Butter or Margarine? Experts Reveal What's in Their Grocery Cart
Olive or canola oil?
While canola has been touted in recent years as superior to olive oil, both have high proportions of polyunsaturated and monosaturated fatty acids (good fats) and are heart healthy when consumed in moderation. "Although both are relatively low in saturated (bad) fat, the debate arose when olive oil was found to contain a slightly higher amount," says Karen Congro, a registered dietician and director of the Wellness for Life Program at Brooklyn Hospital Center. While Congro prefers olive oil for everyday use because of its higher level of monounsaturates, it does have a distinctive flavor and is significantly more expensive than canola.
Butter or margarine?
For those who believe butter is healthier because it's "natural," Congro has bad news. "It's made from animal fat, [so it] contains cholesterol and very high levels of saturated fat," she says. Margarine is made from vegetable oils, and plant products contain no cholesterol. It's also higher in "good" fats than butter. But some kinds of margarine may be even worse than butter because of their content of trans fats, a particular heart risk. In general, the more solid the margarine, the higher the proportion of trans fat. Steer clear of stick margarine, advises Congro: "Go for the tubs of heart-healthy margarine made with omega-3 oil," such as Promise or Smart Balance.
Low-fat or skim milk?
Let's face it—the higher the fat content, the better the taste, but skim and 1 percent are clearly better nutritional choices, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, a dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. How much better, though? "The higher you climb in percentage of milk fat, the bigger the bite you're taking out of your daily recommended value of saturated fat," says Blatner. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the maximum recommended daily intake of saturated fat for the average active adult is 20 grams. One serving of skim milk can have no more than .4 of a gram of saturated fat, with 1 percent weighing in at 1.5 grams and 2 percent at 3 grams. "If you have two glasses of 2 percent milk, you've already consumed almost a third of your daily saturated fat," says Blatner. "Stick to skim and 1 percent." Or go for the 2 percent but keep the saturated fat content in mind.
Fresh or frozen veggies?
"Fresh sounds better," says Lona Sandon, a nutritionist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, "and if you picked them out of your garden or at a farmer's market that sells locally grown produce, you can be assured they haven't lost nutrients in transit." But keep in mind that "if." Research at Pennsylvania State University found that a bag of spinach stored at slightly below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for eight days lost half its folate, which prevents birth defects, and carotenoids, compounds that fight heart disease. Higher temperatures accelerated the breakdown. At 50 degrees, half of the compounds were gone after six days. It took just four days at 68 degrees to drop by half. On an 80- or 90-degree day at an outdoor farm stand, the process clicks up several notches. "Frozen fruits and vegetables are processed at their peak ripeness, a time when—as a general rule—they are most nutrient-packed," says Sandon. "When you buy frozen, you know exactly what you're getting."
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Memory Tricks
A growing concern for baby boomers...remembering things. I've just come to realize how much older my mother has become, she sometimes can't remember where she placed her keys(but hey, in her defense I'm always forgetting too), sometimes forgets her patients names. Here are a few suggestions to help sharpen the mind as we grow older, most of us are worrying about our physical body when we age and not out mind.
Here's an article By Patricia Curtis
1. Pay attention. When you're introduced to someone, really listen to the person's name. Then, to get a better grasp, picture the spelling. Ask, "Is that Kathy with a K or a C?" Make a remark about the name to help lock it in ("Oh, Carpenter -- that was my childhood best friend's last name"), and use the name a few times during the conversation and when you say goodbye.
2. Visualize the name. For hard-to-remember monikers (Bentavegna, Wobbekind), make the name meaningful. For Bentavegna, maybe you think of a bent weather vane. Picture it. Then look at the person, choose an outstanding feature (bushy eyebrows, green eyes) and tie the name to the face. If Mr. Bentavegna has a big nose, picture a bent weather vane instead of his nose. The sillier the image, the better.
3. Create memorable associations. Picture Joe Everett standing atop Mount Everest. If you want to remember that Erin Curtis is the CEO of an architectural firm, imagine her curtsying in front of a large building, suggests Gini Graham Scott, PhD, author of 30 Days to a More Powerful Memory.
4. Cheat a little. Supplement these tips with some more concrete actions. When you get a business card, after the meeting, jot down a few notes on the back of the card ("red glasses, lives in Springfield, went to my alma mater") to help you out when you need a reminder.
5. Give a play-by-play. Pay attention to what you're doing as you place your glasses on the end table. Remind yourself, "I'm putting my keys in my coat pocket," so you have a clear memory of doing it, says Scott.
7. Make it a habit. Put a small basket on a side table. Train yourself to put your keys, glasses, cell phone or any other object you frequently use (or misplace) in the basket -- every time.
8. Start a ritual. To remind yourself of a chore (write a thank-you note, go to the dry cleaner), give yourself an unusual physical reminder. You expect to see your bills on your desk, so leaving them there won't necessarily remind you to pay them. But place a shoe or a piece of fruit on the stack of bills, and later, when you spot the out-of-place object, you'll remember to take care of them, says Carol Vorderman, author of Super Brain: 101 Easy Ways to a More Agile Mind.
9. Sing it. To remember a small group of items (a grocery list, phone number, list of names, to-do list), adapt it to a well-known song, says Vorderman. Try "peanut butter, milk and eggs" to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "Happy Birthday" or even nursery rhymes.
10. Try mnemonic devices. Many of us learned "ROY G BIV" to remember the colors of the rainbow, or "Every Good Boy Deserves Favors" to learn musical notes. Make up your own device to memorize names (Suzanne's kids are Adam, Patrick and Elizabeth, or "APE"), lists (milk, eggs, tomatoes, soda, or "METS") or computer commands (to shut down your PC, hit Control+Alt+Delete, or "CAD").
11. Use your body. When you have no pen or paper and are making a mental grocery or to-do list, remember it according to major body parts, says Scott. Start at your feet and work your way up. So if you have to buy glue, cat food, broccoli, chicken, grapes and toothpaste, you might picture your foot stuck in glue, a cat on your knee looking for food, a stalk of broccoli sticking out of your pants pocket, a chicken pecking at your belly button, a bunch of grapes hanging from your chest and a toothbrush in your mouth.
12. Go Roman. With the Roman room technique, you associate your grocery, to-do or party-invite list with the rooms of your house or the layout of your office, garden or route to work. Again, the zanier the association, the more likely you'll remember it, says Scott. Imagine apples hanging from the chandelier in your foyer, spilled cereal all over the living room couch, shampoo bubbles overflowing in the kitchen sink and cheese on your bedspread.
13. Shape your numbers. Assign a shape to each number: 0 looks like a ball or ring; 1 is a pen; 2 is a swan; 3 looks like handcuffs; 4 is a sailboat; 5, a pregnant woman; 6, a pipe; 7, a boomerang; 8, a snowman; and 9, a tennis racket. To remember your ATM PIN (4298, say), imagine yourself on a sailboat (4), when a swan (2) tries to attack you. You hit it with a tennis racket (9), and it turns into a snowman (8). Try forgetting that image!
14. Rhyme it. Think of words that rhyme with the numbers 1 through 9 (knee for 3, wine for 9, etc.). Then create a story using the rhyming words: A nun (1) in heaven (7) banged her knee (3), and it became sore (4).
15. Practice your ABCs. Say you just can't remember the name of that movie. Recite the alphabet (aloud or in your head). When you get to the letter R, it should trigger the name that's escaping you: Ratatouille. This trick works when taking tests too.
Brain Freeze: "I just can't memorize anything anymore!"
16. Read it, type it, say it, hear it. To memorize a speech, toast or test material, read your notes, then type them into the computer. Next, read them aloud and tape-record them. Listen to the recording several times. As you work on memorizing, remember to turn off the TV, unplug your iPod and shut down your computer; you'll retain more.
17. Use color. Give your notes some color with bolded headings and bulleted sections (it's easier to remember a red bullet than running text).
18. Make a map. Imagine an intersection and mentally place a word, fact or number on each street corner.
Here's an article By Patricia Curtis
1. Pay attention. When you're introduced to someone, really listen to the person's name. Then, to get a better grasp, picture the spelling. Ask, "Is that Kathy with a K or a C?" Make a remark about the name to help lock it in ("Oh, Carpenter -- that was my childhood best friend's last name"), and use the name a few times during the conversation and when you say goodbye.
