PLACENTA THERAPY FOR CHRONIC DEGENERATIVE DISEASES AND ANTI-AGEING

Part I

For more than 5000 years, placenta has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for the purpose of rejuvenation and for treatment of various chronic diseases. In particular, it was believed that placenta would enhance liver and kidney function as well as reverse infertility and impotence. Scientific research has indeed shown that a term placenta contains large amounts of growth factors, hormones, cytokines, antibodies, amino acids, vitamins and minerals that all have potential benefits for repair and regeneration processes in cells, tissues and organs. Clinical experience has demonstrated that treatment with placental tissue or extracts thereof can improve circulation, inhibit inflammation, enhance autonomous nervous system regulation, speed up wound healing, balance hormone levels and boost the immune system.

Placenta and baby share the same uterus, genes and heritage until the time of birth. As a biochemical treasure house, the placenta is supporting the baby’s growth and development in the womb during the entire pregnancy. At the same time, it facilitates a tight co-operation between the needs of the baby and those of the mother. At birth, placenta contains a wide range of biologically active substances including those, which the human foetus is unable to make. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that premature ageing, as well as chronic degenerative diseases and other ailments can be treated successfully with placental tissue or placenta extracts. Administration of placenta in these conditions has resulted in improved function of metabolic processes within the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, and central nervous systems thereby relieving symptoms and slowing down ageing.

Most of us hope for a long meaningful life and nobody wants to be burdened with poor health, fast degeneration, or pain as they age. Throughout history, mankind always has searched for the proverbial "fountain of youth". Our modern conventional health care systems have indeed brought us a longer life expectancy through high-tech medicine and acute crisis management. However, they have failed terribly in the fields of premature ageing, chronic degenerative diseases and cancer. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from empirical, bio-energetic and integrated biological medicine will impart a longer life with vitality. We are all aware of show business personalities and other celebrities of our time, for whom the ageing process appears to have stopped. They continue to look well, be attractive, and they are in great shape, even in old

age. Certainly, healthy nutrition, exercise and plastic surgery may play an important role here, but with more than mere appearance, these famous people continue to exude an aura and body language that identifies them with younger age groups. The reason is that many of them frequent the famous clinic spas and medical centres in Europe which specialize in regeneration and, specifically, in the medically respected techniques of cellular and placenta therapy. These treatment modalities have made it possible for these celebrities to maintain a very active lifestyle that otherwise would be impossible. The recipients seem to retain the vitality of youth, making it possible to enjoy the fruits of success well into their senior years.

WHAT IS PLACENTA THERAPY?

Placenta therapy can be traced back to the 1930's when Soviet surgeon Vladimir Filatov noticed that pregnant women were remarkably healthy during the third trimester of pregnancy and for six months following delivery. He pioneered research and experimentation that led to the development of the term “placenta therapy”, which involves the injections of placental extract and/or the implantation of a certain amount of full-term placenta (after a normal baby is born).

In placenta therapy, placenta extract of placenta is administered via oral ingestion into the human body for therapeutic purposes. This placenta is then broken down into their basic elements (active cellular material and essential growth factors) and reused by the cells, tissues and organs of the person treated. Placenta therapy actually "wakes up" dormant cells within the human body, thereby stimulating growth and function of existing tissue and repairing or regenerating old and malfunctioning cells. Placenta therapy offers something that vitamins, minerals and other conventional or natural treatments cannot. It can provide the exact components necessary for injured or diseased tissue to heal and regenerate. While most pharmaceutical drugs work by suppressing certain symptoms over a short period of time and only as long as they are taken, placenta therapy stimulates the body’s own healing and revitalising powers and exerts a long term effect.

Source : The International Association for Organ cell therapy Specialists Switzerland
Picture Credit

Part 2 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLACENTA THERAPY? tomorrow

17 Ways to Safeguard Your Heart

Dr Nieca Goldberg's Prescription:

Start With Breakfast

Have a low-cholesterol breakfast. Every morning Goldberg and her husband eat breakfast together. “I have a bowl of high-fiber, low-sugar cereal, like Kashi GoLean, with low-fat milk and antioxidant-rich blueberries,” she says. Fiber is filling, and the soluble form―found in oatmeal, beans, fruits, vegetables, and this cereal―can lower cholesterol. Aim for 25 grams of fiber a day.

