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March 31, 2008

Dancing With the Scars

Anyone who watches Dancing With the Stars (yes, I tune in), can not help but notice Priscella Presley's face.  The poor thing suffered from a botched plastic surgery job by someone who promised injections of a substance that was better than Botox.  The results are very obvious, and she is now involved in a lawsuit against this doctor, along with other patients who he took advantage of. 

TMZ reports: Priscilla went to Dr. Daniel Serrano around 2003. Serrano was a good-looking doc from Argentina who hooked into Hollywood's social A-list and started giving them what he claimed were miracle injections that worked better than Botox. In fact, Serrano was injecting industrial, low-grade silicone similar to what's used to lubricate auto parts in Argentina into the faces of these women… The injections caused lumps, paralysis and holes in the faces of some of the women (and some men) he injected.

I am neither for nor against plastic surgery, and that is not what this entry is about.  What I am in favor of, is being informed and doing research before ANY medical procedure.  Especially with the availability of the Web, there is no reason not to investigate your doctor's background, and get information about any procedure you are having.  Perhaps if Priscella had done this, the poor woman would not be in her current and irreversible (as I understand) situation.

 

 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:14 AM |

March 28, 2008

Plants Don't Just Make Your House Look Pretty

Decorating your house with plants not only beautifies your living space, but it also has a detox effect.  Cleaning supplies, paints, printers, etc. create VOC's (volatile organic compounds) which can contribute to dizziness, fatigue, nausea, kidney or liver damage, even cancer.  A study done in Australia found that two common houseplants, the Janet Craig and the Sweet Chico were able to reduce VOC's from the air by up to 70%!  When plants take in oxygen and carbon dioxide, they also take in any toxins in the air.  The toxins travel down the root into the plant's soil where bacteria in the soil breaks down the chemicals into nontoxic compounds that the plant then uses for food.  A plant on your desk at work or home can make a significant difference in the air quality of your work space.  If someone could teach me a green thumb so I could GROW plants to start with, I'd be breathing easy!

These easy-to-care-for plants all scored high marks for their ability to remove chemical vapors. Whether you work in a cave-like cubicle or a sunny corner, one of these "office" plants will work for you.

1 Florist's mum (Full sun and semi-sun) Best seasonal plant for removing benzene, ammonia and formaldehyde.

2 Kimberley queen (Semi-sun to semi-shade) Effective for removing alcohols and formaldehyde.

3 English ivy (semi-sun to semi-shade) Adept at eliminating formaldehyde.

4 Dracaena "Janet Craig" (semi-shade) Scored well for its ability to remove indoor toxins; can grow for decades.

5 Golden pothos (semi-shade to shade) Easy to grow, it ranks high as an all-round air cleaner.

Source: How To Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office by B.C. Wolverton, Ph.d., (Penguin Books, 1996) and Prevention Magazine.

 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:40 AM |

March 26, 2008

Fresh Baked Bread

You know how wonderful freshly baked bread smells?  Well, it turns out that it could actually be a better alternative to packaged breads that we traditionally buy.  Packaged breads and other baked goods usually are loaded with preservatives to extend their shelf life.  Those preservatives contain a lot of chemicals and are not good for you.  Products baked fresh eliminate most of those preservatives, and taste better because they are fresh from the oven! 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:51 AM |

March 25, 2008

Happy Marriage is Beneficial to Health

This week my hubby and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary.  We are so happy and know that we are very fortunate to have an awesome marriage.  I read an article last night that stated that not only does being in a happy marriage feel good and make you healthier mentally, it also has a profound affect on your health.  A study was done with married and single adults where they wore blood pressure monitors for 24 hours during their regular activities.  The findings were that the happily married couples had lower blood pressure overall and especially at night when they slept which is very important.  Elevated blood pressure throughout the night can put you at greater risk for cardiovascular problems.  Spouses can encourage each other's healthy habits, they eat similar diets, have similar fitness programs and have similar patterns of doctor visits.  So, get married today!  Just kidding.  But if you are in a happy marriage, thank your lucky stars for yet another reason to cherish your relationship!