2. Visualize the name. For hard-to-remember monikers (Bentavegna, Wobbekind), make the name meaningful. For Bentavegna, maybe you think of a bent weather vane. Picture it. Then look at the person, choose an outstanding feature (bushy eyebrows, green eyes) and tie the name to the face. If Mr. Bentavegna has a big nose, picture a bent weather vane instead of his nose. The sillier the image, the better.
3. Create memorable associations. Picture Joe Everett standing atop Mount Everest. If you want to remember that Erin Curtis is the CEO of an architectural firm, imagine her curtsying in front of a large building, suggests Gini Graham Scott, PhD, author of 30 Days to a More Powerful Memory.
4. Cheat a little. Supplement these tips with some more concrete actions. When you get a business card, after the meeting, jot down a few notes on the back of the card ("red glasses, lives in Springfield, went to my alma mater") to help you out when you need a reminder.
5. Give a play-by-play. Pay attention to what you're doing as you place your glasses on the end table. Remind yourself, "I'm putting my keys in my coat pocket," so you have a clear memory of doing it, says Scott.
7. Make it a habit. Put a small basket on a side table. Train yourself to put your keys, glasses, cell phone or any other object you frequently use (or misplace) in the basket -- every time.
8. Start a ritual. To remind yourself of a chore (write a thank-you note, go to the dry cleaner), give yourself an unusual physical reminder. You expect to see your bills on your desk, so leaving them there won't necessarily remind you to pay them. But place a shoe or a piece of fruit on the stack of bills, and later, when you spot the out-of-place object, you'll remember to take care of them, says Carol Vorderman, author of Super Brain: 101 Easy Ways to a More Agile Mind.
9. Sing it. To remember a small group of items (a grocery list, phone number, list of names, to-do list), adapt it to a well-known song, says Vorderman. Try "peanut butter, milk and eggs" to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "Happy Birthday" or even nursery rhymes.
10. Try mnemonic devices. Many of us learned "ROY G BIV" to remember the colors of the rainbow, or "Every Good Boy Deserves Favors" to learn musical notes. Make up your own device to memorize names (Suzanne's kids are Adam, Patrick and Elizabeth, or "APE"), lists (milk, eggs, tomatoes, soda, or "METS") or computer commands (to shut down your PC, hit Control+Alt+Delete, or "CAD").
11. Use your body. When you have no pen or paper and are making a mental grocery or to-do list, remember it according to major body parts, says Scott. Start at your feet and work your way up. So if you have to buy glue, cat food, broccoli, chicken, grapes and toothpaste, you might picture your foot stuck in glue, a cat on your knee looking for food, a stalk of broccoli sticking out of your pants pocket, a chicken pecking at your belly button, a bunch of grapes hanging from your chest and a toothbrush in your mouth.
12. Go Roman. With the Roman room technique, you associate your grocery, to-do or party-invite list with the rooms of your house or the layout of your office, garden or route to work. Again, the zanier the association, the more likely you'll remember it, says Scott. Imagine apples hanging from the chandelier in your foyer, spilled cereal all over the living room couch, shampoo bubbles overflowing in the kitchen sink and cheese on your bedspread.
13. Shape your numbers. Assign a shape to each number: 0 looks like a ball or ring; 1 is a pen; 2 is a swan; 3 looks like handcuffs; 4 is a sailboat; 5, a pregnant woman; 6, a pipe; 7, a boomerang; 8, a snowman; and 9, a tennis racket. To remember your ATM PIN (4298, say), imagine yourself on a sailboat (4), when a swan (2) tries to attack you. You hit it with a tennis racket (9), and it turns into a snowman (8). Try forgetting that image!
14. Rhyme it. Think of words that rhyme with the numbers 1 through 9 (knee for 3, wine for 9, etc.). Then create a story using the rhyming words: A nun (1) in heaven (7) banged her knee (3), and it became sore (4).
15. Practice your ABCs. Say you just can't remember the name of that movie. Recite the alphabet (aloud or in your head). When you get to the letter R, it should trigger the name that's escaping you: Ratatouille. This trick works when taking tests too.
Brain Freeze: "I just can't memorize anything anymore!"
16. Read it, type it, say it, hear it. To memorize a speech, toast or test material, read your notes, then type them into the computer. Next, read them aloud and tape-record them. Listen to the recording several times. As you work on memorizing, remember to turn off the TV, unplug your iPod and shut down your computer; you'll retain more.
17. Use color. Give your notes some color with bolded headings and bulleted sections (it's easier to remember a red bullet than running text).
18. Make a map. Imagine an intersection and mentally place a word, fact or number on each street corner.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Ever been to a protest?
The G8/G20 Summit is being held in Toronto and I am traveling down to see what all the hub bub is about. Never been to a protest, but its been on my bucket list.
Anyways, here's what I've read up about attending a protest...
Well it seems that protestors are always being gassed and water cannoned. Here are some useful info to protect yourself if you decide to go to a protest. I guess a yellow raincoat, swimming goggles and an umbrella would also be useful!
This useful info comes from the Activism Info Page.
Here is a basic list of supplies to bring for your first aid kit, and to donate to the medical team.
* water (as much as you can carry. this is for you and your friends to drink, for irrigating eyes and wounds, for cooling off. it's worth its weight--bring lots)
* several pairs of vinyl gloves (protect against blood AND pepper spray, latex works but is a common allergen)
* change &/or card for telephone call
* paper, pen, duct tape, marker
* wound care supplies (Band-aids, steri-strips, 2x2 & 4x4 bandages, 1st aid tape, Bactroban or other antiseptic)
* ace bandage
* chemical weapons decontamination supplies (3 small bottles of canola oil, alcohol, and a solution of liquid antacid/water, 1:1 ratio--this in a spray bottle, lots of gauze sponges or clean rags, stored in several small plastic bags)
* small tampons (good for nose bleeds)
* tongue depressors (for splinting)
* clean shirt in plastic bag (to change into if you get heavily gassed)
* sun screen or rain gear, weather depending
* Emergen-C (or other powdered electrolyte mix)
* Rescue Remedy (good for shock, trauma)
* snacks
* tube of cake icing (or hard candy--good for raising blood sugar)
* aspirin, ibuprofen
* inhaler, epinephrine, benadryl (for those qualified to use them)
WHAT TO WEAR
* comfortable, protective shoes that you can run in
* clothing which covers most of your skin to protect from sun and pepper spray exposure
* shatter-resistant eye protection ie: sunglasses, swim goggles, or gas mask
* gas mask or goggles paired with a respirator or bandanna to protect during chemical weapons deployment
* weather-related gear (i.e.: rain gear or sun hat)
* heavy-duty gloves if you plan to handle hot tear gas canisters
* fresh clothes in plastic bag (in case yours get contaminated)
* a cap or hat to protect you from the sun and from chemical weapons
WHAT TO BRING
* lots of water in plastic bottle with squirt or spray top, to drink and to wash off your skin or eyes if needed
* energy snacks
* identification and/or emergency contact information.
* just enough money for pay-phone, food, transportation
* watch, paper, pen for accurate documentation of events, police brutality, injuries
* water- or alcohol-based sunscreen
* your inhaler, epipen, insulin or other medication if you require it
* several days of your prescription medication and doctor's note in case of arrest
* menstrual pads, if needed. Avoid using tampons--if you're arrested you may not have a chance to change it (tampons left in more than six hours increase your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome)
ACTION FASHION FAUX PAS
* Don't put vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturizers on skin as they can trap chemicals.
* Don't wear contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals underneath.
* Don't wear things which can easily be grabbed (i.e.: dangly earrings or other jewelry, ties, loose hair)
* Don't go to the demo alone if you can help it. It is best to go with an affinity group, or some friends who know you well.
* Don't forget to sleep, eat, and drink lots of water. No matter how well rested and prepared we are and how tight our plan of action is with our affinity group, we can never really predict what will happen in an action, how the police will (over)react to our demonstration, no matter how peaceful we may be.
Tear gas and pepper spray can be sprayed from small hand-held dispensers or large fire-extinguisher size tanks. Pepper spray also comes in plastic projectiles which are fired at the chest to knock the wind out of a person, who then takes a deep breath, of pepper from the burst projectile. Tear gas is most commonly deployed via canisters, which are fired into crowds, sometimes directly at people. It's important that you know not to pick up the canisters without gloves as they are extremely hot. Be aware that the time it takes you to throw it will allow you to be heavily exposed.
