THOUGHT FOR THE DAY...

Every thought we think is creating our future.

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*** You are about 1 centimeter taller in the morning than in the evening! *** *** If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee. *** *** The can opener was invented 48 years after the can. *** *** A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won't. *** *** The drummer for the rock group Def Leppard only has one arm. *** *** There is a poisonous plant that leaves the victim with a smile on their face at the time of death. *** ______________________________________________________________________________________ WWW.MELODYSHAPPYWORLD.COM - "True happiness is not looking back with regret, but looking forward to the future and creating your own exciting, magnificent destiny and masterpiece, YOUR LIFE!" MELODY JENSEN IS THE MOST WONDERFUL PERSON AND THE GREATEST HUMANITARIAN I KNOW. CHECK OUT MELODY'S HAPPY WORLD, IT'S FREE!! ASSOCIATIONS: WWW.MELODYSSECRET.COM - YOU CAN REACH MELODY AT; 949 -706- 0887 -

Cardiac Cocktail Halves Death Rate

Patients showing heart attack symptoms who received a mixture of glucose, insulin, and potassium from paramedics were half as likely to go into cardiac arrest or die than those who did not receive the dose, a study found. Researchers trained paramedics to administer the treatment after determining with an electrocardiograph-based instrument that a patient was likely having a heart attack. The results of the study were presented at a meeting of the American College of Cardiology in Chicago. Although the treatment did not stop the heart attack from occurring, patients who received it were 50 percent less likely to go into full cardiac arrest, in which the heart suddenly stops beating, or to die, than those who received a placebo. The study of 911 patients showed the treatment also reduced the severity of damage to heart tissue from the heart attack. In patients who received the mixture, 2 percent of heart tissue was destroyed, compared with 10 percent in those who received a placebo. Researchers said the study was the first to test the effectiveness of administering the treatment at the first signs of a threatening heart attack, rather than waiting for a diagnosis to be confirmed at the hospital, which can take hours. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health. "We've done a lot of studies of acute cardiac care in emergency departments and hospitals, but more people die of heart attacks outside the hospital than inside the hospital," said Dr. Harry Selker of Tufts Medical Center, who led the study. "We wanted to direct our attention to those patients." Although 23 percent of suspected heart attacks in the study turned out to be false alarms, the treatment did not appear to have any harmful effect on those patients, the researchers said. The treatment costs about $50. "We wanted to do something that is effective and can be used anywhere," Selker said.

Does Diet Soda Wreck Your Health?

Studies have hinted that diet-soda lovers could face higher risks of diabetes and heart disease, but new findings suggest that overall diet may be what matters most in the end. Several studies have found that people who regularly down diet soda are more likely than people who don't to have certain risk factors for those chronic diseases — like high blood pressure and high blood sugar. And one recent study became the first to link the beverages to the risk of actual heart attacks and strokes. Still, researchers have not been able to say whether it's the sugar-free drinks, themselves, that deserve the blame. Many factors separate diet- and regular-beverage drinkers — and, for that matter, people who stick with water. Overall diet is one. So this latest study tried to account for people's general diet patterns, said lead researcher Kiyah J. Duffey, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She and her colleagues used data on more than 4,000 Americans taking part in a long-term study of heart health. They were all between the ages of 18 and 30 when the study began in the mid-1980s. Over the next 20 years, 827 study participants developed metabolic syndrome — a cluster of risk factors for heart problems and diabetes including extra weight around the waist, unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar.

Are Your Meds Making You Fat?

Your medicine cabinet could be making you fat. Most people don’t realize that many common drugs cause weight gain from bloating, increasing the appetite, or by slowing down the metabolism. Harvard University’s Dr. George Blackburn says that the problem of drug-induced weight gain is widespread and not often discussed between patient and doctor. In fact, he says, one in four medications can lead to weight gain. “The drugs we are concerned about are drugs for chronic diseases, like diabetes and psychiatric problems, because you have to be medicated for life,” says Dr. Blackburn, associate director of the Harvard Medical School Division of Nutrition. “If you have a 5-pound weight gain in the first one to three months taking a new medication, contact your physician.” Dr. Blackburn says that an alternative drug can often be prescribed that doesn’t cause you to get fat. Here are common weight-gain culprits: Antihistamines. A recent Yale University study found that allergy meds can cause users to gain weight. Dr. Blackburn believes that drugs like Benadryl make patients lethargic and therefore they burn fewer calories. The solution may be to switch to a type of antihistamine such as Zyrtec that doesn’t have sedative effects. Antidepressants. Some of these drugs boost neurotransmitters in the brain that boost both mood and your appetite. Paxil and Zoloft are two that cause drug-induced weight gain. Check with your psychiatrist or doctor to see if you can switch to Wellbutrin, Prozac, or Zyban, which are less likely to cause you to eat more. SPECIAL: These 5 Things Flush 40 lbs. of Fat Our of Your Body Birth Control Pills. Since they contain estrogen, birth control pills can cause water retention. Ask your gynecologist about low-estrogen pills such as Yasmin. Sleep Aids.The compound diphen-hydramine that’s found in over-the-counter medications like Sominex or Nytol slows down your metabolism. An alternative is the prescription drug zolpidem (Ambien). Migraine Meds. The antiseizure drugs Depakote and Depakene often used to treat migraines may increase your appetite. Ask your doctor about Imitrex or Topamax, medications that are less likely to be a problem, says Louis Aronne, M.D., medical director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Program in New York. Dr. Aronne says one of his patients lost 50 pounds by switching migraine medications. Steroids. People taking prednisone, a common steroid used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammation, is notorious for making patients hungry. You may be able to treat your condition with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. If you must stay on prednisone, focus on foods that are filling and low in calories such as fruits and vegetables. Blood Pressure Meds. Drugs to control blood pressure, specifically beta blockers, can sometimes cause weight gain, says nutritionist Madelyn Fernstrom, director of the Weight Management Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. See if switching to another class of drugs, called ace inhibitors, will work for you. Diabetes Drugs. Many people with Type 2 diabetes are prescribed insulin, sulfonylureas (Diabenese, Amaryl), or thiazolidinediones (Avandia). They all can cause weight gain. An alternative to explore is the drug Glucophage. Dr. Aronne, who in addition to his Harvard position is also a clinical professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, adds that patients have to be proactive about tackling this problem. “We’re trying to educate general practitioners about prescription medicines possibly causing weight gain,” he says. “But not all are tuned in to this.”

Don’t Let Pollen Allergies Spoil Your Spring

Spring is in the air, and so is pollen. Learn why these plant particles make you sniffle and sneeze, how to avoid airborne allergens, and the best ways to treat symptoms… Sneezing isn’t always the symptom of a cold. Sometimes it’s an allergic reaction to something in the air. Health experts estimate that 35 million Americans suffer from upper respiratory-tract symptoms caused by allergic reactions to airborne allergens. Asthma symptoms, which affect approximately 11 million Americans, are also often provoked by airborne particles. And pollen allergy, commonly called hay fever, is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. Why Pollen Allergens Plague Us Each spring, summer and fall, tiny pollen grains are released from trees, weeds and grasses. Although their mission is to fertilize parts of other plants, many enter human noses and throats instead. Pollen is one of the most common allergy triggers. Many others – such as foods, medicines, animals or even household dust – can often be avoided. But short of staying indoors with the windows closed when pollen count is high (and even that may not help), there’s no easy way to avoid airborne pollen. The types of pollen that most commonly cause allergic reactions are produced by plain-looking plants without showy flowers. They make small, light, dry pollen grains custom-made for wind transport. In fact, scientists have collected samples of ragweed pollen 400 miles out at sea and 2 miles high in the air. So, because airborne pollen can drift for many miles, it does little good to get rid of an offending plant. Among North American plants, weeds are the most prolific producers of allergenic pollen. Ragweed is the major culprit – a single plant can generate a million grains of pollen a day – but other important sources are sagebrush, redroot pigweed, lamb’s quarters, Russian thistle (tumbleweed) and English plantain. Grasses and trees are also important sources. But while more than 1,000 species of grass grow in North America, only a few produce highly allergenic pollen. It’s common to hear people say they’re allergic to colorful or scented flowers like roses. In fact, only florists, gardeners and others who have prolonged, close contact with flowers are likely to be sensitive to pollen from these plants. Most people have little contact with the large, heavy, waxy pollen grains of such flowering plants, because this type of pollen isn’t carried by wind but by insects such as butterflies and bees. When Will Pollen Strike? One of the most obvious features of pollen allergy is its seasonal nature – people have symptoms only when the pollen grains to which they’re allergic are in the air. Each plant has a pollinating period that’s more or less the same from year to year. But exactly when a plant starts to pollinate seems to depend on the relative length of night and day – and therefore on geographical location – rather than on the weather. On the other hand, weather conditions during pollination can affect the amount of pollen produced and distributed in a specific year. That’s why, in the Northern Hemisphere, the farther north you go, the later the start of the pollinating period and allergy season. The pollen count you hear about on local weather reports is a measure of how much pollen is in the air. This count represents the concentration of all pollen (or one particular type, like ragweed) in a certain area at a specific time. It’s expressed as the grains of pollen per square meter of air collected over 24 hours. Pollen counts tend to be highest early in the morning on warm, dry, breezy days and lowest during chilly, wet periods. Although pollen count is an approximate measure that changes, it’s useful as a general guide for when it may be wise to stay indoors. How to Avoid Pollen Allergies Complete avoidance of allergenic pollen means moving to a place where the offending substance doesn’t grow and isn’t present in the air. But even this extreme solution may offer only temporary relief, because a person sensitive to a specific pollen may develop allergies to new ones after repeated exposure. For example, people allergic to ragweed may leave their ragweed-ridden communities and relocate to areas where ragweed doesn’t grow, only to develop allergies to other weeds, or even to grasses or trees, in their new surroundings. Because relocating isn’t a reliable solution, allergy specialists don’t encourage this approach. There are other ways to reduce exposure to offending pollens: Remain indoors with the windows closed when outdoor pollen levels are highest – in the morning, for example. Sunny, windy days can be especially troublesome. If you must be outdoors, wear a face mask designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching nasal passages. Take your vacation at the height of the expected pollinating period and choose a location where such exposure would be minimal. Vacationing at the seashore or on a cruise, for example, may be effective for avoiding pollen allergies. When possible, use air conditioners inside your home or car to help prevent pollen and mold allergens from entering. Various types of air-filtering devices made with fiberglass or electrically charged plates may help reduce allergens produced in the home. You can add these to your present heating and cooling system. Portable devices for use in individual rooms are also helpful. An allergist can suggest which kind of filter is best for your home. Before buying a filtering device, rent one and use it in a closed room (such as the bedroom) for a month or two to see whether your allergy symptoms diminish. The airflow should be sufficient to exchange the air in the room five or six times per hour. Therefore, the size and efficiency of the filtering device should be determined in part by room size. Be wary of exaggerated claims for appliances – very small air cleaners can’t remove dust and pollen, for example. Before buying an electrostatic precipitator, compare the machine’s ozone output with federal standards. Ozone can irritate the noses and airways of people with allergies, especially those with asthma, and can increase their allergy symptoms. Other kinds, such as HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters, don’t release ozone into the air. But they require machinery with adequate air flow to force air through them. Treating Pollen Allergies When you can’t adequately avoid airborne allergens, your symptoms can often be controlled by over-the-counter remedies. But if they don’t give you relief or cause unwanted side effects such as sleepiness, your health care provider can prescribe antihistamines or topical nasal steroids. Antihistamines These counter the effects of histamine, which contributes to your allergy symptoms. For many years, antihistamines have proven useful in relieving itching and sneezing, and in reducing nasal swelling and drainage. Many people who take antihistamines have some distressing side effects such as drowsiness and loss of alertness and coordination. Antihistamines that cause fewer of these side effects are available over-the-counter or by prescription. These non-sedating antihistamines are as effective as others in preventing symptoms. Topical Nasal Steroids Don’t confuse these with anabolic steroids, which athletes sometimes use to enlarge muscle mass. Nasal steroids are anti-inflammatory medicines that stop an allergic reaction. In addition to other helpful actions, they reduce mucus secretion and nasal swelling. The combination of antihistamines and nasal steroids is an effective way to treat allergic rhinitis, especially if it’s moderate or severe. Although topical nasal steroids can have side effects, they’re safe when used at recommended doses. Cromolyn Sodium When used as a nasal spray, this can safely stop the release of chemicals like histamine, and in some people it helps prevent allergic rhinitis from starting. It has few side effects when used as directed and significantly helps some people manage allergies. Decongestants Sometimes, helping the nasal passages drain away mucus will relieve symptoms such as congestion, swelling, excess secretions and discomfort in the sinus areas caused by nasal allergies. Your doctor may recommend oral or nasal decongestants to reduce congestion along with an antihistamine to control allergic symptoms. You shouldn’t use over-the-counter or prescription decongestant nose drops and sprays for more than a few days. When used for longer periods, they can lead to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages. Immunotherapy This is the only available treatment that can reduce allergy symptoms over a longer period of time. It involves receiving injections of increasing concentrations of the allergen(s) to which you’re sensitive. About 85% of people with allergic rhinitis will see hay fever symptoms and need for medicines drop significantly within 12 months of starting immunotherapy. Those who benefit from allergy shots may continue it for three years and then consider stopping. While many are able to stop the injections with good results lasting for several years, others get worse after shots are stopped. To learn more, visit our Allergy Health Center. Excerpted from Airborne Allergens: Something in the Air by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

