Don't Let Your Metabolism Fall

by: Jeremy Likness

It only takes a few key habits to raise your metabolism. There is no magic pill required. You don't have to put heavy spices on all of your foods or run in circles all day long, either. This article shares ten strategies to keep that metabolism elevated.

The technical definition of metabolism is the sum of all the chemical and physical changes that take place within the body and enable its continued growth and functioning. Metabolism involves the breakdown of complex organic constituents of the body with the liberation of energy, which is required for other processes and the building up of complex substances, which form the material of the tissues and organs.

You may have heard terms thrown around such as anabolism and catabolism. These terms refer to actions that take place within your body. Contrary to popular belief, catabolism isn't just the loss of muscle tissue. When you burn fat, you are catabolic - fortunately, the catabolism is taking place where you want it to.

Conversely, any time your body builds or stores (such as growth of muscle tissue or storage of fat) the process is called anabolic. Sculpting a lean physique means focusing on habits that promote catabolism of fat tissue and anabolism of muscle tissue.

One advantage to having a higher metabolism is that you can consume more food or exercise less to achieve the same results. A higher metabolism implies your body is expending more energy. Therefore, you can take on more energy in the form of food while maintaining your shape or even losing fat. While any one of the following techniques may only impact your metabolism a small bit, the cumulative effect can have a major impact.

1. Train With Weights

Training with weights boosts your metabolism in a number of ways. Weight training itself has been shown to increase exercise post oxygen consumption (EPOC) - in other words, your metabolism may be raised for hours or even days after the session. Weight training is also the main way to stimulate the growth of muscle tissue.

Muscle tissue is metabolically active, so it requires calories even when at rest. Muscle tissue also helps increase the number of fat-burning enzymes and organelles in your body.

2. Supplement With Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are involved in the manufacture of hormones and repair of cell membranes in your body. With the right types of fats, your body can use these anabolically.

These processes require energy, so the fats may actually increase your metabolism despite the added calories you are consuming! You can add fats to your diet without increasing calories simply by increasing the percentage of calories from fats and then lowering the percentage of calories from carbohydrates or proteins.

3. Every Little Bit Counts

Believe it or not, simply changing some simple daily habits can have a huge impact on your metabolism. Do you play the game of driving around the parking lot for twenty minutes waiting for the perfect space to open? Instead, park at the edge of the parking lot and walk to your destination.

You'll probably get there quicker, and burn some calories along the way. Other metabolism-boosting activities include standing instead of sitting, taking stairs instead of elevators, and even fidgeting!

4. Don't Fear Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are not the enemy. Using the right types of carbohydrates can be a valuable tool for your metabolism.

For example, you may expend more calories consuming 20 grams of carbohydrate from lentils than 20 grams of carbohydrate from sugar. The lentils contain fiber and other nutrients that the body must work to extract, and therefore expends more energy. Look for fibrous, low-glycemic carbs and focus on unprocessed carbohydrates.

5. Fluctuate Calories

Zigzagging calories is by far one of the most effective methods for keeping your metabolism revved. Homeostasis is the action your body takes to "remain stable." In other words, if you drop your calories, your body will try to slow your metabolism in order to keep things the same.

By zigzagging calories, you may be able to thwart this mechanism. Some people zigzag day by day - for example, if their target is 2000 calories, they'll consume 1800 one day and 2200 the next. I prefer to consume low calories for a week or two, and then raise calories for a week, and then drop them again.

6. Increase Protein

Protein requires a complex chemical conversion by your body in order to be used as fuel. It takes up to 30% of the calories you consume to oxidize or use protein for energy.

For example, 100 calories of protein may take up to 30 calories to process. Therefore, increasing the percentage of calories in your diet that come from protein may help raise your metabolism.

7. Perform High Intensity Cardio

High intensity cardio, like weight training, takes you into the anaerobic zone of training. This, in turn, creates what is known as "oxygen debt." Even when you have concluded your exercise, the body is processing waste and recovering from the activity - and therefore keeping your metabolism elevated.

8. Increase Frequency Of Eating

Most bodybuilders are aware of this technique. Consuming food triggers digestion, and digestion requires calories. By eating more frequent, smaller meals, you continuously supply your body with nutrients while forcing it to digest and break down the foods. This, in turn, can have the net effect of raising your metabolism.

9. Eat Whole Foods

The calories that you burn during digestion are due to the need for your body to break down the foods. Your body must extract the fiber and nutrients, take chains of molecules and chop them into smaller versions to absorb them into your bloodstream, and perform a variety of tasks in order to assimilate foods.

When foods are processed, much of this work is done for you. For example, processed flour is ground into small pieces that the body can digest more quickly. This means your blood sugar rises faster and your body expends fewer calories processing the flour.

Whole grains, on the other hand, pack more nutrients, are higher in fiber, and force the body to work harder to use them as energy. Another advantage to eating whole foods is that many of the nutrients in these foods - such as vitamins and minerals - are cofactors in metabolic processes that your body uses to burn fat and build muscle.

10. Drink Cold Water

This tip is probably overrated. Your body will expend more calories trying to raise cold water to the temperature of your body, but the exact amount is debatable. It stands to reason, however, that integrating this habit with the other habits listed above can contribute to the greater goal of raising your metabolism.

Conclusion

These are just a few habits you can embrace to start revving your metabolism right away. You may have heard stories about people who have lost dozens of pounds simply switching to diet soda or walking a few minutes each day. These are all small habits that contribute to a big difference over time.

Healthy Digestion

by: Carolyn Bell Smith

Having a healthy digestion system is more than being free of discomforts, heartburn, gas, and constipation. When foods are not digested thoroughly, nutrients cannot get to the cell. Nutrients are captured as food passes through the digestive system. The body needs a constant flow of nutrients, to grow, generate energy, and to repair tissue.

A lack of digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestines causes heartburn, indigestion, bloating, gas, and constipation. It would be beneficial to take a digestive enzyme to help to eliminate these symptoms.

Without giving much thought to digestion, one thinks: food is placed into the mouth, chew, swallow, and digestion, not so. Nutrients are vital to every cell in the body, with the right mixture of nutrients, the nerves signal the digestion to take place. Making the right food and supplement choices, exercising, and taking herbal extracts, support the digestive system. Enzymes and nutrition makes a healthy digestion system and transforms food into energy for the body to use.

The body will function properly when it is given what is needed; it has 1,300 different enzymes that cause the body to function disease free. Most people are void of the proper nutrients and enzymes, thereby causing diseases. The body has healing powers, when given the right fuel it will respond quickly. An organic whole food supplement has many nutrients working synergistically making the nutrients more available and effective.

Not only does the body need supplements, but also more importantly, it needs a non-chemically manufactured supplement because the body does not recognize chemically manufactured supplements. These vitamins and minerals are extracted separately, are recognized as isolated nutrients, and cannot possible compare to organic supplements.

Vitamins may come from a natural source, but often times, because of processing, it is not natural. Perhaps this is why many scientists and doctors say taking a large quantity of vitamin supplements only pass through the body producing expensive urine.

The key is to think organic, what the body recognizes and will absorb. Whole organic food supplement contain nutrients, living enzymes and life force energy.

Dog Flu: Can Your Dog Get It?

by: Neal Kennedy

Dog flu, a highly contagious and sometimes deadly canine disease has been detected in a number of states and may be spreading around the country.

Researchers reported that the mysterious dog flu is an influenza strain that jumped from horses to dogs.

The dog flu is highly similar to the equine flu that's been in the U.S. for more than 40 years. Influenza has never before occurred in dogs.

Humans don't get the virus from horses, and it's unlikely they'll get it from dogs, according to experts at the Influenza Branch of the Centers for Disease Control.

The medical term for dog flu is H3N8 influenza virus.

Symptoms of canine flu are a lot like those of "kennel cough." Dogs with symptoms may have a nagging cough, fever, and nasal discharge.

Dogs with canine flu are susceptible to getting pneumonia.

Canine flu made the news earlier this year as greyhound racetracks closed to control outbreaks. Veterinarians struggled to tell if the illness was a new variant of kennel cough or an entirely new disease. It was first detected at a Florida racetrack and several dogs died from it.

Tests of blood stored by racetracks suggests the new canine flu strain began infecting dogs sometime between 1999 and 2003, well before the first outbreaks were recognized.

The announcement follows months of rumors and growing worry among dog-lovers, about canine flu.

Researchers have been working on a canine flu vaccine for three months. It's not yet known how long it would take for such a flu vaccine to be to developed, tested, manufactured, and distributed for veterinary use.

How To Lower Your Risk Of Catching Flu (Including Bird Flu)

by: Sarah Jenkins



Influenza is in no way a new ailment to plague the people of the world. However, a new deadly strand of the virus has everyone running for cover. How do you avoid catching flu, including the dangerous bird flu that threatens so many?