Take a supplement, if necessary. “A healthy diet is still the best way to get your nutrients,” says Goldberg. “A bag of chips washed down with a vitamin isn’t a good solution.” However, she does suggest taking an omega-3 fatty-acid supplement daily if you don’t eat fish regularly. Choose one with the two forms of the acids that aid the heart: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Or twice a week set a goal for having two to three servings of natural omega-3 sources, like a small handful of walnuts or a 3 1/2-ounce portion of salmon. (For those with high triglyceride levels, she recommends prescription-strength omega-3s.)

Be honest with your doctors. Goldberg implores patients to see her as a nonjudgmental confidante. “I’ve had people on cholesterol-lowering drugs neglect to take them and not tell me. So I then check their blood and consider increasing their dosage unnecessarily,” she says. “No one should ever be embarrassed when it comes to their health. Your doctors can give you the best help only when they really know all the information.”

Take baby aspirin, if needed. For those people who are at high risk for heart disease, who have it, or who are over the age of 65, Goldberg often suggests taking a daily baby aspirin (81 milligrams). “I tell many of my patients to take one,” she says. “This is a cheap and effective prevention strategy.”

Cut Back Where Needed

Drink caffeine conservatively. The doctor enjoys a mug of coffee but tells anyone prone to heart palpitations to keep their caffeine intake to less than 300 milligrams a day, which is the equivalent of two to three cups. Or consider an alternative, like green tea, which has less caffeine but is rich in antioxidants that can improve the flexibility of your arteries, which may help prevent plaque from building up in them.

Eat sweets sparingly. A 2008 study found that women with elevated blood-sugar levels had a risk of developing coronary heart disease similar to that of women with full-blown diabetes. “If you want dessert, make it one that has heart benefits, like dark chocolate,” Goldberg says. “Have a small piece made with 70 percent cocoa so it’s high in antioxidants.”

Tweak family recipes. Instead of frying foods, the doctor bakes or grills, and she uses whole-grain pasta and brown rice in lieu of basic white. She makes healthier versions of the things she grew up eating and incorporates fresh vegetables into them whenever possible: “When I make my mom’s chicken soup, I toss in a bag of baby carrots or use a mandoline to quickly slice and add antioxidant-rich onions or scallions.”

Make small changes. (They work.) Goldberg had a patient who smoked, didn’t exercise, and had a family history of heart disease. She prescribed statins to help reduce the patient’s cholesterol while the patient slowly cut down on smoking and started exercising more and eating better. Within a few months, Goldberg was able to lower the patient’s medication, since the patient’s modest efforts had made a huge impact. “Your health is not pass/fail. Just having risk factors does not mean you’re doomed,” Goldberg says.

Watch Your Diet

Stick with fresh foods. “Almost nothing in my meals comes from a package,” Goldberg says. “I snack on fresh fruits, especially clementines and peaches, and vegetables. I also like dried fruit, like unsweetened apricot slices, because it’s easy to pack and eat on the go.” In addition, Goldberg has at least one vegetable-laden salad a day. The base is dark greens, such as spinach, which she tops with lean grilled chicken or egg whites. She throws in lycopene-rich tomatoes and orange and red peppers for their antioxidants. “At a salad bar, I avoid anything glistening or creamy looking,” she says. “Two clues that they’ve got a lot of artery-clogging fat.”

Snack smartly. “I have a handful of almonds or walnuts when I get home or while cooking dinner,” says Goldberg. “This prevents me from overeating at night.” The walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids, and almonds contain arginine, which helps keep arteries strong.

Try a Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown that people who follow a Mediterranean diet have a 50 to 70 percent lower risk of recurrent heart disease, and those who get at least five servings of vegetables a day have about a 25 percent lower risk of a heart attack. So Goldberg consumes plenty of fish, grains, vegetables, fruits, and olive oil. “I think this is a great nonfad diet. Most people who start it usually stay with it,” she says. “It’s tasty and easy to live with.” Indeed, her copy of The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is well-worn.