How to Prevent the Effects of Bullying What You Should Know About Bullying in School and Online

The documentary “Bully,” which opens today, is casting a spotlight on the problem of bullying in school and online. What are the effects of bullying, and how can you stop it from happening to your kid? Medical Detective has answers... Best friends Julie and Amy have an explosive argument at school. That night Julie, 13, posts mean comments on Facebook about Amy, then an embarrassing rumor. Other students add to the comments, claiming Julie’s “so right about Amy.” At school the next day, Amy tries to join her friends at their lunch table. They tell her the table’s full, huddling together, giggling. In this typical, but fictional, scenario, devastated Amy spirals into depression and loneliness over the next few weeks. Sound familiar? Bullying is nothing new. We all remember the skinny boy who was shoved into his locker and the social freeze-out of the nerdy girls. But with the rise of cyberbullying, the effects of bullying are more widespread, says psychology professor Amanda Nickerson, Ph.D., director of the Jean M. Alberti Center for the Prevention of Bullying Abuse and School Violence at State University of New York’s University at Buffalo. The Internet, smart phones and social networks provide perpetrators a nearly limitless audience, she says. “Bullying affects millions of students and isn’t limited to school grounds [anymore],” adds Jaana Juvonen, Ph.D., professor of developmental psychology at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and lead author of a 2008 study on cyberbullying. Nearly three out of four teenagers said they were bullied online at least once during the 12-month period of the study, which included 1,454 students. The emotional effects of bullying – in school or online – are staggering, says Maxine Mintzer, Ph.D., a child psychologist in Los Angeles. “It’s so damaging,” she says. “It eats away at children’s self-esteem and renders them helpless.” Its physical effects can be severe too, including depression, social anxiety, headaches and stomachaches, dislike of school and poor academic grades, the UCLA study found. Why do children bully, how does it affect victims and how can you help stop it? Lifescript’s Medical Detective has the answers on this important topic. What is bullying? Bullying is officially defined as unwanted, repeated aggressive behavior involving an imbalance of power, according to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). It’s meant to harm or scare victims, experts say – and it’s prevalent. About one-third of all U.S. students experience some type of bullying, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It typically starts in elementary school, peaks in middle school and wanes in high school, experts say. There are three types of bullying, according to the DOE: Verbal: The bully says or writes mean things by: Teasing Name-calling Making inappropriate sexual comments Threatening to cause harm Social: Also called “relational,” this bullying damages someone’s reputation or relationships. The behavior includes: Purposely leaving someone out Encouraging others to not be friends with someone Spreading rumors about someone Embarrassing someone in public Physical: Hurting someone’s body or possessions, such as: Hitting, kicking or punching Tripping and pushing Taking or breaking someone’s belongings Boys are more likely than girls to be either perpetrators or victims, Juvonen says. With boys, bullying is often physical; girls tend to rely on social behavior, she adds. What is cyberbullying? Even though a lot of bullying now takes place online, the results are just as painful as when it happens in person. Cyberbullying involves name-calling, sending embarrassing photos and videos, sharing private information without permission and spreading nasty rumors. “Bullying on the Internet looks similar to what kids do face-to-face in school,” Juvonen says. It's more often done by someone your kid probably knows. About half of the 1,454 students who experienced cyberbullying identified their schoolmates as the perpetrators; 43% said it was someone they knew only online, the UCLA researchers discovered. Who is a bully? The stereotype of a boy bully – the beefy star of the football team, surrounded by a gang of worshipful followers – isn’t far from the truth, according to the online anti-bullying program Bully Free. Besides being physically intimidating, this bully tends to be impulsive, has low tolerance for frustration and lacks empathy for others. Girls who bully tend to be popular, using intimidation to keep their social status high, psychologists say. Why do bullies act that way? In some cases, they seem to derive pleasure from others’ fear or pain, according to Bully Free. But they’re also trying to uphold their own status. “In a word: Power,” Juvonen says. “There’s desperation to belong,” psychologist Mintzer adds. “They have an overpowering need to be part of a group, to not be a bullying victim.” Same goes for their followers: “They prefer to identify with the aggressor, rather than the victims, in order to feel cool themselves,” she explains. Experts say bullies also: Do it to impress others, because they've been bullied Feel negatively about themselves Lack skills to solve social problems Perform poorly academically Abuse substances. Among high school students, 31.7% of bullies used marijuana, according to an Ohio State University study published in the April 2012 issue of the journal Addictive Behaviors Have less parental supervision and poor adult role models You can also blame the modern experience of middle school for the rise of bullying, Juvonen says. When children move from elementary to middle school, they enter a larger, unfamiliar environment that has less supervision. Instead of staying in one class for the entire school year, they switch teachers and face different classmates every period. As a result, they need to create a structure for themselves, Juvenon says. “The dominant person puts everyone in order,” she adds. “They intimidate the weakest. The bully becomes the cool kid.” Who are the victims? There’s no one-size-fits-all description of a bullying victim, but they often have traits that make them seem weak by schoolyard standards or less mature than their peers: the shy, awkward middle-school boy with no facial hair, or the girl with undeveloped breasts. Bullying victims, according to Nickerson, also: Lack power in the social hierarchy Cry quickly May be overweight or skinny Have a physical trait that’s deemed “different,” such as big ears or nose Don’t fight back physically, or find ways of using humor to deflect the mean comments Are often loners, and lack powerful friends to stand up for them May have learning disabilities or are targeted for asking too many questions in class May be intelligent kids ridiculed as eggheads or nerds What are the signs that a child is being bullied? It can be difficult to distinguish normal teenage crankiness from a bullying reaction. But, Nickerson says, bullying may be the culprit if your child: Lashes out when you ask what’s wrong, saying it’s none of your business Is glued to the computer, anxiously monitoring what peers are saying about her Is depressed and stops socializing Starts bullying a younger sibling Complains frequently of headaches or stomachaches Finds excuses to stay home from school What can be done to stop bullying? Bullying doesn’t just go away on its own, experts say. Parents and schools must join forces to stop it. Without intervention, the effects of bullying – which include depression, low self-esteem and, in extreme cases, suicide – will continue. About 4,400 young people kill themselves each year, according to the CDC. Bully victims are 2-9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University. A Finnish anti-bullying program called KiVA, in which students, teachers and parents all participate, examines everyone’s role in bullying. The peer environment discourages the abuse. The program has reduced bullying by 50% compared to schools that don’t use the program. A similar pilot program will be launched in the U.S. – in Lawrence, Kansas – late this year. Meanwhile, so-called zero-tolerance programs often don’t work, Juvonen says, “unless schools have a system in place for kids to report bullying. School personnel also need to follow up on reports.” Here’s what anti-bullying organizations and psychologists say you can do: Talk often with your child. When kids experience the effects of bullying, tell them you’re there to help. If they won’t confide in you, encourage them to talk to another family member or trusted adult at school. Encourage your kids to tell you if they're being bullied online. Volunteer at your child’s elementary school periodically. You might witness bullying when it happens. You also can help your child make new friends by striking up conversations and bringing him or her into the chat. Model respectful behavior in stores, restaurants and with friends. If someone is rude to you, show your child you can handle it without blowing your top. Press your child’s school to institute anti-bullying programs that teach empathy, healthy leadership roles and ways for kids to stand up for a fellow student who’s being bullied. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers resources at StopBullying.gov. Encourage your child’s school to beef up patrols in restrooms and hallways, where a lot of bullying occurs. If you discover a child has been cyberbullying someone, limit his or her computer privileges to school assignments only, Mintzer says. “We tell kids, ‘If you eat snacks before dinner, you won’t get dessert.’ If they bully a child, they don’t get to use the computer. There are consequences for bad behavior.” But don’t take away your child’s computer and cell phone if you discover they’ve been the victim of cyberbullying. That may worsen the effects of bullying, experts say. “It’s like cutting off the arm of your child,” Nickerson says. “It’s the No. 1 reason kids don’t tell their parents about cyberbullying.” Don’t let children keep their cell phones and computers in their bedroom at night. That way, “they can’t obsessively check messages and postings,” Nickerson says. “You don’t let kids wander the streets all night – why should you let them be barraged with e-messages all night?” Establish rules when you give your child a new tech device, such as keeping their bedroom door open when online and using a cell phone. Standing up for your bullied child can be tricky, because kids often are afraid it’ll make bullying or social isolation worse, experts say. But taking action is worth the risk of temporary blowback at school. “If kids don’t speak up, there’s no record of the bullying,” Juvonen says. “There may be some short-term pain, but it will help in the long run.” For more information and expert advice, visit our Kids Health Center. Is Your Child A Bully? Finding out your child is the victim of a bully is one thing, but it is perhaps worse when you realize your child is the bully.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY...

