sodium benzoate, a common preservative found in many soft drinks, has the ability to switch off vital parts of DNA. This could eventually lead to diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's. When a UK professor of molecular biology and biotechnology tested the impact of sodium benzoate on living yeast cells, he discovered that it was damaging important DNA in the cells' mitochondria. Mitochondria serve as the "power stations" for cells, and damage to them can lead to serious cell malfunctions associated with aging and age-related disease. The damage caused by sodium benzoate was great enough to cause the mitochondria to stop functioning. Sodium benzoate occurs naturally in berries in small amounts, but is used in large quantities to prevent mold in soft drinks such as Sprite, Diet Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Dr Pepper. It is also added to pickles and sauces.
Professor Peter Piper of Sheffield University, the molecular biologist who discovered the problem, says that the soft drink preservative can "totally inactivate" and "knock out" cells' mitochondria. The end result is an increased risk of many life-threatening diseases. Sodium benzoate has previously been condemned by scientists because, when combined with the vitamin C in many soft drinks, it forms benzene, a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia. In one study, at least five brands of soft drinks were found to contain excessive benzene levels. Sodium benzoate is used freely in the United States and the UK.
UPDATE, 27th August, 2007:
In May, I wrote about the dangers of eating fish. I'd like to recommend a good substitute for fish-oil: flaxseed oil. It contains omega-3 fatty acids.
June 5, 2007 Health Alert: Soda Pop Ingredient
Research from a British university suggests that sodium benzoate, a common preservative found in many soft drinks, has the ability to switch off vital parts of DNA. This could eventually lead to diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's. When a UK professor of molecular biology and biotechnology tested the impact of sodium benzoate on living yeast cells, he discovered that it was damaging important DNA in the cells' mitochondria. Mitochondria serve as the "power stations" for cells, and damage to them can lead to serious cell malfunctions associated with aging and age-related disease. The damage caused by sodium benzoate was great enough to cause the mitochondria to stop functioning. Sodium benzoate occurs naturally in berries in small amounts, but is used in large quantities to prevent mold in soft drinks such as Sprite, Diet Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Dr Pepper. It is also added to pickles and sauces.
Professor Peter Piper of Sheffield University, the molecular biologist who discovered the problem, says that the soft drink preservative can "totally inactivate" and "knock out" cells' mitochondria. The end result is an increased risk of many life-threatening diseases. Sodium benzoate has previously been condemned by scientists because, when combined with the vitamin C in many soft drinks, it forms benzene, a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia. In one study, at least five brands of soft drinks were found to contain excessive benzene levels. Sodium benzoate is used freely in the United States and the UK.
May 30th, 2007 Health Alert: Fish and Seafood
China is exporting fish and seafood which has been raised in raw sewage. This is a great threat, since purveyors of fish and seafood world-round are selling products of unadvertised origin to both restaurants and individuals. In the interest of profit, they will deal fish from the cheapest sources. By the time it reaches the fish case in your market, or your plate in even the best restaurants, those along the fish and seafood pipeline have forgotten its provenance.
Consumption of aquaculture-bred fish is raising serious human health and food safety concerns (almost all the catfish and trout, and close to half the salmon and shrimp sold in the U.S. are raised in aquaculture facilities). Farmed fish often receive large doses of antibiotics to protect them from disease and are exposed to a variety of pesticides used to kill parasites and body fungi--all of which accumulate in the fish's tissues.
I've never liked fish or seafood, and have studiously avoided it. My husband has the same sentiments, and refuses to eat the stuff. We have never known anyone to get sick after eating beef, but we sure have known great numbers of people who have had serious cases of food poisoning after ingesting fish and seafood at fancy restaurants!
Dr. Atkins' Vita-Nutrient Solution
Information on Interstitial Cystitis, which I discovered on March 15th
New Link, added here on March 10th, 2007: Blackwell Synergy Publications and Journals
UPDATE, November 15th, 2006: Evening primrose oil has helped me immensely in the prevention of hot flashes. It has also reduced the inflammation in my husband's joints. Wal-Mart has evening primrose oil in capsule form in the supplements department, for a low price.