 

Source: MSN Health & Fitness 3/24/2008

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:32 AM |

March 24, 2008

Does Extra-curricular Activity Prevent Risky Behavior?

We have always heard of getting kids involved in after-school activities to keep them active, their time occupied and help them burn off extra energy.  A study published in the journal Crime & Delinquency shows that involvement in extra-curricular activities does have a correlation in the decrease of some risky behaviors, but too much participation can have a counter-effect.  Interestingly, it also shows that nontraditional activities for each gender such as sports for girls and church for boys provided a great protection from delinquency.  Researchers believe that the involvement helps deter delinquency in by reducing unstructured time, providing incentives to conform, and creating avenues for attachments with other pro-social peers and adults.  It's amazing how the groups we are involved with even as adults, influence our behaviors, so you can imagine the profound effect it has on our youngsters.  I attribute a lot of my staying out of trouble as a young adult to the fact that I hung around a positive peer group and was involved in cheer leading, drama, speech contests and other school clubs which occupied my free time. 

 

Source:  SAGE Publications (2008, March 23_.  Can Involvement in Extra-Curricular Activities Help Prevent Juvenile Delinquency? Science Daily. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases200803080321174211/htm.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:43 AM |

March 22, 2008

Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that works with Vitamin E to protect cells and tissues from damage.  Low intake of selenium has been linked to higher risk of some cancers, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, immune suppression, depression, thyroid problems and birth defects.  For adults 55 mcg of selenium is recommended, but women should get 60 mcg during pregnancy and 70 mcg during breastfeeding.  Selenium can be toxic in amounts exceeding 400mcg.  Some good sources of selenium are vegetables and whole grains, but it really depends on the selenium content of the soil in which they're grown.  You can certainly take a selenium supplement, and a lot of multi-vitamins also include this important mineral. 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:16 AM |

March 21, 2008

Cervical Cancer

Recently, someone in my family was diagnosed with cervical cancer, a surprise to all of us, because she is only 30 years old.  I have been researching the subject extensively, and thought I would pass some of the information on, so that we all get a better understanding of what it is and how best to prevent it.  Cervical cancer is a malignant disease that occurs in the uterine cervix of females.  This year, about 63,000 people will be diagnosed with this malignancy.  Researchers have identified the following possible risk factors that could cause abnormal cells in the cervix:
  • having sexual intercourse before the age of 18

  • having many sexual partners

  • HPV

  • smoking

  • Women whose mothers were given the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage

  • weakened immune systems

  • oral contraceptive users

At present, early detection and treatment of precancerous tissue remain the most effective ways of preventing cervical cancer. Women should talk with their doctor about an appropriate schedule of checkups. The doctor's advice will be based on such factors as the women's age, medical history, and risk factors.

For further information, I found the following site very helpful: http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/cervix/index.asp. 

Ladies, don't skip your regular visits to your gynocologist.  It could save your life!  And if anyone knows someone who has gone through cervical cancer, please leave your comments as I would find them very useful. 

Cindy

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 07:36 AM |

March 19, 2008

"Did You Eat All Your Veggies?"

"Ummmmmmmm, yeah mom!"  Not!  Growing up, we were told to eat our fruits and veggies, but we just thought our moms were being mean.  Not so.  Turns out that fruit and vegetable intake helps with a number of different aspects of your health.  The USDA and National Institutes of Health recommend five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Unfortunately, about 70 % of Americans do not get the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables daily. The beneficial nutrients in fruits and vegetables are made up of "phyto nutrients" and these nutrients have complex functions.

