HEALTHY LIFESTYLE URGED FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The American Cancer Society has issued new guidelines encouraging doctors to talk to cancer patients about the benefits of eating right, exercising, and losing weight, when it comes to preventing the disease from coming back. Experts are referring to strong evidence that exercise and eating healthy helps prevent recurrence of the disease.

Dr. Omer Kucuk, an oncologist at Emory University who has done research on the effect of nutrition on prostate cancer, shared: "Usually, the last thing on their mind is to talk about diet and exercise." What doctors normally focus on, he added, is surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments.

While officials of the American Cancer Society have long been advocates of healthy eating and exercise as a way to prevent the onset and recurrence of certain cancers, the group did not believe that there was enough research to support a strong statement for cancer survivors, at least until now.

In the last five years, there have been more than 100 studies involving cancer survivors, many of which associated exercise and/or healthy diet with lower recurrence rates for cancer, as well as longer survival. Most of these studies looked at breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer, and involved observational studies. While these studies cannot prove a cause and effect, the volume of research was defined as "compelling."

Colleen Doyle, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society, shared: "We've got enough data now to make these recommendations."

source: http://www.hometestingblog.testcountry.com/ 

10 PROBLEMS THAT COULD MEAN ADULT ADHD

Many people think of rowdy kids who can't sit still when they think of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. But the fact is, symptoms of ADHD can linger into adulthood. Many adults with ADHD don't realize that many of the problems they face, including staying organized or being on time, are symptoms of adult ADHD. While experts don't know for sure what causes ADHD, they believe genes may play an important part in who develops attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Environmental issues, such as exposure to cigarettes, alcohol, or other toxins while in the womb, may also play a role. Unlike other psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression, ADHD doesn't begin in adulthood. So symptoms must have been present since childhood for a diagnosis of adult ADHD to be made. The conventionally used diagnostic criteria for ADHD, including the most common symptoms, were developed based on how the condition shows itself in children. These symptoms include forgetfulness and excessive daydreaming, as well as an inability to sit still, or constant fidgeting with objects. Many experts think adult ADHD symptoms manifest themselves differently and more subtly. This can make it difficult to recognize and diagnose adult ADHD.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #1: DIFFICULTY GETTING ORGANIZED - For people with ADHD, the increased responsibilities of adulthood - bills, jobs, and children, to name a few - can make problems with organization more obvious and more harmful than in childhood. While some ADHD symptoms are more annoying to other people than to the person with the condition, disorganization is often identified by adults struggling with ADHD as a major detractor that affects their quality of life.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #2: RECKLESS DRIVING AND TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder makes it hard to keep your attention on task, so spending time behind the wheel of a care can be difficult. ADHD symptoms can make some people more likely to speed, have traffic accidents, and lose their driver's licenses.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #3: MARITAL DIFFICULTIES - Many people without ADHD have marital problems, of course, so a troubled marriage shouldn't be seen as a red flag for adult ADHD. There are some marriage problems that are particularly likely to affect the relationships of those with ADHD. Often, the partners of people with undiagnosed ADHD take poor listening skills and an inability to honor commitments as a sign that their partner doesn't care.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #4: EXTREME DISTRACTIBILITY - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a problem with attention regulation, so adult ADHD can make it hard to make it difficult to succeed in today's fast-paced, hustle-bustle world. Many people find that distractibility can lead to a history of career underperformance, especially in noisy or busy offices.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #5: POOR LISTENING SKILLS - Do you zone out during long business meetings? Did your husband forget to pick up little Jimmy at baseball practice, even though you called to remind him on his way home? Problems with attention result in poor listening skills in many adults with ADHD, leading to a lot of missed appointments and misunderstandings.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #6: RESTLESSNESS, DIFFICULTY RELAXING - While many children with ADHD are "hyperactive," this ADHD symptom often appears differently in adults. Rather than bouncing off the walls, adults with ADHD are more likely to exhibit restlessness or find they can't relax. If you have adult ADHD, leading to a lot of missed appointments and misunderstandings.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #7: DIFFICULTY STARTING A TASK - Just as children with ADHD often put off doing homework, people with adult ADHD often drag their feet when starting tasks that require a lot of attention. This procrastination often adds to existing problems, including marital disagreements, workplace issues, and problems with friends.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #8: CHRONIC LATENESS - There are many reasons adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are usually late. First, they're often distracted on the way to an event, maybe realizing the car needs to be washed and then noticing they're low on gas, and before they know it an hour has gone by. People with adult ADHD also tend to underestimate howmuch time it takes to finish a task, whether it's a major assignment at work or a simple home repair.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #9: ANGRY OUTBURSTS - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often leads to problems controlling emotions. Many people with adult ADHD are quick to explode over minor issues. Often, adults with ADHD feel as if they have absolutely no control over their emotions. Many times, their anger fades as quickly as it flared, long before the people who dealt with the outburst have gotten over the incident.