First, it should be explained that bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a virus much like the regular flu we are accustomed to. It is transmitted in much the same way, through droplets of saliva and mucus. However, bird flu is currently only transmitted from infected birds to humans and can not be passed from human to human like the regular flu. The main concern arises with bird flu as it is expected to mutate and at some point be transmitted by humans as well. Until this takes place, bird flu is only passed from infected birds to humans by way of direct contact with the animal or its feces.

The current outbreak of bird flu is taking place in Asia; therefore, there is little concern of catching the virus unless you are in that region and handling fowl. However, once the virus mutates it will be transmitted much like the standard flu and may be avoided in much the same way.

The obvious first step in lowering your risk of catching the virus is being administered a vaccine. There is currently not a vaccine for the dangerous strand of influenza, but one is being developed. With any luck one will be produced prior to any widespread contamination of the virus.

Another option is one utilized in most regular flu cases - taking antiviral medication, such as Tamiflu. These are expected to be effective on the dangerous strand of influenza as well as the regular flu virus. However, for this treatment to be useful, it must be administered early in the virus, typically within two days of showing symptoms. This and other drugs do not cure the virus, but instead lessen the effects of the symptoms. They may, however, prevent the virus from becoming severe.

The most effective way to avoid catching the flu, the regular flu as well as the bird flu, is prevention. Proper hygiene reduces the risk of the spread of influenza. Simple things, like washing your hands and avoiding close contact with sick people, may be your best technique in lowering your risk of becoming infected. Utilizing hand sanitizer is also a useful option.

Natural Liver Support Cleansing Products

by: Chester Ku-Lea
The liver is involved in thousands of biochemical mechanisms making it second only to the brain in importance and complexity. Natural health practitioners are also acutely aware of the detrimental effects on the liver of modern living, with its chemicals, excessive fat intake, pesticides, hormones, and stress. This suggests that we as a culture are in need of liver support. You should consider liver support supplementation if you:

• Have a history of a Fatty Liver
• Consume Alcohol
• Consume Tobacco Products
• Have been taking Medications/Drugs
• Are exposed to Environmental Toxins or Chemicals or Second Hand Smoke
• Have a history of Liver or Gall Bladder Problems

Dandelion

Dandelion root enhances bile flow, thus improving conditions such as liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice. Dandelion increases bile flow by affecting the liver directly to cause an increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder, and exerting a direct effect on the gallbladder by causing a contraction and release of stored bile. Dandelion's hepatic tonic effect may be attributable to the high choline content.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Greco-Roman times as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver problems. Several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for headaches and pain; acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)

Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use, and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.

(Inggris:Swine influenza) Flu babi

Flu babi (Inggris:Swine influenza) adalah kasus-kasus influensa yang disebabkan oleh virus Orthomyxoviridae yang endemik pada populasi babi. Galur virus flu babi yang telah diisolasi sampai saat ini telah digolongkan sebagai Influenzavirus C atau subtipe genus Influenzavirus A[1]


Babi dapat menampung virus flu yang berasal dari manusia maupun burung, memungkinkan virus tersebut bertukar gen dan menciptakan galur pandemik.
Flu babi menginfeksi manusia tiap tahun dan biasanya ditemukan pada orang-orang yang bersentuhan dengan babi, meskipun ditemukan juga kasus-kasus penularan dari manusia ke manusia.[2] Gejala virus termasuk demam, disorientasi, kekakuan pada sendi, muntah-muntah, dan kehilangan kesadaran yang berakhir pada kematian[3] Flu babi diketahui disebabkan oleh virus influenza A subtipe H1N1[4] H1N2,[4] H3N1,[5] H3N2,[4] and H2N3.[6]
Di Amerika Serikat, hanya subtipe H1N1 lazim ditemukan di populasi babi sebelum tahun 1998. Namun sejak akhir Agusuts 1998, subtipe H3N2 telah diisolasi juga dari babi.
Asal mula
Pada 5 Februari 1976, tentara di Fort Dix, Amerika Serikat menyatakan dirinya kelelahan dan lemah, kemudian meninggal dunia keesokannya. Dokter menyatakan kematiannya itu disebabkan oleh virus ini sebagaimana yang terjadi pada tahun 1918. Presiden kala itu, Gerald Ford, diminta untuk mengarahkan rakyatnya disuntik dengan vaksin, namun rencana itu dibatalkan.Pada 20 Agustus 2007, virus ini menjangkiti seorang warga di pulau Luzon, Filipina.
[7] Flu babi (swine flu) merupakan penyakit saluran pernafasan yang disebabkan oleh virus influenza. Penyakit ini sebenarnya jamak menyerang ternak babi, namun kini telah mengalami perubahan yang drastis dan mampu untuk menginfeksi manusia. Gejala yang timbul pada manusia pun mirip dengan apa yang terjadi pada babi.
Flu babi pertama kali diisolasi dari seekor babi yang terinfeksi pada tahun 1930 di Amerika Serikat. Pada perkembangannya, penyakit ini dapat berpindah ke manusia terutama menyerang mereka yang kontak dekat dengan babi. Lama tidak terdengar lagi kabarnya ternyata virus ini mengalami serangkaian mutasi sehingga muncul varian baru yang pertama kali menyerang manusia di Meksiko pada awal tahun 2009. Varian baru ini dikenal dengan nama virus H1N1 yang merupakan singkatan dari dua antigen utama virus yaitu hemagglutinin tipe 1 dan neuraminidase tipe 1.

Tanda dan gejala


Gejala utama virus flu babi pada manusia.
[8] Gejala utama flu babi mirip dengan gejala influenza pada umumnya seperti : demam, batuk, pilek, letih dan sakit kepala. Beberapa pasien dapat mengalami mual, muntah dan diare.
Penyakit ini dapat jatuh ke arah yang lebih buruk sehingga pasien mengalami kesulitan untuk bernafas dan memerlukan alat bantu nafas (ventilator). Bila ada bakteri yang ikut ikutan menginfeksi paru paru maka pasien dapat mengalami radang paru paru atau pneumonia. Beberapa diantaranya dapat mengalami gejala kejang kejang. Kematian umumnya terjadi karena adanya infeksi sekunder bakteri pada paru paru sehingga diperlukan antibiotika yang pas untuk mengatasi infeksi tersebut.
Menurut Pusat Pengawasan dan Pencegahan Penyakit di Amerika Serikat, gejalan influensa ini mirip dengan influensa. Gejalanya seperti demam, batuk, sakit pada kerongkongan, sakit pada tubuh, kepala, panas dingin, dan lemah lesu. Beberapa penderita juga melaporkan buang air besar dan muntah-muntah.[9]
Dalam mendiagnosa penyakit ini tidak hanya perlu melihat pada tanda atau gejala khusus, tetapi juga catatan terbaru mengenai pasien. Sebagai contoh, selama wabah flu babi 2009 di AS, CDC menganjurkan para dokter untuk melihat "apakah jangkitan flu babi pada pasien yang di diagnosa memiliki penyakit pernapasan akut memiliki hubungan dengan orang yang di tetapkan menderita flu babi, atau berada di lima negara bagian AS yang melaporkan kasus flu babi atau berada di Meksiko dalam jangka waktu tujuh hari sebelum bermulanya penyakit mereka." [10] Diagnosa bagi penetapan virus ini memerlukan adanya uji makmal bagi contoh pernapasan.[10]
Pergantian nama
Penamaan jenis penyakit ini dianggap salah oleh berbagai kalangan, karena telah membuat salah tafsir masyarakat - bahwa babi dapat menularkan penyakit ini kepada manusia. Untuk itu, Organisasi Kesehatan Dunia (WHO) telah mengganti nama penyakit ini dengan Influensa A (H1N1) mulai 30 April 2009 lalu.
CARA MENDIAGNOSA
Diagnosa flu babi ditegakan berdasarkan gejala klinis pasien dan riwayat kontak dengan mereka meraka yang memiliki gejala seperti diatas. Selanjutnya dilakukan pemeriksaan lendir atau dahak yang berasal dari tenggorokan pasien. Pemeriksaan ini gunanya untuk membedakan apakah virus yang menginfeksi penderita tersebut termasuk virus tipe A atau B. Bila ternyata hasilnya adalah virus tipe B maka dapat dipastikan bahwa pasien tersebut bukan terinfeksi flu babi. Namun bila ternyata hasilnya adalah virus tipe A maka ada kemungkinan penderita tersebut menderita flu babi atau terinfeksi virus H1N1. Sampel ini selanjutnya dikirim ke laboratorium yang lebih lengkap untuk memastikan adanya antigen virus flu babi sehingga diagnosa flu babi dapat ditegakan dengan pasti.