Epicatechin in Chocolate Very Beneficial to Human Health
Fibromyalgia: an Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
This is a very important health bulletin for women: Flax Seeds Can Help Prevent Breast Cancer
Osteoporosis Remedies are Causing Jawbone Necrosis: Article on Jawbone Necrosis by New York Times Science Writer, Gina Kolata
From Forbes: Podiatrists Advise Avoiding Flip-Flops
Eat Fewer Grains and Sugars to Lose Weight, by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Dr. James Duke's Phytochemical Database
High Folic Acid Intake May Slow Mental Aging
Dr. Atkins' Vita-Nutrient Solution: Nature's Answer to Drugs
Robert C. Atkins, M.D.Dr. Atkins's Books
Another book that I have used for years is Dr. James Duke's The Green Pharmacy. It's loaded with herbal and food-based remedies.
Linus Pauling Institute Nutrient Index
Cinnamon Spice Benefits Blood Sugar and Cholesterol
Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Alam Khan, in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care, found “intake of 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggests that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The improvement in blood sugar (glucose) levels was in the range of 20 to 50 mg/dl after 20 to 60 days. Cholesterol decreased 20 to 30 mg/dl and triglycerides about 20 mg/dl in the same period." The effects seem to last for some days even after ceasing the intake of cinnamon. Several “natural” vitamins, minerals and herbs have been reported to improve blood sugars and/or cholesterol – but do not expect these to alleviate your need for a serious change in diet and lifestyle – and they include:
Food and spices: bitter melon, Gymnema Sylvestre, Korean ginseng, onions, garlic, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and turmeric.
Supplements: {alpha}-lipoic acid, biotin, carnitine, vanadium, chromium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B3, E, and K. Source: Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan MM, Khattak KN, Anderson RA. Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People with Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes Care, 2003 Dec;26(12):3215-8.
French Health Site, e-sante
Selenium Deficiency and Alzheimer's DiseaseAluminum-Free Baking Powder
Aluminum, Cellular Damage and Alzheimer's Disease
Aluminum (the British spelling is "aluminium") damages all types of tissue, and has been recognized as a culprit in the development of Alzheimer's Disease. Aluminum is a protoplasmic poison and a neurotoxin.It has no function in the human body. It has a tendency to accumulate in the brain and to a lesser extent, bones. It is less toxic than mercury, arsenic, lead or cadmium, but it is more persistent in the bloodstream. The damage is cumulative; gradually building up over time.Though you experience no symptoms at present of aluminum-poisoning, it is wise to avoid ingestion of it.
The principal symptom of aluminum- poisoning is the loss of intellectual function; forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, and in extreme cases, full blown dementia. Other anomalies caused by the ingestion of aluminum are bone softening, bone mass loss, kidney and other soft tissue damage. In large doses, it can cause heart attacks.
Aluminum-contaminated food-products and toiletries are increasingly common.
Many people on low-aluminum diets have reported a reduction in irritability and headaches,as well as improvements in memory and the ability to concentrate. Parents reported improvements in children with behavioral problems. One series of tests found that the majority of children suffering from an attention deficit disorder had much higher-than-average levels of aluminum in their hair. Many Alzheimer's Disease patients given treatment to remove aluminum from their system had an immediate reduction in the rate of mental deterioration. Feeding even small amounts of aluminum salts to lab animals results in brain tissue damage identical to that found in Alzheimer's victims (neuro-fibrillary tangles). Research using lab-rats has identified aluminum fluoride as a poisonous substance which readily penetrates the blood-brain barrier. Brain-damage resulted when they were given drinking water with only 0.5 parts-per-million in concentration.