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.

FUN FACTS AND A GREAT WAY TO MAKE EXTRA INCOME WITH MJ-HLC, - AND - CHECK OUT " WWW.MELODYSHAPPYWORLD.COM" FOR A FREE WAY TO BRING HAPPINESS TO THE WORLD AND LOTS OF IT TO THE WORLD WE LIVE IN!! - YOU CAN REACH MELODY AT; - 949 -706- 0887 -

*** First-cousin marriages are legal in Utah, so long as both parties are 65 or older! *** *** Farmers in England are required by law to provide their pigs with toys! *** *** Dueling is legal in Paraguay, as long as both parties are registered blood donors. *** *** According to U.S. laws, a beer commercial can never show a person actually drinking beer. *** *** A Russian man who wore a beard during the time of Peter the Great had to pay a special tax. *** *** The chances of you dying on the way to get your lottery tickets is greater than your chances of winning. *** _______________________________________________________________________________________ WWW.MELODYSHAPPYWORLD.COM - "True happiness is not looking back with regret, but looking forward to the future and creating your own exciting, magnificent destiny and masterpiece, YOUR LIFE!" MELODY JENSEN IS THE MOST WONDERFUL PERSON AND THE GREATEST HUMANITARIAN I KNOW. CHECK OUT MELODY'S HAPPY WORLD, IT'S FREE!! ASSOCIATIONS: WWW.MELODYSSECRET.COM - YOU CAN REACH MELODY AT; 949 -706- 0887 -

Study: Half of All Cancers Preventable

Half of all cancers could be prevented if people just adopted healthier behaviors, U.S. scientists argued in a journal article released Wednesday. Smoking is blamed for a third of all U.S. cancer cases and being overweight leads to another 20 percent of the deadly burden that costs the United States some $226 billion per year in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. For instance, up to three-quarters of U.S. lung cancer cases could be avoided if people did not smoke, according to the journal Science Translational Medicine. Science has shown that plenty of other cancers can also be prevented, either with vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus and hepatitis, which can cause cervical and liver cancers, or by protecting against sun exposure, which can cause skin cancer. Society as a whole must recognize the need for these changes and take seriously an attempt to instill healthier habits, the researchers said. "It's time we made an investment in implementing what we know," said lead author Graham Colditz, an epidemiologist at the Siteman Cancer Center at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Exercising, eating right, and refraining from smoking are key ways to prevent up to half of the 577,000 deaths from cancer in the United States expected this year, a toll that is second only to heart disease, according to the study. But a series of obstacles to change are well enshrined in the United States, which will see an estimated 1,638,910 new cancer cases diagnosed this year. Those hurdles include skepticism that cancer can be prevented, and the habit of intervening too late in life to stop or prevent cancer that has already taken root. Also, much of the research on cancer focuses on treatment instead of prevention, and tends to take a short-term view rather than a long-term approach. "Humans are impatient, and that human trait itself is an obstacle to cancer prevention," the study said. Further complicating those factors are the income gaps between the upper and lower social classes that mean poor people tend to be more exposed to cancer risk factors than the wealthy. "Pollution and crime, poor public transportation, lack of parks for play and exercise, and absence of nearby supermarkets for fresh food hinder the adoption and sustained practice of a lifestyle that minimizes the risk of cancer and other diseases," said the study. "As in other countries, social stratification in the United States exacerbates lifestyle differences such as access to healthcare, especially prevention and early detection services. "Mammograms, colon screening, diet and nutrition support, smoking cessation resources, and sun protection mechanisms are simply less available to the poor." That means any bid to overcome deep social imbalances must be supported by policy changes, said co-author Sarah Gehlert, professor of racial and ethnic diversity at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work and the School of Medicine. "After working in public health for 25 years, I've learned that if we want to change health, we need to change policy," she said. "Stricter tobacco policy is a good example. But we can't make policy change on our own. We can tell the story, but it requires a critical mass of people to talk more forcefully about the need for change." A separate annual report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other major U.S. cancer groups found that death rates from cancer in the United States continued to decline between 1.3 and 1.7 percent from 1998 to 2008. New cancer diagnoses also decreased less than one percent per year from 1996 to 2006 and leveled off from 2006 to 2008. However, the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer also highlighted the problem of obesity-related cancers, such as colorectal cancer, as well as cancer of the kidney, esophagus, pancreas, breast, and endometrial lining. "If you watch your diet, exercise, and manage your weight, you can not only prevent your risk of getting many lethal forms of cancer, you will also increase your chances of doing well if you should get almost any form of cancer," counseled Edward Benz, president of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Turmeric — The Spice That Saves You From Dementia Read more: Turmeric — The Spice That Saves You From Dementia Important: At Risk For A Heart Attack? Find Out Now.

You probably already know that a healthy diet is a powerful weapon for fighting off dementia as you age, but recent studies have shown that certain special foods have amazing powers to keep the brain healthy. Some, such as the compound curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, even help control the devastating plaques associated with Alzheimer's. A just-released Swedish study found that fruit flies lived 75 percent longer when given curcumin, a spice used in many Indian dishes, and could explain why rates of dementia in India are lower than those in the Western world. The brains of Alzheimer's victims have a build-up of a protein called amyloid plaque that destroys the brain's connections. The new study found that while curcumin didn't dissolve plaque, it reduced the formation of plaque and spurred the creation of nerve fibers in the brain. A previous study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, also found that curcumin may treat Alzheimer's by slowing the build-up of amyloid plaques, and a laboratory study at the University of Illinois revealed that curcumin protected cells from damage caused by beta-amyloid. But curcumin in a tasty curry isn't the only food that can keep Alzheimer's at bay — the following foods have also been shown in recent studies to slow Alzheimer's deadly advance. Dark chocolate. Norwegian researchers showed that the flavonoids in cocoa may help protect against dementia by increasing blood flow to the brain. Flavonoids are antioxidants that help cells, including brain cells, to quickly repair themselves. For the best benefits, buy chocolate with a high cocoa content of 70 percent or more. Red wine. Researchers at Spain's University of Valencia found that moderate alcohol consumption (a maximum of two drinks daily for men and one drink for women) may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. They interviewed 246 healthy people and the relatives of 176 Alzheimer's patients of the same age and gender mix about their health and lifestyle factors. They discovered that light to moderate drinking had a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease, especially among women who were nonsmokers. And the same Norwegian study that found dark chocolate to be effective against dementia, also found that the high levels of flavonoids in red wine decrease the risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. SPECIAL: How One Deck of Cards Has Shown to Improve Memory Salmon. A study from Tufts University in Bostom found that people who ate an average of three servings of oily fish each week lowered their risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia by 50 percent. Omega-3 oils found in cold-water fish such as salmon contain fatty acids essential for a healthy brain and also for fighting depression. A study from Australia's Aberdeen University found that fish oil slows the aging process while helping the brain work faster. Many experts suggest eating two portions of fish each week or taking a 1,000 mg fish oil supplement three times a day. Buy wild-caught salmon when possible since it is higher in omega-3 fatty acids than farmed fish. Coffee. A Finnish study found that drinking three to five cups of coffee daily during middle age can lower your chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease by 65 percent. Other studies have found that the caffeine in coffee protects against Alzheimer's by preventing the deterioration of memory and maintaining overall memory function in aging brains. Spinach. Researchers at Tufts University showed that spinach slowed and even reversed memory loss in rats. The benefit may be due, at least in part, to its high content of folic acid. Only half a cup of cooked spinach contains two-thirds of the RDA of folic acid. All greens are good for memory, and the darker the green, the better. Try to eat at least a cup every day. Grape juice. A study at Vanderbilt University found that people who drank grape juice more than three times a week lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer's by 76 percent. In an additional study led by Cincinnati researcher Dr. Robert Krikorian, patients between the ages of 75 and 80 who had been diagnosed with early memory loss were divided into two groups. One group drank about two glasses of 100 percent Concord grape juice daily for 12 weeks while the other group drank a placebo matched for calories. The participants were given memory tests, such as memorizing lists and placing items in a specific order, at regular intervals during the three months. "While there were no significant differences between the groups at baseline, following treatment, those drinking Concord grape juice demonstrated significant improvement in list learning," Krikorian said in a statement. "In addition, trends suggested improved short-term retention and spatial (nonverbal) memory." Blueberries. Numerous studies have shown that blueberries improve memory in older mice, according to Dr. Russell Blaylock, who reports that a series of studies at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University found that concentrated extracts of blueberries and strawberries prevented the same kind of age-related changes in mice that are seen in human brains. Some experts recommend eating about seven ounces of blueberries a day or taking a daily tablespoon of blueberry concentrate available at health food stores. Apples. We've all heard that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," and researchers at Cornell University found that apples contain a powerful ingredient that fights Alzheimer's. The key is the antioxidant quercetin, which is found in the skins of apples. "On the basis of serving size, fresh apples have some of the highest levels of quercetin when compared to other fruits and vegetables and may be among the best food choices for fighting Alzheimer's," study leader Chang Y. Lee said in a statement. "People should eat more apples, especially fresh ones." Quercetin is also available as a supplement.

