As men age, they gradually lose androgen, or testosterone, the hormone that makes men ‘men’. Hormone changes are a natural part of aging, but men and women experience these changes differently.
For women, when ovulation ends, their hormone production plummets over a relatively short period of time. Unlike this dramatic reproductive hormone plunge that women experience during menopause, sex hormone changes in men occur gradually over many years. Continue reading
Posted in Aging, Longevity, Men's Health
Tagged Aging, androgen, depression, hormones, testosterone
The USDA has retired its longstanding Food Guide Pyramid and unveiled its new food group symbol. Find out how to apply the model to your lifetime eating plan. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts a compact segment of health news in The Health Reporter Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0016H
Posted in Food, Heart Health, Longevity, Weight Control
Tagged food groups, healthy eating, obesity, USDA, weight control, weight loss
Healthy living begins at home. Think of your house like a second skin. Whatever you rub, pour, sprinkle, or spray on in order to clean it can end up in your body. Here are some tips to keep your home (and you) healthy.
Take off your shoes and keep germs from walking into your house. The Japanese were way ahead of Westerners with this custom. Along with dirt and grime, your shoes can track in fecal bacteria originating in restrooms or from the outdoors (think pet poop) and can harbor various other types of bacteria that can cause serious infections.
In Japan, it’s also customary to wear special “toilet slippers” that are only worn in the bathroom.
Treat your clothes like your skin. If you wouldn’t wash your body with it, then don’t clean your clothes in it. Avoid toxic chemicals and animal fats. Always wash new clothes before wearing them. New fabric finishes contain formaldehyde, fragranced starches and insecticides. Soak them in one cup or more of baking soda before washing them to neutralize these potentially allergenic chemicals. Continue reading
Posted in Chemical Additives, Healthy Home, Home and Garden, Longevity
Tagged bacteria, disinfectants, dust mites, germs
Fat that settles around your middle is a serious health risk factor. Here’s what works (and doesn’t work) in your attempts to defat your belly. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts this short-form segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0014M
Posted in Fitness, Heart Health, Men's Health, Weight Control
Tagged belly fat, burn fat, exercise, heart disease, visceral fat
Two surgical specialists, a neurosurgeon and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, at John Hopkins University teamed up and successfully removed a brain tumor through the eyelid of a 65-year-old woman.
This groundbreaking procedure provides a simpler direct route to the front and middle regions of the brain with minimal trauma to the skull. The surgeons entered her brain through the eyelid crease, then removed a small part of the skull above the eyebrow to reach the tumor.
This is in contrast to traditionally shaving the head, removing the top half of the skull, and moving aside sections of the brain. The patient is the 19th person to undergo this procedure.
Posted in Men's Health, Technology, Women's Health
Tagged brain surgery, brain tumor, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, Uncategorized
Belly fat is biologically different from fat that’s on the buttocks, thigh and hips. It secretes hormones and has its own blood supply which can lead to several life-threatening diseases. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts this compact segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0015M
Posted in Fitness, Men's Health, Weight Control
Tagged beer belly, hormones, visceral fat
Ever wonder how your favorite A-list celebrities maintain their million-dollar bodies? Or snap back into silver screen shape so quickly post-pregnancy? Here are some of Hollywood’s favorite health strategies that really work and a few that you should avoid.