The following additives contain aluminium compounds: E173, E520, E521, E523 E541, E545, E554, E555 E556, E559. Antacids quite often contain aluminum trisilicate as does buffered aspirin. Baking soda versus baking powder, which contains aluminum Foods containing aluminum-based additives include some dry cake mixes, pastries and croissants made from frozen dough, processed cheeses, some donuts and waffles. Some brands of muffins are riddled with aluminum E541. Powdered, non-dairy coffee-creamers are suspect as well; older brands, such as American Coffee-Mate, still contain aluminum as a flow-agent (Canadian Coffee-Mate formula contains none). A brand that I use has no aluminum: Sam's Club's own non-dairy creamer (also powdered)in large jugs. Instead of using deodorants that contain aluminum, I just use some oils of lavender from France. The list of products, edible and non-edible which have as an ingredient aluminum salts is quite long. Toothpaste is one of them. I use crystal salt instead: see top of page. Also containing aluminum are some tooth-whitening products. A worrisome factor in avoidance of aluminum is the sneaky component thereof in food-coloring. Some natural oil-paint pigments used by artists, such as cochineal red, can be augmented with aluminum.
An easily-avoided source of aluminum exists in cooking pots and pans. I have recently thrown away two large baking sheets, because I noticed the bottoms of cookies and bread baked upon them had metal leached onto them. I did some research on the internet, and found that Polar Ware's baking sheets are aluminum. Use stainless steel and cast iron pots. Cooking in non-lead coated earthenware, and Corning glass, is also safe.
When iron, calcium, magnesium, silicon and zinc levels in one's bloodstream are low, the absorption of aluminium increases. Older people are at particularly at risk because the kidneys and blood-brain barrier lose their effectiveness as we age. Mineral supplementation is a good idea.
A well-preserved blood-brain barrier is required to protect brain cells from being damaged by neurotoxins, which accumulate and poison brain cells. Factors which reduce the effectiveness of the blood-brain mechanism will cause a build -up there of mercury and aluminium. The increased use of mobile phones is believed to reduce the effectiveness of the blood-brain barrier; consequently, we ought to expect an increase in Alzheimer's Disease.
We are not powerless in the prevention of Alzheimer's Disease!
~~M-J, 2006
Fingernails Tell a Story
I posted something about wearing gloves in December. Somehow, after many months, and while rearranging my material, the piece has gone missing. I had worn kid gloves to an evening holiday party, and my husband wore gloves as well. A young lady commented favourably on our style. I spoke briefly about the merits of wearing gloves, expressing the hope that it would again become routine. I mentioned the scourge of staphylococcus aureus, whereupon she held up her hand with its missing finger--lost to the superbug!
For years, I was regarded as an oddball simply for wearing driving gloves. I also wore gloves at the supermarket to ward-off transference of germs on carts, et cetera*. I've read somewhere recently that glove-wearing is back in style. I hope that's true.
~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton September 11th, 2007
The Acid/Alkaline Balance in the Human Body
The environment of fluids in which your cells reside is known as your biological terrain. The following are four characteristics of your biological terrain: pH refers to the "potential of Hydrogen" and its activity level in fluids. Many people today have an overly acidic pH due to drinking colas, improper food combinations, consumption of processed foods, stress and pollution. Apple Cider Vinegar raises the alkalinity of the extra cellular fluid that surrounds your cells. An alkaline, versus acidic, environment is believed to be one of the major deterrents to tissue damage, aging and the growth of disease organisms. When your body consists of a more neutral to alkaline environment, the body can then use its amazing God given ability to heal itself naturally. Our bodies are alkaline by design and acid by function. Maintaining alkalinity is essential for life health and vitality. All leading biochemists and medical physiologists have recognized pH or acid/alkaline balance as the most important aspect of a balanced and healthy body. They have long known that the maintenance of an alkaline pH is critical to cellular health. We live and die at the cellular level. In order to understand pH balance, it is necessary to realize that all the 75 trillion cells of the human body are slightly acidic and must exist in a slightly alkaline environment (the body fluid) if they are to remain healthy and produce energy. Alkalinity is anabolic (builds up) and acidity is catabolic (tears down). As each cell performs its task of respiration, it secretes metabolic wastes which are acidic. These wastes are the end product of cellular metabolism and must not be allowed to build up. The body goes to great lengths to neutralize and detoxify these acids before they are in a position to act as poisons in and around the cell, changing the environment of the cell. Optimum alkalinity at cellular level equates to optimum health. Help to put the alkaline balance back into your body by taking a daily tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water.