How They Affect You:
Both tear gas and pepper spray are skin irritants, causing burning pain and excess drainage from eyes, nose, mouth and breathing passages. Pepper spray is more popular with authorities as an agent of control because of its immediate pain-causing qualities. It is harder to remove from the skin and has the capacity to cause first degree burns.
If you are exposed to either, you may experience:
* stinging, burning in your eyes, nose, mouth and skin
* excessive tearing, causing your vision to blur
* runny nose
* increased salivation
* coughing and difficulty breathing
* disorientation, confusion and sometimes panic
* intense anger from pepper spray exposure is a common response; this can be useful if you are prepared for it and are able to focus it towards recovery and returning to the action.
The good news is that this is temporary.
Discomfort from tear gas usually disappears after 5-30 minutes, while the worst pepper spray discomfort may take 20 minutes to 2 hours to subside. The effects of both diminish sooner with treatment. Because pepper spray penetrates to the nerve endings, its effects may last for hours after removal from the skin.
There are many myths about treatment and prevention. Much of this misinformation is potentially dangerous. Some of it, if applied, could greatly increase or prolong a person's reaction to exposure, or at the very least provide a false sense of security.
Prevention:
For most healthy people, the effects of tear gas and pepper spray are temporary. However, for some people the effects can be long-lasting and life-threatening.
People with the conditions listed below should be aware of these risks and may want to try and avoid exposure. Please be aware that in intense actions, police behavior can be unpredictable, and avoidance is not always possible.
Conditions:
* Folks with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, etc. risk exacerbation, or permanent damage if exposed.
* Vulnerable people such as infants, the elderly, and the immune compromised, risk intensified and possibly life-threatening responses.
* Anyone with chronic health conditions or those on medications that weaken the immune system, (ie: chemotherapy, Lupus, HIV, radiation, or long-term corticosteroids such as prednisone) risk exacerbation of illness, intensified response and possible delayed recovery.
* Women who are or could be pregnant, or who are trying to get pregnant, may be at risk of spontaneous abortion, or increased risk of birth defects.
* Nursing mothers risk passing toxins on to their infant.
* Folks with skin conditions (ie: severe acne, psoriasis, or eczema) and eye conditions (ie: conjunctivitis or uveitis) risk an intensified response.
* People wearing contact lenses may experience increased eye irritation and damage due to chemicals being trapped under the lenses.
Protection:
* Avoid use of oils, lotions and detergents because they can trap the chemicals and thereby prolong exposure. Wash your clothes, your hair and your skin beforehand in a detergent-free soap (such as Dr.Bronner's or most eco-friendly products).
* We recommend using a water or alcohol-based sunscreen (rather than oil-based). If your choice is between oil-based or nothing, we advocate using the sunscreen. Getting pepper sprayed on top of a sunburn is not fun.
* We also recommend minimizing skin exposure by covering up as much as possible. This can also protect you from the sun, as can a big hat.
* Gas masks provide the best facial protection, if properly fitted and sealed. Alternatively, goggles (with shatter-proof lenses), respirators, even a wet bandana over the nose and mouth will help.
How to deal:
* STAY CALM. Panicking increases the irritation. Breathe slowly and remember it is only temporary.
* If you see it coming or get a warning, put on protective gear, if able, try to move away or get upwind.
* Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough and spit. Try not to swallow.
* If you wear contacts, try to remove the lenses or get someone to remove them for you, with CLEAN, uncontaminated fingers.
* DO NOT RUB IT IN.
Remedies
We have been doing trials with pepper spray to find good remedies and have found some things will definitely help minimize the discomfort. None of these are miracle cures; using these remedies will help people to feel better faster, but it will still take time.
For the eyes and mouth:
We recommend a solution of half liquid antacid (like Maalox) and half water. A spray bottle is ideal but a bottle that has a squirt cap works as well. Always irrigate from the inside corner of the eye towards the outside, with head tilted back and slightly towards the side being rinsed. It seems from our trials that it needs to get into the eye to help. This means that if the sprayed person says it's okay you should try to open their eye for them. They most likely won't be able/willing to open it themselves, and opening will cause a temporary increase in pain, but the solution does help. It works great as a mouth rinse too.
For the skin:
We recommend canola oil followed by alcohol. Carefully avoiding the eyes, vigorously wipe the skin that was exposed to the chemical with a rag or gauze sponge saturated with canola oil. Follow this immediately with a rubbing of alcohol. Remember that alcohol in the eyes hurts A LOT. Anyone whose eyes you get alcohol in will not be your friend.
Secondary treatments can include: spitting, blowing your nose, coughing up mucous (you don't want to swallow these chemicals!), walking around with your arms outstretched, removing contaminated clothing, and taking a cool shower. In fact, it is essential to shower and wash your clothes (this time in real detergents--no eco-friendly stuff here) as soon as you are able. This shit is toxic, and will continually contaminate you and everyone around you until you get rid of it. Until then, try not to touch your eyes or your face, or other people, furniture, carpets etc. to avoid further contamination.Remember, it is only temporary.
Anyways, here's what I've read up about attending a protest...
Well it seems that protestors are always being gassed and water cannoned. Here are some useful info to protect yourself if you decide to go to a protest. I guess a yellow raincoat, swimming goggles and an umbrella would also be useful!
This useful info comes from the Activism Info Page.
Here is a basic list of supplies to bring for your first aid kit, and to donate to the medical team.
* water (as much as you can carry. this is for you and your friends to drink, for irrigating eyes and wounds, for cooling off. it's worth its weight--bring lots)
* several pairs of vinyl gloves (protect against blood AND pepper spray, latex works but is a common allergen)
* change &/or card for telephone call
* paper, pen, duct tape, marker
* wound care supplies (Band-aids, steri-strips, 2x2 & 4x4 bandages, 1st aid tape, Bactroban or other antiseptic)
* ace bandage
* chemical weapons decontamination supplies (3 small bottles of canola oil, alcohol, and a solution of liquid antacid/water, 1:1 ratio--this in a spray bottle, lots of gauze sponges or clean rags, stored in several small plastic bags)
* small tampons (good for nose bleeds)
* tongue depressors (for splinting)
* clean shirt in plastic bag (to change into if you get heavily gassed)
* sun screen or rain gear, weather depending
* Emergen-C (or other powdered electrolyte mix)
* Rescue Remedy (good for shock, trauma)
* snacks
* tube of cake icing (or hard candy--good for raising blood sugar)
* aspirin, ibuprofen
* inhaler, epinephrine, benadryl (for those qualified to use them)
WHAT TO WEAR
* comfortable, protective shoes that you can run in
* clothing which covers most of your skin to protect from sun and pepper spray exposure
* shatter-resistant eye protection ie: sunglasses, swim goggles, or gas mask
* gas mask or goggles paired with a respirator or bandanna to protect during chemical weapons deployment
* weather-related gear (i.e.: rain gear or sun hat)
* heavy-duty gloves if you plan to handle hot tear gas canisters
* fresh clothes in plastic bag (in case yours get contaminated)
* a cap or hat to protect you from the sun and from chemical weapons
WHAT TO BRING
* lots of water in plastic bottle with squirt or spray top, to drink and to wash off your skin or eyes if needed
* energy snacks
* identification and/or emergency contact information.
* just enough money for pay-phone, food, transportation
* watch, paper, pen for accurate documentation of events, police brutality, injuries
* water- or alcohol-based sunscreen
* your inhaler, epipen, insulin or other medication if you require it
* several days of your prescription medication and doctor's note in case of arrest
* menstrual pads, if needed. Avoid using tampons--if you're arrested you may not have a chance to change it (tampons left in more than six hours increase your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome)
ACTION FASHION FAUX PAS
* Don't put vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturizers on skin as they can trap chemicals.
* Don't wear contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals underneath.
* Don't wear things which can easily be grabbed (i.e.: dangly earrings or other jewelry, ties, loose hair)
* Don't go to the demo alone if you can help it. It is best to go with an affinity group, or some friends who know you well.
* Don't forget to sleep, eat, and drink lots of water. No matter how well rested and prepared we are and how tight our plan of action is with our affinity group, we can never really predict what will happen in an action, how the police will (over)react to our demonstration, no matter how peaceful we may be.
Tear gas and pepper spray can be sprayed from small hand-held dispensers or large fire-extinguisher size tanks. Pepper spray also comes in plastic projectiles which are fired at the chest to knock the wind out of a person, who then takes a deep breath, of pepper from the burst projectile. Tear gas is most commonly deployed via canisters, which are fired into crowds, sometimes directly at people. It's important that you know not to pick up the canisters without gloves as they are extremely hot. Be aware that the time it takes you to throw it will allow you to be heavily exposed.