Diets rich in Fruits and Vegetables can provide the following health benefits:

- increased energy levels
- protection against the effects of aging
- improved immune function
- healthier looking skin
- reduced risk of some types of cancer
- reduced risk of osteoporosis
- reduced risk of heart disease
- reduced risk of stroke
- reduced risk of high blood pressure
- reduced risk of diabetes and improved blood sugar control
- reduced risk of cataracts

There is a lot of research available on the role of substances called phytochemicals or ‘plant chemicals’. These are the biologically active substances in vegetables and fruit that help to protect you from some diseases.  The term PhytoNutrient means the nutrients utilized from whole plant material. Any product that utilizes whole plants and herbs provide powerful PhytoNutrient components. The theory of PhytoNutrients and their powerful benefits suggest that the components making up whole plants, fruits, vegetables, and herbs work synergistically with each other to benefit the health of mankind.

If you are not getting the RDA of fruits and vegetables through your regular diet, consider a dietary supplement of phytonutrients.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:13 AM |

March 18, 2008

Cover Your Ears

Hearing is one of our senses that we don't really go out of our way to protect, but if we start losing it, we realize that maybe we should have.  If there is noise that is exceptionally loud such as gardening machines, power tools or loud music, cover your ears with noise cancellation headphones.  Also, cover your ears when sirens or traffic is too loud.  I used to work in a jewelry shop and the steam cleaner we used to polish the jewelry caused some hearing loss for me.  I never covered my ears and was exposed to the noise all day every day.  Eating folate and phytochemicals, found in leafy greens has been shown to have a positive affect on hearing.  Also, never use Q-tips (sorry- your mom was wrong) to clean your ears.  You should not put anything like that in your ears, as you can perforate the eardrum causing permanent and more serious damage.  Your ears clean themselves naturally, but if you find you are in need of some serious roto-rooter, you can visit your doctor or put mineral oil in your ears for 60 minutes, and then flush with saline warmed to body temperature.Chronic exposure to noise loud enough to make you raise your voice, can not only affect your hearing, but has been shown to increase risk of heart attacks by 50% especially if this is true both at work and at home.  If you work in a particularly noisy place, then it is imperative that you live in a quiet one.  Take care of your ears and they'll take care of you for years to come.

Source:  You- Staying Young by Roizen and Oz

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:57 AM |

March 17, 2008

Fit for Summer

It's that time of year again where thoughts of bathing suits and the beach enter our heads.  Well, if you're sporting a kegger instead of your regular six-pack, now's the perfect time to start aspiring to your summer bod.  The best way to start a fitness regimen is to start walking for half an hour a day.  It is appropriate for all fitness levels and is a workout you can do anywhere!  Half an hour of walking a day can improve sleep and energy, support weight loss and reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer.  If you get bored with walking, why not walk with a partner, turn on your favorite tunes, or listen to books on tape to make it more enjoyable?  Make sure you have a decent pair of walking shoes and your sunscreen, and get out there and hit the pavement!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 12:06 PM |

March 14, 2008

Your 100 Things

Part of our emotional health is derived from the recognizing and accomplishment of our goals in life.  In my Body + Soul Magazine, I was reading last night that listing 100 of the things you want to do in life actually can help you achieve those things.  I have found this to be true in my own life.  About five or six years ago I wrote a list of the 25 I things I wanted to do.  I think I wrote "this year" but I actually accomplished most of them by the time I found the list again four years later.  Some of my items were "Marry Derek", "Travel to Europe" and "Get a Bulldog".  It was amazing that I had lost the list, but not the subconscious dreams in my head or my will to make them happen.   When you write your list, the first 10-20 will come easily.  But sit there for a good 30 minutes and let your brain flow.  Even if the idea seems miniscule, write it down.  There are no small dreams and desires.  There are now websites devoted to your "Top 100" including www.your100things.com where you can list your items and ask for support in achieving any of the goals on your list, or just as a sort of exercise in accountability.  I will be putting my list on there today.  I believe that by writing down your goals, you are that much closer to making them a reality!!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:31 AM |