Mary McDonough’s Lessons From a Lupus Diagnosis How the 'Waltons' Star and Activist Deals With Symptoms of Lupus

From child actress to adult activist, Mary McDonough’s life has been shaped as much by her health struggles as her career. In this Lifescript exclusive, the former “Waltons” star reveals how she copes with her lupus treatments and overcame body-image issues... As a child, Mary McDonough was known to TV audiences as the youngster Erin on the iconic, long-running show “The Waltons.” In the years since the show ended in 1981, a grown-up McDonough has appeared in other shows, including “ER,” “Will & Grace” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” All that time, however, the actress suffered from mysterious rashes, pain and fatigue. She was referred from one doctor to another, mistakenly being diagnosed with everything from allergies to depression. “I started believing I was a hypochondriac, because even though I felt horrible, I didn’t look sick,” McDonough says. After a debilitating car accident, McDonough finally got an accurate diagnosis: lupus, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks tissues and organs. Also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the disorder affects 1.5 million Americans – 90% of them women – according to the Lupus Foundation of America. In this Lifescript exclusive, McDonough talks about her lupus diagnosis and the important lessons she hopes to share with women and teens. In 1984, when you were 22, you got breast implants. What prompted your decision? The 1980s were the “Dallas” era, when big hair and boobs were the order of the day, especially in Hollywood. I remember going for interviews and having my agent tell me afterward that I didn’t have “the right look.” I never felt thin, blond or built enough. When another actress raved about her silicone breast implants, I thought maybe they could make me feel sexy and help me compete as an actress. But at the time I didn’t realize that sexy is a feeling you get from within, [from] confidence and a sense of self. [Editor’s note: Multiple studies have failed to establish a link between silicone implants and disease. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, no well-controlled research study has established "a clear relationship between silicone breast implants and the development of lupus disease."] What happened after the procedure? The next day after my surgery, I broke out with a rash all over my chest and back. I called my doctor’s office, and the nurse said I was probably just having an allergic reaction to my bra. My bra was cotton, and I remember thinking that didn’t make sense. But I didn’t question her logic. Gradually, over 10 years, my symptoms became progressively worse. I had headaches, hair loss, fevers, and was tired all the time. I gained weight, and my muscles and joints ached. Every doctor I saw referred me to another specialist, and none could tell me what was wrong. When did you learn that you had symptoms of lupus? The first time lupus was mentioned was after a car accident in 1990. For a year after that, I felt pain in my neck, back and joints. Finally, I saw an orthopedist who asked me if I had ever been given a lupus panel [a series of tests that can indicate the disorder]. I was shocked. I was familiar with lupus, having been asked to work with a Los Angeles-based lupus organization years before. But I never thought I might have it. Lupus often runs in families, and no one in my family had [it]. The orthopedist referred me to a rheumatologist, who said that all my tests checked out fine, except that I had an elevated ANA [antinuclear antibodies test, often used for autoimmune-disorder screening or lupus diagnosis]. I had just learned that I was pregnant, so the doctor asked me to come back after I delivered my baby. So you didn’t have a definitive lupus diagnosis at the time? No, my physical discomfort got worse, and I learned how chronic pain disables you mentally and physically. I developed ulcers, lumps in my back and legs, and began losing my hair. I developed fibromyalgia and Sjögren’s syndrome, a condition that causes dry eyes and mouth. I felt like a failure. My husband and I separated after seven years of marriage, and then got divorced. How did you get a definitive lupus diagnosis? It wasn’t until a friend encouraged me to call Daniel Wallace, M.D., a respected rheumatologist and author of The Lupus Book (Oxford University Press), that I finally got a [lupus] diagnosis and answers. He ran tests, studied my past medical records and confirmed I had lupus. I was relieved to have a name for what I was experiencing and to know it wasn’t “all in my mind,” as some other doctors had suggested. What was your lupus treatment? He immediately started me on the medication [Plaquenil] that helped reduce my pain and [improved] function. What do you suspect caused your lupus? I believe the chemicals in the [breast] implants triggered an immune response causing my lupus. If you have silicone leaking out of an implant – mine actually ended up disintegrating – those chemicals are going into your body. I was healthy before I got implants, and felt worse immediately after the surgery. In retrospect, I believe I had an allergic reaction to the implants, and have met many women who have had similar experiences. The more I began researching and learning about the dangers of implants, the more concerned I became. When I had the implants taken out in 1994, I immediately felt better. I’ve felt so much better since then. What do you do now to relieve your symptoms of lupus? I use a combination of Eastern and Western medicine. Acupuncture has helped me manage the pain, and yoga keeps me flexible. I also suffer from light sensitivity as the result of lupus, so I avoid being in the sun for long periods, and when I do go out, I wear big hats and protective clothing. I’ve also learned that certain foods can make my symptoms worse, so I avoid alfalfa sprouts and bell peppers, and eat a primarily gluten-free diet, since that reduces the symptoms of lupus. Being physically active also helps to fight the fatigue associated with symptoms of lupus, so I try to work out daily on an elliptical machine and treadmill. I also meditate and get a full night’s sleep. As you learned, a lupus diagnosis is difficult. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently? I would’ve seen a rheumatologist sooner and asked for a lupus panel. Since the signs of lupus can differ from person to person, and can also be symptoms of other conditions, it’s important to see a specialist. In retrospect, I also would’ve refrained from Googling my symptoms. There’s a lot of scary stuff and misinformation on the Internet. I tell people now to read The Lupus Book by Wallace and share the information with their families. It’s a good reference for people who are newly diagnosed, and it can help families better understand how to support their family member who has lupus. No one in my family was familiar with symptoms of lupus, but now that they know more about the condition, they understand my limitations. You give seminars on self-esteem. Did you suffer from body-image issues as a young girl? I’ve had body-image and self-esteem issues since I was in second grade, and as I got older, my insecurities grew. I had an unrealistic image of what I needed to look like, and felt I couldn’t live up to the [entertainment] industry standard. I wanted to be what everyone wanted me to be, and if someone didn’t like me, I would try harder. Trying to be perfect stressed me out, and I developed insomnia when I was 13. As a teen, I hated my body and had a rebellious love-hate relationship with food. I was great at keeping my emotions bottled up inside. How did you overcome your body-image issues and regain your self-confidence? I still have insecurities at times. But as I get older, I’ve learned to embrace myself. I talk about my feelings a lot more and, thanks to John Ritter, who appeared on “The Waltons” years ago, I continue to journal. I first met John when he appeared on our show when I was just a teen. Sensing that I was upset, he asked how I was doing, and if I ever kept a journal of my feelings. He told me he had kept a journal for years and that it had helped him through a lot of tough times. I now encourage my daughters to talk about their feelings. We have open discussions about peer pressure, and the media’s portrayal of women, and what body images are realistic. How is your health today? I feel good! I still have lupus, but it’s in remission. In 2004, I remarried. My husband and I have three wonderful daughters, ages 17, 18 and 19. I still act and direct, and keep in touch with “The Waltons” cast, who are like a second family to me. I’m a public speaker and lead workshops for young girls and women, and even men. One is called “Body Branding, Getting Comfortable With the Skin You’re In.” I work to raise awareness of lupus and am the founding president of Lupus Los Angeles. I’ve worked to educate and inform women about the risks of breast implants for more than a decade, and I’ve lobbied Congress and worked with the FDA to assure safety and efficacy of implants. What do you hope readers will gain from your memoir, Lessons From the Mountain (Kensington Publishing)? There are so many life lessons that I learned from my own family and being a part of “The Waltons.” The show continues to have a huge fan base, and I share a lot of memories and give readers a glimpse of what life was like on the set. I also talk about my own journey with lupus and self-esteem, and hope the book will help other women. You can see McDonough in the Hallmark Channel movie “Lake Effects” on May 19. To learn about lupus diagnosis, symptoms and treatments, visit Lifescript’s Lupus Health Center. How Much Do You Know About Lupus Treatment and Symptoms? Roughly 1.5 million Americans are afflicted with lupus – a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation, damage and pain throughout the body. A diagnosis can be difficult, because the symptoms are sometimes intermittent and changing. But recent improvements in lupus treatment have made the condition somewhat easier to control.