"Apple Cider Vinegar is the #1 food, I recommend for maintaining the body's vital acid-alkaline balance.--Gabriel Cousens, M.D., author of Conscious Eating
Apple Cider Vinegar keeps your pH level of your body fluids balanced so that your body can fight disease naturally.
"Apple Cider Vinegar is the #1 food, I recommend for maintaining the body's vital acid-alkaline balance.--Gabriel Cousens, M.D., author of Conscious Eating
Apple Cider Vinegar keeps your pH level of your body fluids balanced so that your body can fight disease naturally.
M-J de Mesterton 2006
Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2007: click to enlarge image.
Update: Gargling with a saline solution soothes a sore throat. We use a teaspoon Himalayan salt melted in a half-cup of water. After that, taking a teaspoon of honey (we use Manuka from New Zealand) adds to the relief.
I once cured my husband, malarial since his operations in Africa, of a devastating cold/cough/fever/flu. I fed him sliced ginger in honey a few times a day, cayenne capsules, various herbal tisanes, aspirin and Theraflu. Now there is a product called Germ MD, a tablet of which he takes daily. Whenever we get a hint of a tickle in our throats, or wake up with a full-fledged sore throat, we take two Cold MD tabs, Airborne in a glass of water and eat a lot of ginger. Neither of us has had a cold since that aforementioned worrisome time. A trip to the doctor will do no good for the common cold. We'd never dream of plugging up the already-jammed waiting rooms for such a malady. Here is a well-known trick to ward off a nascent cold: put hydrogen peroxide in the ears. If one is not averse to sugar, keeping a ginger-jar full of the candied stuff is a good idea. That way, you can pop a piece whenever you feel a bit down. Another way to ingest ginger is to slice it fresh and mix it with honey, another a germ-killer. Is ginger a panacea? No, but it certainly enhances general health.~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Stuffing a Cold, and Other Health-Management Tips
Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2007: click to enlarge image.Update: Gargling with a saline solution soothes a sore throat. We use a teaspoon Himalayan salt melted in a half-cup of water. After that, taking a teaspoon of honey (we use Manuka from New Zealand) adds to the relief.
I once cured my husband, malarial since his operations in Africa, of a devastating cold/cough/fever/flu. I fed him sliced ginger in honey a few times a day, cayenne capsules, various herbal tisanes, aspirin and Theraflu. Now there is a product called Germ MD, a tablet of which he takes daily. Whenever we get a hint of a tickle in our throats, or wake up with a full-fledged sore throat, we take two Cold MD tabs, Airborne in a glass of water and eat a lot of ginger. Neither of us has had a cold since that aforementioned worrisome time. A trip to the doctor will do no good for the common cold. We'd never dream of plugging up the already-jammed waiting rooms for such a malady. Here is a well-known trick to ward off a nascent cold: put hydrogen peroxide in the ears. If one is not averse to sugar, keeping a ginger-jar full of the candied stuff is a good idea. That way, you can pop a piece whenever you feel a bit down. Another way to ingest ginger is to slice it fresh and mix it with honey, another a germ-killer. Is ginger a panacea? No, but it certainly enhances general health.