Do a Little More (or Less)

Go with red wine. “I’m actually allergic to alcohol, so I don’t drink. But if you like to, opt for wine, and limit it to one glass a day,” Goldberg says. Red, in particular, has a high concentration of the antioxidant resveratrol, which can help maintain blood vessels’ health. “But grape juice has the same benefits―something wine lovers don’t always want to hear,” she adds.

Throw salt overboard. Since excess salt can increase blood pressure, Goldberg tells her patients to keep their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day, which many people hit from processed foods alone. “Simply remove the salt shaker from the table,” she says. “One of the best substitutes is chopped chives. Sprinkle a few teaspoons on soups, salads, or pasta for a salty kick.”

Do better than butter. Goldberg occasionally uses a spread, like Benecol or Smart Balance, on bread. Both have plant-derived stanol esters, which can help lower bad cholesterol. “The labels tout this, but don’t think of these products as medicine,” she says. “You certainly don’t want to ingest the amount it would take to make them work that way. They’re just better choices than butter or margarine.”

Stick to a Routine

Make exercise nonnegotiable. Goldberg works out five times a week, alternating between personal-training sessions, Spinning classes, and a little Pilates. “I wouldn’t miss an appointment with a patient, and I don’t cancel my appointment to exercise, either,” she says. “It makes me feel so good afterward, and it keeps my cholesterol and blood pressure under control.”

Take stress seriously. Constant stress can lead to elevated levels of adrenaline and the hormone cortisol, which makes arteries more vulnerable to plaque. “For me, reducing stress is all about saying no and planning alone time,” Goldberg says. To unwind, she watches the Food Network, schedules a manicure, and recently instituted “no e-mail” weekends.

Sack out early. Studies show that people who get less than seven hours of shut-eye a night can have higher blood pressure. Lack of sleep also leads to higher levels of cortisol and even weight gain. “I go to bed around 10:30 each night and wake up most mornings at 6:20,” says Goldberg.

Meet the Author
Twenty years ago, when Nieca Goldberg was in medical school, heart disease was known as a “man’s disease”―something most apt to befall a 55-year-old businessman. Today the disease is the number one killer of U.S. women, claiming nearly 500,000 lives annually. Goldberg, now 50, devotes her career to helping fellow females protect their hearts at Total Heart Care, her practice in New York City. She also teaches the science of heart health as a clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University. But the doctor doesn’t have to look to research for evidence that diet, exercise, and stress management can prevent future problems. Even though she has a family history of heart disease, her habits have kept her health in check. “Making consistent, small, smart choices can have a huge effect,” says Goldberg.

Protect your brain

Strategies to Prevent and Delay Alzheimer’s Disease :

• Get plenty of exercise

• Eat a brain-healthy diet

• Keep your mind active

• Sleep regularly and restfully

• Learn to relax

• Protect your brain

You can download the complete plan from HELPGUIDE.org but here's strategy no. 6:

Prevention and delay strategy #6: Protect your brain

By the time Alzheimer’s disease appears, irreversible damage has already occurred. Preventing and delaying Alzheimer’s includes three protective tips:

• Avoid toxins - Among the most preventable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are smoking and heavy drinking. Not only does smoking increase the odds for those over 65 by nearly 79%, researchers at Miami’s Mt. Sinai Medical Center warn that a combination of these two behaviors reduces the age of Alzheimer’s onset by six to seven years. If you stop smoking at age, the brain benefits from improved circulation almost immediately. Brain changes from alcohol abuse can only be reversed early.
• Wear a helmet - and limit distractions. A National Institute of Health study suggests head trauma at any point in life significantly increases your risk of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Andrew Weil cautions that repeated hits in sports activities including football, soccer, and boxing, or single traumatic injuries from bicycle, skating, or motorcycle accidents make Alzheimer’s disease more likely in later life. Preserve your brain by wearing properly fitting sports helmets, buckling your seatbelt, and trip-proofing your environment. Avoid activities that compete for your attention—like driving with cell phones and running with your MP3 player. A moment’s distraction can lead to a brain-injuring thud!
• Create a brain-safe environment - The evidence on modern technology is mixed. Scientists continue to examine links between neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and exposure to environmental contaminants. UCLA’s Memory Center Director Gary Small warns that lead, pesticides, mold, and other substances in your environment may damage your brain. Studies on the impact of electromagnetic energy from cell phones are still debated. Although definitive links to Alzheimer’s can be elusive, making choices that limit chronic exposure to environmental harm makes good sense.