Are Diet Sodas Harming Your Health? The Truth Behind Low-Calorie Drinks

Just because a beverage has the word “diet” on the label doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Researchers are linking low-calorie drinks to a variety of medical issues, from an increased waist circumference to stroke. Is this just another health scare? Medical Detective gets to the bottom of this bubbling issue... Choosing a diet drink over a high-calorie beverage feels good. Righteous even. But don’t pat yourself on the back just yet. In recent years, many studies have suggested that diet sodas might harm your health, without even shrinking your waistline. In July 2011, researchers from the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio found that diet soda is associated with a larger waist circumference in humans and aspartame raised blood sugar in diabetes-prone mice. So do diet sodas really cause osteoporosis, heart disease, kidney problems, weight gain and diabetes? That’s the $21-billion question – the amount Americans spend on low-calorie drinks annually. “There’s a connection between diet soda and negative health outcomes,” says Susan Swithers, Ph.D., a professor of psychological sciences at Purdue University who studies food intake and body weight. What’s not clear is whether the drinks are directly responsible for those problems, or if people with health issues or unhealthy behaviors just happen to consume more of them, she says. In other words, 59% of Americans who drink diet soda (according to a 2007 survey by the Calorie Control Council, a diet-food trade organization) should ponder the repercussions before gulping it down. Lifescript’s Medical Detective found that women who drink these beverages daily could have reason to worry. Here’s the truth about how diet soda can affect your health. Weight Gain It seems illogical that zero-calorie beverages could make you pack on pounds, but that’s what a three-year study by the University of Texas Department of Medicine found in 2005. For each diet drink participants had per day, they were 65% more likely to become overweight in the next 6-7 years, compared with those who didn’t drink them at all, UT researchers found. They were 41% more likely to become obese, defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, which for a 5’ 7” woman would mean weighing more than 190 pounds. One reason could be biological programming. Our bodies associate sweet tastes with an intake of calories, says Swithers, who researched the subject in a 2008 study at Purdue’s Ingestive Behavior Research Center. When you drink a diet soda with no calories, your body may get confused – either causing your metabolism to slow down or prompting a craving for more food to make up for the calories that never arrive, she says. Another factor: Our bodies associate solid foods, more than liquids, with satiation (fullness), says Ramachandran Vasan, M.D., professor and chief of preventive medicine and epidemiology at Boston University School of Medicine. Then there’s the “Big Mac, fries and a diet soda” theory. Wishful thinkers who believe they can have a high-calorie meal if they wash it down with a zero-calorie drink end up consuming more than they should. “People use diet sodas as an excuse to eat poorly,” Vasan says. Those who drink more low-calorie beverages tend to eat foods with more saturated and trans-fats, exercise less and eat fewer fruits and vegetables, he adds. Osteoporosis For many women, nothing refreshes after a workout like a diet drink. “Knowing I get to enjoy a diet soda after exercising motivates me,” says Maddie Warner, a 36-year-old Los Angeles artist. “I burn off calories and get a zero-calorie reward when I’m done.” But what’s the punishment? Possibly undoing that exercise’s benefit to her bones. About 44 million people, 68% of whom are women, are at risk for osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become extremely porous and vulnerable to fracture, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Middle-aged and older women who drank three or more 12-ounce servings of cola (either diet or regular) per day had almost 4% lower bone mineral density in the hip, according to a 2006 Tufts University study examining more than 1,400 women. That’s after researchers factored in conditions such as age, menopausal status, calcium and vitamin D intake, and alcohol and cigarette use. Women who drank non-colas weren’t affected. “I’m convinced that cola is a risk factor for bone loss in older adults, particularly women,” says study leader Katherine Tucker, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Health Sciences at Northeastern University Bouvé College of Health Sciences in Boston. The culprit is phosphoric acid, a flavoring agent that increases blood acidity, she says. It’s a major component in many types of soda, but cola tends to have more. Phosphorus itself is an important bone mineral, but excess amounts may lead to bone loss because the body tries to neutralize excess acid by taking calcium from bones. Some experts also believe that people replace calcium-rich beverages like milk with diet sodas, leading women to take in lower levels of the bone-building nutrient. “Your calcium requirements increase after age 50,” says osteoporosis expert Robert Heaney, M.D., a professor of medicine at Creighton School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb. Women of any age should have 3 servings of dairy products per day for optimal calcium intake, whether they drink soda or not, he advises. Heart Disease A controversial February 2011 University of Miami study showing that people who drank artificially sweetened beverages daily had a 61% higher rate of heart attack and stroke than those who didn’t. Some nutrition, diet and vascular disease experts question the value of the findings because the study of 2,564 soda drinkers (63% were women) didn’t determine a direct relationship between diet soda and stroke. Also, the study was small, and soda consumption was self-reported by participants, according to detractors. Still, Northeastern’s Tucker finds the results compelling. “People know if they drink diet soda or not,” she says. “The behavior is clear.” Those who consume diet sodas daily typically have a higher BMI and are more likely to have diabetes, a risk factor for heart disease, notes Ralph Sacco, M.D., the University of Miami’s chairman of neurology and senior author of the report. Because this is such a serious issue, a larger study will shed more light on reasons for the heart disease connection, he says. But based on current research, Tucker is firmly in the anti-soda camp. “Why not drink a glass of iced tea or sparkling water?” she says. Metabolic Syndrome Think limiting consumption gets you off the hook? Even drinking just one glass of diet soda per day puts you at risk for metabolic syndrome, a 2007 Boston University study found. This syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, including large waist circumference, high levels of triglycerides (blood fats), low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, high blood pressure and high-fasting blood sugar. About 23% of adult women have the syndrome, according to an extensive research study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Even factoring in levels of saturated fat and fiber in the diet, total calories consumed, smoking and the level of exercise among participants, the link between diet soda and metabolic syndrome was clear, says Boston University’s Vasan, author of the four-year study. But once again, it was difficult to determine cause and effect. Researchers don’t know if there’s a biological pathway in diet soda that causes problems, says Vasan, or “a behavioral pattern – that people who drink diet soda [also] eat more fast food.” Kidney Problems If you drink two or more diet sodas daily, you could double your risk of decreased kidney function, according to results from the Nurses’ Health Study, one of the largest and longest-running investigations of factors influencing women’s health. (It surveyed 3,000 nurses over 11 years.) Your kidneys serve several important purposes, including filtering waste products from blood and regulating blood pressure. Kidney function decreases a bit with age, says researcher Julie Lin, M.D., an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and kidney specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. But in this study, the “rate of kidney function loss was three times faster in women who drank diet soda compared with aging alone.” The link between the two is unclear, however, because “diet soda ingredients are proprietary – so we don’t know exactly what’s in them,” Lin says. One theory: Diet sweeteners could lead to kidney scarring, she says. Further studies need to be done to corroborate that theory. So what should you do when you feel the urge for a refreshing drink? “If you can’t avoid soda, drink it in moderation – less than one a day,” Vasan says. “If you can’t do that, exercise more regularly and have your blood checked.” Diet soda lover Warner is OK with that. “I’ll cut back, but I won’t give it up,” she says. “I don’t think I could ever cut it out entirely.” Are You Diet Soda Savvy? Most people assume it's what they're eating that packs on the pounds. But it might be what's at the other end of your straw, not fork, that's really to blame.

How to Relieve Symptoms of Osteoarthritis What You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis Treatments and More

Feeling pain in your knee or hands when you move? They could be symptoms of osteoarthritis. Here's what you need to know to get the best osteoarthritis treatments for you... Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older people. It occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, breaks down and wears away. In some cases, all the cartilage may wear away, leaving bones that rub up against each other. Symptoms of osteoarthritis range from stiffness and mild pain that comes and goes to severe joint pain. Osteoarthritis affects hands, low back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet. Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among older adults. The disease affects both men and women. Before age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in men than in women. After age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in women. About 33.6% (12.4 million) of individuals age 65 and older are affected by the disease. Osteoarthritis affects only joints, not internal organs. Causes and Risk Factors Researchers suspect that osteoarthritis is caused by a combination of factors in the body and environment. Osteoarthritis often results from years of wear and tear on joints. This mostly affects the cartilage. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage begins to fray, wear away and decay. Putting too much stress on a joint that has been previously injured, improper alignment of joints and excess weight all may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Symptoms of Osteoarthritis Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, people with most forms of arthritis have pain and stiffness in their joints. Osteoarthritis usually develops slowly and can occur in any joint, but often occurs in weight bearing joints. Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. Most often, osteoarthritis occurs in the hands, hips, knees, neck or low back. Common signs of osteoarthritis include: Joint pain Swelling Tenderness Stiffness after getting out of bed A crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone Not everyone with osteoarthritis feels pain, however. In fact, only a third of people with X-ray evidence of the disease report pain or other symptoms of osteoarthritis. Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis To make a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, most doctors use a combination of methods and tests, including a medical history, physical examination, X-rays and laboratory tests. However, X-rays are limited in their capacity to reveal how much joint damage may have occurred in osteoarthritis. They usually don't show osteoarthritis damage until there has been a significant loss of cartilage. It is important for people with joint pain to give the doctor a complete medical history. Answering these questions will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis: Is the pain in one or more joints? When does the pain occur and how long does it last? When did you first notice the pain? Does activity make the pain better or worse? Have you had any illnesses or accidents that may account for the pain? Is there a family history of any arthritis or rheumatic diseases? What medicines are you taking? The physician will take a medical history, a patient's description of symptoms and when and how they began. The description covers pain, stiffness, and joint function, and how these have changed over time. A physical examination includes the doctor's examination of joints, skin, reflexes, and muscle strength. The physician observes the patient's ability to walk, bend, and carry out activities of daily living. They will use a combination of tests to find out if osteoarthritis is causing symptoms. A patient's attitudes, daily activities and levels of anxiety or depression also have a lot to do with how severe the symptoms of osteoarthritis may be. Osteoarthritis Treatment Osteoarthritis treatment plans often include ways to manage pain and improve function. Such plans can include exercise, rest and joint care, pain relief, weight control, medicines, surgery and non-traditional treatment approaches. Current osteoarthritis treatments can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as pain and disability, but there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Exercise is one of the best osteoarthritis treatments. It can improve mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility and help you maintain a healthy weight. Studies also show that people with knee osteoarthritis who exercise appropriately feel less pain and function better. The amount and form of exercise will depend on: Which joints are involved How stable the joints are Whether the joint is swollen Whether a joint replacement has already been done Ask your doctor or physical therapist what exercises are best for you. For temporary relief of osteoarthritis pain, you can use warm towels, hot packs, or a warm bath or shower. In some cases, cold packs such as a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel can relieve pain or numb the sore area. A doctor or physical therapist can recommend if heat or cold is the best osteoarthritis treatment for you. For osteoarthritis in the knee, wearing insoles or cushioned shoes may reduce joint stress. Doctors consider several factors when choosing medicines for their patients. In particular, they look at the type of pain the patient is having and any possible side effects from the drugs. For pain relief, doctors usually start with acetaminophen because the side effects are minimal. If acetaminophen doesn’t relieve pain, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAISD), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may be used. Some NSAIDs are available over the counter, while more than a dozen others, including a subclass called COX-2 inhibitors, are available only with a prescription. Other medications, including the injectable corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid, and topical creams are also used. Most medicines used to treat osteoarthritis have side effects, so it is important for people to learn about the medicines they take. For example, people over age 65 and those with any history of ulcers or stomach bleeding should use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, with caution. There are measures you can take to help reduce the risk of side effects associated with NSAIDs. These include taking medications with food and avoiding stomach irritants such as alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. In some cases, it may help to take another medication along with an NSAID to coat the stomach or block stomach acids. Although these measures may help, they are not always completely effective. Protecting and supporting the affected joint or joints is important. Some people use canes and splints to protect and take pressure off joints. Splints or braces are used to provide extra support for weakened joints. For some people, surgery helps relieve the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. A doctor may perform surgery to smooth out, fuse or reposition bones, or replace joints. The decision to have an operation depends on several factors. Both surgeon and patient should consider the patient's level of disability, intensity of pain, lifestyle, age, and occupation. Researchers suspect that heredity plays a role in some osteoarthritis cases. For example, scientists have identified a mutation, or gene defect, affecting collagen – an important part of cartilage – in patients with an inherited kind of osteoarthritis that starts at an early age. Osteoarthritis research Tissue engineering is an exciting area of research in osteoarthritis. This approach involves removing cells from a healthy part of the body and placing them in an area of diseased or damaged tissue. In some cases, this improves joint movement. Researchers also are studying whether exercise can treat or prevent osteoarthritis. Studies on knee osteoarthritis and exercise found that strengthening the thigh muscle, also known as the quadriceps, can relieve symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and prevent more damage. Early research suggests that acupuncture, which is the use of fine needles inserted at specific points in the skin, may provide pain relief for some patients. Some people claim that the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. The NIH-funded Glucosamine and Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT, tested whether or not glucosamine and/or chondroitin have a beneficial effect for people with knee osteoarthritis. The results of the four-year study indicated that these supplements did not provide significant relief from osteoarthritis pain among all participants. However, a smaller subgroup of study participants with moderate-to-severe pain showed significant relief with the combined supplements. A long-term GAIT study revealed that subjects who took the supplements (alone or in combination) had outcomes. For more information, visit our Osteoarthritis Health Center. How Much Do You Know About the Types of Arthritis? About 46 million American adults – nearly one in five – suffer from some type of arthritis. It’s estimated that number will rise to 67 million by 2030.