TINDAKAN PENGOBATAN
Meskipun telah lama ditemukan vaksin untuk mencegah penularan virus influenza, namun vaksin untuk virus flu babi (H1N1) sampai saat ini belum ada. Saat ini beberapa laboratorium pemerintah yang dibiayai oleh WHO sedang mengembangkan penelitian untuk menemukan vaksin virus flu babi.
Dua obat anti virus yang dipercaya mampu mencegah bertambah parahnya flu babi adalah zanamivir (Relenza) dan oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Penggunaan obat ini tidak boleh sembarangan karena ditakutkan akan terjadi resistensi virus terhadap kedua obat tersebut. Obat ini juga tidak direkomendasikan untuk gejala flu yang telah muncul lebih dari 48 jam. Pada keadaan yang berat, pasien mungkin membutuhkan penanganan intensif lebih lanjut di rumah sakit.
TINDAKAN PENCEGAHAN
Cara paling ampuh untuk mencegah penularan virus flu babi pada prinsipnya sama dengan cara mencegah penularan virus influenza yang lain yaitu vaksinasi. Sayangnya vaksin untuk flu babi sampai saat ini belum ditemukan.
Cara lain untuk mencegah penularan virus ini adalah dengan meminimalisir kontak dengan virus seperti mencuci tangan sesering mungkin, jangan menyentuh wajah anda terutama hidung dan mulut serta menghindari kontak dekat dengan orang yang sedang menderita flu.
Pencegahan penularan juga bisa dilakukan oleh mereka yang telah terinfeksi dengan cara : menghindari keramaian dan selalu tinggal di rumah. Jangan bekerja dan bersekolah dahulu sampai keadaan membaik. Hindari bersin, batuk dan berbicara terlalu dekat dengan orang lain.

Help for Diabetes, Gout and More

by: Loring Windblad

Overview of Gout

Gout is a systemic disease caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. This condition can develop for two reasons. The liver may produce more uric acid than the body can excrete in the urine, or a diet of rich foods (e.g., red meat, cream sauces, red wine) puts more uric acid into the bloodstream than the kidneys can filter. In both cases, a condition called hyperuricemia results. Over time, the uric acid crystallizes and settles in the joint spaces, most commonly in the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe or in the ankle joint.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of gout are inflammation, swelling, and tenderness in the joint of the first toe. Touching or moving it is intensely painful and patients often say it hurts to have as much as a bedsheet over the toe. Gout develops quickly and typically occurs in only one joint at a time. Symptoms may develop in two or three joints simultaneously, but this is rare. If widespread symptoms occur, the condition is probably not gout.

Diagnosis

The most reliable way to diagnose gout is to examine the joint fluid for uric acid crystals. This is done by drawing fluid from the joint with a needle and examining it under a polarized light microscope. Although the test is invasive, the results are definitive, and a positive result facilitates proper treatment and quick relief.

Treatment

Treatment for gout involves decreasing the amount of uric acid in the joint. If dietary habits are the cause, the patient's lifestyle must be changed to avoid the condition. Gout is readily corrected with patient cooperation, and it is usually not treated unless it occurs frequently. Colchicine is a common medication for treating acute gout attacks. If continuous medication is necessary, the two most common choices are probenecid and allopurinol.

Prevention

Alcohol and rich foods are primary contributors to excessive uric acid levels. Although some patients have a genetic predisposition to excessive uric acid production, most gout patients have normal kidneys and uncontrolled dietary habits. Prevention is the best defense against the disease.

Many patients who suffer from gout continue to indulge, and suffer frequent attacks as a result. Although medication makes it possible to live with gout, the continued accumulation of uric acid in the joints eventually damages them, seriously inhibiting movement.

Overview of Diabetes

New to diabetes? Learn the basics – check with your local diabetes clinic or research it on the internet.

A key to diabetes management is maintaining a regular exercise program. Its never too late to start – see below. Sticking to dietary goals while eating out also can be very challenging – see comments below.

20 million Americans and Canadians have diabetes. Nearly 7 million don't know it. Type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly, and the symptoms often go unnoticed. Our son developed a puffiness to his face which we noticed right away because we saw him only a couple of times a year. He and his wife put it down to simple weight gain. After 2½ years they finally snapped to there being something wrong and when he was finally checked out his diabetes was “off the charts”. Fortunately, they caught it in time, but it should have been caught over a year earlier.

Nearly 90 to 95% of all people with diabetes have type 2. Who gets it? Just about any body. Fat, skinny, regular build, it makes no difference; just about everyone can develop diabetes. Most at risk are people regardless of body build who live on a high intake of “junk food”. Least at risk are people who eat a regular balanced diet.

What you may not know about diabetes – the truth about insulin resistance. 92% of people with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. Get the facts – go to your local diabetes agency or research it on the internet.

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. Obesity is not a guarantee you will develop diabetes and many obese persons never develop it, but persons who are obese

Diabetic meals can be healthy and savory.

A key to diabetes management is maintaining a regular exercise program. Its never too late to start and you can do it with a simple walking program. Just walk 1 kilometer a day and over a period of a month build it up to two miles (3 kilometers) a day.

Sticking to dietary goals while eating out can be very challenging. Many, even most, restaurants cater to people with special dietary needs – just ask. And learn those restaurants which do not and avoid them.

When it comes to diabetic nutrition, not sure what to believe? There are many stories out there, some believable, others not. Research what you need to know from trusted resources – your local diabetes support center, the internet, friends who have diabetes.

The help of friends and family can make all the difference to someone with diabetes.

Help for Diabetes, Gout and Other Disorders

Check out these products, Native’s Gift, Desert Promise, Bio88+, and see if there is something here for you. They are all “Native and Natural” products, manufactured under strict quality control. In the case of Bio88+, a Greens product, it is manufactured in a government controlled University laboratory.

On the testimonials page below I am L. Windblad and my wife is J.D. Windblad. I have long-term gout (since 1977), damage from gout including numbness and pain in the feet, a prostate which had ceased functioning for the past 2 years, and in Jan 2004 I was diagnosed with a lazy thyroid. By the end of January my thyroid was functioning normally, by April I was noticing an improvement in prostate functioning and by mid-May it was definitely clear that not only was the pain gone but feeling was coming back into my feet. This is written in June 2004 and its all still getting better.

Check out these product testimonials and see what you think about what these products have accomplished in many other lives. Scroll to the bottom of the page and contact the people who gave these testimonials.

There are other stories of “miracles” with these products and they will be posted as soon as they can be collected. What these products actually do is work to make your body function the way it is supposed to function, and they accomplish this at least in part by restoring your natural Ph balances.

Make sure to go to the product testimonials page above, scroll to the bottom, and click on the email contact for any of the people given, and receive their confirmation and personal full testimonial.

Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Still Lead A Happy Life

by: Marc de Jong

“Your cat has feline diabetes.” If this is your vet’s message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!

I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. “Your cat has feline diabetes.”

Now what is diabetes?

Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.

Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.

Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.

Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.

And – this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!

But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a ‘hypo’) may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.

Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.

Duvelke’s quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he’s doing really fine. If you didn’t know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.

Can I Give My Dog The Flu?

by: The Iconoclast

Everyone seems on edge about the latest outbreak of avian flu. People in China are told to kill their poultry in order to keep the virus from spreading. Meanwhile people in the United States watch on in fear that the avian flu will come to their shores. So what exactly is all the hubbub about? After all, every winter millions of people come down with bird flu.

Origin of Influenza

Influenza, the term, came into use around 1504, though it had little to do with the virus. It came from the word: influence. At the time, influence meant: “the ethereal power of the stars acting on men.” It was basically a supernatural way of explaining the effects of disease on people at the time. During a particularly nasty outbreak of the flu in Europe during 1743, the term was officially attached to the name of the disease. 96 years later, the term was shortened to just: flu.

The flu, itself, is a whole family of viruses called Orthomyxovirids. They are a diverse family that are commonly found in the guts of birds. The specific type of viruses that infect birds, are called type A flu. It was one of these type A’s that was believed to have infected people a long time ago. Thus giving us, the flu for the first time. Though the virus that initially infected man, has long since evolved into a variety of human specific strains, the initially origin appears to lay squarely among birds. As such, all human flu bugs could, technically, be called: avian flu.

Pathogens and specificity

Pathogens are viewed as being any living organism that is capable of causing a disease. It is a term that is generally reserved for bacteria, fungi and viruses. Pathogens are usually very specific in who, or what, they infect. This has a lot to do with the way in which they are constructed.