ADULT ADHD PROBLEM #10: PRIORITIZING ISSUES - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can wreak havoc on planning, too. Often, people with adult ADHD mis-prioritize, failing to meet big obligations, like a deadline at work, while spending countless hours on something insignificant, such as getting a higher score on a video game.

Only a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis of adult ADHD, but there are some self-screening tests that may help you decide whether to consult a medical professional about your adult ADHD symptoms. If, after talking with a qualified health professional, you or your loved one is diagnosed with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you'll need to work together with your doctor to design the best treatment plan.

source: http://www.webmd.com/

HOW DIABETES METERS MEASURE GLUCOSE LEVELS

If you have diabetes, you should have a diabetes meter and know how to use it correctly. Checking your blood sugar levels helps you see how your body reacts to different activities and foods. You can then change your behaviors and diet to avoid fluctuating sugar levels. Monitoring your blood sugar levels also helps you and your doctor decide if your treatment is working or if changes are needed. Currently, there are two types of diabetes meters: Glucometers and Continuous Glucose Monitors.

WHAT IS A GLUCOMETER?

Glucometers are the traditional and most common way to check your blood sugar. Glucometers let you check your sugar levels anywhere, at any time. They are available without a prescription at your local pharmacy.

Glucometers work by using a small blood sample. Traditionally, glucometers use blood samples from your fingertip. However, newer meters can use blood samples from your arm or thigh. Once you have drop of blood, you place it on a test strip and put the test strip in the glucometer. The test strip uses chemicals to test how much sugar is in your blood sample. The glucometer displays the result on a screen. Timing is key when you test, so it's important to have everything ready before you start.

To use a glucometer, you need some supplies, including a lancing device, lances, and test strips. Lances are special needles that prick your skin when you activate the lancing device. The lancing device is usually a spring-loaded device with a release button. You may also need other items, such as a carrying case, a disposal container, and a solution to calibrate your meter to make sure it is accurate. While it may sound complicated, you will manage it with ease after some instruction and practice.

Many glucometers keep track of your test results and let you record what you've eaten or how you've exercised. You or your doctor can view your trends on the screen or even download them to a computer. If your meter doesn't have these features, use a notebook or a logbook instead.

WHAT IS A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR (CGM)?

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are a newer type of diabetes monitor. They have three parts: a sensor, transmitte, and monitor. The tiny sensor is located under your skin and checks the sugar levels in your tissues. It's replaced every few days. The transmitter is a small device that you wear on your skin over the sensor. It sends your test results to a wireless monitor that's about the size of a cell phone or pager. The monitor displays your test results and can be set to alert you for sugar levels that are too hight or too low.

The sensor can test your glucose every one to five minutes. This frequent monitoring can show you trends in your sugar levels over an entire day. Because glucometers only show you one point in time, you may see trends with CGM that a glucometer can't show.