March 13, 2008

1 in 4 Teens Has an STD

A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that at least one in four teenagers has a sexually transmitted disease.  Many of today's sex education programs are talking about safe sex, the "morning-after" pill and so forth rather than promoting abstinence.  Doctors are withholding necessary STD screening for kids who do not have their parents' permission which keeps them from getting checked out.  This is not only immediately dangerous for sexually active teenagers, but the long-term risks of unprotected sex are scary too.  When I was young, my mom provided my sister and I with our sexual education, promoting abstinence, but talking about the dangers of unprotected sex, pregnancy, and STDs.  I think parents need to take more control over this sensitive and often ignored subject in their children's lives.  It is ultimately their responsibility. 

 

Source: Christian Newswire

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:56 AM |

Happy 150th Entry!!!

This marks my 150th entry for the Daily Health Bits blog.  I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read the information I provide and I hope it's yielded some benefits in your own life.  As always, if you have a subject that you would like to see addressed, please let me know. 

Be healthy and happy!

Cindy Burreson

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:53 AM |

March 12, 2008

Go For Goji

A healthy trend in snacking is the antioxidant-rich Goji berry, which has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine. The tiny, dried berries are sweet with a zing of sour, like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry. They are similar in shape and texture to a raisin.  A good source of protein and fiber, the berry is also credited with curbing appetite and boosting energy and well-being, earning the nickname, “the happy berry.” Goji berries can be found in snack packs, in trail mix combinations, and even added to smoothies.  You can also buy Goji juice at health food stores.  Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to:
  • protect the liver
  • help eyesight
  • improve sexual function and fertility
  • strengthen the legs
  • boost immune function
  • improve circulation
  • promote longevity

Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.  Goji berries may have an interaction with anticoagulant medications, so be sure to talk to your doctor before ingesting them if you are on this drug.

Source: E Magazine

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:49 AM |

March 11, 2008

My Aha! Moment a la Oprah

Living Like a Flower by Cindy Burreson

 
            Today I went hiking as I’ve done a hundred times before to clear my brain and get some clarity.  It is a hot, sunny day and I needed to get out of the house.  As I was walking, I felt the sun beating on my skin, saw the dirt path that thousands of hikers had paved into the mountain’s body, and saw the bugs crawling and flying by.  But, I also noticed something else.   
            Dotting the mountain were yellow flower bushes.  There was no rhyme or reason to their arrangement; they simply grew where they felt like it.  Some of the bushes were densely populated with the yellow blooms while others were more sparse.  The flowers were a bright yellow, a high contrast from the dirt and rock surrounding them.  Some of them were missing petals, or had withered a bit, but each flower pushed its center proudly toward the sun.  It was as if the sun was imparting wisdom and energy on them.  The flowers didn’t care if they were perfect.  They didn’t need to be told they were beautiful, and so they were. They were a part of the whole bush without regard to the health or imperfections of the flowers around them, yet they all lived together happily.  The flowers didn’t care whether I was jobless or the Queen of Sheba. They simply lined my path and brought sunshine to an otherwise regular hike.  The flowers didn’t pay any mind to the fact that it was extra sunny today.  They didn’t worry about the damaging rays or what the weather would bring tomorrow.  They didn’t care what others thought of them.  They didn’t fear the animals that may come their way or the careless people who may trample them.  They didn’t worry about whether they would have enough water to survive.  They somehow knew they could make it on their own.  They didn’t worry whether or not people liked them.  By doing their job, how could people not?  They didn’t try to evolve into something they weren’t.  They were the best they could be.  And at the end of the day, when the sun goes down, and it grows a little cooler, the flowers will all tuck in their petals knowing they did their job for today, and they will be there again tomorrow.  They take pride in knowing that they made the world a more beautiful and joyous place just by being.  And if at the end of the day I’ve lived like a flower, then I’ve done my job too.
 