Walnuts: the Health-Nuts
Walnuts Rank High on New Nutrition Scales
Given the state of the national waistline, the need for better consumer understanding of healthy food choices is clear. We welcome new independent nutrition rating systems that will soon appear in grocery stores and on packaging. While some fear that this will be confusing, our research says that people want more information, presented in a simple, easy-to-understand format.Walnuts and other tree nuts and peanuts were recently ranked using the Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) nutrient testing system at the Food Consulting Company of Del Mar, California [i]. According to Karen Duester, MS, RD who conducted the test, “Not surprisingly, walnuts ranked highest among the nuts in INQ. Because INQ relates to nutrient density, we looked at specific nutrients known to be abundant in nuts and peanuts: protein, fiber, omega-3, omega-6, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.”
On another independent scale, the Overall Nutritional Quality Index (ONQI)[ii] ranking system to be used by the Raley's grocery chain, walnuts received 82 points on a 100 point scale, an excellent score among foods and nuts [iii]. According to David Katz, MD, MPH a nationally renowned authority on nutrition and the principal inventor for the ONQI system, "When overall nutritional quality is assessed, the verdict is clear: walnuts are a great food -- they pack a lot of nutrient benefits in a nutshell!”
Guiding Stars [iv], a nutrition navigation tool, was designed to make it easy for shoppers to quickly identify nutritious food choices. Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, professor of nutrition science and policy at Tufts University and a member of the Hannaford Scientific Advisory Panel explains, “Walnuts are a whole food rich in antioxidants, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, protein, fiber, and more. Whole walnuts receive the ‘best nutritional value’ three star ranking (the highest) due to their nutrient profile.” Guiding Stars, developed by the Hannaford Bros. grocery chain, a subsidiary of Delhaize America, is also being used by the company’s Sweetbay Supermarkets.
Is this confusing? We think the consumer will understand that all of this adds up to high marks and better guidance when choosing foods for a nutritious diet. While every whole food is different, walnuts have qualities that are very important. One of the richest sources of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), the plant form of Omega-3, walnuts are unique among nuts and popular whole foods [v]. A one ounce serving of walnuts provides 2.57 grams of ALA, the plant form omega-3s, which is above the dietary reference intake (DRI) set by the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine. Walnuts are also one of the highest natural sources of antioxidants, according to Halvorsen’s study from American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006 [vi].
15 years of clinical research on walnuts have shown benefits for the heart, and we’re not just talking about cholesterol reduction -- improved vascular function and a reduction in inflammation have also been documented [vii-xii]. Looking to the future and expanding on this base of knowledge, research is underway at a variety of prestigious universities looking into cancer, diabetes and issues of aging.
We are pleased with these new nutrient ranking approaches and believe consumers will be the ultimate winners when these consumer-friendly symbols appear in markets national
[i] http://www.foodlabels.com/
[ii] http://www.griffinhealth.org/Research/ONQI.aspx
[v]www.hanaford.com/Contents/Healthy_Living/Guiding_Stars/gs_faq.shtml
[vi] Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jul;84(1):95-135
“Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.”
[viii] Circulation. 2002 Nov 19;106(21):2747-57
[ix] Hypertension. 2007 Aug;50(2):313-9
[x] J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006 Oct 17;48(8):1666-71
[xi] Arch Intern Med. 2007 Jun 11;167(11):1195-203.
[xii] Ann Intern Med. 2006 Jul 4;145(1):1-11Wal-Mart's Low-Cost Drugs Help the Poor and Uninsured
Wal-Mart Pharmacy also has a generic prescription drug list that has been offered for over a year, in most U.S. states, wherein there are nearly 361 drugs offered at around $4.00 per bottle. The total includes 24 new generic products.
Wal-Mart's List, in PDF Form, Spring 2008, of Its $4.00 Prescription Drugs
Movie Poster from Columbia Pictures' Lost Horizon
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Friday, February 1, 2008
The Merits of Wearing Gloves, and the Scourge of Staphylococcus Aureus
I posted something about wearing gloves in December, 2006. Somehow, after many months, and while rearranging my material, the piece has gone missing. Here's my attempt at reconstructing it: I had worn long kid gloves to an evening holiday party, and my husband wore elegant gloves as well. A young lady commented favourably on our style. I spoke briefly about the merits of wearing gloves, expressing the hope that it would again become routine. I mentioned the scourge of staphylococcus aureus, whereupon she held up her hand with its missing finger--lost to the superbug!