There are some drawbacks to CGM, including lag effect. A lag effect happens because it takes time for sugar to move from your blood into your tissues (cells). Because CGMs measure sugar in your tissues, they aren't as accurate as glucometers. When you get a high or low alarm from your CGM, it's important to verify it with a glucometer before taking any action. You must also use a glucometer twice a day to calibrate your CGM system.

CGMs are more expensive than glucometers and require a doctor's prescription. However, they can be especially helpful if you use insulin. Studies have shown that CGM systems can help certain people with diabetes achieve better glucose control.

source: http://www.localhealth.com/

FEED YOUR FACE: 10 FOODS FOR BETTER SKIN

When it comes to your health, the outside reflects the inside. A dull, dry complexion is a blinking neon sign that you're not eating right. Lucky for you, you can put your best face forward with a better diet. Here's how:

Face Food #1: Avocados - This creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish your skin, inside and out. Niacin is especially important for healthy skin, and avocados contain lots of it. Niacin, an anti-inflammatory, soothes irritated skin and red, blotchy skin.

Face Food #2: Mangoes - Mangoes have more than 80% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, which is why they're such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells; a deficiency will result in a dry, flaky complexion. As an antioxidant, Vitamin A also fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin. With fewer than 70 calories per serving, this succulent furit is the perfect pick for your figure, not just your face.

Face Food #3: Almonds - Not only is it a gorgeous shape for your eyes, almonds are also great for your complexion. With 150% of your daily need for Vitamin E, it's no wonder that getting a bit nutty is good for you. Vitamin E's rich oils moisturize dry skin, and its antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging.

Face Food #4: Cottage Cheese - Dairy is good for your bones and face. But it's the selenium in cottage cheese, not the calcium, that makes us wild for the creamy curds. Selenium, an essential mineral, teams up with Vitamin E as a powerful free radical-fighting antioxidant duo. Plus, it'll protect against skin cancer and fight dandruff.

Face Food #5: Acerola Cherries - Your average cherry doesn't supply a lot of Vitamin C, but that's not true for Acerolas. One of these cherries supplies 100% of your daily allowance for Vitamin C, which is great news for your skin.. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles. It also plays a central role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin.

Face Food #6: Oysters - Whether they're an aphrodisiac or not, oysters are a love fest for skin. They fight pimples because they're rich in zinc. The mineral affects sebum production, a deficiency may contribute to acne. Zinc also helps boost elastin production with the help of Vitamin C.

Face Food #7: Baked Potatoes - Set aside the greasy French fries. A plump, steaming baked potato is good for your skin. Eat one baked (potato with the skin) to get 75% of your daily copper need. This essential mineral works with Vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure. Too little copper in your diet can reduce your skin's ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.

Face Food #8: Mushrooms - This fungus isn't just for soup; it's rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that's vital to your skin. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, and improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea. This vitamin is so important for skin repair that the body uses large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or undergoing surgery.

Face Food #9: Flaxseed Oil - It's no secret that omegs 3s are great for your skin, but did you know that flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid? That's great news if you're not a fish lover. Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of omega 3s, which, in turn, hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids also dilute sebum and unclog pores that otherwise leads to acne.

Face Food #10: Wheat Germ - Don't let the "germ" scare you - it's actually just the embryo within a grain of wheat, and it's nutritious. Wheat germ is a good surce of biotin, a B vitamin that's crucial to skin health. A mild biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis, a condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin.

Take care of your skin by eating right and having fun with your food. Drink plenty of water and exercise daily to flush out toxins. Smoking damages healthy skin and makes it more prone to wrinkles and an ashen, gray color - not pretty. Finally, always wear sunscreen, especially on your face, whether it's sunny or cloudy. Buy a face moisturizer that contains at least 15 SPF.

source: http://www.lifescript.com/

UNDERSTANDING FOOD LABELS

While food shopping, you will no doubt see products labeled as "fat free" or "lite." What do these labels really mean, and can you trust them? Food manufacturers are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to meet certain requirements before a product can be labeled a particular way. Understanding the meaning of these labels can help you make healthy decisions the next time you are at the grocery store.