Both bacterial and viral outer structure, consist of a receptor binding proteins. These proteins give the pathogen a certain geometry. This geometry allows the pathogen to attach to complementary receptor sites on the cells of the critter that they are trying to infect. Because of the wide variety of life forms on the planet, each cell type has a different arrangement of receptors. Most of the time, the pathogen’s geometry will not fit these receptors, and the critter remains immune. Only those unlucky few species, whose cell receptors do fit, are the ones that have to suffer the infection.

Occasionally, though, a new pathogen comes along that has a geometry that is general enough to allow it to latch onto many different species. These are the pathogens that are often the more deadly.

Influenza is one of these general viruses. It is capable of infecting most bird species. It’s also very good at doing what all life forms do. It evolves. This has allowed it to cross multiple species barriers, and jump from birds, to people, to pigs, cows, and horses. Thus making influenza a very cosmopolitan virus family. This still doesn’t explain all the worry about this recent outbreak of avian flu though. For that, one must go back in time to 1918, and the Spanish flu.

It was the close of World War I, and the world appeared to be returning back to a more peaceful state. Then, in various parts of the globe, people started coming down with a particularly virulent form of the flu. This was a unique case though. Instead of the very young, and elderly dying, it was affecting young men and women instead. Usually these are the most immune to the effects of the flu. By the end of 1918, this form of the flu had killed ~50 million people. It was the largest pandemic (worldwide epidemic) in recorded history. So what happened?

Normally when one gets the flu, it is more of a hassle than anything else. This has a lot to do with the fact that the flu types we normally catch, are viruses that have infected us before. They have changed just enough so that they can infect us again, but they still remain recognizable to our immune system. As such, our bodies can keep the virus in check, and then eventually eliminate it. The 1918 flu, though, was different. It is now largely believed to have been a case where a new flu virus had hopped species. It went from birds to humans, possibly after circulating and hybridizing inside pigs (which can catch both bird and human versions of the flu). This new bug was completely alien to our immune systems and thus, took many completely by surprise.

This is what has many scared about this newest avian flu virus (dubbed: H5N1, for the specific proteins found on it). It has proven to be particularly virulent among birds, and the few cases of it infecting people have many worried that another pandemic is on the rise.

Zoonoses.

Influenza is a type of disease referred to a zoonosis. It means that it can be transmitted from one animal group, to another. Zoonotic diseases used to be further broken up into those that humans catch from other animals (anthropozoonoses) and ones that other animals catch from humans (zooanthroponoses). Unfortunately, both terms have been misused and confused so much, that neither is particularly favored anymore. Now they are all viewed as zoonotic diseases. In the end this makes the most sense, as human beings are animals anyway. To break things up any further, just seems excessive.

The flu is not the only zoonotic disease that humans get from other animals. Our primate cousins have given us quite a few different diseases including: malaria, hepatitis B, Dengue fever and lymphoma. Of course the most infamous of these zoonotic diseases would probably be HIV.

Though there are those that would like to believe that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus was a genetically engineered weapon that was released among the African populace (they give far too much credit to genetic engineers, who are proud enough to make yeast that can fluoresce), the simian origin of HIV is pretty well established. HIV has close ties to the simian version: SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus). The big difference between the two, besides their first letters, is that SIV rarely kills the apes it infects. In fact, many apes are capable of carrying viral loads equivalent to those seen in humans with advanced AIDS, yet rarely show any signs of trouble. This suggests that the host and the pathogen have been doing this for a very long time, and the host’s body has found a way to handle the virus. Humans only recently acquired HIV. As such, our bodies have yet to “learn” how to deal with the threat that this virus poses. Which is one reason why HIV is so very virulent at the moment.

These are just some of the diseases that other animals have given to humans. But what of the reverse? What have we given our animal brethren?

Many of the “classic” diseases that most humans catch, are ones that we are capable of giving to our primate cousins. This includes the flu, measles, chicken pox and tuberculosis.

One particularly nasty disease that we are capable of transmitting is the infamous Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). FMD rarely affects humans, but it does use us as a carrier for it. The disease can hang out in our nasal passages, throat, and on our clothing. It usually infects various forms of livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats). Symptoms usually include fever and prominent sores on the feet and mouth (hence the name). Most infected animals do survive. Only ~5% die from the disease.

The second disease is far more pernicious, and the victims have us to blame. It is the coral disease referred to as: white pox. This disease can kill up to 10 square centimeters of coral a day (~120ft a year). Over the past decade over 90% of Caribbean reef coral (Acropora palmata), have died. The culprit behind it is the little human gut bacterium: Serratia marcescens. While humans can occasionally fall victim to this bacterium, it usually doesn’t infect us. Instead it lives in our guts and gets expelled in our feces. Improper sewage treatment has resulted in human excrement flowing out into the Caribbean, where the newly released bacterium has infected the local coral.

So remember; the next time you start to feel under the weather, don’t worry about coughing on your dog. Chances are, your canine pal probably won’t get it. Unless, of course, it is the flu.

7 Things Every Man Should Know About The Prostate

by: Anne Nickerson

Next time you see your father, your uncle, or any older gentleman over age 60 or so, ask them about their prostate. If you know the guy well enough, and he feels comfortable enough around you (some would say too comfortable), he will surely share a whole litany of the common prostate problems that are troubling him, or have troubled him, or will trouble him in the near future. That's because an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and even prostate cancer can be in the cards for every man past a certain age.

It's the scary but true fact of getting old as a man. For instance, every man should know that prostate cancer is one of the most common prostate problems out there. It tops the list of cancers that afflict men, happening in nearly as many men, roughly speaking, as breast cancer in women. Prostate cancer doesn't get the press that breast cancer does, however, probably because most men would rather not speak about what's happening down there.

Second thing most men don't, but should, know is exactly what that prostate is. A prostate is actually part of a man's sexual organs. Located just below the bladder in a man, wrapped around the urethra, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. Its main job in the birds-and-bees scheme of things is to add fluid to your sperm during ejaculation.

And most of the time, men don't even realize they have a prostate because it's a hidden internal organ, but all men find out quickly what and where their prostate is when they suffer a common prostate problem.

For instance, all men should know that prostate issues aren't just for older men. Men under 50 can get prostatitis, or an extremely painful infection of their prostate. This is a swelling of the prostate that can cause fever, a burning sensation during urination, and fatigue.

And all men over 50 should be aware of their number one most common prostate problem, which is an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hypertrophy. This benign, or nonfatal condition, is actually far more common in older men than prostate cancer, which should give some relief to older men when they know it.

Men should all be aware of the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, such as leaking and dribbling during urination, a weak urine stream, trouble getting started with urination, and even small amounts of blood in the urine.

And though benign prostatic hypertrophy is more common than prostate cancer, men should be aware that the two can go hand in hand. It's not always the case, and many men with an enlarged prostate will never develop into cancer. But it's good to keep your eyes out for both, because they can have similar symptoms.

Recent Studies Show How Our Bodies Fight Disease

by: Rick Hendershot

**Obese people less likely to survive colorectal cancer

According to a new report, people who are physically inactive and are obese around the middle have poor odds of survival after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

"We have now shown that modifiable lifestyle factors that were known to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer can also reduce the mortality in cases diagnosed with the disease," Dr. Andrew M. M. Haydon told Reuters Health. "This strengthens the argument supporting the public health message of 'healthy living.'"

Haydon, from Monash Medical School in Melbourne, Australia, studied records from more than 40,000 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1990 and 1994.

Patients who got regular exercise before their colorectal cancer was found were 31 percent less likely to die from the cancer than were non-exercisers, the investigators report in the medical journal Gut. In fact, 73 percent of exercisers survived at least five years, compared with 61 percent of non-exercisers.

Such an improvement in survival "is at least as large as" as is usually achieved by add-on chemotherapy.

A greater percentage of body fat, bigger waist circumference, and/or greater weight were also associated with worse survival, according to the report.

**Study shows short term sex life improvements in prostate cancer survivors

It is well known that many men who undergo prostate cancer treatment (surgery or radiation therapy) have sexual dysfunction. A recent study of 84 prostate cancer survivors attempted to determine the impact of post-treatment interventions such as counseling sessions.

The study found that a large percentage of those who completed four therapy sessions reported better sexual functioning 3 months later. Counseling sessions focused on better communication between partners, ED treatment options, and methods of enjoying sex in spite of ED.

Both partners reported improvements in their sex life for up to 3 months later. There was also an increase in the number of men using ED treatments such as Viagra.

However, after six months the improvements began to wane. The researchers speculated that couples tended to revert back to old habits, and there also might have been greater reliance put on the "magic pill" solution. Drugs such as Viagra tend to have a lower success rate in prostate cancer survivors, so when these drugs stop working couples may adopt a defeatist attitude.

**Vitamin D helps fight cancer, report claims

A research team from the San Diego Moores Cancer Center headed up by Dr. Cedric Garland recently concluded that Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with various types of cancer. Dr. Garland now advises people to increase their intake of Vitamin D through diet or a vitamin supplement.