For years, I was regarded as an oddball simply for wearing driving gloves. I also wore gloves at the supermarket to ward-off transference of germs on carts, et cetera*. I've read somewhere recently that glove-wearing is back in style. I hope that's true.
M-J de Mesterton September 11th, 2007
*I also wash every grocery item which enters our house.
I have been writing about this for more than two years, and no doubt some people have scoffed. Eyes glaze over when this subject is mentioned, and the speaker is written-off as a germophobe.
That attitude has changed overnight. MRSA, or antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus isn't just a hospital-acquired disease anymore. Elegant Survival's Face and Figure page alludes to the intrinsic unhealthiness of health-clubs and public gyms. The noise level of the "music" played can deafen you, and the transmission of germs and viruses on the surfaces there may sicken. However, I wanted to be a bit delicate and not graphic, so I determined to return to the topic with a well-crafted, diplomatic way of saying, "If you value your health, stay out of health-clubs!"
I belonged to three such clubs in the past, beginning with the old Henry Hudson Health Club on 57th Street in New York City. I was disgusted when, using the women's sauna, I found the panties of other members hanging up to dry in there. Being of Swedish and Finnish descent, this abuse rankled; I also knew that moisture in the sauna ("sow-nah" is the correct pronunciation) would defeat their idiotic purpose. I cleaned-off every piece of gym equipment before use, using rubbing alcohol. It has been thirteen years since I have darkened the door of one of those clubs, because the noise got louder and the germs deadlier. Now, my logic has borne out, with the major press agencies finally giving the flesh-eating disease MRSA, or antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (staphylia means "grapes" in Greek--the virus is shaped like a bunch of them), the attention it deserves. Human nature usually demands that someone die before a danger is recognised, but there have been more deaths from this than the AIDS virus, going unnoticed until now.
That attitude has changed overnight. MRSA, or antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus isn't just a hospital-acquired disease anymore. Elegant Survival's Face and Figure page alludes to the intrinsic unhealthiness of health-clubs and public gyms. The noise level of the "music" played can deafen you, and the transmission of germs and viruses on the surfaces there may sicken. However, I wanted to be a bit delicate and not graphic, so I determined to return to the topic with a well-crafted, diplomatic way of saying, "If you value your health, stay out of health-clubs!"
I belonged to three such clubs in the past, beginning with the old Henry Hudson Health Club on 57th Street in New York City. I was disgusted when, using the women's sauna, I found the panties of other members hanging up to dry in there. Being of Swedish and Finnish descent, this abuse rankled; I also knew that moisture in the sauna ("sow-nah" is the correct pronunciation) would defeat their idiotic purpose. I cleaned-off every piece of gym equipment before use, using rubbing alcohol. It has been thirteen years since I have darkened the door of one of those clubs, because the noise got louder and the germs deadlier. Now, my logic has borne out, with the major press agencies finally giving the flesh-eating disease MRSA, or antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (staphylia means "grapes" in Greek--the virus is shaped like a bunch of them), the attention it deserves. Human nature usually demands that someone die before a danger is recognised, but there have been more deaths from this than the AIDS virus, going unnoticed until now.
My husband and I, as I am fond of telling you, wear gloves everywhere we go, unless it is very hot weather. We keep hand-sanitizer in the car and in our bags. Consider the objects one must handle outside the home, in public--pens, products, door-handles--there's an infinite variety of things which can bear germs and viruses. If you don't like to wear gloves in public, at least use something to clean the shopping cart handle when you're marketing. Some supermarkets offer them in a dispenser near the carts.
Thoughtfulness in life, and keen awareness of our surroundings and habits, can help us survive even the most rampant modern scourge. After all, carelessness wrought by jaded arrogance has created just that: a deadly epidemic.