FREE

• Calorie-free: fewer than 5 calories per serving
• Fat Free: less than 0.5g of fat per serving
• Trans Fat Free: less than 0.5g of trans fats per serving
• Cholesterol Free: less than 2mg per serving and 2g or less saturated fat per serving

LOW

• Low Fat: less than 3 grams of fat per serving
• Low Saturated Fat: 1g or less and 15% or less of calories from saturated fat
• Low Calorie: 40 calories or less per serving
• Low Cholesterol: 20mg or less per serving and 2g or less saturated fat per serving

REDUCED

• Reduced fat: 25% less fat than the same regular brand

LIGHT/LITE

• Light: 50% less fat than the same regular product

LEAN

• Lean: less than 10 grams of fat and 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving
• Extra Lean: less than 5 grams of fat, less than 2 grams saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving

source: http://www.healthcentral.com/

YOUR GUIDE TO HEALTHY BONES AT EVERY AGE

We think of bone as hard, sturdy and unyielding - the internal scaffolding that holds us together and helps us stand tall. That's true. But bone is also living tissue that adjusts and evolves throughout our lives. Maintaining healthy bones doesn't just happen; it takes work. Eat the right foods, do the right exercises, dodge the bad habits - and you'll likely be rewarded with strong bones that resist breakage. Indulge in unhealthy activities, like partying and fad diets, and you could be stuck with a frame that's porous, weak and easily fractured. Read on to learn how they develop each decade, and what you can do to keep them healthy.

In your 20s:

You can eat almost anything without consequence and have boundless energy to boot - but you still haven't hit peak bone mass, when your bones are at their strongest.

1. Eat bone building foods to make sure your bones become as strong as possible - 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium every day and 400-800IU of Vitamin D.

2. Load up on other nutrients too - including magnesium, phosphorous and Vitamin K.

3. Avoid excessive dieting and exercise.

4. Limit alcohol

5. Nix the cigarettes. Smoking tobacco slows down cells that make bone.

6. Watch your soft-drink intake. The phosphoric acid in sodas can overload your system and upset its balance with calcium.

In your 30s:

Unless there is a lifestyle issue or a health issue, bones remain fairly stable druing your 30s. This is a good time to establish healthy bone habits.

1. Make exercise a priority.

2. Protect your skeletal health during pregnancy.

3. Pay attention to your thyroid

In your 40s:

Forty may be the new 30, but like it or not, this is the decade when most women approach menopause, and the body produces less estrogen.

1. Consider interval training, which alternates short bursts of intense exercise with less intense recovery periods.

2. Take up weight training. The resistance forces bone to rebuild itself and improves both bone and muscle strength.

3. Watch your weight. Gaining too many pounds can worsen conditions like osteoarthritis, which may limit your mobility and make it harder for you to exercise.

In your 50s:

Congratulations on reaching the half-century mark! But, alas, once you hit menopause, your ovaries stop producing estrogen, and bone loss accelerates. Your risk of osteoporosis also significantly increases. 50% of all Americans over the age of 50 are at risk for osteoporosis, and 80% of those who have the disease are women.

1. Load up on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

2. Get more calcium. Increase your calcium intake to 1200mg per day, and if necessary, take a supplement to reach those levels.

3. Take up balance exercises. Balance training becomes more important at this age.

In your 60s and beyond:

As you age, bones become more fragile. The risk for fractures rises, making good habits and preventing falls even more important.

1. Get your Vitamin D levels tested. Many people in their 60s have low Vitamin D levels. If you aren't taking a supplement, now is the time to start.

2. Have a bone-mineral density test.

3. Mind your meds. Certain medications, such as steroids, can cause bone loss. Other medicines or combinations of drugs can cause problems with balance and coordination.

4. Keep exercising. While you may no longer want to do the high-intensity workouts you once did, it's important to stay active.

http://www.lifescript.com/ 

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY FROM ALL OF US AT HARBOR HEALTH SERVICES