The research team reviewed 63 studies conducted between 1966 and 2004 on the relationship between vitamin D and certain types of cancer. The report concluded that Vitamin D deficiency was a factor in several thousand deaths due to colon, breast, ovarian and other cancers every year.

The report recommended increasing Vitamin D intake, either in the form of supplements or by eating certain foods such as fortified orange juice, yogurt and cheeses. This is especially the case with people in northern latitudes where there is less exposure to the sun. African Americans are also more prone to a Vitamin D deficiency because the their skin pigment reduces the amount produced by the body.

Observers welcomed the University of California study but also warned that kidney and liver damage could result from too much vitamin D.

The "natural" form of the vitamin, called D3, is normally produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight, but is also obtained from certain foods such as oily fish, margarine and meat.

**Resveratrol found in grapes helps fix our aching joints

Researchers at the American College of Rheumatology in San Diego, California have found that resveratrol found in red wine appears to halt cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis, and speed up recovery.

It is thought that oxygen-rich particles in the blood cause severe damage to body cells similar to the way rust rots a car. Resveratrol is a powerful anti-oxidant which seems to function as a way to prevent this kind of injury.

The research found that resveratrol resulted in a reduction of between 50 and 90% of the production of chemicals that cause inflammation in the joints. It also enhanced production of specific proteins that are part of the connective tissue in joints.

Red wine has other beneficial effects on the body. It contains polyphenrols that reduce the amount of bad LDL cholesterol in the arteries. It also increases the amount of good HDL cholesterol.

Tannin and resveratrol, the anti-oxydants found in red wine, help to guard against cancer and slow tumor growth.

Deer Hunters Are a Strange Species

by: Regenia G. Butcher

Before there were grocery stores and fast food restaurants, people hunted for food. Some still do. In fact, according to the results of the 2001 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service survey, there are estimated to be 10.9 million people who hunt big game.

Hunting seasons and limitations are occasionally regulated according to the current animal population number. This is, in part, to maintain a good balance between game, birds and smaller animals, and their available food.

Hunters do more than kill animals. They help the environment maintain the balance mentioned above. They also help wildlife conservation efforts with the license fees and taxes they pay. And, they aid law enforcement whenever possible by alerting them to suspicious activity they might happen to discover. For the past several years, many deer hunters across the country have donated their game to food banks and other groups as well. I do not agree with taking an animal's life simply for the 'sport of it'. But I do agree with hunting to provide food.

DEER HUNTERS ARE A STRANGE SPECIES INDEED!

You never have to wake a guy up during deer season - they never sleep! Can't blame them though, they've been planning since June about how they're going to get that sixty-four point buck this time out.

You've seen the excitement build as the season came closer. He's misplaced his car keys, forgotten to take out the trash, even forgotten to eat. But he knows exactly where his little orange cap is. He's thrown his everyday clothes all over the place. But his thermals and orange camouglage jacket are neatly folded in a corner, ready to go. He's even checked them a couple of times each day, and neatly refolded them to make sure they are ready.

A week before the hunting season opens, the average hunter will develop a continuously preoccupied twinkle in his eyes. Because of this, you can spot a guy with 'buck fever' anywhere. You can probably pick him out of a crowd of fifty thousand. He'll be the one with the apprehensive, anticipating glow. I've been told that a deer is color blind - obviously they're glow blind as well.

It's not always just the thrill of the hunt that gets the hunter out of bed and going over his supplies' checklist one more time before heading out into the great unknown. It's also what they can put on the supper table. Some of the hardiest appetites around belong to hunters. When I was growing up, our table was laid out with everything from squirrel pot-pie to breaded ground hog. Barbecued deer roast is as good as any cattle being herded anywhere. And, I've heard that muskrat is a delicacy in some top rated city restaurants. Of course muskrats are trapped rather than hunted. But hunter/trapper...they're basically the same breed.

A true deer hunter is more consistent and driven than the US Post Office. Neither rain, snow, wind, slush, mud, flu, or migraine will keep them from hitting the woods at daybreak and staying till near dark, or till they've gotten one - whichever comes first. If a deer is gotten the first day, the hunter can relax and live normally again. If not, there will be a few more obsession-filled days to get through.

The skill of hunting comes also with the privilege of talking about it. My dad once went hunting with a guy and swore he'd never step foot into the woods with him again. "Shot three times at a branch falling from a tree. Now you know a deer doesn't climb a tree and jump!"

And they all have their stories. Like the guy who - during early Spring - chose a wooded area, built a primitive stand, and planned to return in the Fall to hunt. A couple of days before deer season was to begin, he went back - gun and practice target in hand - only to find several condominiums where the woods had once stood. The tree with his stand remained however. It had become a treehouse in someone's back yard.

It is inevitable that talk of the upcoming hunt will somehow find it's way into every conversation the hunter utters for weeks. It has to...it's the only thing being thought about. I recall a few conversations with my hunter husband. Once I mentioned that I had gotten a lamp I'd been wanting for only twenty bucks. He began telling me about the two bucks that his friend, Hank, got two years in a row. "Close to 180 pounds...both of 'em," he informed me. Another time I wanted him to pick up some apples and oranges at the store. And he asked me if I thought he'd be wearing enough orange that year, or should he go buy something more. Then there was the time when I wanted a huge favor, but dreaded to ask hubby, so I addressed him with:

"Dear!" Of course, I should have known better, because immediately the twinkle in his eyes sparkled with even more shine and I knew it was no point in continuing a discussion until the word and the shine wore off.

So, if you have a hunter in your house who comes home near dark, on the last day, having been unsuccessful...get out some smelling saltz and revive him. But, of course he's been used to a week of sniffing deer urine on his lapel, so the saltz may not affect him at all at first. However, do keep trying. And remember to prepare him a hot bath and drip eye drops in each of his bloodshot eyes. Then, after he's 'out like a light' snoring, you may want to take a couple of whiffs of that smelling saltz yourself - when you realize that this whole thing will probably be repeating itself again in another twelve months or so.

When Your Dog Starts To Sneeze

by: Jack Russell

Indeed, there are many things that both the dogs and the dog owners could have in common. For example, both dogs and dog owners could be prone to obesity if not regulating food intake and by not exercising.

In addition, dogs and humans may also acquire diseases that results from improper dietary regimen like diabetes, heart diseases, etc.

Moreover, the most amusing thing that both dogs and humans share is the fact that they are both vulnerable to allergies.

Sounds impossible? Think again.

Veterinary experts assert that dogs have allergies too. One of the primary signs of allergies is the itching of their skin. Their respiratory tract system can also be affected with allergies.

Normally, dogs will manifest symptoms of respiratory tract allergies like sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Their nose and their eyes may also manifest a discharge just like humans do whenever they have colds or flu.

There are also allergies that may have an effect on their digestive system; hence, it may result to watery stools, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Experts say that almost 20% of the dogs in the United States suffer from several types of allergy. So, for people who want to know more about the different allergies that dogs acquire, here is a list of the most common allergies:

1. Allergies with flea

It is a well-known fact that dogs are usually infected with fleas. However, what most people do not know is that they can get allergies through these fleas, too.

Well, it is not the fleas that actually cause the allergic reactions in dogs but the flea’s saliva. Hence, it is important for the dog to undergo a skin allergy examination so as to determine if a particular dog is sensitive to flea saliva.

In the event that the dog is allergic to flea saliva, it would be better for the owner to implement a rigorous flea control or flea eradication treatment in order to lessen the allergic reactions. Though, it must be kept in mind that solutions that are used in flea control should be safe to the dogs.

2. Allergies pertaining to foods

Like humans, dogs get allergies from food as well. There are instances wherein dogs get allergies from foods that their system cannot tolerate, such as wheat, soy products, pork, beef, whey, fish, eggs, milk, corn, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives that are placed in their food.

Moreover, dogs can get allergies in food that they have not tried before. So, the best way to combat this particular allergy problem is to feed the dog with the commercial dog foods more often instead of homemade products.

Some signs of allergic reactions to food in dogs are shaking of the head, scratching the ears, irritated skin, biting and licking at the rear feet, inflammations in the ear, sneezing, behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

3. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a known allergic skin disease in dogs. This usually caused by the hypersensitivity of the dog’s immune system to ordinary substances that can be found in the environment like molds or dust mites.

Usually, a dog is said to be suffering from atopic dermatitis when the dog begins to excessively lick and chew its paws, licking the abdomen and its rear feet.

Atopic dermatitis can be seen as a saliva staining found in the armpits, between the toes of the paws, and in the groin. In light-colored canines, atopic dermatitis can be seen as a red-brown stain found on the same parts that were mentioned.