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Popcorn: More Antioxidants than Fruit

Popcorn's reputation as a healthy snack popped up a few notches as scientists reported that it contains more of the healthful antioxidant substances called "polyphenols" than fruits and vegetables. They spoke at the 243rd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society. Joe Vinson, Ph.D. -- a pioneer in analyzing healthful components in chocolate, nuts, and other common foods -- explained that the polyphenols are more concentrated in popcorn, which averages only about 4 percent water, while polyphenols are diluted in the 90 percent water that makes up many fruits and vegetables. In another surprising finding, the researchers discovered that the hulls of the popcorn –– the part that everyone hates for its tendency to get caught in the teeth –– actually has the highest concentration of polyphenols and fiber. "Those hulls deserve more respect," said Vinson, who is with the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. "They are nutritional gold nuggets." The overall findings led Vinson to declare, "Popcorn may be the perfect snack food. It's the only snack that is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain. All other grains are processed and diluted with other ingredients, and although cereals are called "whole grain," this simply means that over 51 percent of the weight of the product is whole grain. One serving of popcorn will provide more than 70 percent of the daily intake of whole grain. The average person only gets about half a serving of whole grains a day, and popcorn could fill that gap in a very pleasant way." Vinson cautioned, however, that the way people prepare and serve popcorn can quickly put a dent in its healthful image. Cook it in a potful of oil, slather on butter or the fake butter used in many movie theaters, pour on the salt; eat it as "kettle corn" cooked in oil and sugar — and popcorn can become a nutritional nightmare loaded with fat and calories. "Air-popped popcorn has the lowest number of calories," Vinson said. Microwave popcorn has twice as many calories as air-popped and popping corn in oil on the stove top falls in the middle calorie-wise. Vinson says that popcorn cannot replace fresh fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and other nutrients that are critical for good health, but are missing from popcorn. Vinson explained that the same concentration principle applies to dried fruit versus regular fruit, giving dried fruit a polyphenol edge. Previous studies found low concentrations of free polyphenols in popcorn, but Vinson's team did the first study to calculate total polyphenols in popcorn. The amounts of these antioxidants were much higher than previously believed, he said. The levels of polyphenols rivaled those in nuts and were up to 15 times greater than whole-grain tortilla chips. The new study found that the amount of polyphenols found in popcorn was up to 300 mg a serving compared to 114 mg for a serving of sweet corn and 160 mg for all fruits per serving. In addition, one serving of popcorn would provide 13 percent of an average intake of polyphenols a day per person in the U.S. Fruits provide 255 mg per day of polyphenols and vegetables provide 218 mg per day to the average U.S. diet.

Drinking Can Help Heart Attack Victims Live Longer Read more: Drinking Can Help Heart Attack Victims Live Longer Important: At Risk For A Heart Attack? Find Out Now.

Men who have had a heart attack and continue to drink moderately, cut their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease almost in half when compared to nondrinkers. The study, which tracked U.S. male health professionals, also found that drinking lowered the risk of dying from any cause. The findings, which were published in the European Heart Journal, found that drinking approximately two alcoholic beverages a day lowered the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 42 percent and the risk of death from any cause by 14 percent. "Our findings clearly demonstrate that long-term moderate alcohol consumption among men who survived a heart attack was associated with a reduced risk of total and cardiovascular mortality," said Dr. Jennifer Pai, assistant professor of medicine at Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and a research associate at Harvard School of Public Health. "We also found that among men who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol prior to a heart attack, those who continued to consume alcohol 'in moderation' afterwards also had better long-term prognosis." Although numerous studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption lowers the risk of heart disease, scientists didn't know if drinking lowered the risk of dying among those who have established heart disease. This study is the first to measure alcohol consumption both before and after a heart attack combined with a long-term follow-up. The study tracked 1,818 men who had survived heart attacks for up to 20 years. During that period, 468 men died. The men were questioned about their alcohol consumption as well as about other lifestyle and medical issues every four years. The men reported their consumption of beer, white and red wine, and liquor. A standard portion was a bottle or can of beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine, and a shot of liquor. They were then divided into four groups depending on how much they drank — 0g, 0.1-9.9g, 10-29.9g, and 30g or more a day. Those who drank between 10 and 29.9g of alcohol a day — the equivalent of approximately two drinks — were classed as "moderate" drinkers. After taking various factors such as smoking and body mass into consideration, the researchers found that men who drank moderately — regardless of which type of alcohol they preferred — had a lower risk of dying from any cause than nondrinkers. The men who drank the most — 30 or more grams each day — had a risk of death similar to those who drank no alcohol at all, and Dr. Pai warns that heavy drinking does carry a price. "The adverse health effects of heavy drinking are well-known, and include high blood pressure, reduced heart function and reduced ability to break down blood clots," she said. "In addition, other studies have shown that any benefits from light drinking are entirely eliminated after episodes of binge drinking. "Our results, showing the greatest benefit among moderate drinkers and a suggestion of excess mortality among men who consumed more than two drinks a day after a heart attack, emphasize the importance of alcohol in moderation. "Our study was only among men, so we cannot extrapolate to women," explained Dr Pai. "However, in all other cases of alcohol and chronic disease, associations are similar except at lower quantities for women. Thus, an association is likely to be observed at 5-14.9 grams per day, or up to a drink a day for women."

