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Five Superfoods For Heart Health
Healthy Living

Five Superfoods For Heart Health

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson


When you’re paying attention to good nutrition, it’s easy to spend a lot of time focusing on what not to eat – all the stuff that clogs your arteries and expands your waistline. Now’s a good time to look at the things that you should eat and the things you can do to keep your arteries healthy, and to fully understand why paying attention to arterial health is important. Five Superfoods For Heart Health
Some foods pack more punch than others. Here are five foods that have a lot of disease-fighting power, and it’s a good idea to regularly make room for them in your meals. If you would like more helpful healthy living and nutrition articles to keep you on track with proper arterial health, visit the Life Line Screening Blog.
The Five Superfoods: Five Superfoods For Heart Health
Salmon. As far as seafood goes, this delicious fish is one of your best food sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your heart rate steady, lower your triglycerides – a type of blood fat — and slow the growth of atherosclerotic plaque. You can bake it, broil it, roast it, poach it, or enjoy it smoked or in sushi. The FDA recommends that people eat up to 12 ounces of fish weekly.
Broccoli. It may not rank as the favorite food of kids, but as an adult you can probably appreciate the health benefits that broccoli offers. Its mildly bitter taste comes from chemicals it contains that may provide cancer protection. Experts think anti-cancer substances in the green veggies may act as antioxidants or encourage enzymes that detoxify harmful chemicals in your body, according to the American Cancer Society. Since cooking may destroy some of the helpful compounds, cook it as lightly as possible.
Almonds. These tasty nuts are a good source of fiber and the antioxidant vitamin E, and the fat they contain is mostly monounsaturated, which is considered a “good” type of fat that can help lower your cholesterol. They may also help control blood sugar and insulin levels. Research has shown that eating 2 ounces of almonds daily for 10 weeks didn’t cause people to gain weight. A daily serving size is the amount that you can fit into two sections of an ice-cube tray, suggests the American Dietetic Association.
Blueberries. These vivid little orbs are chock-full of antioxidants, which can help lower your risk of heart disease and cancer by neutralizing free radicals, rogue oxygen molecules that can contribute to atherosclerosis and damage your DNA.
Green tea. This drink contains chemicals called polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. One of these, called EGCG, may encourage cancer cells to die, though more research is needed to show whether drinking green tea can reduce your risk of cancer. However, it may also help control your blood sugar and lower your cholesterol. All these add up to plenty of good reasons to switch some of your daily servings of soda with green tea. Drink it iced or hot. It is delicious either way.
More healthy advice:
Another key activity to cardiovascular health – consider getting screened. Vascular screenings can visualize the inside of your arteries and see if dangerous fatty plaque is building up. Key health screenings include tests that look at the arteries of your neck and the arteries of your legs. Blockages in the neck arteries, called the carotid arteries, are a leading risk factor for stroke. A blockage in the legs is called Peripheral Arterial Disease and is linked to a six-fold increase in stroke and heart attack. Finding these silent conditions early can help you and your doctor take preventive action before a serious health event occurs.
Provided By: ARA

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Conditions & Treatments

Treating Sun Spots Just as Important as Wrinkle Care

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

«Treating Sun Spots Just as Important as Wrinkle Care

Women ages 30 and older are growing increasingly aware of new wrinkles with each passing year. Yet, evidence suggests that sun spots may have as much of an impact on age-related appearance as wrinkles.
Nearly 63 percent of women older than age 35 experience sun or age spots, discolorations and uneven skin. The dark side? The problem reflects your apparent age — or lack of youth.
“Getting a clear, even skin tone without discoloration is just as important as wrinkle-fighting to achieving a rejuvenated, youthful appearance,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur, prominent New York City dermatologist and author of “Simple Skin Beauty.” “To some patients, it’s even more important.”
Dermatologists like Marmur call it hyperpigmentation, but its various types are commonly known as age spots, sun spots, liver spots, freckles and melasma, brown patches of skin triggered by a hormone imbalance. Age spots, sun spots and liver spots are all the same ailment — pouches of melanin where the skin pigment has overproduced and dumped uneven amounts, the majority of which are a result of sun damage.
According to Marmur, the two most used topical treatments for discoloration are hydroquinone and retinoids, which both may have irritating side effects and require a prescription. However, a new alternative, StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum, is an over-the-counter solution that’s clinically proven to work quickly minus the same risky side effects.
“StriVectin-EV Get Even products, both the serum and new Get Even Spot Repair, combine natural ingredients like willow bark, vitamin C and licorice with our unique, patented form of niacin for the most even supply of pigment, skin repair and anti-aging effects,” explains chief scientist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry Myron Jacobson. “Studies reveal 85 percent of women see reduced sun spots and more even skin color after eight weeks of use.”
But to treat the long-term problem, sufferers of dark spots should also heed the following sun-related advice:

  • Wear sunscreen year-round with an SPF of 30.
  • For prolonged sun exposure, get a wide-brimmed hat to wear outdoors.
  • Neutralize stubborn spots with peach-toned concealer while using StriVectin-EV Get Even products to slow down melanin production.
  • Beware of products that bleach skin, as this can cause white spots, another form of discoloration.

 

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Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents
Health Tips

Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents

Health Lessons Learned from Past PresidentsHappy Presidents’ Day! Since its establishment in 1885, Presidents’ Day has given us the opportunity to reflect on our former presidents’ wisdom and the change they have brought about in this great country. But that’s certainly not the only thing we can learn from them! Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents
Amid all the attention that comes along with sitting in the oval office, it can be easy to forget that presidents can experience the same health problems as the rest of us. But the way they handled them should motivate all of us to live our healthiest life possible – today!
Health Tips from the Oval Office
Below are some health lessons learned from past presidents:

  1. Falls can happen to anyone. Just last summer in 2015, President George H.W. Bush experienced a fall, showing that everyone – including former presidents – can fall in their home. As a result of his fall, he broke a bone in his neck and was hospitalized for four days to treat his injury. At 91 years old, George is currently the oldest-living president, and his young-at-heart attitude helped him make a full recovery like a champ!
  2. De-stress daily. It’s not hard to imagine why the presidency is often referred to as the most stressful job in the world, and this is proven by the amount of presidents who have suffered from stress-related illnesses. Presidents Grover Cleveland, William Taft, Woodrow Wilson and Dwight D. Eisenhower all experienced various (and sometimes multiple) heart health problems including high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks both during and after their presidency.
  3. Do what you love. We know that Jimmy Carter has been in the news a lot recently after he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 90. Fortunately, he has responded well to his treatment – partly because he has always been so active. After serving as the 39th president, Jimmy never let his age slow him down. He was an avid runner until the age of 80 when he received two knee replacements, and even after that he would regularly swim. Between painting, woodworking and just being active around the home, he kept doing exactly what he loved doing, which has helped him courageously battle cancer.
  4. Fitness and a healthy diet can go a long way! President Bill Clinton’s struggle with heart disease has been in the public eye since he underwent heart surgery back in 2010, but now his efforts seem to be paying off. At 69, Bill has lost more than 30 pounds as a result of a vegan diet and walking four times a week – a great reminder that you are never too old to turn your life around and begin living a healthy lifestyle.
  5. Pinpoint your potential health risks. Despite the fact that he has lived a healthy lifestyle, 69-year-old George W. Bush has undergone various heart and knee surgeries, proving that we are all affected by genetics and age. It’s a sad reality that genetics can sometimes affect our health, but there is some good news: your doctor can help you determine any potential health risks based on your family history.

These health lessons learned from past presidents are all great reminders, but presidents aren’t the only ones we can learn from! Many senior celebrities, including our current First Lady Michelle Obama, are making a positive impact by promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
We may not run a country, but we are in control of our own lives, so be sure to keep these health lessons in mind while celebrating the lives of all U.S. presidents.
Author Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
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Links Used in Article:
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/diseases-of-presidents#1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/jimmy-carter-now-88-on-aging-and-health/2013/05/03/84f67db8-9ae8-11e2-9bda-edd1a7fb557d_story.html
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/03/chelsea-clinton-heart-surgery-radically-changed-my-dad/
https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/fitness/senior-celebrities-promoting-fitness