4. Allergies resulting from bacteria

This is the most common cause of serious allergies in dogs. Generally, there are certain bacteria that thrive in the dog’s skin. This is known as the species of Staphylococcus bacteria. In most cases, this does not cause allergies in dogs. However, there are certain types of dogs that develop an allergy to it.

The most common symptom of this kind of allergy is hair loss along with the development of ringworm like marks in the dog’s skin. The areas where these marks appear usually get infected, hence, it is important to treat them with antibiotics.

Indeed, allergies are not for humans only. Allergies great affects almost 20% of the total population of dogs in the United States, and that is a pretty alarming number. Therefore, it is extremely important for dog owners to know these dog allergies so as to come up with some preventive measures at the first sign of the attack.

Sugar Dangers

by: Dr. Robert Bard

146 Reasons Why Sugar Is Ruining Your Health

SUGAR CAN:
1. suppress the immune system.
2. upset mineral relationships in the body.
3. cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.
4. produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
5. contribute to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases).
6. cause a loss of tissue elasticity and function, the more sugar you eat the more elasticity and function you loose.
7. reduces high density lipoproteins.
8. leads to chromium deficiency.
9 leads to cancer of the ovaries.
10. increase fasting levels of glucose.
11. cause copper deficiency.
12. interfere with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
13. weaken eyesight.
14. raises the level of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
15. cause hypoglycemia.
16. produce an acidic digestive tract.
17. cause a rapid rise of adrenaline levels in children.
18. malabsorption is frequent in patients with functional bowel disease.
19. cause premature aging.
20. lead to alcoholism.
21. cause tooth decay.
22. contribute to obesity
23. increase the risk of Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
24. cause changes frequently found in person with gastric or duodenal ulcers.
25. cause arthritis.
26. cause asthma.
27. greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections).
28. cause gallstones.
29. cause heart disease.
30. cause appendicitis.
31. cause multiple sclerosis.
32. cause hemorrhoids.
33. cause varicose veins.
34. elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraceptive users.
35. lead to periodontal disease.
36. contribute to osteoporosis.
37. contributes to saliva acidity.
38. cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
39. lower the amount of Vitamin E (alpha-Tocopherol in the blood.
40. decrease growth hormone.
41. increase cholesterol.
42. increase the systolic blood pressure.
43. cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
44. increases advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (Sugar bound non-enzymatically to protein)
45. interfere with the absorption of protein.
46. causes food allergies.
47. contribute to diabetes.
48. cause toxemia during pregnancy.
49. contribute to eczema in children.
50. cause cardiovascular disease.
51. impair the structure of DNA
52. change the structure of protein.
53. make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen.
54. cause cataracts.
55. cause emphysema.
56. cause atherosclerosis.
57. promote an elevation of low density lipoproteins (LDL).
58. impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in the body.
59. lower the enzymes ability to function.
60. Sugar intake is higher in people with Parkinson’s disease.
61. cause a permanent altering the way the proteins act in the body.
62. increase the size of the liver by making the liver cells divide.
63. increase the amount of liver fat.
64. increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
65. damage the pancreas.
66. increase the body's fluid retention.
67. Sugar is enemy #1 of the bowel movement.
68. cause myopia (nearsightedness).
69. compromise the lining of the capillaries.
70. make the tendons more brittle.
71. cause headaches, including migraine.
72. play a role in pancreatic cancer in women.
73. adversely affect school children's grades and cause learning disorders...
74. cause an increase in delta, alpha, and theta brain waves.
75. cause depression.
76. increase the risk of gastric cancer.
77. cause dyspepsia (indigestion).
78. increase your risk of getting gout.
79. increase the levels of glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test over the ingestion of complex carbohydrates.
80. increase the insulin responses in humans consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.
81. reduce learning capacity.
82. cause less effective functioning of two blood proteins, albumin, and lipoproteins, which may reduce the body’s ability to handle fat and cholesterol.
83. contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
84. cause platelet adhesiveness.
85. cause hormonal imbalance; some hormones become under active and others become overactive.
86. lead to the formation of kidney stones.
87. lead to the hypothalamus to become highly sensitive to a large variety of stimuli.
88. lead to dizziness.
89. cause free radicals and oxidative stress.
90. High sucrose diets of subjects with peripheral vascular disease significantly increases platelet adhesion.
91. lead to biliary tract cancer.
92. feed cancer.
93. High sugar consumption of pregnant adolescents is associated with a twofold increased risk for delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant.
94. lead to substantial decrease in gestation duration among adolescents.
95. slows food's travel time through the gastrointestinal tract.
96. increase the concentration of bile acids in stools and bacterial enzymes in the colon. This can modify bile to produce cancer-causing compounds and colon cancer.
97. increase estradiol (the most potent form of naturally occurring estrogen) in men.
98. combine and destroy phosphatase, an enzyme, which makes the process of digestion more difficult.
99. be a risk factor of gallbladder cancer.
100. be an addictive substance.
101. be intoxicating, similar to alcohol.
102. exacerbate PMS.
103. when given to premature babies can affect the amount of carbon dioxide they produce.
104. Decrease in sugar intake can increase emotional stability.
105. The body changes sugar into 2 to 5 times more fat in the bloodstream than it does starch.
106. The rapid absorption of sugar promotes excessive food intake in obese subjects.
107. worsen the symptoms of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
108. adversely affect urinary electrolyte composition.
109. slow down the ability of the adrenal glands to function.
110. induce abnormal metabolic processes in a normal healthy individual and promote chronic degenerative diseases.
111. I.Vs (intravenous feedings) can cut off oxygen to the brain.
112. High sucrose intake could be an important risk factor in lung cancer.
113. increase the risk of polio.
114. cause epileptic seizures.
115. high blood pressure in obese people.
116. In Intensive Care Units, limiting sugar saves lives.
117. induce cell death.
118. increase the amount of food that you eat.
119. In juvenile rehabilitation camps, when children were put on a low sugar diet, there was a 44% drop in antisocial behavior.
120. lead to prostrate cancer.
121. dehydrates newborns.
122. increase the estradiol in young men.
123. cause low birth weight babies.
124. Greater consumption of refined sugar is associated with a worse outcome of schizophrenia
125. raise homocysteine levels in the blood stream.
126. increase the risk of breast cancer.
127. Sugar is a risk factor in cancer of the small intestine.
128. cause laryngeal cancer.
129. induce salt and water retention.
130. contribute to mild memory loss.
131. As sugar increases in the diet of 10 years olds, there is a linear decrease in the intake of many essential nutrients.
132. increase the total amount of food consumed.
133. Exposing a newborn to sugar results in a heightened preference for sucrose relative to water at 6 months and 2 years of age.
134. cause constipation.
135. cause varicous veins.
136. cause brain decay in prediabetic and diabetic women.
137. increase the risk of stomach cancer.
138. cause metabolic syndrome.
139. Sugar ingestion by pregnant women increases neural tube defects in embryos.
140. be a factor in asthma.
141. The higher the sugar consumption the more chances of getting irritable bowel syndrome.
142. affect central reward systems.
143. cause cancer of the rectum.
144. cause endometrial cancer.
145. cause renal (kidney) cell carcinoma.
146. cause liver tumors.

With all the above in formation what should we do to improve our health? Sugar is every where but we need to read all labels and try our best to eat as little sugar as possible. Do not turn to chemical sweeteners as they are toxic and in the case of aspartame it will cause you to gain weight.

Sugar in Any Form is Unhealthy

Several years ago, I learned that grain and sugar carbohydrates (actually foods that are white) are unhealthy and we can become obese from these products (we also have to add corn into this because it is a grain – not a vegetable).

There several reasons grains are unhealthy. The first and the worst are processed foods. Industrial food manufacturers strip all the nutrition from grains, fortify with chemical vitamins (that our bodies can’t use), and then bake or extrude into a “food”. They also add sugar, corn syrup, and other chemicals.

Extruding maybe the worst because the high pressure and high heat destroys everything – including the artificial vitamins and the minerals (This is called fortification). This is the reason children should never have cold cereal – there is ZERO nutrition in cereal + lots of sugar is added to entice our children into eating this junk food.

Breads are bad for the same reasons – sugars, fortified vitamins, and non absorbable minerals are put into the mix. White bread being bad is not new news, but the population is mislead because they think whole wheat bread is ok. We must read labels. Whole wheat bread is nothing more than a few chemicals to influence the color and taste.

If you choose to eat organic whole wheat non chemical breads you still must consider several things. Whole wheat organic with molasses (this is less sugar – not as concentrated – plus real trace minerals) is much healthier but these grains still break down to sugars.

We do not have the space to discuss the organophosphates – herbicides and pesticides – in this article but please remember that unless what you eat is organic it will have these toxic chemicals.