How They Affect You:
Both tear gas and pepper spray are skin irritants, causing burning pain and excess drainage from eyes, nose, mouth and breathing passages. Pepper spray is more popular with authorities as an agent of control because of its immediate pain-causing qualities. It is harder to remove from the skin and has the capacity to cause first degree burns.
If you are exposed to either, you may experience:
* stinging, burning in your eyes, nose, mouth and skin
* excessive tearing, causing your vision to blur
* runny nose
* increased salivation
* coughing and difficulty breathing
* disorientation, confusion and sometimes panic
* intense anger from pepper spray exposure is a common response; this can be useful if you are prepared for it and are able to focus it towards recovery and returning to the action.
The good news is that this is temporary.
Discomfort from tear gas usually disappears after 5-30 minutes, while the worst pepper spray discomfort may take 20 minutes to 2 hours to subside. The effects of both diminish sooner with treatment. Because pepper spray penetrates to the nerve endings, its effects may last for hours after removal from the skin.
There are many myths about treatment and prevention. Much of this misinformation is potentially dangerous. Some of it, if applied, could greatly increase or prolong a person's reaction to exposure, or at the very least provide a false sense of security.
Prevention:
For most healthy people, the effects of tear gas and pepper spray are temporary. However, for some people the effects can be long-lasting and life-threatening.
People with the conditions listed below should be aware of these risks and may want to try and avoid exposure. Please be aware that in intense actions, police behavior can be unpredictable, and avoidance is not always possible.
Conditions:
* Folks with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, etc. risk exacerbation, or permanent damage if exposed.
* Vulnerable people such as infants, the elderly, and the immune compromised, risk intensified and possibly life-threatening responses.
* Anyone with chronic health conditions or those on medications that weaken the immune system, (ie: chemotherapy, Lupus, HIV, radiation, or long-term corticosteroids such as prednisone) risk exacerbation of illness, intensified response and possible delayed recovery.
* Women who are or could be pregnant, or who are trying to get pregnant, may be at risk of spontaneous abortion, or increased risk of birth defects.
* Nursing mothers risk passing toxins on to their infant.
* Folks with skin conditions (ie: severe acne, psoriasis, or eczema) and eye conditions (ie: conjunctivitis or uveitis) risk an intensified response.
* People wearing contact lenses may experience increased eye irritation and damage due to chemicals being trapped under the lenses.
Protection:
* Avoid use of oils, lotions and detergents because they can trap the chemicals and thereby prolong exposure. Wash your clothes, your hair and your skin beforehand in a detergent-free soap (such as Dr.Bronner's or most eco-friendly products).
* We recommend using a water or alcohol-based sunscreen (rather than oil-based). If your choice is between oil-based or nothing, we advocate using the sunscreen. Getting pepper sprayed on top of a sunburn is not fun.
* We also recommend minimizing skin exposure by covering up as much as possible. This can also protect you from the sun, as can a big hat.
* Gas masks provide the best facial protection, if properly fitted and sealed. Alternatively, goggles (with shatter-proof lenses), respirators, even a wet bandana over the nose and mouth will help.
How to deal:
* STAY CALM. Panicking increases the irritation. Breathe slowly and remember it is only temporary.
* If you see it coming or get a warning, put on protective gear, if able, try to move away or get upwind.
* Blow your nose, rinse your mouth, cough and spit. Try not to swallow.
* If you wear contacts, try to remove the lenses or get someone to remove them for you, with CLEAN, uncontaminated fingers.
* DO NOT RUB IT IN.
Remedies
We have been doing trials with pepper spray to find good remedies and have found some things will definitely help minimize the discomfort. None of these are miracle cures; using these remedies will help people to feel better faster, but it will still take time.
For the eyes and mouth:
We recommend a solution of half liquid antacid (like Maalox) and half water. A spray bottle is ideal but a bottle that has a squirt cap works as well. Always irrigate from the inside corner of the eye towards the outside, with head tilted back and slightly towards the side being rinsed. It seems from our trials that it needs to get into the eye to help. This means that if the sprayed person says it's okay you should try to open their eye for them. They most likely won't be able/willing to open it themselves, and opening will cause a temporary increase in pain, but the solution does help. It works great as a mouth rinse too.
For the skin:
We recommend canola oil followed by alcohol. Carefully avoiding the eyes, vigorously wipe the skin that was exposed to the chemical with a rag or gauze sponge saturated with canola oil. Follow this immediately with a rubbing of alcohol. Remember that alcohol in the eyes hurts A LOT. Anyone whose eyes you get alcohol in will not be your friend.
Secondary treatments can include: spitting, blowing your nose, coughing up mucous (you don't want to swallow these chemicals!), walking around with your arms outstretched, removing contaminated clothing, and taking a cool shower. In fact, it is essential to shower and wash your clothes (this time in real detergents--no eco-friendly stuff here) as soon as you are able. This shit is toxic, and will continually contaminate you and everyone around you until you get rid of it. Until then, try not to touch your eyes or your face, or other people, furniture, carpets etc. to avoid further contamination.Remember, it is only temporary.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Aerobic Exercise: What is the Right Amount?
Here's an article by Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D.. Check out is articles on Yahoo! Health.
Although there are many forms of aerobic exercise, I will focus on walking--the most convenient and common type of aerobic exercise. So what is the right amount of exercise, and why is it important?
Aim for 30 minutes a day/5 days a week
Most of us know that the major benefits of aerobic exercise are increased fitness and maintenance or loss of weight. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend that adults walk at a moderate pace (2 to 3 miles per hour or briskly enough to noticeably increase their heart rate) for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week. The 30 minute minimum can be achieved by performing several bouts, each lasting 10 minutes or more.
Improved fitness brings benefits but also risks
Improving fitness offers a number of health benefits that we all need, such as better circulation, lower blood pressure, and overall increased strength. Also, research shows that aerobic exercise improves mood and helps with better brain function in older adults. What could be better?
But there are some risks. According to Dr. Kerry Stewart, exercise physiologist and Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the results of many studies show that while individuals who consistently do more vigorous exercises accrue greater benefits, they are also at an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury. Jogging and other vigorous exercises also raises the risk of sudden death. The AHA and ACSM define vigorous-intensity exercise, exemplified by jogging, as causing rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate.
Given this, couch potatoes, people over the age of 65, and those with heart conditions or high blood pressure should contact their doctor before beginning even a program of moderately brisk walking. Also, those who have been walking at a moderate rate should consider speaking to their doctor before embarking on more intensive exercises. Already vigorous exercisers should check with their doctor if contemplating moving up to running in marathons--an increasingly popular activity for people of all ages.
For weight loss
It's worth noting that First Lady Michelle Obama has championed the Let's Move campaign, advocating 60 minutes of active play each day for children in an effort to cut down on the epidemic of childhood obesity in the U.S.
It may come as a surprise that walking at a brisk pace for 35 minutes only burns about 150 calories. So, if you're interested in losing weight, it is necessary to walk for about one hour every day. If you aren't used to this amount of activity, start out in smaller increments and build up. (I am a regular walker trying to lose weight, and though not a youngster, I have found that 60 minute walks become difficult and tiring.)
Other physical activities
The AHA and ACSM also recommend that every adult should perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance at least two days each week.
Elderly individuals should also carry out exercises to improve their balance. Poor balance contributes importantly to falls that can cause debilitating hip fractures and even death from brain injuries. Just this week my older brother called to tell me that he lost his balance and fell (but was not injured) while walking to his garage. The National Institute on Aging website details exercises that help improve strength and balance.
How to maintain an exercise program
* Schedule your exercise time like a business or doctor's appointment
* Walk with a family member or friend
* If time constraints are a problem, consider using a pedometer to count 10,000 steps a day. In this way exercise is spread out in the course of a day so that it isn't necessary to spend 30 or more minutes exercising at a time.
Although there are many forms of aerobic exercise, I will focus on walking--the most convenient and common type of aerobic exercise. So what is the right amount of exercise, and why is it important?
Aim for 30 minutes a day/5 days a week
Most of us know that the major benefits of aerobic exercise are increased fitness and maintenance or loss of weight. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend that adults walk at a moderate pace (2 to 3 miles per hour or briskly enough to noticeably increase their heart rate) for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week. The 30 minute minimum can be achieved by performing several bouts, each lasting 10 minutes or more.