Act now to prevent and delay Alzheimer’s disease

It is never too early or too late to protect yourself and your family against Alzheimer’s. Start a multi-step strategy now, and begin actively preventing or slowing this disease.

The race to cure Alzheimer’s is expected to continue for some time. Investing in your diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and rest will help you feel better now and keep your brain working stronger…longer.

Picture Credit

Brain Food

The first one uses beef brain, the second a make-belief fish brain.

Spot the brain boosting herbs in the recipe.

CLICK HERE for the Recipe

Picture Credit

Otak-otak (Chinese: 鲤鱼包) is a cake made of fish meat. It is widely known across Southeast Asia, where it is traditionally served fresh, wrapped inside banana leaf, as well as in many Asian stores internationally - being sold as frozen food and even canned food.

Otak means brains in Indonesian and Malay, and the name of the dish is derived from the idea that the dish some what resembles brains, being grey, soft and almost squishy.

CLICK HERE for the Recipe

Picture Credit

When it comes to brain health and mental acuity, few people think of herbs. While Mother Nature’s herbal medicines humbly lay upon the earth in her rainforests, wilderness, and jungles devoid of any slick advertising campaigns, they show tremendous promise in the prevention of brain disease and in maintaining great brain health.

Remember: herbs are potent medicine so it is important to consult with your doctor before you start taking any herbs to prevent drug-herb interactions.

1. A Wise Sage
More than just seasoning for stuffing a turkey, recent research shows that sage is great brain food. A British research team conducted a study of sage’s therapeutic properties on a group of forty-four adults between the ages of eighteen and thirty-seven. Some participants were given capsules of sage oil while others were given a placebo of sunflower oil. Results showed that those who took the sage oil performed significantly better at memory tests than those who took the placebo. The people who were given sage as part of the study had improvements in both immediate and delayed word recall scores, as well as mood improvements. Additional research by the same scientific team led them to conclude that sage may also be helpful for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Fresh sage is an excellent addition to soups, stews, and chicken dishes.

2. The Curry Factor
Here’s another reason to enjoy your favorite Indian curry dishes: they typically contain the spice turmeric, a powerful food that helps protect your brain from disease. Research conducted by Greg Cole, PhD, associate director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the University of California in Los Angeles, showed that, curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric, is a potent weapon against inflammation and plaque build up in the brain. Inflammation and plaque have been linked to serious brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. Additional studies are having similar positive results. The easiest way to enjoy the benefits of curcumin is by adding turmeric to your favorite curry dish.

3. Ginger—Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory
Not just great in stir-fries, ginger is one herb that can do more than add flavor and spice to just about any dish, it also exhibits antioxidant effects and the ability to lessen the formation of inflammation in the brain. Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called “gingerols” that are responsible for the herb’s magic. A study in the November 2003 issue of Life Sciences found that ginger offers protection against free radicals, which have the potential to be a serious threat to brain health.

The easiest way to enjoy the benefits of ginger is to grate 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger and add to a cup of boiling water. Steep and strain. Enjoy a cup of this warming ginger tea with a touch of honey or a few drops of the naturally-sweet herb, stevia. You can also add freshly grated ginger to soups, stir-fries, vegetables, or other dishes to pack extra brain health into your meals.

4. Ginkgo Biloba to Boost Brain Power
Ginkgo biloba has developed a reputation as the brain herb thanks to its many beneficial effects on the brain, including: increasing blood flow to the brain, assisting with memory and in the treatment of dementia, as well as positive effects on depression. Ginkgo also helps improve the availability of energy to brain cells, which may improve feelings of mental alertness.