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Health Tips

A Pharmacist's Guide to Staying Well this Season

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

shutterstock_125071376To help maintain health this season, it’s important to get the nutrients your body needs every day, through your diet as well as through high quality vitamins and supplements. In a recent nationwide survey, three in four people agree they feel more confident about their health when they take vitamins and supplements. However, many people are not aware of what types of vitamins they need in order to support a healthy immune system.
“Most Americans have nutrient gaps in their diet, but people can make up for the nutrients they lack by adding vitamins and supplements to a daily wellness routine,” says Suzy Cohen, registered pharmacist and author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist.” “There are a variety of ways vitamins and supplements can support a healthy immune system, but when you’re in the vitamin aisle it is important to look for quality products.”
As the number of products in the vitamin aisle can be overwhelming, Cohen recommends first looking at the brand, seeking only those committed to science-based protocols for product development, and those that are tested and verified by third-party public health organizations such as the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP). Only products that meet the stringent criteria set forth by USP are allowed to use the USP verified mark on their label.
“I recommend Nature Made because of their quality standards and scientific rigor in product development. I know I can trust Nature Made to ensure what’s on the label is in the bottle,” says Cohen. She also adds, “Nature Made is the number one pharmacist recommended brand of letter vitamins, according to a 2011 Pharmacy Times survey.”
IMMUNE SUPPORTING SUPPLEMENTS

  • Vitamin C – A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps maintain a healthy immune system and protects against damaging free radicals. Additionally, Vitamin C, such as the Nature Made Vitamin C 1000mg, is necessary for the body to manufacture collagen, which is essential for healthy skin.
  • Vitamin D – Supports teeth, bone and immune health, and healthy levels of Vitamin D in your body may promote your heart health as well.
  • Probiotics – Certain types of probiotics supply “good bacteria” that can help maintain immune system health.
  • Zinc – Maintaining healthy levels of zinc in your body is necessary for healthy growth, development and proper immune function. Zinc also provides antioxidant support which helps to protect the body against damaging free radicals.
  • Echinacea – Echinacea may support healthy immune function.

ADDITIONAL IMMUNE BOOSTING TECHNIQUES

    • Strive to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
    • Practice relaxation techniques to get rid of stress and the harmful hormones it can trigger.
    • Wash your hands regularly, especially before meals.
    • Eat a balanced diet. Check out the new dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture atwww.choosemyplate.gov.
    • Exercise regularly. According to Harvard Health Publications, exercise may additionally support a healthy immune system by promoting healthy circulation, moving immune system cells throughout the body.

IF YOU GET SICK
If you do get sick this cold and flu season, there are a number of things you can do to stop the spread of the virus.

  • Cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Try to avoid close contact with others to minimize the spread of the germs.

For more wellness tips and information on vitamins and supplements to boost your immune system, visitwww.NatureMade.com.
The survey was conducted by ORC International on behalf of Nature Made from Aug 26-29, 2011 among a random sample of 1,014 adults in the continental United States.

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Conditions & Treatments

New Pain Relief Options to Avoid Back Pain

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

11617.14387Back pain is reported to be the most common cause of missed work, right after flu and colds. In fact, back pain is so common that many people consider it inevitable, especially with increasing age.
But it may be possible to avoid some types of back pain by better understanding its causes and avoiding or preventing them in the first place.
And while over-the-counter pain relief medications can help lessen back pain once it occurs, exercise, improved posture, and good furniture can strengthen and heal your back and even prevent back pain from occurring in the first place.
This article will guide you in both ways: how to avoid back pain and how to find back relief.
BACK PAIN CAUSES
The back is a powerful structure comprising bone, muscle, and elastic discs. This marvel of efficiency allows you to bend, twist, and carry weight. However, its flexibility makes it susceptible to injury and pain. Not surprisingly, back pain often results from neglect or other lifestyle factors such as:

  • Bad posture – A normal adult spine resembles a double ‘S’. When you slouch, the pelvis and the stomach thrust forward, the knees bend, and the back muscles are strained. This strain can easily lead to back pain.
  • Sedentary lifestyle and stress – Lack of exercise tends to weaken the muscles in the body. At the same time, stress can lead to muscle tension, causing the unprepared muscles to spasm.
  • Weak abdominal muscles – Back pain is often related to weak stomach muscles, which can place added stress on the back.
  • Obesity – Overweight people may find it difficult to maintain proper posture, and the burden of additional weight puts pressure on the back.
  • High heels – They push the body’s center of gravity forward. To offset this, people tend to bend their knees and move their torsos forward. This can exaggerate the spine’s inward curve, leading to back pain.