Improved fitness brings benefits but also risks
Improving fitness offers a number of health benefits that we all need, such as better circulation, lower blood pressure, and overall increased strength. Also, research shows that aerobic exercise improves mood and helps with better brain function in older adults. What could be better?
But there are some risks. According to Dr. Kerry Stewart, exercise physiologist and Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the results of many studies show that while individuals who consistently do more vigorous exercises accrue greater benefits, they are also at an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury. Jogging and other vigorous exercises also raises the risk of sudden death. The AHA and ACSM define vigorous-intensity exercise, exemplified by jogging, as causing rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate.
Given this, couch potatoes, people over the age of 65, and those with heart conditions or high blood pressure should contact their doctor before beginning even a program of moderately brisk walking. Also, those who have been walking at a moderate rate should consider speaking to their doctor before embarking on more intensive exercises. Already vigorous exercisers should check with their doctor if contemplating moving up to running in marathons--an increasingly popular activity for people of all ages.
For weight loss
It's worth noting that First Lady Michelle Obama has championed the Let's Move campaign, advocating 60 minutes of active play each day for children in an effort to cut down on the epidemic of childhood obesity in the U.S.
It may come as a surprise that walking at a brisk pace for 35 minutes only burns about 150 calories. So, if you're interested in losing weight, it is necessary to walk for about one hour every day. If you aren't used to this amount of activity, start out in smaller increments and build up. (I am a regular walker trying to lose weight, and though not a youngster, I have found that 60 minute walks become difficult and tiring.)
Other physical activities
The AHA and ACSM also recommend that every adult should perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance at least two days each week.
Elderly individuals should also carry out exercises to improve their balance. Poor balance contributes importantly to falls that can cause debilitating hip fractures and even death from brain injuries. Just this week my older brother called to tell me that he lost his balance and fell (but was not injured) while walking to his garage. The National Institute on Aging website details exercises that help improve strength and balance.
How to maintain an exercise program
* Schedule your exercise time like a business or doctor's appointment
* Walk with a family member or friend
* If time constraints are a problem, consider using a pedometer to count 10,000 steps a day. In this way exercise is spread out in the course of a day so that it isn't necessary to spend 30 or more minutes exercising at a time.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp
1. Chill Out
The brain remembers better when it’s relaxed, say researchers at the California Institute of Technology, so take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply or meditate. "The positive of meditation is you have focused concentration and relaxation taking place at the same time," says Elizabeth Edgerly, PhD, spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Association. "Researchers believe those things are good because they're developing new connections for your brain cells."
2. Focus on the Future
People who regularly made plans and looked forward to upcoming events had a 50 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. But don’t worry if your calendar isn’t overflowing with life-changing events. Something as simple as setting a goal to have a weekly coffee date with a friend (and keeping it) will do. "Psychologically it keeps us motivated," Dr. Edgerly says. "There's evidence that people who have a purpose in life or who are working on long-or short-term goals appear to do better." In other words, keep your brain looking forward.
3. Go for a Walk
Mildly elevated glucose levels (even if you don’t have diabetes) can harm the area of the brain that helps you form memories, say Columbia University researchers. Experts agree that physical activity can help get blood glucose down to normal levels. In fact, the strongest evidence is regarding the effect of physical activity on the brain. Dr. Edgerly says, "When you exercise, you release chemicals that are good for your brain. It's like a mini fountain of youth in your brain, and the only way you can get it is exercise." In other words, when you take care of your heart, you take care of your brain.
4. Snack on Berries
Blueberries have compounds called anthocyanins that help communication between brain cells and appear to improve memory, says Robert Krikorian, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati. In general, Dr. Edgerly says the darker the fruit or vegetable, the better. She adds, "It's a healthy, well-rounded diet, especially one that mimics a Mediterranean diet, and that's fish, lots of fruits and vegetables, and red wine, everyone likes the red wine part."
5. Learn Something New
Take a Spanish class online, join a knitting club, or learn to play poker. A UC Irvine study found that mental stimulation limits the debilitating effects of aging on memory and the mind. But the best thing for your brain, Dr. Edgerly insists, is when you combine learning something new with physical activity. "It should be something like dancing, or coaching a sport. Or go learn golf with your girlfriends. That sort of thing is even better for your brain than, say, a crossword puzzle.”
The brain remembers better when it’s relaxed, say researchers at the California Institute of Technology, so take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply or meditate. "The positive of meditation is you have focused concentration and relaxation taking place at the same time," says Elizabeth Edgerly, PhD, spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Association. "Researchers believe those things are good because they're developing new connections for your brain cells."
2. Focus on the Future
People who regularly made plans and looked forward to upcoming events had a 50 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. But don’t worry if your calendar isn’t overflowing with life-changing events. Something as simple as setting a goal to have a weekly coffee date with a friend (and keeping it) will do. "Psychologically it keeps us motivated," Dr. Edgerly says. "There's evidence that people who have a purpose in life or who are working on long-or short-term goals appear to do better." In other words, keep your brain looking forward.
3. Go for a Walk
Mildly elevated glucose levels (even if you don’t have diabetes) can harm the area of the brain that helps you form memories, say Columbia University researchers. Experts agree that physical activity can help get blood glucose down to normal levels. In fact, the strongest evidence is regarding the effect of physical activity on the brain. Dr. Edgerly says, "When you exercise, you release chemicals that are good for your brain. It's like a mini fountain of youth in your brain, and the only way you can get it is exercise." In other words, when you take care of your heart, you take care of your brain.
4. Snack on Berries
Blueberries have compounds called anthocyanins that help communication between brain cells and appear to improve memory, says Robert Krikorian, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati. In general, Dr. Edgerly says the darker the fruit or vegetable, the better. She adds, "It's a healthy, well-rounded diet, especially one that mimics a Mediterranean diet, and that's fish, lots of fruits and vegetables, and red wine, everyone likes the red wine part."
5. Learn Something New
Take a Spanish class online, join a knitting club, or learn to play poker. A UC Irvine study found that mental stimulation limits the debilitating effects of aging on memory and the mind. But the best thing for your brain, Dr. Edgerly insists, is when you combine learning something new with physical activity. "It should be something like dancing, or coaching a sport. Or go learn golf with your girlfriends. That sort of thing is even better for your brain than, say, a crossword puzzle.”
Thursday, May 6, 2010
10 Questions to ask your Doc
Here's an article written by By Pamela F. Gallin, MD
Ten minutes: That's often all the time you have with your doctor. Whether you're seeing an internist, pediatrician or specialist, during that brief period the physician needs to listen to your complaints, make an assessment and clearly explain a recommended treatment.
To make the most of your time, even in the ER, you have to be prepared. By asking the right questions, you can direct the doctor's decision making. Your MD is morally obligated to address your concerns honestly and directly. That might mean running an extra test, taking a second look or even getting another, more senior opinion on your symptoms or treatment.
PLUS: 15 Secrets the ER Staff Won't Tell You
In my career as a surgeon, I have found there are key, little-known questions about specific symptoms and life situations that could make a difference in the outcome of your care--and potentially save your life. Here, ten common conditions and the questions you need to ask.
Back Pain and Joint Pain
Back and joint pain are often thought of as an inevitable result of injury or getting older. But pain is usually your body's way of telling you that something is very wrong. Don't ignore it. There are life-threatening diseases that mimic these aches, and it's important to catch them as early as possible. If you're experiencing constant pain in your back or joints, ask your doctor:
PLUS: 6 Mistakes Your Doctor May Be Making
Question #1: "Besides arthritis or injury, what could be causing my back pain or joint pain?"
Here are some possibilities.
* Prostate cancer and other abdominal problems
* Osteoporosis
* Lyme disease
* Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE)
* Swollen joints
* Bone cancer
Learn more about what symptoms to look for.
Headache
Karen (not her real name), 37, called her brother to tell him about her terrible headache. She'd suffered bad ones before, and that night she went to bed in severe pain. Her brother called to check on her in the morning but couldn't reach her. He tried her husband at work. A neighbor was sent over and, tragically, found Karen dead on the floor. She had died from a lethal brain aneurysm.
Aneurysms can be successfully treated if they're caught in time. If you're experiencing horrible, recurrent headaches or even one episode of the single most painful headache you've ever had, see a doctor and ask:
PLUS: 8 Old Wives' Tales: Which Should You Believe?