In Germany, ginkgo is approved as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. A study of forty patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, showed that 240 milligrams of ginkgo biloba extract taken daily for three months produced noticeable improvements in memory, mood, and attention. Since then numerous other studies have shown similar positive effects on early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Opt for ginkgo biloba standardized extract that contains twenty-four percent ginkgoflavonglycosides, also called “flavone glycosides,” the active ingredient which has the capacity to increase blood flow to the brain and lessen symptoms like depression, memory loss, and dizziness, all of which can be the result of reduced blood flow to the brain. For ginkgo’s preventive effects, forty milligrams three times a day is ideal.

5. Periwinkle: The Blue Flower for Grey Matter
Not just for English gardens anymore, the lovely blue flowering plant, periwinkle may help boost memory. Research shows that vinpocetine, a natural compound in periwinkle, helps transport oxygen and glucose to the brain. Since the brain needs both to function optimally, periwinkle may be beneficial for assisting to ease brain disease.

With around one hundred studies conducted on vinpocetine’s effects on humans, mostly in Hungary, it is not surprising that it has been used by Hungarian doctors to treat senility and blood vessel disorders in the brain for twenty-five years. In these studies it appears to boost memory and cognition in healthy people and in those with mild to moderate forms of dementia.

A double-blind study in 1985 in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, researchers tested vinpocetine’s effect on the short-term memory of twelve healthy women. The women who took forty milligrams of vinpocetine three times per day for two days scored thirty percent higher on short-term memory tests than the women in the placebo group.

Vinpocetine also thins blood, boosts circulation to the brain, and improves the brain’s ability to absorb nutrients, all of which improve brain function. Experts typically suggest dosages of two milligrams daily, taken with food. Vinpocetine appears to be safe for short- or long-term use. Check with your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications.

Locally known as Kemunting Cina, the Periwinkle is a perennial plant commonly found in gardens, by the roadside and even on playgrounds in Malaysia. Kemunting Cina is also the logo of MAKNA (Majlis Kanser Nasional or the National Cancer Council)

6. Rosemary to Increase Brain Circulation
This pine-like herb does more than just spice up a roast of beef, it offers anti-inflammatory protection to the delicate human brain. Research proves rosemary’s ability to increase blood flow to the head and brain, thereby improving concentration.

Historically, herbalists have used rosemary to strengthen memory. In England, rosemary’s memory strengthening ability was translated to mean that it would improve fidelity. As a result it was often given as a gift for the bride or groom as part of their wedding ceremony. Perhaps the gift-giver thought the herb would help the newlywed remember his or her vows.

Add rosemary to meat dishes or chop finely and add to bread, buns, or savory baked goods. There’s nothing as yummy as a still warm, freshly baked rosemary scone with tea.

Boosting your mental acuity and brain power can be as easy as eating Indian curries, rosemary biscuits, and drinking fresh ginger tea. Or supplement with ginkgo and vinpocetine to improve your brain health.

Michelle Schoffro Cook, BSc, RNCP, ROHP, DNM, is an international best-selling and seven-time book author and doctor of natural medicine, whose works include: The Life Force Diet, The Ultimate pH Solution, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, The Phytozyme Cure and HealthSmart News. Learn more at www.DrMichelleCook.com.

Learn to relax and manage stress

Strategies to Prevent and Delay Alzheimer’s Disease :

• Get plenty of exercise

• Eat a brain-healthy diet

• Keep your mind active

• Sleep regularly and restfully

• Learn to relax

• Protect your brain

You can download the complete plan from HELPGUIDE.org. Here's the fifth for your convenience.

Prevention and delay strategy #5: Learn to relax and manage stress

According to USC’s Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, lifelong stress can double or quadruple your chances of Alzheimer’s disease, yet simple daily tools can minimize its effects. The harmful stress hormone cortisol hampers nerve cell growth and connection and accelerates cognitive decline, premature aging, depression, diabetes, and other assaults on your brain.

