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November 29, 2007

Anatomy of an Erection

Today’s topic is one that I came across in my research and found interesting.  As women, we may take a man’s erection for granted, but it’s truly a scientific marvel.  I found the following information rather interesting.  Here is the science behind an erection:
At its most basic level, an erection is a matter of hydraulics. Blood fills the penis, causing it to swell and become firm. But getting to that stage requires extraordinary orchestration of body mechanisms. Blood vessels, nerves, hormones, and, of course, the psyche must work together. Problems with any one of these elements can diminish the quality of an erection or prevent it from happening altogether.
In many cases, an erection really starts in a man's brain. A sight, a touch, a smell, or perhaps just a memory sparks intense activity in the hypothalamus, an area near the base of the brain. Electrical signals of sexual arousal travel from the brain down to an area in the lower part of the spinal cord. Nerves in this area signal nerves in the pelvis, which tell arteries to let blood into the penis and cause an erection.
Direct genital stimulation can also cause an erection, but different nerve pathways are involved. In this case, the sensation is carried by the pudendal nerve, which runs from the penis to the sacral nerves in the lower spine. The sacral nerves then send messages that cause the arteries in the penis to admit blood.
See, I told you it was interesting!

Source: AOL Health

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 02:34 PM |

November 28, 2007

At Home Exfoliation Mask

For those of us, who have seasonally changing skin, winter is a time of dryness and different skin problems than those we faced in the summer.  I love to exfoliate both my face and my body, thereby removing any dead surface cells, revealing new glowing skin, and also ridding my face and body of dry skin that may be hanging on.  If you have real problem skin, over-exfoliating can aggravate the problem, so try this exfoliation mask on a small part of your skin before going all the way.  Here is an exfoliation mask that you can make at home, very inexpensively, and that is very effective for cleansing and healing your skin:

Take 2 - 3 teaspoons raw oats (not the pre-cooked type) and crush into smaller bits either by hand or with a blender. Mix the dry oats with pure honey and 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar until it forms a smooth mixture. Add more honey as needed. Then add 1 drop of tea tree oil to the mixture.

After washing the face and drying it gently by patting with a towel, apply this sticky mixture in gentle circular movements. Avoid the eye area. Leave the mixture on for about 15 minutes and wash off with lots of tepid water.

Although it is a messy skin treatment to perform, the results are excellent and it costs only pennies to make.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:21 AM |

November 26, 2007

Wellness Inventory

With Thanksgiving behind us, and the holidays on their way, I thought today would be a good day to take a Personal Wellness Inventory in order to keep ourselves as healthy as possible during this crazy season.  So, I invite you to do the same, asking yourself the following questions:

  • Am I eating well?  Making sure to eat a healthy breakfast will not only benefit you nutritionally, but it will help give you energy for wrapping presents, shopping, and visiting with friends and family.  Make sure you are getting plenty of lean protein and fruits and vegetables in your diet and eliminating a lot of the sweets and fats which can compromise your nutritional health.
  • Am I taking my vitamins consistently?  If not, make it easier on yourself to do so.  We keep our vitamin boxes on my desk and take them in the morning while reading emails, and take our others at night, and they're on my nightstand so we don't forget! 
  • Am I taking time for myself?  Allowing yourself to get too run down, without taking time for YOU will only compromise your immune system and emotional health.  Stress is a major cause of illness, so even taking a coffee break during the hustle and bustle of shopping, or taking a bubble bath at the end of the day will do a world of good!
  • Am I exercising?  Exercising will not only help your immune system but it makes you feel great!  Plus, it will help you counteract the extra calories we consume during the season.
  • What supplements can I increase to improve my immunity in order to keep illness at bay?  I like to take extra vitamin C during this time of year, and sometimes zinc and echinacea.  My favorite is black elderberry which I discovered last year and helped me keep a couple of bad colds under control.
  • Am I sleeping enough?  With late night parties, shopping and so forth, sleep seems to get forgotten, but of course, we all know the importance of plenty of sleep to our overall health.  Make sure you are getting enough rest for your body.