Pilates
1. Invest in Sweat Equity: Many celebs like Pilates, yoga and running to get fit, flexible and firm. To lose fat fast though, your choice of physical activity needs to be sustained at a level of intensity that’s appropriate for you. Long leisurely walks around the block or on the beach are great for de-stressing and innervating muscles, but won’t knock off 10 to 20 pounds anytime soon. To boost fat burning, you have to raise your heart rate for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily where you’re exercising at your ‘training heart rate’. To determine this level of intensity, have a certified fitness trainer calculate your rate for you. Continue reading
Posted in Fitness, Food, Weight Control
Tagged ADD, celebrities, cleansing, exercise, Fitness, fruits, Hollywood, spicy foods, training heart rate, vegetables, weight control, weight loss, white foods
Men far outnumber women when it comes to hearing loss. Find out why and how to prevent it. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts this compact segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute.Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0009M
Posted in Fitness, Food, Healthy Fluids, Men's Health, Women's Health
Tagged dehydration, exercise, Fitness, fluid replacement, hydration
Posted in Fitness, Men's Health, Women's Health
Tagged exercise, Fitness, The Weather Channel, Uncategorized, weather
The spectrum of colors that line the produce aisle — from robust red to vibrant orange to every shade of green — contain fruits and vegetables rich in nutritious organic pigments. To get a broad range of nutrients in your diet, eat foods in all colors and varieties. On your next excursion to the supermarket though, be sure to specifically include some orange produce as these sunny foods are essential for firm, youthful and healthy skin. Here’s what’s good in them: Continue reading
Posted in Anti-aging, Anti-cancer, Antioxidants, Food, Longevity, Skin Care
Tagged anti-aging foods, healthy skin, minerals, orange foods, pigments, vitamins
Men often say they don’t have time to exercise, but here’s a new trend that combats the sedentary work. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts this compact segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0012M
Posted in Cancer, Fitness, Heart Health, Longevity, Men's Health, Weight Control
Tagged exercise, heart attacks, heart disease, standing desk, weight control, work
Fall and its emerging warm glow signal it’s time to evolve. As the deciduous trees let go of the old to prepare for the new, perhaps it’s a great time for you to shed your old ways of eating and try some new foods, techniques and recipes! If you haven’t already given some of these fall all-stars a try, consider adding a few of the following to your plate this season.
Butternut Squash: This versatile deep orange vegetable can be substituted for any recipe calling for pumpkin. Butternut squash can be roasted, grilled and puréed or mashed for soups, casseroles and breads. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of vitamin E, fiber, potassium, and magnesium and contain no cholesterol or fat. Compared to pumpkin, butternut squash has twice the amount of A and C. Continue reading
Posted in Food, Longevity, Weight Control
Tagged fall fruits, minerals, seasonal vegetables, vitamins
[TV segment #0011M
Dietary supplements are popular, but you can’t assume they’re safe and effective because they’re on the market.
Posted in Chemical Additives, Fitness, Food, Men's Health, Supplements, Women's Health
Tagged dietary supplements, FDA regulations, health, minerals, Supplements, vitamins
[TV segment #0010M
Nutritional supplements are intended to provide nutrients that you may be missing from your diet. Here’s why you need to be a savvy consumer.
Posted in Chemical Additives, Fitness, Food, Men's Health, Supplements, Women's Health
Tagged dietary supplements, FDA regulations, health, minerals, Supplements, vitamins
The long-term benefits of wearing sunscreen are backed by solid scientific research, but there’s also evidence that a common compound in sunscreen may cause skin damage.
Posted in Chemical Additives, Longevity, Men's Health, Skin Care, Women's Health
Tagged skin cancer, sunblock, sunburn, sunscreen, UV rays
Economical day trips to area attractions or longer road trips across state lines are fun ways to see the world, but they also mean having to sit for some periods of time. To keep your waistline from expanding in the process, plan ahead with some healthy road trip snacks. They may involve some preparation, but you’ll reach your destination feeling energetic and adventurous rather than lethargic and bloated.
1. The Essentials: Be sure to take a cooler for food and drinks that need to be kept cool then pack another bag for your non-refrigerated snacks. Also, carry some wet wipes, napkins, paper towels for possible spills, a couple bags for trash, and a few utensils. Continue reading
Posted in Food, Healthy Fluids, Heart Healthy, Kid-Friendly
Tagged edamame, fruit, hummus dip, pita bread, road trip, snacks, trail mix, vegetables
When you exercise and work up a good sweat, you need additional fluids. Here are some quick fluid facts for when you’re getting fit.