Conquer cortisol with these proven techniques:

• Breathe! Stress alters breathing rates and impacts brain oxygen levels. Turn off your stress response with quiet, deep, abdominal breathing. From momentary inhale, hold, and exhale sequences to guided group exercises, restorative breathing is powerful, simple, and free!
• Schedule daily relaxation activities - From a walk in the park or petting your cat to Tai-chi, guided imagery, or yoga, make relaxation a priority. Keeping cortisol under control requires regular effort.
• Stay connected - We are social creatures, and the most connected fare better on tests of memory and cognition. Developing a strong support system through family, friends, exercise groups, clubs, and volunteer activities improves mood and slows cognitive decline.
• Nourish inner peace - Most scientists acknowledge a strong mind-body connection, and various studies associate personal spiritual activities with better cognitive aging. Regular meditation, prayer, reflection, and religious practice may immunize you against the damaging effects of stress.

Picture Credit

REGRETS OF THE DYING

Seriously, this is a post by an Australian, Bronnie Ware (her blog, Inspiration and Chai), who worked in palliative care*. She’d chat to dying people about their regrets. Now she’s put together a list of the most common ones she’d come across.

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life.

Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly.

Choose happiness.

* Learn about palliative care in Klang and nationwide. Picture Credit

Sleep to Restore Memory

Strategies to Prevent and Delay Alzheimer's Disease:

1. Get pleanty of exercise
2. Eat a brain-healthy diet
3. Keep your mind active
4. Sleep regularly and restfully
5. Learn to relax
6. Protect your brain

You can download the complete plan from HELPGUIDE.org but here's the 4th strategy. Remember :) , there will be three more strategies to follow.

Prevention and delay strategy #3: Sleep to restore memory

Your brain needs regular, restful sleep to process, store, and recall information. Nightly deprivation not only leaves you cranky and tired, but according to memory experts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Gary Small, poor sleep can significantly damage your brain and central nervous system.

These tips will help you catch your Z’s and quiet the demons that keep you awake:

• Establish a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and getting up at the same time reinforces your natural circadian rhythms. Your brain’s clock responds to regularity, and long term disruption has been associated with heart disease, cancer risks, and cognitive problems.
• Set the mood. Reserve your bed for sleep (and sex), take a hot bath, and dim the lights. Brisk evening exercise, comfortable temperatures, and white noise machines can also signal your brain that it’s time for deep restorative sleep.
• Stop snoring, dear! Alcohol, smoking, sedating drugs, excess weight, high blood pressure, and clogged nasal passages can rock the timbers. Snoring may signal sleep apnea, a respiratory condition that threatens your heart and mind. A new study from the University of California at San Diego estimates seventy to eighty percent of Alzheimer’s patients experience sleep apnea. Cognition is frequently improved following Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment, which mechanically regulates the rise and fall of blood pressure and oxygen to the brain.
• Quiet your inner chatter. When mental dialogues keep you awake, get up. Try reading or relaxing in another room for twenty minutes then hop back in. If repeating this cycle doesn’t work, check your stress levels. Your memory may depend on it.

Picture Credit

Health Tip: Take Care of Haemorrhoids

Ways to Help Prevent and Treat Haemorrhoids or Piles

The American Gastroenterological Association says

1. Haemorrhoids occur when veins in the lower rectum (internal haemorrhoids) or at the anus (external haemorrhoids) become swollen, itchy, painful and tender.
2. Symptoms of internal haemorrhoids include:
• Bright red rectal bleeding
• Staining of undergarments with mucus
3. Symptoms of external haemorrhoids include:
• Pain and itching when irritated by constipation or diarrhea
• Difficulty with hygiene
4. Haemorrhoids are caused by:
• Straining
• Work strain (lifting, etc.)
• Straining while defecating
• Chronic constipation
• Passing hard, dry, small stools
• Laxative abuse
5. Do not assume rectal bleeding is from haemorrhoids. See your doctor to rule out cancer or other disease.