Hopefully, taking this personal wellness inventory will help you to make changes if need be and get through the holidays with plenty of health, happiness and vigor!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:18 AM |

November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to wish all of the readers of Daily Health Bits, a happy, safe, and healthy Thankgiving!  Be thankful for the health you have, and think of ways you can improve it so you have even more to be thankful for next year!  Enjoy turkey dinner!!!  Gobble Gobble

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:38 AM |

November 20, 2007

Holiday Stress- Keeping it in Check

Starting with Thanksgiving, our calendars begin to fill up with COMMITments and time seems to fly by.  We are surrounded by favorite and not-so-favorite relatives, uncomfortable situations, long hours and too much food.  So, how, among all of these things, does one stay sane?

The number one best rule is "Don't sweat the small stuff!"  Find humor in the events and people around you.  If you don't get all of your presents wrapped, put them in bags!  If you don't bake ten side dishes for Thanksgiving, everyone will still be in awe of the six.  If one of your relatives drives you up the wall, avoid them, or kill them with kindness.  YOU are in control of your emotions and the ability to manage your stress.  So, this Thanksgiving, remember the REAL reasons for the holidays, and enjoy your family and friends and forget all of the meaningless baloney that takes over our minds sometimes.  Have fun!!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 02:39 PM |

November 19, 2007

Flying and Deep Vein Thrombosis

With the holidays this week, many people will be flying to visit family all over the country.  One concern you should be aware of before taking a flight is the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis.  Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in your legs. Because you're not moving around, and your legs are below your heart, blood tends to pool in your legs. The danger -- though rare -- is that a piece of the clot could break off and travel to the lungs, where it blocks an artery (a life threatening condition called pulmonary embolism). Anyone can be at risk for DVT and the best way to prevent it is to get up and walk around every few hours -- especially on long flights.  You can also wear restrictive socks or pantyhose, and do exercises and foot stretches in your seat to increase circulation.  DVT can also be genetic, and people with heart disease, cancer or varicose veins may be at higher risk. If you fall into these categories, talk to your doctor before taking a long flight.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 02:58 PM |

November 16, 2007

Watching Calories on Thanksgiving

So, Thanksgiving is typically the beginning of the holiday gorgefest...so, how can you make smarter choices when eating on Turkey Day?  Glamour magazine did a comparison that I thought I would share with you, so we can all make better selections on Thursday.

Sweet Potatoes vs. Mashed Potatoes- Mashed potatoes (which I prefer anyway) have about 200-300 fewer calories because sweet potatoes often have SWEET stuff like butter, honey, syrup, marshmallows, etc.  I make a healthier version of mashed potatoes, using about half of the butter and milk, and putting in a little cheese and garlic.

Turkey gravy vs. Cranberry Sauce- Gravy only has about 80 calories per 1/2 cup, whereas cranberries have about 180. 

Ham vs. Turkey vs. Prime Rib- Turkey is the best choice. (Wow!  All of my favorites!) Skinless white meat only has 193 calories per 5 oz serving, and dark meat has about 260.  But ham and prime rib have 340 and 400 calories respectively.  Prime rib also has about four times the amount of fat that turkey does!

Pumpkin pie vs. Apple Pie vs. Pecan Pie- Pumpkin pie is the best of the three with only 270 calories per slice, apple has 350, and pecan has a whopping 700 calories!!!!  Personally, I'd forgo dessert and eat more turkey!!

So, this Thanksgiving, make better choices, and you will feel better and look better for Black Friday!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:56 AM |

November 15, 2007

Skin Care- Dermatologists' Advice

Everyone wants to know how to maintain healthy, glowing skin, strong nails, and beautiful hair and lessen the signs of aging and damage.  So, who better to ask than those schooled in the matter, dermatologists!  Here are tips from dermatologists who met at the American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) SKIN academy, November 8, 2007:

  • Unless you have really oily skin or are working with oils and gases, water should be enough to get you clean.  Using soap on other body parts besides the groin, under arms and face can cause dryness.
  • Quit, or don't start smoking.  Smoking causes wrinkles and premature aging.
  • Wear sunscreen to prevent wrinkles and sun damage.
  • Eat a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and see the benefits reflected in the appearance of your skin.
  • Less is more when it comes to your hair.  Products and hairstyling tools can dry hair and reduce the shine and luster.
  • Regular dermatology appointments.  Besides getting to know your skin and watching for changes, dermatologists have a host of tools at their disposal to improve skin's appearance.