Posted in Fitness, Healthy Fluids, Men's Health
Tagged dehydration, exercise, fluid replacement, hydration
The presentation of our food is just as important as what’s actually on our plate. But some foods don’t score so high when it comes to being visually appealing. In fact, they’re downright unappealing. However, close your eyes and give the following health foods a try because they really are worth including in your diet.
Burdock Root: This plant is traditional in Japanese cuisine. A popular Japanese dish is “kinpira gobo” where the root is shaved into little strips, combined with carrots and braised with soy sauce, sugar, mirin and/or sake, and sesame oil. It’s often pickled and used to fill sushi rolls. This root contains no cholesterol and is very low in sodium, high in dietary fiber, and rich in manganese, magnesium, potassium and B6.
Octopus: These sea creatures are a great catch for divers and eaten regularly in Hawaii. They aren’t pretty to look at with their ugly head, big bulging eyes, and eight arms bearing suction cups, but if you’ve ever had the experience of eating them fresh out of the water, salted and served hot off the grill, you’ll agree they’re worth the culinary adventure. Also known as “tako” in Japanese cuisine, it’s included in sushi and other side dishes. Octopus is low in saturated fat and a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and a very good source of protein, vitamin B12, iron, copper and selenium. Continue reading
Posted in Antioxidants, Food, Heart Healthy
Tagged burdock root, gobo, octopus, omega-3 fatty acids, sardines, seaweed, shiitake mushrooms, wakame
Attention to your oral health is important for your overall health. How you care for your mouth, teeth and gums can affect the rest of your body.
Posted in Dental Health, Heart Health, Longevity
Tagged cavities, dental care, gum disease, heart disease, Longevity
Your hearing can be affected by driving your car at high speeds. Learn more about noise-induced hearing loss. Karen Owoc, The Health Reporter, hosts a compact segment of men’s health and fitness news in The Men’s Health Minute. Writer/Producer: Karen Owoc. [Segment #0001M
Posted in Men's Health
Tagged hearing loss, lifestyle, men's fitness, noise-induced hearing loss
On this Memorial Day weekend, here’s a way to remember and honor the brave men and women who protect us and our freedom. Their special sacrifices and hardships enable us to do what we do everyday. The Fisher House program supports America’s military in their time of need.
Per their website…Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
Currently, there are 54 Fisher Houses located on 21 military installations and 17 VA medical centers. Twelve more houses are under construction or in design.
To help our seriously wounded soldiers during their long road of recovery, click here to donate online or call 1-888-294-8560.
Posted in Health Care
Tagged health, Health Care, military, military families, recovery, support our troops, wounded warriors
Spring strikes 40 million Americans with seasonal allergies each year bringing on the usual coughing, sneezing and red itchy eyes. But researchers report that allergies may also cause psychological harm. Studies show allergies worsen mood, cognition and quality of life and can double the likelihood of depression.
On the surface, if you can’t sleep well and you’re rundown and miserable, it’s bound to worsen your mood and make you more vulnerable to depression. Moreover, when you’re congested and have to breathe through your mouth to get oxygen, it’s irritating and unattractive. Sufferers often avoid socializing and isolate themselves which further increases their risk of depression.
There’s no evidence that allergies actually cause people to feel depressed, but emerging studies reveal allergies can be a risk factor for depression. Beyond the sleep problems that can lead to poor concentration and depression, research suggests that there’s a biological component to the “allergy blues” that afflict so many allergy sufferers.