Question #2: "This is the worst headache of my life -- could it possibly be an aneurysm?"
There are many different types of headaches: cluster, sinus, migraine. An aneurysm isn't a type of headache; it's an abnormal widening or bulging of a blood vessel. Aneurysms cause severe, debilitating headaches when the blood vessel ruptures and blood enters the brain.
Aneurysms can occur as a birth defect or may develop later in life. It's estimated that five percent of the population have some type of aneurysm in the brain; these could rupture at any time. If you have a severe headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or seizures or any other neurological symptoms, go to the ER or call 911 immediately.
Enter for a chance to win an iPod Touch and download our Life IQ trivia game for your iPhone.
Flu
For most people, the flu is a nuisance. But for the immune-compromised, chronically ill, and aged, it can be deadly. Every year, 36,000 Americans die of the flu or its complications, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized.
But how do you know when you really have it? Flu is caused by a virus and typically lasts three to four days, with symptoms including fever, chills, aches and pains, stuffy nose and dry cough. But if they last more than a few days without improving, you need to see your doctor and ask:
Question #3: "I'm still feeling terrible. Considering my medical history, what else could be wrong with me?"
You're directing your doctor to narrow the list of possible diseases, tests and treatments. The details of your history and symptoms should lead the investigation to the right answer, helping your MD catch the problem and possibly save your life. For example, your doctor might recommend a chest x-ray or CT scan to spot pneumonia or the early stages of lung cancer. Or she may run blood tests to find infections like mononucleosis, strep, staph and Lyme disease.
PLUS: 41 Secrets Your Doctor Would Never Share
Chest Pain
If you experience sudden chest pain that radiates to the left arm, are cold and clammy and feel horrible, you could be having a heart attack. These symptoms appear more often for men than women, whose heart attacks frequently go undiagnosed.
If you don't have the classic symptoms but are experiencing chest pain on the right side, mild chest pain in the form of an ache, a general lousy feeling with shortness of breath, or heartburn and/or indigestion that won't go away, whether you're a man or a woman, call 911 or have someone drive you to the ER and ask a doctor:
Question #4: "Am I having a heart attack? Let's not wait -- can we please be sure and 'draw the enzymes'?"
When heart muscles don't get enough blood, the damaged muscle releases its enzymes into the bloodstream. You may be given other tests in the ER as well. But a simple blood test can quickly measure the levels of these enzymes and clearly indicate if you're having a heart attack.
PLUS: The 10 Healthiest Fruits
Bottom line: Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among American men and women. Nearly twice as many die from heart disease and stroke than from all forms of cancer. Take your symptoms seriously and get immediate help.
Breast Cancer
Lorie Levy's previous mammograms were difficult to interpret because of her dense breasts. Her mother had died of breast cancer, so Lorie, 49, was anxious and wanted to cover all the bases. Although her mammogram was deemed normal, she asked:
Question #5: "Can I have an ultrasound even though my mammogram was negative?"
Sure enough, the ultrasound showed a suspicious lesion that was missed on the mammogram. Further tests confirmed it was indeed cancer. Today, five years later, Lorie knows that because she caught the tumor in its earliest stages, she received the right treatment and is now cancer free.
PLUS: The 10 Healthiest Vegetables
The lesson here is not that ultrasounds are better than traditional mammograms. In fact, it's the combination of the two that yields the best results. Mammography is still the gold standard for screening, and new technologies, such as breast ultrasound and MRI, may enhance the effectiveness of screening and diagnosis.
"Breast cancer screening is not one-size-fits-all," says Freya Schnabel, MD, chief of breast surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. "It needs to be individualized--to the particular patient, her risk of breast cancer and the density of her breasts. Mammography alone is not always the most sensitive test for a woman with dense breasts, and ultrasound can be a useful additional test. If a woman is at very high risk, an MRI may be appropriate. But this is an expensive resource that has lots of false positives, so it's not for everyone."
Before your internist or gynecologist schedules your mammogram, make sure to discuss your health situation and ask about ultrasound. Together, you can determine if additional, more sensitive testing is required. And before you have a biopsy, ask for hard copies of your test results and get a second opinion.
PLUS: 11 Exotic Origins of Everyday Things
Stroke
After the onset of a stroke, you have a three-hour window of opportunity in which clot-busting drugs could save your life and reduce damage. Stroke symptoms can occur all over the body, but most strokes occur in the brain. Signs include sudden difficulty speaking or mental confusion, inability to use an arm or a leg, and facial paralysis, usually on one side. You can also have a mild stroke with less dramatic symptoms, but it's just as important to treat. As soon as you think you or someone you know might be experiencing a stroke, call 911 and at the ER ask:
Question #6: "Could my mother be having a stroke? What about giving clot-busting drugs right now?"
Every 45 seconds, someone in the country has a stroke. Clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) dissolves the clot so that further damage is prevented and existing symptoms may be reversed. Unfortunately, this medication must be used within the first three hours of a stroke, so don't dawdle: Be an impatient patient, get to a hospital ASAP and ask for this lifesaving medicine. Make sure you're thoroughly screened afterward so you can find out why this happened in the first place.
PLUS: 11 Drugs You Can Grow at Home
Abdominal Pain
Walter Johnson, 54, felt abdominal discomfort one evening at his weekend retreat in upstate New York. The next morning, even though he didn't have a temperature, he couldn't stop shaking. His wife drove him 40 miles to see his doctor, who couldn't determine a definitive diagnosis and sent Walter to the local ER.
But when he arrived, Walter wasn't experiencing any symptoms other than fatigue and acute uneasiness: His temperature was normal, and he'd stopped shaking. The triage team in the ER turned their attention to other patients with more severe issues. A little while later, though, Walter was feeling worse. His temperature spiked to a scary 104, and his case was moved to high alert.
An ER doctor examined him and pressed on his abdomen, but Walter didn't feel any pain. The doctor was concerned because of the fever and began to think of the most likely diagnoses. He ordered an abdominal CT scan with contrast, a type of x-ray that shows not only bones but also all the organs and other structures inside the body. Walter drank a dye that highlighted his GI tract. It showed that he was suffering from appendicitis and that his appendix was not in the classic location. You can learn from his experience and remember to ask:
Question #7: "Should I have an abdominal CT scan or other tests before going to the OR?"
The doctor was surprised it was appendicitis, because Walter wasn't suffering from the usual severe abdominal pain on the lower right side. But if the test had not been ordered with contrast, his appendix would likely have ruptured and his condition could have been life threatening. Walter was quickly wheeled into surgery for an emergency appendectomy.
PLUS: 10 Super Foods for Diabetics
Every year, more than 250,000 Americans get appendicitis. Yet many of them are misdiagnosed. Other serious medical conditions can mimic appendicitis, including an ovarian cyst, tubal pregnancy, certain forms of diverticulitis (a type of inflammation in the intestines) and sexually transmitted pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Other culprits: inflammatory diseases stemming from an ulcer, gallbladder disease, or a liver abscess--and even kidney disease and colon cancer. So before any surgical procedure, make sure your doctor has utilized every available test to determine the right diagnosis before you are wheeled into the operating room.
PLUS: 10 Tips for Healthy, White Teeth
Childbirth
No one plans to have an obstetrical emergency, but it does happen every day. Childbirth is often quite complicated and can put both mother and newborn in jeopardy. So if you're pregnant and trying to decide where to deliver your baby, ask your obstetrician:
Question #8: "Which types of doctors are always physically present in my hospital, in case I need them to take care of me and my baby in an emergency?"
Anesthesiologists are doctors who prescribe and administer anesthesia during surgery. They will be present in an operating room in the case of a cesarean section or premature labor or other serious complication. If possible, you should make sure there's an anesthesiologist in the hospital at all times: reachable on the golf course or while out for dinner may not be good enough.
Newborns are patients, too, and have special requirements. Babies need to have a pediatrician working on-site. Your baby may need emergency treatment directly after birth, even if the delivery went smoothly.
The gold standard is a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit or reasonable access to one. This facility is used for all newborns with critical problems, not just for preemies. So shop around for a medical center with these services, and make sure your doctor is affiliated with the hospital where you want to deliver. (If you don't have access to a hospital with all these features in your area, be sure to talk to your OB about an emergency contingency plan.)