Source: 

American Academy of Dermatology. "Dermatologists Share Their Secrets For Maintaining Healthy Skin, Hair And Nails." ScienceDaily 13 November 2007. 15 November 2007 <http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2007/11/071109195158.htm>.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:50 AM |

November 14, 2007

Keeping Cholesterol Under Control

Whether high cholesterol is in your genes, or is induced by your lifestyle, there are things you can do to minimize your risk of problems.  Knowing what your cholesterol levels are, is important for determining a goal and establishing a guideline for where you are and where you need to be.  Cholesterol screening can be done at your family doctor, and many pharmacies have cholesterol screenings throughout the year.  Once you have a goal, you can start taking steps in the right direction. Losing weight if you are overweight can help improve your cholesterol profile substantially. Minor lifestyle changes, such as getting screened regularly, eating a healthful diet, and exercising regularly, also can go a long way in getting your LDL and HDL cholesterol numbers back to a desirable level. For some people, however, cholesterol-controlling medication is a necessary part of their treatment plan, especially if they are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol. Speak with your doctor if you aren't sure which steps are best for you. If your cholesterol levels are not where they should be, making some lifestyle changes will help that, and your overall health.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 12:07 PM |

November 13, 2007

"She's a SMART Brickhouse"

I saw a write-up yesterday on a study whose results, I was very happy to see.  Having been a "brick house" my whole life, and not the waif-type, I have always looked for the advantages to my body type.  Well, a study of 16,00 women determined that those with hourglass figures were more intelligent than their counterparts with round or straight bodies.  Curvier women also tended to have more intelligent children, possibly because omega3 fatty acids are stored in their hips.  Skinny women or those with bellies, do not have such deposits.  The study is going to be published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior this week, and will give all of us "Marilynesque" women, one more thing in our arsenal to brag about! 

 Source: www.physorg.com

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:05 AM |

November 09, 2007

You Pick It

Every day I try to write about a different topic that may prove interesting or provide my readers with a bit of information that they didn't know about.  Well, today I want YOU to tell me what you'd like to see in Daily Health Bits.  Leave me your comments about subjects you would like me to explore with you, and perhaps I will use it in a future entry.  After all, this blog is about improving OUR health, and I need feedback from you so I know what issues you would like to learn more about!  In the meantime, have a happy and healthy day, and I look forward to all of your ideas!  CindyKiss

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:21 AM |

November 08, 2007

Thinning Hair

Women don't tend to get the bald spots that men do, but our hair DOES thin as we age, and due to other factors in our life such as stress.  Even when our hair gets thinner, we can usually disguise it by styling our hair differently or using products to thicken hair.  It's normal for a woman to lose between 50 and 100 hairs daily.  The hairs are usually replaced by new ones which grow at the rate of 1/2 inch a month.  As women get older and estrogen levels decrease, the rate of regrowth can slow.  Here are some suggestions of things you can do, should you suffer from hair loss:

  • Use protein-based conditioners which coat the hair shafts and give hair more thickness.
  • Finish with a cold rinse to seal in conditioner and increase shine.
  • Use styling mousse to increase thickness of hair.
  • Wear your hair shorter to increase curl and be further from the scalp, revealing thin spots.
  • Use a blow dryer to volumize from the roots.

Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and supplementing your diet with a balanced diet regimen including calcium and silica can also make a difference.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:04 AM |

November 06, 2007

PMS- How to Deal Naturally

I have a lot of girlfriends, and a sister, who are plagued with terrible PMS each month.  Fortunately for me, I don't experience the severity many do, but I still "feel your pain".  So, what can you do naturally to resolve some of the symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome?  There have been studies done on the effectiveness of Chinese herbs in alleviating cramps associated with PMS, and with good results.  Not only did the following herbs relieve the pain, but also decreased the occurrence of cramps over a three month period. Herbs in the study included, but were not limited to:
1. Chinese angelica root
2. Szechuan lovage root
3. Red peony root, white peony root
4. Chinese motherwort
5. Cinnamon bark

In one trial, 53 percent of the women who took herbs had less pain, compared with 26 percent in the placebo group.