Allergic ‘rhinitis’, or commonly known as a stuffy nose, causes specialized cells in the nose to release cytokines. These small protein molecules rev up the immune system response whereby proinflammatory cytokines “inflame” your cells and tissues. Continue reading
Posted in Children's Health & Safety, Men's Health, Women's Health
Tagged allergies, congestion, corticosteroids, depression, hay fever, serotonin
Flaxseed can replace oil in many recipes
The next time you have an inextinguishable craving for brownies — make them with dark chocolate for the extra flavonoids (antioxidants). But did you know that you can substitute flax seeds for part of the oil in the recipe? Give it a try — you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Flax seeds are powered packed with omega-3 fats and there’s strong evidence that these essential fats reduce your risk for heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Your body needs them to control brain and immune functions, blood clotting and cell growth. They’re also the components of cell membranes. For this reason, omega-3′s are also great for your skin! A sign that you’re deficient in this fat is dry skin. Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged brownies, omega-3 fatty acids, Uncategorized, walnuts
Ella Speakes, The Positive Talk Diva, of the Ella Speakes radio talk show in Oklahoma will interview yours truly on Monday, April 18. Topics include how to balance essential fats in your diet (“The Skinny on Omega Fats”) and whether it’s healthier to eat vegetables raw or cooked (“The Raw Truth on Vegetables”).
Pre-washing machine era. Women used straw to cushion their knees.
Clothes washer technology has reduced the drudgery of scrubbing clothes to get them clean — much nicer than the days of pounding or rubbing the clothing on rocks in a river or against a corrugated wash board. But even the high efficiency, highest tech agitators need your helping hand. Otherwise, washing your clothes can actually make them dirtier.
First, always wash new clothes before wearing them. New fabric finishes contain formaldehyde, fragranced starches, and insecticides. Soak them in one cup or more of baking soda before washing them to neutralize these potentially allergenic chemicals. Continue reading
Posted in Healthy Home, Home and Garden
Tagged baking soda, cleaning, detergents, Healthy Home, Pesticides, vinegar, washing machines
New studies show soy is now good for breast cancer survivors
For years, there’s been confusing debate over whether breast cancer survivors should eat soy. However, a new study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) found that women who ate the most soy food didn’t increase their risk of breast cancer recurrence, but reduced their risk.
Since soy foods contain large amounts of isoflavones, survivors had been advised against consuming them. Isoflavones are phytochemicals (chemicals found in plants) that have both estrogen-like and anti-estrogenic effects. Continue reading
Posted in Anti-cancer, Cancer, Food, Longevity, Supplements, Women's Health
Tagged breast cancer, Cancer, cancer risk, estrogen, Food, isoflavones, Longevity, phytochemicals, soy foods, soy milk, Supplements, tamoxifen, tofu
UVA rays from nail dryers may cause cancer
Artificial nails have become increasingly popular and according to the U.S. Census Bureau figures, revenue for nail salons amounted to $1.6 billion in 2005. If you’re hooked on augmenting your natural nails, the next time you head off to the salon, you might want to bring along some sunscreen.
A University of Texas study published in the 2009 Archives of Dermatology found that two women who frequently used UV nail dryers developed skin cancer on the backs of their hands. These two healthy middle-aged women with no personalor family history of skin cancer developed non-melanoma (basal or squamous cell): Continue reading
Posted in Aging, Cancer, Skin Care, Women's Health
Tagged Aging, Cancer, manicures, petrochemical solvents, skin cancer, Skin Care, UV nail dryers
High cholesterol can lead to dementia.
A new study revealed that high cholesterol and high blood pressure are not only risk factors for heart disease, but for early memory loss as well. Cardiovascular risk and cognitive function were tested in nearly 5,000 men and women over age 55.
The researchers studied participants for 10 years and found those with a ten percent higher risk of cardiovascular problems also scored poorly on cognitive tests. The tests measured reasoning, memory, fluency, and vocabulary and the results were then compared to their Framingham risk score. Continue reading
Senior emergency centers are more private and have a specially trained staff
There’s a new trend popping up in hospital emergency rooms — a special area zoned just for seniors. Unlike the chaotic environment of modern ER’s that are more equipped to handle gunshot wounds, car accidents and other crises, these senior emergency centers are calmer and more nurturing.