Depression: One Woman’s Story

Treating depression can be a lifelong journey – but it’s possible to get your life back. In this Lifescript exclusive, a woman discusses how she balances moods, medication and motherhood… Most people bounce back quickly from a bad day. But when you’re clinically depressed, feelings of sadness don’t go away easily. Susan Morgan, 43, a mother of two in Frederick, Md., has experienced debilitating feelings of despair her entire life. Her mother noticed them when she was a toddler, and her own family is now at the mercy of her moods. “I feel like I’m the pilot of a plane, and my husband and children are passengers. We’re up in the air, and when I get depressed, I crash,” she says. “They’re along for the ride, whether they like it or not.” Clinical depression can happen to anyone – 1 in 5 Americans experience it at some point – but it’s more common in women than men. The cause is unclear, but everything from genetics and brain chemistry to life events and other diseases can play a part. Many people with depression don’t seek treatment. That’s because they either don’t know they have it or fear the stigma of mental illness. Morgan, for one, did get professional help, but that wasn’t the end of her problems. In this exclusive interview, she shares her long road to recovery. How do you feel when you’re depressed? The smallest tasks – paying a bill, returning a library book – become overwhelming. My mind goes into a complete fog. It’s as if I’m trying to walk through mud. Some days are so bad I just lie on my bed and stare at the ceiling. Other people may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope, but sleep is my escape. When my depression is at its worst, I’ll sleep up to 18 hours a day. How long have you had these symptoms? My whole life. When I was a toddler, my mother noticed I had episodes of extreme sadness and often walked with my head down. When I turned 13 and went through puberty, my premenstrual symptoms of depression became bad. [Hormone changes – which occur during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause – can cause or trigger depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.] At 16, all hell broke loose. I developed obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD] and began having recurrent suicidal thoughts. Did you seek help then? I began seeing a therapist and eventually started looking forward to college, thinking it would be so much fun. I always thought some circumstance in my life would change and that would solve my problem. But college was a black hole. I spent 5 years in a crushingly depressed and hopeless state. Life circumstances definitely make depression worse. It can create a perfect storm. Then I met my husband. I thought getting married would make things better, so I married at 22. How were you able to form a loving relationship while feeling so dark? I happened to find a man who is naturally a caregiver at heart. He was an only child whose mother suffered frequent migraine headaches and chronic back pain. It’s in his nature to be helpful. Did marriage help? No. My husband was supportive, but marriage didn’t make the depression go away. Looking back, I’m amazed I survived the years between 18 and 24. They were so bleak; I was hospitalized twice for being suicidal. What changed when you turned 25? I got pregnant, had my son and quickly became pregnant again. During that time, my depression symptoms improved and I thought I was cured. But after I stopped nursing, my depression came back – even worse. That must have made caring for your kids difficult. I spent hours on the Internet searching for answers to my depression. My son, who was just learning to walk, came over and hugged me, and I started crying. I thought, I want to die, but I can’t because my beautiful baby boy and daughter need me. That’s when I realized I needed help. I couldn’t continue raising my kids with this dark cloud over me. I wanted to be a good mom – a happy one. I knew there must be a medication that could help me. Did you start on an antidepressant? Yes. Within a few weeks, my depression got better. I felt more “human.” [For more on medications and other options, read Which Depression Treatment Is Right for You?]. But I gained 20 pounds. But by that time, I had gone through so many years of untreated depression, I thought, I don’t care if I grow a beard; I just want to feel better. I also started taking birth control pills to prevent me from ovulating. The days after I ovulated would be some of my darkest days. Going on the pill really helped me. Why didn’t you try medication earlier? I never realized it was an option. I saw a psychologist from age 16 through my college years, and he never suggested I take medication. Do antidepressants help? Depression never goes away completely. Feeling normal for me is different from what people without depression feel as normal. And even though I’m taking medication, there are a few days each month when I feel really down on myself. That said, the medications did make me feel better a lot more often. Instead of spending the day crying, I could have a good, functional day – like taking my kids on a hike. But after three years, it stopped working for me. Did your doctor change the medication? Yes, my symptoms get worse every three years or so. That’s when my doctor adjusts my medications again. Despite these changes, I still go through dark periods. I came out of a very bad three-month depressive episode a few weeks ago. It was my worst in 20 years. What triggered it? My children were going away to private school in another state. I thought I was OK with them leaving home. I didn’t realize I would go through a terrible grieving process. When they left, I kept reliving their childhoods in my mind and feeling a sense of loss. How do your symptoms affect your family? It takes a toll on them. It’s hardest on my husband. By the end of the most recent episode, he was cooking every night, cleaning the house and caring for me. Plus, he’s a caregiver for an elderly parent. Even he started to get a little depressed. What about your children? It’s difficult for them too. They see their father doing everything around the house and me not doing anything – just sleeping – and they get frustrated. But I think they’ll understand it better when they get older, especially if they have someone else in their life with depression. [Having a biological relative with depression can raise a person’s risk of developing it.] Are friends and extended family sympathetic? Some are; some aren’t. There are people who say, “Just get dressed and take a walk – it’s a beautiful day!” What they may not understand is that when I’m depressed, even moving my body becomes too much to handle. Do you have a family history of depression? There’s mental illness and alcoholism in my family, including my dad’s two brothers who both committed suicide. Besides medication, what helps you feel better? Getting enough exercise and eating right. When I haven’t exercised in a month, my symptoms get worse. Walking helps so much. I eat a high-fiber diet – a lot of fruit and vegetables, not too many carbohydrates and very little red meat. Feeling good in a whole-body way is important for me. If I don’t exercise or eat well, I don’t feel good physically, and that affects my depression. How are you feeling currently? Good! I have a new job. I was nervous about it because I hadn’t worked outside the home in four years. But it has been wonderful to be around people again. I feel like I’m finally putting things together, starting over as an empty nester and doing something for myself. It’s fun! What advice do you have for other women with depression? Open up about it. When talking with friends and family, don’t just pretend you’re OK. Some people may not understand your feelings of sadness, so seek out those who do. Any recommendations for how women can find support? One way is by visiting depression websites – such as [national nonprofit group] Families for Depression Awareness. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you realize you’re not alone. For more information and expert advice, visit our Depression Health Center. Could You Be Depressed? Depression affects 20 million people in any given year and is a serious enough disorder to compromise one's ability to function normally day to day. Find out if you're just blue or if you might be clinically depressed.

How to Exercise With Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and More

Sticking to a regular exercise program is tough enough when you're healthy. But what if you’re in pain, are too weak to get out of bed or are having trouble breathing? Chronic illnesses like arthritis, fibromyalgia and more make it even more challenging. Here are doctor-recommended tips for conquering condition-related obstacles... Achey joints, wheezing and fatigue are a convenient excuse to skip exercise. After all, fear that a workout might make you feel worse and leave you in pain is reasonable. But the right dose of exercise can be a prescription for relief. Under a doctor’s care, working out has been proven to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications for some disorders, such as arthritis, diabetes and fibromyalgia. "The body has a 'use it or lose it' mentality," says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers of America. "So the loss of fitness that occurs from lack of exercise can be more crippling than the illness itself." Read on for top doctors’ tips to help you exercise – no matter what ails you. 1. Arthritis With arthritis, movement causes pain, so naturally you’ll shy away from activity. But here’s why that’s a bad move. "Over time, [inactivity] leads to a decrease in strength, range of motion and overall activity, which in turn causes movement to get even more painful," Teitelbaum says. In fact, it’s possible to delay the onset of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, by doing low-impact sports, such as walking or swimming, according to a 2010 University of California, San Francisco study. Exercise Rx: Do a combination of water- and land-based exercise to improve mobility. "Aquatic exercise in warm water takes the load off joints, easing pain," says Erin DiCapo, a physical therapist at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. But also include land exercise in your workout regimen, because women’s bones need to bear loads to stay strong. Walking, tai chi and yoga are good, joint-friendly, skeleton-strengthening exercise choices, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Another tip: Schedule workouts away from peak pain times. For example, if you experience stiff joints in the morning – a common arthritis symptom – exercise later in the day. Watch out! Avoid exercise if a joint gets red and swollen, indicating acute inflammation that may need treatment or rest. “Resume exercise once the inflammation subsides," DiCapio says. If a person’s joints are persistently red and inflamed, stop exercise and see a doctor, DiCapo says. 2. Fibromyalgia Short bursts of physical activity can reduce symptoms of this incurable disorder, according to a 2010 Johns Hopkins University study. But here’s the rub: With fibromyalgia, symptoms may worsen before they get better, Teitelbaum says. "The pain from tight muscles, along with the fatigue, may initially make you hesitant to exercise,” he says. Exercise Rx: Start slow and exercise to your ability, Teitelbaum says. If you don't exercise as much as your body can handle, you’ll get out of shape and everyday tasks will become more difficult, Teitelbaum says. Begin with a walking program (even as little as three minutes to start). Go until you feel “good tired” and better the next day. "You should not feel wiped out," Teitelbaum says. Work up to 45-60 minutes of daily walking. Then add an easy weight-lifting program, Teitelbaum advises. Increase repetition in short cycles of 2-3 sets, 5-10 reps, and slowly increase weights (heaviness depends on your fitness level) as you grow stronger. Watch out! “Doing too much too soon may make you feel as if you've been hit by a truck the next day,” Teitelbaum says. "Rest a few days and try again at a lower intensity." 3. Obesity Overweight and obese women have additional incentive to get off the couch: Exercise improves weight loss by raising the sensitivity of neurons that govern fullness, according to a 2010 Brazilian study from the University of Campinas. But one of the biggest hurdles to exercise for overweight women is overcoming a negative self-image. Obese women often feel humiliated or self-conscious around others in better shape, says Danine Fruge, M.D., director of Women’s Health & Family Medicine at the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa in Miami, Fla. It's also harder for them to feel good after a workout, she says. "They don’t experience the release of endorphins [feel-good brain chemicals] because they become tired too quickly and give up faster,” Fruge says. Exercise Rx: Replace negative, critical statements with positive reinforcement, advises Fruge. For example, instead of I hate exercise, think, It's important that I just move more each day. Each time, I get leaner and more fit. Joining a support group may also improve the likelihood of success. That increases the chances of maintaining an active lifestyle, Fruge says. Also, start easy and slowly and make it fun, says Lavinia Rodriguez, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and author of Mind Over Fat Matters: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight (IUniverse). For example, join a women's walking group or grab a friend and go on a hike. “Most importantly, be active five to seven times a week," she says. Twenty minutes of daily activity follows the American College of Sports Medicine recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity. Watch out! If you become short of breath, have chest pain and feel dizzy during exercise, see a doctor immediately. 4. Diabetes Research has proven that exercise is a crucial part of diabetes management. In fact, a combination of aerobics and resistance training lowered blood-sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a 2011 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Workouts increase insulin sensitivity (the ability of cells to take up insulin, thereby reducing blood glucose) and weight management. But balancing food, activity and glucose-lowering medication is tricky because of the risk of low blood sugar, says Francine R. Kaufman, M.D., chief medical officer and vice president at the University of Southern California and a past president of the American Diabetes Association. Exercise Rx: Whatever your current activity level, increase it gradually, Kaufman advises. "A person with diabetes needs to learn the impact of exercise on their glucose levels and may need to adjust their therapy accordingly." "You also must take in additional carbohydrates before exercise to avoid hypoglycemia," she says. Watch out! Diabetics are at risk for hypoglycemia, which can be triggered by exercising because exercise acts like insulin to lower blood sugar levels, says Kaufman. Symptoms include cold sweats, confusion, fatigue, convulsions and blurry vision. "Hypoglycemia can occur anytime during exercise, as well as later that night,” Kaufman says. If symptoms occur, check blood-sugar levels. If they’re below 70 mg/dL, take a tablespoon of honey, 1/2 cup of regular (not diet) soft drink or fruit juice, or a serving of glucose gel to bring up levels. 5. Asthma Exercise will improve lung function and strengthen the chest’s breathing muscles. But it can also trigger "symptoms of wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest and shortness of breath," says Marjorie Slankard, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and director of the Allergy Clinic at Columbia Doctors Eastside. Exercise Rx: First, identify the specific trigger, says Slankard. "If it’s cold weather, try indoor activities. If it's pollen, limit [outdoor] exposure." Slankard’s other tips: Don’t exercise in polluted air or near fields or freshly mowed lawns. Do stop-and-go exercises, including sports like tennis or swimming, which trigger fewer asthma symptoms than running and other long-endurance exercises. You may also want to use a bronchodilator 15 minutes before working out to open airways and ease or prevent symptoms, Slankard says. Effects of short-acting bronchodilators typically last up to four hours. Longer-acting beta-agonist inhalers can help for up to 12 hours. Watch out! Don't push beyond your capability, Slankard says. "Otherwise, symptoms can escalate to the point where you can pass out – or worse." That means you could become hypoxic (when the body becomes deprived of oxygen) and suffer an abnormal heart rhythm. Or, if you lose consciousness and pass out, you could fall and suffer a brain injury. If you have frequent asthma attacks during or after exercise, ask your doctor to reevaluate medications. 7. Allergies Exercising outdoors during high pollen-count days can trigger symptoms for several days after your workout, Slankard says. Exercise Rx: In the spring and fall, avoid exercise from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., when pollen levels are highest, Slankard says. Check levels at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website before heading out. Also, take a non-drowsy antihistamine the night before to prevent a flare-up, Slankard says. For severe allergies, a prescription nose spray may keep your nose clear while you’re running, Slankard says. But “some people become decongested from the adrenaline produced while running." Once home, shower and wash your hair to get rid of pollen. Watch out! If symptoms become progressively worse, see a doctor for preventive medication. What’s Your Fitness Style? Aspects of your personality determine the kind of exerciser you are, so if you're in a fitness rut,