PLUS: Expert Tips to Live Healthy
Child's Head Trauma
We're not always present every time our kids trip, get hit in the head or fall off the junglegym. Yet injuries from sports, minor accidents or even child abuse can cause eye and brain damage. They show up as a range of behavior changes that can signal a life-threatening problem from head trauma. If your child isn't acting like himself and is unusually sleepy, inattentive or agitated, take him to the doctor and ask:
Question #9: "Could a head injury or trauma account for my child's symptoms?"
Every year, at least 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury, making it a leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. The symptoms, subtle or severe, can point to a range of problems. Concussions happen when the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord has been throttled. A more serious problem occurs when there is progressive pooling of blood from a torn vessel on the surface of the brain (subdural hematoma) -- a medical emergency requiring surgery. Retinal hemorrhages (bleeding in the eye) are easily visible changes, helping doctors diagnose shaken baby syndrome and significant repetitive injuries from sports.
Other signs on a doctor's exam: slight weakness in the arms and legs, or abnormal pupil responses. Testing should include a CT scan and a full eye and neurological exam. The best prevention? Helmets.
PLUS: 5 Backyard Dangers to Avoid
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, which affects the center of your vision and can begin as early as age 50, is reaching crisis levels: It is the leading cause of blindness in America. More than ten million people have reduced vision due to the disease, with 200,000 new cases every year. If you've been diagnosed with macular degeneration, talk to an ophthalmologist and ask:
Question #10: "Can the new medications I've heard about, Lucentis and Avastin, apply to me?"
In June 2006, two important drugs made headlines and quickly improved the lives of patients. Lucentis, which was approved by the FDA, not only halts the progression of macular degeneration but also can reestablish better vision. A second medication, Avastin, was already approved for treatment of colon cancer and is now being used by ophthalmologists to help those with macular degeneration. Talk with your eye doctor to see if they might be right for you.
Ten minutes: That's often all the time you have with your doctor. Whether you're seeing an internist, pediatrician or specialist, during that brief period the physician needs to listen to your complaints, make an assessment and clearly explain a recommended treatment.
To make the most of your time, even in the ER, you have to be prepared. By asking the right questions, you can direct the doctor's decision making. Your MD is morally obligated to address your concerns honestly and directly. That might mean running an extra test, taking a second look or even getting another, more senior opinion on your symptoms or treatment.
PLUS: 15 Secrets the ER Staff Won't Tell You
In my career as a surgeon, I have found there are key, little-known questions about specific symptoms and life situations that could make a difference in the outcome of your care--and potentially save your life. Here, ten common conditions and the questions you need to ask.
Back Pain and Joint Pain
Back and joint pain are often thought of as an inevitable result of injury or getting older. But pain is usually your body's way of telling you that something is very wrong. Don't ignore it. There are life-threatening diseases that mimic these aches, and it's important to catch them as early as possible. If you're experiencing constant pain in your back or joints, ask your doctor:
PLUS: 6 Mistakes Your Doctor May Be Making
Question #1: "Besides arthritis or injury, what could be causing my back pain or joint pain?"
Here are some possibilities.
* Prostate cancer and other abdominal problems
* Osteoporosis
* Lyme disease
* Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE)
* Swollen joints
* Bone cancer
Learn more about what symptoms to look for.
Headache
Karen (not her real name), 37, called her brother to tell him about her terrible headache. She'd suffered bad ones before, and that night she went to bed in severe pain. Her brother called to check on her in the morning but couldn't reach her. He tried her husband at work. A neighbor was sent over and, tragically, found Karen dead on the floor. She had died from a lethal brain aneurysm.
Aneurysms can be successfully treated if they're caught in time. If you're experiencing horrible, recurrent headaches or even one episode of the single most painful headache you've ever had, see a doctor and ask:
PLUS: 8 Old Wives' Tales: Which Should You Believe?
Question #2: "This is the worst headache of my life -- could it possibly be an aneurysm?"
There are many different types of headaches: cluster, sinus, migraine. An aneurysm isn't a type of headache; it's an abnormal widening or bulging of a blood vessel. Aneurysms cause severe, debilitating headaches when the blood vessel ruptures and blood enters the brain.
Aneurysms can occur as a birth defect or may develop later in life. It's estimated that five percent of the population have some type of aneurysm in the brain; these could rupture at any time. If you have a severe headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or seizures or any other neurological symptoms, go to the ER or call 911 immediately.
Enter for a chance to win an iPod Touch and download our Life IQ trivia game for your iPhone.
Flu
For most people, the flu is a nuisance. But for the immune-compromised, chronically ill, and aged, it can be deadly. Every year, 36,000 Americans die of the flu or its complications, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized.
But how do you know when you really have it? Flu is caused by a virus and typically lasts three to four days, with symptoms including fever, chills, aches and pains, stuffy nose and dry cough. But if they last more than a few days without improving, you need to see your doctor and ask:
Question #3: "I'm still feeling terrible. Considering my medical history, what else could be wrong with me?"
You're directing your doctor to narrow the list of possible diseases, tests and treatments. The details of your history and symptoms should lead the investigation to the right answer, helping your MD catch the problem and possibly save your life. For example, your doctor might recommend a chest x-ray or CT scan to spot pneumonia or the early stages of lung cancer. Or she may run blood tests to find infections like mononucleosis, strep, staph and Lyme disease.
PLUS: 41 Secrets Your Doctor Would Never Share
Chest Pain
If you experience sudden chest pain that radiates to the left arm, are cold and clammy and feel horrible, you could be having a heart attack. These symptoms appear more often for men than women, whose heart attacks frequently go undiagnosed.
If you don't have the classic symptoms but are experiencing chest pain on the right side, mild chest pain in the form of an ache, a general lousy feeling with shortness of breath, or heartburn and/or indigestion that won't go away, whether you're a man or a woman, call 911 or have someone drive you to the ER and ask a doctor:
Question #4: "Am I having a heart attack? Let's not wait -- can we please be sure and 'draw the enzymes'?"
When heart muscles don't get enough blood, the damaged muscle releases its enzymes into the bloodstream. You may be given other tests in the ER as well. But a simple blood test can quickly measure the levels of these enzymes and clearly indicate if you're having a heart attack.
PLUS: The 10 Healthiest Fruits
Bottom line: Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among American men and women. Nearly twice as many die from heart disease and stroke than from all forms of cancer. Take your symptoms seriously and get immediate help.
Breast Cancer
Lorie Levy's previous mammograms were difficult to interpret because of her dense breasts. Her mother had died of breast cancer, so Lorie, 49, was anxious and wanted to cover all the bases. Although her mammogram was deemed normal, she asked:
Question #5: "Can I have an ultrasound even though my mammogram was negative?"
Sure enough, the ultrasound showed a suspicious lesion that was missed on the mammogram. Further tests confirmed it was indeed cancer. Today, five years later, Lorie knows that because she caught the tumor in its earliest stages, she received the right treatment and is now cancer free.
PLUS: The 10 Healthiest Vegetables
The lesson here is not that ultrasounds are better than traditional mammograms. In fact, it's the combination of the two that yields the best results. Mammography is still the gold standard for screening, and new technologies, such as breast ultrasound and MRI, may enhance the effectiveness of screening and diagnosis.
"Breast cancer screening is not one-size-fits-all," says Freya Schnabel, MD, chief of breast surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. "It needs to be individualized--to the particular patient, her risk of breast cancer and the density of her breasts. Mammography alone is not always the most sensitive test for a woman with dense breasts, and ultrasound can be a useful additional test. If a woman is at very high risk, an MRI may be appropriate. But this is an expensive resource that has lots of false positives, so it's not for everyone."
Before your internist or gynecologist schedules your mammogram, make sure to discuss your health situation and ask about ultrasound. Together, you can determine if additional, more sensitive testing is required. And before you have a biopsy, ask for hard copies of your test results and get a second opinion.
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Stroke
After the onset of a stroke, you have a three-hour window of opportunity in which clot-busting drugs could save your life and reduce damage. Stroke symptoms can occur all over the body, but most strokes occur in the brain. Signs include sudden difficulty speaking or mental confusion, inability to use an arm or a leg, and facial paralysis, usually on one side. You can also have a mild stroke with less dramatic symptoms, but it's just as important to treat. As soon as you think you or someone you know might be experiencing a stroke, call 911 and at the ER ask:
Question #6: "Could my mother be having a stroke? What about giving clot-busting drugs right now?"