Nurses and doctors receive special training in geriatrics and are more aware of senior issues. They not only treat the acute problem, but are trained to uncover underlying problems — everything from depression or dementia to a home that’s full of tripping hazards. Continue reading
Posted in Aging, Health Care, Men's Health, Women's Health
Tagged Aging, baby boomers, emergency rooms, ER, geriatrics, Health Care, seniors
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a problem with inattentiveness, overactivity, and/or impulsivity. The number of children diagnosed with ADHD has risen significantly over the years affecting 3-5% of school-age children. This increase may be due in part to schools testing school children for the disorder whereas years ago they may have just been labeled as “disorderly”. The surge in ADHD cases is also linked to the greater consumption of refined foods and unhealthy fats. Here are some tips to nourish your child to develop a healthy brain and body. Continue reading
Posted in ADHD, Chemical Additives, Children's Health & Safety, Food
Tagged attention deficit, Food, hyperactivity, impulsivity, nutrition, overactivity
Constipation relief is more about fitness than fiber
Constipation is not a subject that many of us like to talk about. But let’s face it, everyone gets constipated at one time or another and it can be pretty painful, uncomfortable, and frustrating. Here are some ways to help keep you moving!
1. Get some exercise. Your intestines are muscles too. When you work out, you’re doing more than just toning your muscles and strengthening your heart. Bowel movements occur when the muscles of your intestinal tract contract. When exercising aerobically, your heart and breathing rates increase which help your intestinal muscles contract. Well-toned intestinal muscles contract well and are able to move food through the tract efficiently and naturally. Continue reading
Potassium iodide - an antidote for radiation exposure?
Nuclear plant explosions in Japan released massive columns of smoke into the air. According to officials, 230,000 units of iodine have been distributed to evacuation centers near the nuclear power plants as a precaution. So, why is Japan distributing iodine tablets?
After the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, thousands of cases of thyroid cancer were reported in children and adolescents exposed to radiation. Following a radiological or nuclear event, escaping radioactive particulates consisting of radioactive iodine-131 can enter your body via contaminated air, food, or water (referred to as “internal contamination”). Continue reading
March is “Save Your Vision Month”. The eyes age just like the skin and are at risk for chronic diseases. Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts, the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Here’s a quick overview of the key nutrients that help preserve your vision. See also Are Carrots Good for Cataracts?.
Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, ARMD, Food, Longevity
Tagged Aging, blindness, cataracts, Food, Longevity, lutein, vision loss, zeaxanthin
Walnuts are rich in healthy essential fats.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats that your body can’t make on its own and can only get from the food you eat. So here’s one way to slip some healthy fat into your diet.
It’s currently recommended that you consume 7-11 grams of omega-3 fatty acids each week. They’re crucial for brain function and there’s strong evidence they reduce your risk for heart disease. These fats are also great for your skin! (See Eating for Healthy Skin – Part 2.) Continue reading
Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, Food, Heart Healthy, Save Money
Tagged Aging, fiber, Food, nuts, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, ripe bananas, Save Money, walnuts, whole grain
It pays to know what expenses are deductible.
With tax season now here, accountants are saying that many people think they don’t have enough medical bills to get them over the 7.5% deduction hurdle. To enjoy the maximum write-off, these experts advise that you know exactly what qualifies as a medical expense deduction.
For example, did you know that your mileage, parking fees and tolls for trips to the doctor, dentist and pharmacy are deductible? As are TV and telephone adapters for the hearing impaired? And that the cost of meals at a hospital are deductible if you’re there to get medical care? Continue reading
USDA announces new profile on eggs.
Eggs – often shunned by those on low-cholesterol diets – are lower in cholesterol than originally thought. According to the USDA, an average large egg has 185 mg. of cholesterol which is 14 percent less than last tested in 2002.
Previous tests revealed an egg contained 211 mg. of cholesterol. To put this number in perspective, eating 300 mg. of cholesterol or less a day is the standard recommendation for controlling or lowering your cholesterol numbers and 200 mg. or less if you have heart disease. Continue reading
Stress linked to graying and hair loss.
