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

AIDS/HIV Information

by: Melissa Albright

AIDS is an acronym for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome it causes a destruction of the immune system. It is the most advanced stage of the HIV virus (HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus). AIDS is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the presence of a positive HIV antibody test and one or more of the illnesses known as opportunistic infections.

The HIV virus, type 1 or 2 is widely known to be the cause of AIDS. HIV breaks down and attacks your T cells so your body is unable to defend itself against different infections. The HIV virus also attacks your peripheral nervous system, this causes nerve and muscle pain, especially in the feet, legs, and hands.

HIV is spread through direct contact with semen or blood of an individual that is infected. This can be transferred in many ways the most common is unprotected sexual intercourse. Other means of infection are infected blood transfusions, mother to infant (at time of birth, or through breast milk), sharing needles with an infected person, and rarely a healthcare worker that gets pricked with an infected needle.

Often people who are infected with HIV have few symptoms and in some cases there are none. Other times, symptoms of HIV are confused with other illnesses such as the flu. This may be severe, with swollen glands in the neck and armpits, tiredness, fever and night sweats. This is where as much as 9 out of 10 of the infected individuals will develop AIDS. At this point the person may feel completely healthy and not even know that he/she has the virus. The next stage begins when the immune system starts to break down and the virus becomes more aggressive in damaging white cells. Several glands in the neck and armpits may swell and stay swollen for an extended period of time without any explanation. As this disease progresses boils or warts may spread over the body. They may also feel tremendously tired, night sweats, high fevers, chronic diarrhea, and they may lose a considerable amount of their body weight. Most cases have shown thrush as a symptom as well. At this point the person is in the final stages of HIV--AIDS. Severe chest infections with high fever are common and survival rate is above 70% but decrease with each recurrence.

A person is diagnosed with AIDS when he/she has one or more positive HIV screening and the presence of an AIDS defining condition. Some of the common conditions include but are not limited to: Meningitis, Encephalitis, Dementia, Pneumonia, Kaposi sarcoma, and Lymphoma. There is also a blood test called an Immune Profile that can be done. This test is used to measure the loss of immunity and help decide on the best treatment. There is a test that is rarely used due to its high cost, it is known as a Viral Load: This test detects the virus itself, and also measures the amount of HIV in the blood. It shows how quickly the HIV infection is likely to advance. A high viral load suggests that the person may progress rapidly to AIDS.

Although there is no cure for AIDS there are medical treatments that aide in prolonging, and maintaining the best quality of life possible. These include two nucleoside inhibitors, lamivudine and zidovudine. Actual treatment plans will vary with each patient, along with the physical aspect of this disease. The psychological side has to be addressed in order for a treatment plan to be effective.

The easiest way to escape contracting this disease is to avoid the risk factors that you are in control of. Such as: unprotected sex, not sharing a needle, and if you are in the healthcare field be sure to use all precautions necessary to avoid an accidental prick from a possible infected needle (remember that in this diseases early stages it is common for the person not to even know they are infected). Today AIDS is the fifth leading cause of death among all adults aged 25 to 44 in the United States. Among African-Americans in the 25 to 44 age group, AIDS is the leading cause of death for men and the second leading cause of death for women. Our society needs to become aware that by not protecting ourselves we are killing ourselves and that this has to stop.