The following options may help control haemorrhoids:

• Add more fiber to your diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids or worsen symptoms from existing haemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.
• Drink plenty of fluids each day. Drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day to help keep stools soft.
• Consider a stool softener or fiber supplement. Most people don't get enough of the recommended amount of fiber — 20 to 35 grams a day — in their diet. Studies have shown that over-the-counter fiber supplements, such as psyllium husks and Glucomannan (Dulcofibre®), improve overall symptoms and bleeding from haemorrhoids. These products help keep stools soft and regular. If you use fiber supplements, be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids every day. Otherwise, the supplements can cause constipation or make constipation worse.
• Soothe with a bath, cold pack or bed rest to relieve swelling..
• Keep the anal area clean. Cleanse the skin around your anus gently with water following stool evacuation. Soap isn't necessary and may aggravate the problem. Gently drying the area with a hair dryer after bathing can minimize moisture, which can cause irritation.
• Avoid straining at stool or sitting on the toilet for a long time.
• Go as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait to pass a bowel movement and the urge goes away, your stool could become dry and be harder to pass.
• Exercise. Stay active to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting, and to help prevent constipation. Exercise can also help you lose excess weight that may be contributing to your haemorrhoids.
• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. Sitting too long, particularly on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.
• Ask your pharmacist for a haemorrhoid cream or suppository and/or oral medication to relieve swelling and pain.

These self-care measures may relieve the symptoms, but they won't make the haemorrhoid disappear. See your doctor if you don't get relief in a few days, or sooner if you have severe pain or bleeding.

Picture Credit

Free Meditation Download And Audio Tips

How To Raise Your Vibration By Getting ‘Holistically Fit’!

Holistic Fitness Meditation Download

Right click the link above and select ‘Save Target As/Save Link As’

Compliments of The Mind-Body Training Company

Founded by Matt Clarkson in 2007, The Mind-Body Training Company specializes in proven holistic practices that bring health, happiness and abundance.

Dementia Costs Hit US$604 Billion

The worldwide costs of dementia will reach US$604 billion in 2010, more than one percent of global GDP output, and those costs will soar as the number of sufferers triples by 2050, according to the World Alzheimer’s Report 2010, from Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)

The ADI says many governments are unprepared for the challenges of caring for a population with such large numbers of dementia patients, and urge governments to recognize dementia as a health priority and invest in prevention and planning for the care of patients.

The 13th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International will be held in Kuala Lumpur, from Oct 22 to 24, 2010. Tell your doctor about this.

Act Now to Prevent and Delay Alzheimer's Disease

It is never too early or too late to protect yourself and your family against Alzheimer’s. Start a multi-step strategy now, and begin actively preventing or slowing this disease.

The race to cure Alzheimer’s is expected to continue for some time. Investing in your diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and rest will help you feel better now and keep your brain working stronger…longer.

Strategies to Prevent and Delay Alzheimer's Disease:

1. Get pleanty of exercise
2. Eat a brain-healthy diet
3. Keep your mind active
4. Sleep regularly and restfully
5. Learn to relax
6. Protect your brain

You can download the complete plan from HELPGUIDE.org but here's the third strategy. Remember :) , there will be three more strategies to follow.

Prevention and delay strategy #3: Build brain reserves

According to the 2008 Wall Street Journal review “Neurobics and Other Brain Boosters,” an active, stimulated brain reduces your odds of developing Alzheimer’s. Those who remain engaged in activities involving multiple tasks, requiring communication, interaction, and organization, who continue learning, and constantly challenge their brains earn the greatest protection.

Cross-training with these brainpower activities will keep your mind sharp:

• Set aside time each day to learn something new - read a good book, study a foreign language, play a musical instrument. The greater the novelty and challenge, the larger the deposit in your brain reserves.
• Practice memorization - start with something short and progress to the 50 U.S. capitals. Create rhymes and patterns to strengthen your memory connections.
• Solve riddles and work puzzles - brain teasers and strategy games provide great mental exercise and build your capacity to form and retain cognitive associations. Look for activities that use both sides of your brain…logic and language versus artistic and creative challenges.
• Practice the 5 W’s - observe and report like a crime detective. Keep a Who, What, Where, When, and Why list of your daily experiences. Capturing visual details keeps your neurons firing.
• Follow the road less traveled - take a new route, eat with your other hand, rearrange your computer desktop. Vary your habits regularly to create new brain pathways. Picture Credit
  

Glucosamine, Chondroitin No Help for Arthritis?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two popular dietary supplements, either taken on their own or in combination by millions of people around the world to combat osteoarthritis (OA).

According to a new analysis of 10 studies led by Professor Peter Jüni at the University of Bern in Switzerland, these supplements do not work.