U.S. researchers made an unexpected discovery that seems to restore and prevent hair loss. The experimental study injected a compound called astressin-B into mice to block a hormone called corticotrophin-releasing factor or CRF. CRF is a stress-related hormone that’s linked to depigmentation (graying) and hair loss. Continue reading
Tagged Aging, baldness, hair loss, hair loss prevention, hair restoration
Expanded transcript from video…Wouldn’t it be nice if you could wake up every morning with smooth, radiant skin? Well, before you rush off to your local beauty store, think about picking up some skin-friendly nutrients at your local grocery store.
In our last segment, we took a look at the foods that provide the key vitamins you need for healthy skin. Today, we’re going to focus on the minerals and essential fats that’ll help your skin function and look its best. Continue reading
February is American Heart Awareness Month
Heart disease is the number one killer among women in America over the age of twenty….that’s one death every minute. And according to a new oxford study, a woman who has a mother who had a stroke has a higher risk of having a heart attack as well as a stroke.
Men have traditional risk factors – such as high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes – but women seem to have a sex-specific family history tied to their risk of having a heart attack. Using reliable tools to predict heart attack risk is critical because women are more likely to die from a heart attack than men.
Posted in Aging, Heart Health, Longevity, Women's Health
Tagged Aging, female heart attack symptoms, heart attack, Longevity, myocardial infarction
Cash register receipts may be coated with BPA.
It’s getting to be that time again…April 15th is just two months away! If you’re busy gathering up a year’s worth of your receipts, you might want to consider using some gloves during the process.
A study by the Environmental Working Group revealed that BPA (bisphenol-A) is not just showing up in plastic bottles and food cans, but in many cash register receipts printed on BPA-coated thermal paper. BPA is a synthetic estrogen with strong evidence that it causes reproductive abnormalities, gene alterations and cancer. According to the EWG, the amount of BPA is 250 to 1,000 times higher on one of these receipts than the amount in a typical food can. Continue reading
Expanded transcript from video… You may have heard the saying, “Great skin begins from within.” Well, it really is true. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and has to work hard to perform all its functions and still look its best. Your skin regulates your body temperature and provides protection, absorption, secretion and sensation.
To do its job, you need several essential vitamins, minerals and fats. In this segment, we’ll zero in on the vitamins and teach you the ABC’s and E’s of good skin nutrition. Continue reading
Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, Food, Skin Care
Tagged Aging, Food, healthy skin, Skin Care, vitamins
Scientists have found that certain foods affect the brain and the way it responds to the hormones which regulate the appetite, but there are ways to outsmart the physiological triggers to overeat.
Expanded transcript from video… We all have a tendency to overeat once in awhile or perhaps it’s more than just once in a while – especially around the holidays. But the good news is, scientists have discovered one of the reasons why – and it all has to do with the types of foods we eat.
New research shows that saturated fats crank up your appetite. They found that not only do they affect our waistlines, but our brains as well. Continue reading
On October 18 the American Heart Association released new guidelines for CPR. The changes make it easier for people to perform CPR and save lives. The AHA now recommends the CAB method, that is, Compressions first, then Airway, followed by Breathing. The previous method recommended doing the compressions last - ABC (Airway, Breathing and Compressions). For more information, go to: www.heart.org.
Posted in Heart Health, Longevity, Men's Health, Women's Health
Tagged CPR, Emergency Preparedness, emergency response, health, heart attack, Longevity
Q: I recently picked up some store-brand commercial coffee creamer and there seems to be a lot fewer long-worded ingredients in it compared to the popular name brand. Might it be safer? ~ J.K., Hayward, CA
Try healthy alternatives to artificial coffee creamers
A: All in all, when you add artificial creamers to your coffee, you’re essentially adding oils and sugar – the principal ingredients. The other ingredients prevent the oils from separating and provide a hint of dairy flavor as well as artificial flavor/color. Sound yummy? How about trying a shot of REAL 2% milk instead? You’ll gain some essential nutrients while you feed your coffee-drinking ritual.