The Chinese herbs were more effective than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral contraceptive pills, acupuncture, heat compressions, placebos, or no treatment at all.
 
Chinese herbal medicine has been used to treat menstrual pain for hundreds of years. Up to 50 percent of women of reproductive age experience period pain that leads to absences from school and work.

There are, of course, other natural remedies to dealing with PMS.  If you experience bloating, try drinking more water.  It sounds a little backwards, but water acts as a diuretic and removes excess fluid from the body.  Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks which can contribute to bloating.  Reduction of sugary foods can help keep moodiness at bay. Make sure you are getting enough nutrients especially magnesium and vitamin B6 because they help assure a healthy supply of mood-regulating brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine.  Exercise is another good way to increase the aforementioned brain chemicals, as well as relieve cramps.  Mother Nature obviously was playing a cruel trick on her fellow women when she cursed us with PMS, but luckily she also provided us with some natural ways of dealing with it!

 If you've found natural remedies for PMS relief, please leave your comments and help your fellow girls!

Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4

 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:35 AM |

November 03, 2007

Top 5 Ways to Reduce Cancer

Although there is no 100% way to prevent cancer, there are several things you can do to try to prevent being one of it's victims.  Making healthier choices in your life can make a significant difference in your risk of developing certain types of cancer.  Even if you can't do all of these things, pick one or two and increase your overall health.

  1. Don't smoke- it has been shown (and we all know this) that smoking is the leading cause for lung cancer and is also responsible for throat and mouth cancers.  Stop smoking and decrease your risk of cancer and improve your overall health.
  2. Limit your intake of red meat, salt, fat and alcohol
  3. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and grains
  4. Exercise regularly
  5. Watch your weight

As I said above, doing these things anyway is going to make you feel better and look better, and if they help you avoid cancer and other life-threatening diseases, then why WOULDN'T you try it??

 Source:  www.realage.com

 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:37 AM |

November 02, 2007

Calm Nausea Naturally

Have you ever wondered how the "after dinner mint" idea started?  Well, peppermint is a well-known anti-emetic.  It contains a chemical compound called menthol, which eases digestion and calms the stomach.  To make peppermint tea, crush 1 teaspoon of fresh peppermint leaves, cover with a cup of boiling water, and let steep for ten minutes.  You can drink up to three times a day.  There are many different peppermint tea bags for your convenience, or just eat a mint, and get the benefits of fresh breath too!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:06 AM |

November 01, 2007

Health in your Work Space

Sitting in an office all day can be not only dull, but can take a toll on your health.  Here are some tips for creating a healthier workspace, since much of our time can be spent there.

  • Get a better chair- A chair with lower back support and adjustable height and arm rests is crucial for controlling back pain and stress in the body.  Proper alignment when sitting all day can make a huge difference in how you feel when your work day is done.  Also, performing stretching exercises especially for the neck and back is good for you too.
  • Monitor placement- Keep your computer monitor about 18-28 inches away from you with the top of the screen at about eye level for the best eye and neck comfort.  Also, to avoid tiring your eyes, look away from the screen about every hour or so and focus on something in the distance.  This will help lessen the strain on your eyes.
  • Calming color- if you are allowed to paint your office, use soothing colors like blues or lavender which have a calming effect on the brain.
  • Wrist support- invest in a cushioned wrist support if you type a lot to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.  Your wrist should be in a straight, not bent, position.
  • Sound therapy- listen to calming music, or music that makes you work better, or use a fan to block out noise from surrounding areas. 
  • Green power- Plants can spruce up and office, bringing nature indoors, and adding oxygen and humidity to dry office air.
  • Heartwarmers- Surround yourself with pictures of loved ones or places you would like to travel to make a bad day more tolerable, and bring joy every time you look at it.
  • Neck-saving phone- if you spend a lot of time on the phone, traditional phones can cramp your neck and upper back.  I use a headset and find that it is more freeing (of your hands) and I don't have that neck pain.

 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 07:36 AM |