How Dangerous Is Secondhand Smoke? Stay Safe from the Effects of Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is a burning health issue, thanks to two major studies. Find out how to protect yourself and your family from the effects of secondhand smoke... Everyone knows the dangers of smoking – 1 in 10 deaths worldwide is from a smoking-related disease, according to the World Health Organization. But exposure to tobacco fumes kills 600,000 nonsmokers a year worldwide, including 165,000 children, according to a December 2010 WHO study. That’s about 1 out of every 100 deaths worldwide, through smoke-related illnesses such as heart disease, lower respiratory infections, asthma and lung cancer. And the fumes are harder to avoid than you think: They can seep through apartment ventilation systems and cling to baby car seats, where they’re easily ingested. The U.S. Surgeon General’s office issued its own report on the dangers of smoking in December 2010, reinforcing the dangers of “passive,” or secondhand, exposure. “Chemicals in tobacco smoke reach lungs quickly every time you inhale, causing damage immediately,” said U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, M.D. “Inhaling even the smallest amount can also damage DNA, which can lead to cancer.” About 3,400 lung cancer deaths a year are attributable to secondhand smoke, the report estimates. Read on to learn more about the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke and how to limit exposure: Why Other People’s Smoke Can Harm You Tobacco smoke contains 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and at least 70 known to cause cancer, according to the Surgeon General’s report. Passive exposure also causes heart attacks, says cardiologist Matthew Sorrentino, M.D., FAAC, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago. “The toxins in cigarette smoke enter the body and damage the coronary arteries that bring blood to the heart,” he says. “Cholesterol builds up on the arteries, and they become blocked, which can lead to a heart attack.” The more you’re exposed, the higher your health risks. “Someone who works in a bar or restaurant eight hours a day and is surrounded by smokers will have a higher exposure rate than most other people. The longtime spouse of a smoker will have a higher dose effect as well.” Each year, 46,000 American nonsmokers who live with smokers die from heart disease, according to the Surgeon General’s report. Demand Builds for Smoke-Free Environments As concerns about secondhand smoke increase, so have calls for smoke-free homes, workplaces and public venues. “The U.S. Surgeon General concluded that there’s no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke,” says Joel London, a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health in Atlanta. The District of Columbia and 25 states now have comprehensive anti-smoking laws that apply to various locales. Efforts like these appear to be working: While the percentage of Americans who smoke has stayed relatively constant – 20.6% percent in 2009 – the percentage of nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke has dropped from 88% in 1988-‘91 to 40%, as of 2007-‘08. Still, that 40% accounts for 88 million people. Kids are at even greater risk: More than half of American children ages 3-11 are exposed to tobacco toxins. A national study of 5,000 children by the American Academy of Pediatrics is expected to add momentum to the call for smoke-free housing policies. The report, published in the journal Pediatrics in 2010, examined exposure by measuring the kids’ levels of the tobacco biomarker cotinine. (This chemical is produced when the body metabolizes nicotine.) Among the children who didn’t live with a smoker, those in multi-unit housing complexes had 45% higher cotinine levels than those in detached homes, the study found. Researchers theorized that smoke from other residences seeps in through walls or shared ventilation systems. “This is a pretty dramatic illustration of why we need smoke-free policies in apartment buildings,” says Jonathan P. Winickoff, M.D., FAAP, a pediatrician at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and senior author of the study. Winickoff encourages apartment dwellers to lobby landlords for building-wide bans on smoking. In addition to health benefits for residents, they would reduce fire risk and lower the building’s clean-up and insurance costs, he adds. Activists are pushing for smoke-free policies in other places too, such as airports, restaurants and bars. Of the nation’s top 35 U.S. airports, 27 are now 100% smoke-free indoors, according to the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. But millions of passengers are exposed in the seven major airports that still allow smoking – including those in Atlanta, Ga.; Dallas, Texas; and Denver, Colo. As for other gathering places, “37% of the population isn’t covered by local and state clean-indoor-air laws for bars, and 26% of the population isn’t covered for restaurants,” says Cheryl G. Healton, president and CEO of Legacy, a national public health foundation in Washington, D.C. These fumes don’t only affect customers. Food-service workers exposed to secondhand smoke also have a 50% increased risk of lung cancer, the foundation notes. Support for Quitters The most effective way to limit your tobacco exposure is to convince smokers around you to give up the habit, the experts say. Your best bet: Encourage smokers to enter an organized cessation program that includes a coordinator to monitor progress. Less than 20% of smokers are able to quit on their own, but these programs increase success rates to nearly half, says Sorrentino. Other popular stop-smoking aids include nicotine patches, gum, hypnosis and prescription medicines. Call 800-QUIT-Now to find resources in your area. While quitting can’t mitigate damage already caused by smoking, it offers almost immediate health benefits. “The risk of having a stroke or heart attack because of past smoking dissipates pretty quickly, within a year or two of quitting,” Sorrentino says. How to Limit Exposure While avoiding tobacco smoke completely can be difficult – especially if one or more people you live with refuse to quit – there are steps you can take to limit exposure, Winickoff says. Here are his suggestions: 1. Don’t allow smoking in your home or vehicle. Some smokers assume that running a fan or opening windows can prevent negative effects of secondhand smoke. They’re wrong. The fumes can still be inhaled by others, and they leave a residue of invisible toxins that cling to hair, clothing, carpeting and fabric – something Winickoff and other researchers refer to as thirdhand smoke. Wiping surfaces clean doesn’t fully eradicate this harmful residue. “Babies will touch their car seats, then bring their hands to their mouths. In the process, they ingest the toxins of tobacco smoke,” Winickoff says. 2. Stop workplace smoking. Insist that smokers leave the building to light up, and ask managers to offer incentive programs to help employees quit. Some companies offer cash, gift certificates, stop-smoking medication or counseling to help coworkers kick the habit. “When employers encourage staff to stop smoking, they see fewer breaks, lower incidences of heart disease and no asthma events,” Winickoff says. 3. Choose smoke-free child care and senior programs. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to secondhand toxins and may be less able to get away from the source of the smoke. Hire non-smoking babysitters and senior aides, too, Winickoff suggests. 4. Patronize businesses with no-smoking policies. In addition to avoiding exposure, it shows other establishments that going smoke-free is a good business practice. Several hotel chains, including Westin, Heartland Inns and all of the Marriott brands, now have smoke-free policies. 5. Avoid smoke as much as possible. “A single molecule of [smoke component] benzene can affect DNA and cause mutations,” Winickoff says. The CDC’s London is optimistic that these policies will continue to take hold in venues across the country, noting that more states are enacting public anti-smoking laws. “After the 2006 Surgeon General’s report on the impact of secondhand smoke was released, there was a groundswell of support for smoke-free policies,” he says. Other Effects of Secondhand Smoke Cancer and heart disease aren’t the only health problems associated with secondhand smoke. Other studies link it to several other issues affecting kids and adults alike. Here are just a few: Asthma and respiratory problems lead the list of smoke-related health dangers for kids, Sorrentino says. Between 200,000 and 1 million asthmatic children in the U.S. have aggravated symptoms due to secondhand smoke, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Preschool children are likely to have higher blood pressure if their parents smoke, according to a 2011 German study published in the journal Circulation. Earlier studies have linked secondhand smoke with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), low birth weight and learning disabilities. In households with secondhand smoke, kids age 12-17 are 1.67 times more prone to recurrent ear infections than those in a smoke-free environment, according to a 2010 Harvard study. Parents often smoke indoors more as children grow older, the study also found. There are 20 known or suspected mammary carcinogens in tobacco smoke. A lifetime of either smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke “about doubled the risk of premenopausal breast cancer,” according to 2010 research by an expert panel of Canadian researchers reviewing past studies. Nonsmokers with heavy exposure to secondhand smoke have higher odds of psychological distress, according to a 2010 British study published in Archives of General Psychiatry. Over a six-year follow-up, they were more likely to be hospitalized for depression, schizophrenia, delirium or other psychiatric conditions. About 40% of all cases of chronic sinus disease appear to have been caused by smoke exposure, according to a 2010 Canadian study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. For more information, visit our Smoking Cessation Health Center. Are You Ready to Quit Smoking? By now you should know that smoking increases your risk for heart disease, lung cancer, stroke and more.