An ounce (2 Tbsp) of 2% milk has 1 gram of protein and just 17 calories. In addition, you’ll gain some of your daily dose of vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A (1%), Calcium (4%), Vitamin D (3%), Phosphorus (3%), and Potassium (2%). To trim the fat even more, switch to skim (nonfat) or 1% lowfat milk.
Evaporated skim milk has 2X the nutrients as regular milk and no fat.
Better yet, try some evaporated skim milk (not to be confused with sweetened condensed milk). It has zero fat and a rich consistency since 50-60% of its water has been removed. Compared to regular milk, evaporated skim milk has twice the protein (2 gm) and 25 calories per ounce with double the nutrients: Vitamin A (2%), Calcium (8%), Vitamin D (6%), and Potassium (3%).
THR Tip: If you also gradually reduce the amount of sugar you add to your coffee, this single adjustment would be healthier for your heart. A study found that sugar can lower your levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and raise your levels of triglyceride (fats in the blood).
Posted in Food, Heart Health, Heart Healthy
Tagged coffee, coffee creamer, cream, evaporated skim milk, Food, milk, non-dairy creamers
With so many beverages to choose from to stay hydrated, check out some of the good and the not-so-good choices.
Posted in Aging, Chemical Additives, Heart Health
Tagged Aging, dehydration, fluids, health, hydration
With the advent of the raw food culture, is it healthier to eat your vegetables raw rather than cooked? Take a look…
Expanded transcript… I’m often asked if it’s healthier to eat vegetables raw. Some people think cooking destroys valuable enzymes, vitamins and minerals. But cooking has a purpose. It breaks down the insoluble fiber which softens the vegetables so they’re edible. And as it turns out, raw vegetables are not always healthier than cooked. Here’s why…. Continue reading
Posted in Aging, Antioxidants, Cancer, Food
Tagged Aging, anti-cancer foods, antioxidants, Cancer, cooking, Food, health, indoles, polyphenols, raw foods, sulforaphanes
Do you drink enough water every day? Water not only quenches the thirst, it’s vital for organs to function. It’s needed for digestion, to carry nutrients and oxygen, control blood pressure, and to even lubricate joints. Without enough water, skin, the largest organ in the body, can become dry and wrinkled.
Blood thickens without water and the circulatory system has to work harder.
Up to 75% of a person’s body weight is water. Water is lost during breathing when humidified air leaves the body as well as through daily urination, sweat and stool.
In a day’s work, the body loses about eight to twelve cups of water and all of that fluid needs to go back in. When you become dehydrated, your blood becomes thicker and loses volume. As a result, the heart has to work harder and blood circulation becomes less efficient. Continue reading
Technology is helping doctors take a 3-D look at the hearts of possible heart attack victims. High-tech cardiac scans can provide three-dimensional images of the heart’s anatomy and blood circulation. It’s a non-invasive test and can detect if the heart’s blood vessels are blocked or narrowed.
64-slice CT Scanner can see narrowing of arteries that cause heart attacks.
The scan, the 64-slice CT scanner, is a huge advancement in cardiology and uses a combination of X-ray and computer technology. The life-saving machine produces cross-sectional images, often called “slices”, of the heart. The 64-slice scanner can spot things that couldn’t be seen on older scanners, such as the narrowing of arteries that cause heart attacks.
Low levels of radiation are used to create the image, so there is a risk of radiation exposure which may lead to cancer.
Here’s a bit of health news for pet owners. The FDA said dogs should not be given bones of any kind. According to a vet at the FDA, even large bones, like a ham or a roast, are unsafe.
“Some people think it’s safe to give dogs large bones,” said Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA. “Bones are unsafe no matter what their size.”
All bones can cause broken teeth, constipation, and mouth or tongue injuries. Also, bones or bone fragments can get stuck in a dog’s esophagus or even its stomach, which might require surgery. Worse yet, a real bone can cause a deadly bacterial infection of the abdomen, called peritonitis. This happens when bone fragments poke holes in a dog’s stomach or intestines.
Karen Owoc