As you read the rest of this article remember that Dr Otto Warburg’s work discovered that cancer loves sugar and there is more than a casual relationship between the two entities. Also look at Dr Appleton’s 146 reasons why sugar is unhealthy.

Also be advised that drug corporations, medicine, and our government do not want you to know what we are discussing. There will never be a cure for cancer and heart disease – in fact there isn’t a cure for anything – just treatment until you die. Our economy is based on no one ever getting well or off medications.

If there was a magical cure for cancer and heart disease announced today, our economy would tank in a matter of days.

Social Security is in trouble but if everyone lived and extra 5 to 10 years or more, SS would be in even worse shape than it’s present prospects with the baby boomers retirements approaching.

We can be healthier, and less obese. Read my e-book on eating healthy, lose weight, and remember SUGAR IS BAD for you and me.

Every doctor learned back in medical school all about Otto Warburg's discovery; because way back in the thirties Otto discovered the main biochemical cause of cancer, or what differentiates a cancer cell from a normal, healthy cell. This discovery was so big that Otto Warburg was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Cancer has only one prime cause. It is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of the body's cells by an anaerobic

The Kidney Foundation Promotes Healthy Choices

by: News Canada

(NC)-How you live today can make a big difference in how you'll live tomorrow. Making healthy choices early on - what you eat, how active you are, and how you cope with stress or spend your leisure time - has been proven to lower your risk of disease and illness in later years.

"Chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to kidney disease, are on the rise and develop in many cases as a result of poor diet and lifestyle choices," says Dr. Larry Bryan, Director of Health Promotion and Wellness at The Kidney Foundation of Canada. "Today we know that by changing the way we live, we can prevent many of these conditions."

Making proper food choices is a simple way to invest in your future health. Learn more about the foods you eat and the new products available that offer more healthful alternatives. Food is one of life's pleasures - eating healthy, balanced meals will add to your enjoyment as well as ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs. If you have dietary restrictions as a result of diabetes, cardiovascular or kidney disease, talk to your dietician about new food ideas that take into account your personal food preferences.

Becoming more active also improves both your physical health and emotional well-being. Staying physically fit gives you better control over body weight, increases your energy, helps you to sleep better, prevents bone loss and reduces stress. If you need to limit your physical activity for health reasons, talk to your healthcare team about a suitable exercise or sports program before you begin.

"Living well today means making healthy choices. It means taking charge of your health so that you can live not only longer, but also better," says Dr. Bryan. It's not easy to change a lifetime of eating habits, or to suddenly start thinking like an athlete, he admits, but when you consider the potential benefits, it's certainly worth the effort.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, founded in 1964, funds kidney-related research, provides services for the special needs of people living with kidney disease and those at risk, advocates for access to high quality healthcare and actively promotes awareness of and commitment to organ donation.

Six Reasons to Choose a Nudist Vacation

by: Liz Egger

If you’re looking for a completely different vacation idea this year, why not try a nudist holiday? It may seem outrageous at first, but read on. It might change your life!

It’s that time of year when my loved one and myself set aside an evening to open a bottle of wine and discuss one of the most significant events in the Egger family calendar, to whit, the Great Annual Holiday.

As always, the first decision we have to make is whether we choose nude or not. As confirmed nudists, we naturally favour a naturist vacation, or at least a vacation during which we can get naked for part of the time. However it’s not an automatic choice and this year there is a particularly tempting selection of textile holidays on offer. There’s a Mediterranean cruise that looks appealing, and the Rocky Mountain Rail Adventure takes my eye. Maybe we should support one of the Indian Ocean countries devastated by the Boxing Day Tsunami, or stay at home and redecorate (ugh!) However, we’ll probably choose nude, and here’s six reasons why.

Reason # 1

Getting naked, even for a short time, can help save your life!

I’m not being overly dramatic here. It really seems that divesting yourself of tight, restrictive clothing that impedes the natural flow of blood and lymphatic fluid may be a real life-saver.

According to researchers, wearing a bra can cause all manner of unpleasantness, including soreness and even breast cancer. The (admittedly preliminary) research suggests that ladies who wear bras for more than twelve hours each day except for bed, are 21 times more likely to get breast cancer than those who wear bras less than twelve hours per day. And listen to this— those who wear bras even in bed are125 times more likely to get breast cancer than those who don't wear bras at all! In cultures where ladies don’t wear bras, the incidence of breast cancer is about the same as it is for men – virtually zero!

And it's not only the ladies who are at risk. The same research suggests that testicular cancer in men may be caused by tight briefs.

So, divesting yourself of bra and briefs, even for the short period of your vacation, could keep you much healthier.

Reason # 2

Less clothes = less luggage = less hassle.

Have you ever noticed how when you’re packing for a holiday you can never seem to have enough clothes? And how you’ll then spend the equivalent of the cost of the vacation on essential garments brought especially for the holiday? Yet, during your stay you find you’ve ended up with twice the clothes you need? It’s spooky isn’t it? Don’t ask me why it works that way – probably some unexplained Law of Nature - but it happens EVERY TIME.

Except on a nudist holiday.

It’s as if nudist holidays turn natural laws on their head. The scramble to cover every eventuality clothes-wise is replaced by a disdain for apparel bordering on the obsessive. My normal textile two page-packing list is reduced to just four lines, viz:

· Suitable clothing for travelling.

· ufficient smart slinky dresses for evening wear.

· Shorts/skirt/tee-shirt for any non-nudist (referred to in nude-speak as “textile”) excursions.

· And, ummm… well that’s about it really.

The immediate effect of this textile trimming is that my luggage, which is normally equal in volume to a medium-sized car, consists of just one small suitcase. (OK, two, if you count the other one which contains life-saving items such as hairdryer, make-up, skin creams, lipsticks, jewellery etc – gosh, a girl has to look her best, even in the buff hasn’t she?) Not only does this make for easier carrying and a swifter get-away from the luggage carousel, it also saves on tips. The largesse I would otherwise have to distribute just to transport my baggage train to the hotel would feed a family of five for a month. A spin off from this is that less clothing also means less packing and unpacking, leaving more time for drinking wine and dozing by the pool, which is the whole idea of a holiday in the first place.

Well it’s mine, anyway

Reason # 3

Skin doesn’t stain.

Our skin is wonderful. Not only is it the largest organ of our body, but it always fits perfectly (OK. Sometimes some of us may have a just a little more than is necessary, but you know what I mean.)

Happily, it’s also easier to keep clean than fabric. My husband has a particular fondness for crépes – you know, those pancake things with fillings you can buy from roadside kiosks around the Med? He'd eat 'em all day if I let him. Unfortunately he also has a tendency to lose the syrup filling down his front, which has led to more ruined shirts than would fill a steamer trunk.

A nudist holiday neatly sidesteps this problem. Whilst maple syrup may not be particularly easy to remove from a naked chest – especially a hirsute male one – it ‘s a whole lot easier than washing it out of a silk or cotton shirt. Nor does it leave a stain, except for a livid red mark across the torso after the treacle has been scrubbed from the chest hair, but that’s the price men pay for being so clumsy. (In the interests of equality, I have to concede that this is not just a male quirk. After a bottle or two I have been known to distribute red wine down my bosom with something approaching gay abandon, rendering any affected clothing null and void in the process. However I insist that this is not clumsiness on my part, but merely the result of my being tired and emotional. So there.)

Reason # 4

It makes more sense to be naked on a beach than to wear a bathing costume.

Let’s face it. A bathing costume serves no useful purpose. It doesn’t keep us dry, or warm, and doesn’t even help us to swim: studies by the West German Olympic swim team showed that swimsuits actually hamper a swimmer. They're not even healthy. Ticks and sea lice that bite or sting and which find nowhere to hide on a nude body are easily trapped in a bathing suit.

So why do we wear ‘em

To preserve one’s modesty? Hardly. These days mens' costumes are brief enough but ladies bathers are positively miniscule, containing less fabric than a small handkerchief. Bikini tops afford less coverage than two postage stamps on a string, and in any case are rarely worn on European beaches. Bikini bottoms just cover the genitals but often leave the bottom exposed.

Which also means they don't protect you from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Yet according to a survey carried out by the Ladies’ Home Journal Americans spend $900,000,000 each year on bathing costumes, although eighty-five percent of all swimsuits purchased never touch the water.

Doesn't make a lot of sense does it?

Reason 5

Nudist resorts are nice places with nice people

Every nudist knows that genuine nudists are very nice people. What makes nudist especially nice remains a mystery. Perhaps nudism attracts the pleasantest individuals in the first place, or maybe the practice of nudism somehow improves people. Who knows? And really, who cares? Let’s just enjoy the situation. You can leave an unlocked car at a nudist resort and nothing will be taken. Nudist resorts and beaches tend to be orderly, well behaved places. Even at a nudist holiday city such as Cap d'Agde, containing some 40000 people at the height of the season, there is none of the threatening atmosphere, violence and general loutishness that disfigures other holiday hot-spots. Any sort of crime is almost non-existent, and most large complexes, even Cap d’Agde, need no more than minimal security.