People can also experience back pain as a result of specific health conditions:

  • Spondylosis – Arthritis of the spine occurs due to degenerative spinal changes, and is often characterized by back pain.
  • Spondylolisthesis – This occurs when one spinal vertebra slips forward on top of another one, causing back pain.
  • Spinal stenosis – When the space around the spinal column and nerve roots is reduced, nerves are pinched or pressed, resulting in back pain. Arthritis and bone overgrowth trigger this condition.
  • Herniated disc – One of the most common causes of back pain, this condition occurs when a spinal disc presses on a nerve. It’s also referred to as slipped disc.
  • Sciatica – Sharp, shooting pain that radiates through the lower back or buttocks to the back of the leg when a herniated disc presses the sciatic nerve.
  • Spinal infection – When this occurs, back pain is often accompanied by fever and tenderness.

BACK PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS
Not every type of back pain is a condition you have to put up with. In addition to medication and home therapies, there are a variety of complementary and alternative therapies that can provide back pain relief.
Bed rest may help relieve acute, temporary back pain. But this may not work for chronic back pain, which may require long-term treatment.
Here are just some of the methods you can try to get back pain relief:

    Heat and ice treatment – For lower back pain relief, use an ice pack first to sooth the sore muscles. You can use a cold compress several times a day for up to 20 minutes per treatment. A warm compress or a heating pad loosens the muscles and increases blood flow, which can provide some back pain relief.
  • Chiropractic care – Some research on pain relief has shown that chiropractic manipulation may be as effective as pain relief medication for certain patients.
  • Acupuncture – In this alternative medicine procedure, the practitioner inserts sterilized stainless steel needles at specific points on the body. This may stimulate the brain to release natural endorphins, which can provide some level of back pain relief.
  • Electrical stimulation – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) often works for acute back pain. In this procedure, weak electrical pulses sent to nerve pathways through specific points prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. This back pain relief procedure may be appropriate for those who prefer to avoid medication.
  • Over-the-counter medication – Drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and relieve back pain, while acetaminophen controls pain without addressing inflammation.
  • Prescription medication – When over-the-counter drugs fail to provide pain relief, doctors may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (other than aspirin or ibuprofen), a muscle relaxant, or other medication.
  • Epidural injections – When other measures fail to relieve back pain, doctors may prescribe epidural injections of anti-inflammatory medication such as cortisone to provide pain relief.

BACK PAIN DON’TS

  • Do not exercise while suffering from severe back pain.
  • Do not sit for long periods when suffering from back pain. Sitting exerts more pressure on your nerves than standing or lying down. This can exacerbate back pain.
  • Do not slouch or overarch your back, as this increases pressure on the lower back and may cause back pain to become more intense.

HOW TO AVOID BACK PAIN
Many people who suffer from chronic back pain have found that a few lifestyle changes and healthy work habits can help them avoid recurrences of back pain:

  • Exercise – Exercise not only helps to maintain proper weight, but also helps build and maintain strong muscles. However, if you already suffer from back pain, consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
  • Good posture – A balanced posture allows the body to relax while maintaining an erect position. If you stand for long hours, avoid back pain by placing one foot on a stool or a box to avoid stressing the pelvis. While sitting, make sure that your lower back is supported and that your feet stay flat on the floor.
  • Bend and lift properly – Improper bending is a common cause of back pain. When bending down, bend your knees, separate your feet about shoulder width apart, and keep your back straight. When lifting things, let your legs bear your weight, keep objects close to your body, and ask for help if the load is too heavy.
  • Sleeping position – Sleep on your side, with your knees bent towards the chest. Place a pillow between the knees to reduce pressure on the back.
  • Heel inserts – To reduce the risk of back pain, some doctors recommend heel inserts to alleviate stress on the lower back and provide shock absorption.
  • Medium-firm mattresses – Sleep on a mattress that is firm enough to support your body but does not distort the body’s natural curves.
  • Car seating position – Tilt your car seat back slightly, so that your knees are higher than your hips. Place the seat close enough to the wheel to let your arms bend.
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