Every 45 seconds, someone in the country has a stroke. Clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) dissolves the clot so that further damage is prevented and existing symptoms may be reversed. Unfortunately, this medication must be used within the first three hours of a stroke, so don't dawdle: Be an impatient patient, get to a hospital ASAP and ask for this lifesaving medicine. Make sure you're thoroughly screened afterward so you can find out why this happened in the first place.
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Abdominal Pain
Walter Johnson, 54, felt abdominal discomfort one evening at his weekend retreat in upstate New York. The next morning, even though he didn't have a temperature, he couldn't stop shaking. His wife drove him 40 miles to see his doctor, who couldn't determine a definitive diagnosis and sent Walter to the local ER.
But when he arrived, Walter wasn't experiencing any symptoms other than fatigue and acute uneasiness: His temperature was normal, and he'd stopped shaking. The triage team in the ER turned their attention to other patients with more severe issues. A little while later, though, Walter was feeling worse. His temperature spiked to a scary 104, and his case was moved to high alert.
An ER doctor examined him and pressed on his abdomen, but Walter didn't feel any pain. The doctor was concerned because of the fever and began to think of the most likely diagnoses. He ordered an abdominal CT scan with contrast, a type of x-ray that shows not only bones but also all the organs and other structures inside the body. Walter drank a dye that highlighted his GI tract. It showed that he was suffering from appendicitis and that his appendix was not in the classic location. You can learn from his experience and remember to ask:
Question #7: "Should I have an abdominal CT scan or other tests before going to the OR?"
The doctor was surprised it was appendicitis, because Walter wasn't suffering from the usual severe abdominal pain on the lower right side. But if the test had not been ordered with contrast, his appendix would likely have ruptured and his condition could have been life threatening. Walter was quickly wheeled into surgery for an emergency appendectomy.
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Every year, more than 250,000 Americans get appendicitis. Yet many of them are misdiagnosed. Other serious medical conditions can mimic appendicitis, including an ovarian cyst, tubal pregnancy, certain forms of diverticulitis (a type of inflammation in the intestines) and sexually transmitted pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Other culprits: inflammatory diseases stemming from an ulcer, gallbladder disease, or a liver abscess--and even kidney disease and colon cancer. So before any surgical procedure, make sure your doctor has utilized every available test to determine the right diagnosis before you are wheeled into the operating room.
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Childbirth
No one plans to have an obstetrical emergency, but it does happen every day. Childbirth is often quite complicated and can put both mother and newborn in jeopardy. So if you're pregnant and trying to decide where to deliver your baby, ask your obstetrician:
Question #8: "Which types of doctors are always physically present in my hospital, in case I need them to take care of me and my baby in an emergency?"
Anesthesiologists are doctors who prescribe and administer anesthesia during surgery. They will be present in an operating room in the case of a cesarean section or premature labor or other serious complication. If possible, you should make sure there's an anesthesiologist in the hospital at all times: reachable on the golf course or while out for dinner may not be good enough.
Newborns are patients, too, and have special requirements. Babies need to have a pediatrician working on-site. Your baby may need emergency treatment directly after birth, even if the delivery went smoothly.
The gold standard is a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit or reasonable access to one. This facility is used for all newborns with critical problems, not just for preemies. So shop around for a medical center with these services, and make sure your doctor is affiliated with the hospital where you want to deliver. (If you don't have access to a hospital with all these features in your area, be sure to talk to your OB about an emergency contingency plan.)
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Child's Head Trauma
We're not always present every time our kids trip, get hit in the head or fall off the junglegym. Yet injuries from sports, minor accidents or even child abuse can cause eye and brain damage. They show up as a range of behavior changes that can signal a life-threatening problem from head trauma. If your child isn't acting like himself and is unusually sleepy, inattentive or agitated, take him to the doctor and ask:
Question #9: "Could a head injury or trauma account for my child's symptoms?"
Every year, at least 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury, making it a leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. The symptoms, subtle or severe, can point to a range of problems. Concussions happen when the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord has been throttled. A more serious problem occurs when there is progressive pooling of blood from a torn vessel on the surface of the brain (subdural hematoma) -- a medical emergency requiring surgery. Retinal hemorrhages (bleeding in the eye) are easily visible changes, helping doctors diagnose shaken baby syndrome and significant repetitive injuries from sports.
Other signs on a doctor's exam: slight weakness in the arms and legs, or abnormal pupil responses. Testing should include a CT scan and a full eye and neurological exam. The best prevention? Helmets.
PLUS: 5 Backyard Dangers to Avoid
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, which affects the center of your vision and can begin as early as age 50, is reaching crisis levels: It is the leading cause of blindness in America. More than ten million people have reduced vision due to the disease, with 200,000 new cases every year. If you've been diagnosed with macular degeneration, talk to an ophthalmologist and ask:
Question #10: "Can the new medications I've heard about, Lucentis and Avastin, apply to me?"
In June 2006, two important drugs made headlines and quickly improved the lives of patients. Lucentis, which was approved by the FDA, not only halts the progression of macular degeneration but also can reestablish better vision. A second medication, Avastin, was already approved for treatment of colon cancer and is now being used by ophthalmologists to help those with macular degeneration. Talk with your eye doctor to see if they might be right for you.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Bad habits can age you by 12 years, study suggests
By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer - Mon Apr 26, 6:26 PM PDT
Here's an interesting article I came across by Lindsey Tanner that discusses bad habbits that can place a harsh toll on the body than one believes. I'm going to paraphase the artile, but you can read it in its entirety with the link provided above.
Enjoy.
Four common bad habits combined — smoking, drinking too much, inactivity and poor diet — can age you by 12 years, sobering new research suggests.
The findings are from a study that tracked nearly 5,000 British adults for 20 years, and they highlight yet another reason to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Overall, 314 people studied had all four unhealthy behaviors. Among them, 91 died during the study, or 29 percent. Among the 387 healthiest people with none of the four habits, only 32 died, or about 8 percent.
The risky behaviors were: smoking tobacco; downing more than three alcoholic drinks per day for men and more than two daily for women; getting less than two hours of physical activity per week; and eating fruits and vegetables fewer than three times daily.
The healthiest group included never-smokers and those who had quit; teetotalers, women who had fewer than two drinks daily and men who had fewer than three; those who got at least two hours of physical activity weekly; and those who ate fruits and vegetables at least three times daily.
You don't need to be extreme" to be in the healthy category, Kvaavik said. "These behaviors add up, so together it's quite good. It should be possible for most people to manage to do it."
For example, one carrot, one apple and a glass of orange juice would suffice for the fruit and vegetable cutoffs in the study, Kvaavik said, noting that the amounts are pretty modest and less strict than many guidelines.
The U.S. government generally recommends at least 4 cups of fruits or vegetables daily for adults, depending on age and activity level; and about 2 1/2 hours of exercise weekly.
Death certificates were checked for the next 20 years. The most common causes of death included heart disease and cancer, both related to unhealthy lifestyles.
Here's an interesting article I came across by Lindsey Tanner that discusses bad habbits that can place a harsh toll on the body than one believes. I'm going to paraphase the artile, but you can read it in its entirety with the link provided above.
Enjoy.
Four common bad habits combined — smoking, drinking too much, inactivity and poor diet — can age you by 12 years, sobering new research suggests.
The findings are from a study that tracked nearly 5,000 British adults for 20 years, and they highlight yet another reason to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Overall, 314 people studied had all four unhealthy behaviors. Among them, 91 died during the study, or 29 percent. Among the 387 healthiest people with none of the four habits, only 32 died, or about 8 percent.
The risky behaviors were: smoking tobacco; downing more than three alcoholic drinks per day for men and more than two daily for women; getting less than two hours of physical activity per week; and eating fruits and vegetables fewer than three times daily.
The healthiest group included never-smokers and those who had quit; teetotalers, women who had fewer than two drinks daily and men who had fewer than three; those who got at least two hours of physical activity weekly; and those who ate fruits and vegetables at least three times daily.
You don't need to be extreme" to be in the healthy category, Kvaavik said. "These behaviors add up, so together it's quite good. It should be possible for most people to manage to do it."
For example, one carrot, one apple and a glass of orange juice would suffice for the fruit and vegetable cutoffs in the study, Kvaavik said, noting that the amounts are pretty modest and less strict than many guidelines.
The U.S. government generally recommends at least 4 cups of fruits or vegetables daily for adults, depending on age and activity level; and about 2 1/2 hours of exercise weekly.
Death certificates were checked for the next 20 years. The most common causes of death included heart disease and cancer, both related to unhealthy lifestyles.