           

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 05:43 AM |

March 10, 2008

Acupuncture for Back Pain

A few years back my husband suffered from lower back pain.  It plagued him quite often, and it was particularly a bummer because he is a really active guy.  Well, he actually went to great lengths to seek relief, and he even tried acupuncture.  I personally couldn't go down that road, but he loved it!  In a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, acupuncture may banish back pain nearly twice as effectively as conventional medicine.   Those in the study who were given acupuncture had a nearly 45% drop in pain intensity.  Acupuncture is thought to be a low-risk and very promising alternative to pain medication.  To find an acupuncturist near you, visit aaa.omonline.org.

 

Source:  Body + Soul Magazine

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:02 AM |

March 08, 2008

NSSI

NSSI, Non-Suicidal Self-Injury is the deliberate, direct destruction of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent, and it is frighteningly common among high school students.  The notion of "cutting" and other such behaviors has gained popularity in the news due to its commonality and celebrity involvement too, like Amy Winehouse.  According to a study published in Psychological Medicine, almost half of high school students said that they had purposefully engaged in one of 11 different NSSI behaviors in the past year.  60% of the students endorsed moderate/severe forms of NSSI including cutting skin, burning skin, giving self-tattoos, scraping skin or using a pencil to "erase" skin.  Other NSSI behaviors discussed include pulling out hair, biting self or picking at areas of the body to draw blood.  The former behaviors were more likely to report a history of psychiatric treatment, suicide attempts and the like.  The most common reasons cited for this behavior include "getting control of the situation", "stop other bad feelings" and "get a reaction from someone".  This is something that should not be taken lightly.  If you have kids or know kids who may be experiencing stress and participating in NSSI behaviors, try talking to them about what is going on in their lives.  Chances are they just want to express themselves and learn better coping skills.  If you fear that the behavior is out of control, seek professional help.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:41 AM |

March 07, 2008

"If Cindy Concentrated on Her Work as Much as She Does Talking..."

These words were a permanent fixture on my report cards growing up.  If I ever got in trouble in school, it was for talking in class or passing notes.  Well, in a study at the University of Michigan, the relationship between social interaction and improved mental functioning was studied and shows that those who engage in social interaction displayed higher levels of cognitive performance than the control group.  Social interaction aided intellectual performance.  It helps to exercise your mind, make you think about different ideas and opinions and use tools of expression.  Have you been sick for an extended period of time, or alone for long periods and feel like your brain is sort of stagnant?  Well, perhaps this study explains why.  So, to my teachers, I guess I should write back, "Cindy concentrates on talking in order to boost her performance on school work".  Neener, neener, neener!  Sealed

 

Source:  Sage Publications (2008, February 19). Does Socializing Make Us Smarter?. ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215135707

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:44 AM |

March 05, 2008

Airborne

Many of my friends are in LOVE with Airborne, considering it the "miracle" of getting rid of colds and flu.  I have never really thought much of it.  It has good ingredients, but it doesn't "prevent colds" as it said on the label.   It can probably help with your immune system, but so can taking straight Vitamin C and any of the other ingredients in Airborne.  Well, once again, the FDA has cracked down on a company that made false claims on their label.  Airborne will pay $23.3 million to settle a class-action lawsuit for false advertising.  You can NOT make claims that your product will prevent or cure any condition, and they did.  So, the lesson learned as a vitamin company is to not make false claims, and as a consumer, research what you are putting into your body!

 

Source: CNN Money 3/4/2008

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:49 AM |

March 04, 2008

Astragalus

Astragalus, a member of the pea family can be stirred into soups or teas or taken in capsule form to boost your immune system.  If you feel a cold coming on, supplement with 2-6 grams of astragalus in capsule form daily.  It seems to work mainly through anti-viral properties and has a beneficial effect on T-cell activity which plays an important role in immune function.  A 2006 study in Phytotherapy Research concurred, saying that astragalus has an even more significant effect on certain T-cells than echinacea.  So, check out astragalus the next time you are feeling under the weather.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:49 AM |