Sun-Dried Towels with Lavender
Anti-Aging Internal Medicine with Dr. Lee Levin of Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Lee S. Levin, M.D. explains the concept of anti-aging internal medicine and gives advice on attaining longevity through a healthy and active lifestyle. Dr. Levin also formulates hormonal creams to get you through menopause with the least discomfort and more safely than with traditional HRT. Every patient is carefully screened so that Dr. Lee Levin can tailor therapies to their specific needs.
Lee S. Levin, M.D. explains the concept of anti-aging internal medicine and gives advice on attaining longevity through a healthy and active lifestyle. Dr. Levin also formulates hormonal creams to get you through menopause with the least discomfort and more safely than with traditional HRT. Every patient is carefully screened so that Dr. Lee Levin can tailor therapies to their specific needs.
Electrolux of Sweden's Anti-Noise Campaign
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Electrolux: the Swedish Company's Anti-Noise Campaign
Noise can drive you out of your mind, or at least raise your blood pressure. AEG Electrolux, the innovative yet old and venerable Swedish appliance company has a campaign to create noise-pollution awareness, together with an electronic sign company called, ironically, "Blow-Up".
Photo: Dick van Patten Playing a Noise-Pollution Victim in Mel Brooks' Comedy, High Anxiety
I remember reading in Dagens Nyheter in the year 2000, about women who worked at nursery schools in Sweden being driven mad by the noise of many children at once screaming and shouting all day long. They had nightmares, and many other horrible symptoms, both physical and mental. Imagine the impact such a situation has on little children! I pity them, and consider myself fortunate to never have had to suffer pre-school or nursery school, where the very young child is forced to vie for attention among a great throng of others. It must be conducive to terrors and frustrations, and cause them to scream. Neighbors with barking dogs at all hours of the night are causing those around them to lose sleep, which can lead to the loss of jobs and can harm relationships because of its effect on the nerves. Booming car stereos that resemble thunder, or, even worse, replicate the sounds of bombing and earthquakes can terrify the calmest of adults. Noise pollution has many forms; some can be ameliorated, and some cannot. Electrolux is making quiet appliances, and that's important to city apartment living. We should all strive to make life serene by keeping our environment quieter, if possible. Peace begins with us.
Noise Pollution Kills
Noise Pollution Kills
Omega-3s in Walnuts
How do Omega-3s work?
Inside your favorite kinds of nuts — walnuts, almonds, pecans and others — you’ll find many vitamins, minerals and other compounds your body needs for good health. There are the antioxidants found in vitamin E; several essential minerals such as magnesium, selenium, copper and manganese; and even fiber for more effective digestion. Thiamin, niacin, folate, phosphorus and zinc are all found in nuts.
Researchers believe that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of heart disease by making the blood less sticky and less likely to form dangerous intravenous or arterial clots. Studies have also shown that omega-3s may lower the risk of stroke and prevent arthritis. In addition, there’s good evidence that omega-3s can increase HDL (good cholesterol), further reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
The omega-3s found in fish oil are thought to be responsible for the significantly lower incidence of breast cancer in Japanese women as compared to women in the United States. This may be because omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the tumor growth that is promoted by the acids found in other fats, such as corn and safflower oils.
Finally, the brain itself is composed of a whopping 60 percent fat. It too needs omega-3s to help build and maintain tissue. Brain function itself may be at stake: in treating major depression, for example, omega-3s seem to work by making it easier for brain cell receptors to process mood-related signals from neighboring neurons.
What are good sources of omega-3s?
Omega-3 fatty acids are plentiful in cold-water fish such as mackerel and salmon. They’re also found in walnuts, canola oil, soybean oil, tofu and leafy green vegetables. Which would you rather sprinkle on your morning cereal or grab for a nutritious snack?
Walnuts are a
delectable, convenient alternative to fish, tofu and leafy greens. In
fact, just a handful of walnuts provides as much omega-3s as a
comparable serving of salmon.
Source: Diamond Walnut