You don’t get that at Benidorm or Palm Springs!

Reason #6

Nudist entrepreneurs need our support.

Despite estimates that the world nude travel business is worth some four hundred million USD annually and growing fast, the nudist holiday industry is still a fragile plant that needs encouragement and support. The fine nudist resorts that cater to the nudist holidaymaker today are a far cry from the primitive camps that were available in the not too distant past, and by attracting the new generation of vacationers who demand a certain standard of comfort, are in a large part responsible for the growth of the nude leisure industry. However, quality costs money, and these resorts are businesses, not charities. Unless we continue to support them they’ll close, and we’ll return to the old clapped out, run down, make-do-and-mend compounds of yesteryear. As the old saying goes, you have to use ‘em or lose ‘em

So, it looks as if we’ll choose nude again this year. All we have to do is to decide where. Wait a minute. I’ve just had a wonderful idea. Perhaps we can support the Tsunami appeal and please ourselves at the same time by going nude in Thailand. That’s it! Brilliant. Now, then, where are those brochures…?

Cure Yeast Infection - Beat The Internal Battle

by: Sarah Rhodes

To prevent candidiasis, follow these guidelines: Keep moist areas of the body cool and dry.Avoid wearing a wet bathing suit or damp clothing for long periods of time. Avoid frequent douching.Avoid bubble baths (scented or unscented). Avoid wearing underwear made from nylon or other nonventilating materials. Avoid wearing tight pantyhose or tight pants. Add yogurt to your diet. Avoid frequent or prolonged use of oral antibiotics if possible.

You can prevent yeast infections by making sure that your genital area stays as dry as possible and can breathe. For example:

Unfortunately, about 5 percent of these women will have frequent infections. Recurrence has many possible causes -- incomplete treatment of a yeast infection, chronic health conditions, and medications such as steroids. It may even be something else entirely, which is why you should consult your own doctor if it happens to you.

Parasites are almost always found where there is candida overgrowth and may have played a significant role in causing the candida overgrowth. Many excrete ammonia and toxins that kill friendly bacteria such as acidophilus just like candida does. Anything that kills friendly bacteris, like antibiotics, will help the candida to overgrow, as the friendly flora in your intestinal tract are supposed to keep candida and harmful bacteria in check. Some types of parasites will suppress the immune system response in the intestines which would enable yeast to overgrow.

It is normal to have some fungus, or yeast, on the body. Bacteria usually keep the growth of the yeast in check.However, sometimes the yeast grows (multiplies) quickly and causes an infection. There are several situations in which the yeast may multiply. For example, antibiotic medicine may kill the bacteria that keep yeast levels down. Conditions that cause hormonal changes, such as menopause, pregnancy, or taking birth control pills, may also cause the yeast to grow. Yeast infections are often associated with diabetes, especiallywhen the blood sugar level is too high. Recurring or stubborn cases of vaginal candidiasis may sometimes be an early sign of diabetes. In some cases, yeast infections that don't go away are an early sign of HIV infection. Drugsthat suppress the body's defense system (such as drugs used to treat AIDS) also allow the yeast to grow and spread. Candidiasis usually is not spread by sexual intercourse.

Yeast infections can be uncomfortable, but there are many herbal remedies that use very simple components that can help relieve and ease their symptoms. In addition, there are some things to note during a yeast infection -- such as cutting down on fruit -- that may help you be more comfortable during its duration.

Various topical creams may be used to relieve itching or irritation of the vulva (folds of skin on the outside of the vagina). Oral medications may be necessary, but these can be obtained only by prescription from a physician.

Check Out The Cheater's Checklist

by: Geoff Davies

Ask yourself these questions

Does your partner spend a lot of time on line?

Do they have other email accounts, do they use the computer after you have gone to bed, have they changed the passwords on your computer, maybe they delete all incoming e-mails when they used to accumulate.

It’s common for a cheating partner to use e-mail to communicate with their lover. Some of the telltale signs in this category may also be an indication of involvement in an on line or cyber affair. Don’t take this lightly. These affairs can be as harmful to your marriage as the real thing. Though they may not involve sexual contact, the emotional attachment can be extremely strong, and can quickly progress from cyberspace to physical reality.

Does your home phone ring and when "you" answer it there's no one there.

Illicit affairs depend on repeated contact; many of which take place by phone. These telltale signs of infidelity are relatively easy to find. Some people take the risk of calling their lovers from home or having their lovers call them at home.

Check your partner’s mobile phone, look at the call log, incoming, outgoing, missed and deleted calls. Check the messaging, texts in and out and deleted

Does your partner have little or no interest in sex? Or have they changed their sexual habits

Be alert for any type of changes in the frequency or the quality of your sex life together. Most important of all: If you suspect your partner of having an affair, take steps to protect yourself. Do not put yourself at risk from HIV/AIDS, herpes or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Perhaps you find birth-control pills in her medicine cabinet, and you've had a vasectomy or maybe he carries condoms, and you are on the pill.

Take a few minutes to look over your partner’s car; have they removed the kid’s stuff or the baby seat?

The car can be a rich source of telltale signs. The glove compartment, car seats (underneath and between), the spare tyre well, under the sun visor, the ashtray, the side pockets or compartments, under the floor mats and other nooks and crannies can reveal a wealth of information .Has the passenger seat in the car has been moved and is not in the usual position.

Do their clothes smell different, like a lover's perfume or aftershave?

Has your partner recently started working late or has to attend lots of late meetings?

Business is commonly used as an excuse to account for large blocks of time away from home. Partners often use their jobs as a cover for extramarital affairs. Your partner’s work habits will undoubtedly change as the affair unfolds.

Affairs generally require a considerable amount of time. There are only 24 hours in a day; your partner’s absences will become increasingly more frequent as they try to steal time from other activities.

Has your partner changed their style of clothes i.e.: trying to look younger?

People having an affair (or even thinking about having one) will want to make themselves more attractive. They will begin to enhance his appearance in some way. Be alert for changes in wardrobe, grooming, physical appearance and personal hygiene.

These are usually the most visible signs of infidelity. If they embark on a drastic self-induced makeover, it’s probably not for you.

Do they act nervous or fidgety whenever the name of a colleague or friend of the opposite/same sex is mentioned or talked about?

Studies show that we are more likely to have an affair with someone we already know, someone that they come into contact with on a regular basis – a neighbour, a colleague, a family friend or business associate.

If you’re observant, you may be able to determine the identity of your partner’s lover by the way they behaves in their presence.

Does your partner hide the credit card bills and banks statements?

Affairs cost money. If your partner has a lover, they will want to wine and dine them entertain and buy the occasional gifts. No matter how carefully they cover their tracks; sooner or later this will be reflected in the family finances. Stay alert for financial signs of infidelity.

Be especially vigilant around the times of the year when gifts are usually exchanged. During the holidays and various other times throughout the year, you may find gifts or cards hidden around your home or in the car. Receipts or credit card bills for gifts may turn up shortly before or after Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

"Health and Wealth" or "Wealth and Health"

by: A Raymond Randall

On Wednesday at 1015AM October 13th, my body was intact with no parts missing. At two AM, Thursday October 14th, I awakened in someone else's bed. Lahey Hospital's. At 3AM, I sat in a large leather reclining chair (I tried wheeling it to my car, but the nurses stopped me) giving thanks for thoughtful and caring friends. Exactly 24 hours after the anesthesiologist put me under, I stood in my kitchen with a catheter and one rather important body part missing. Boy, that all happened rather fast!

The sequence of doctor's visits, surgery, and follow-up force me to ask, "what matters?" Our wealth or our health? You might think, "Health, of course!" Someone else might reply, "Wealth; my health will take care of itself if I have plenty of money."

Health never takes care of itself. All kinds of stuff goes on under the skin that needs attention. Overlooking, procrastinating, disliking doctors will not slow-down the creeping effects of cancer or other ailments. Prostate cancer kills. Men need to take careful steps to protect themselves. Actions may not ward off cancer (they did not for me); they will allow time to manage it quickly and wisely. Most men just do not get it.

I get many questions, "What did they do?" "Did they take part of your prostate or all of it?" Is it a "prostrate" or a "prostate"? What is a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test? Each question is loaded with nuance and fear. This newsletter permits my sharing some valuable thoughts and suggestions. If you like wealth, you better become responsible for your health.

Here are suggestions and observations about prostate cancer. Just the same, knowledge and action encourage a healthy prognosis.

Facts men and women should know