The researchers assessed changes in levels of pain after patients took glucosamine, chondroitin, or their combination with placebo or head to head.

They found no clinically relevant effect of chondroitin, glucosamine, or their combination on perceived joint pain. A follow-up arm of this study showed that they did not do any better than placebo in slowing loss of cartilage that occurs in OA of the knee.

However, analysis of a smaller subset of patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritic pain demonstrated that combination therapy significantly decreased knee pain related to OA.

The mean age of the 3,803 patients involved in these studies was 59 years, and 64 percent were women.

OA of the hip or knee is a chronic condition which is mainly treated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs but these can cause stomach and heart problems, especially if used long-term.

In the last decade, GPs and rheumatologists have increasingly prescribed glucosamine and chondroitin to their patients. And many individuals around the world have purchased them over the counter. In 2008 global sales of glucosamine supplements reached almost US$2bn, which represents an increase of about 60% since 2003.

The supplements are safe and there is no harm in having patients continue these preparations as long as they perceive a benefit, the study researchers write.

Journal Reference:

Simon Wandel, Peter Jüni, Britta Tendal, Eveline Nüesch, Peter M Villiger, Nicky J Welton, Stephan Reichenbach, Sven Trelle. Effects of glucosamine, chondroitin, or placebo in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: network meta-analysis. British Medical Journal, 2010; DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c4675


Now, let's have the reactions of key medical specialists and scientists to this analysis.

WebMD Health News on Sept 16, 2010 reported :

"If you want to take them and perceive a benefit, that's fine, but tell your doctor," says David Pisetsky, MD, chief of rheumatology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. Pisetsky does have a number of patients who take, and will likely continue to take, these supplements.

Jason Theodosakis, MD, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, and the author of several books that on the supplements, is unwavering in his support of their use in OA. He points out that there have been many positive studies, and there have been some major flaws with the design of the negative studies -- including the new analysis.

"The safety of these supplements has never been doubted," he says in an email. "You have to ask yourself, would you take a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin, have about two-thirds of a chance of getting significant relief, with some evidence that you can slow your disease progression, or just numb your symptoms with paracetamol anti-inflammatory drugs and risk ulcers, allergies, kidney or liver damage, hypertension, heart attacks and possibly death." These are some risks that have been associated with prescription and over-the-counter painkillers.

"The risk/benefit for glucosamine and chondroitin far outweighs that of the FDA-approved drugs for osteoarthritis," he says.

Marc C. Hochberg, MD, MPH, professor of medicine and head of the division of rheumatology and clinical immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, points out that the statistical techniques used in the new study were really not designed to be applied to groups, which may cast some doubt on the way the findings are being interpreted.

"These supplements did have a very small effect," he says. "This effect was very similar or identical to what is seen with acetaminophen, which is the first line treatment of OA according to the American College of Rheumatology and other professional organizations."

His advice? "If patients want to use glucosamine, then they should discuss this with their physician who may recommend a particular brand and manufacturer."

AndrewShao, PhD, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group representing supplement manufacturers, points out that the majority of published studies involving glucosamine and/or chondroitin are positive.

"We also must recognize that consumers have voted with their wallets -- choosing to continue to derive benefits from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, with the category experiencing significant year over year growth over the past decade," he says in an email. "If these were ineffective, then we would not observe this kind of growth."

Finally, he says, the safety of these supplements is well recognized.

Photo : Viartril-S Capsules by Rotta

Prevent and Delay Alzheimer's

Strategies to Prevent and Delay Alzheimer's Disease:

1. Get pleanty of exercise
2. Eat a brain-healthy diet
3. Keep your mind active
4. Sleep regularly and restfully
5. Learn to relax
6. Protect your brain

You can download the complete plan from HELPGUIDE.org but here's the second strategy as promised two days ago. We will run the rest by installment in the following days, if we remember. :)

Prevention and delay strategy #2: Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet

In Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation and insulin resistance injure neurons and inhibit communication between brain cells. In Freedom from Disease, Alzheimer’s is described as “diabetes of the brain,” and a growing body of information suggests a strong link between metabolic disorders and the signal processing systems. In addition, the American Academy of Neurology

recently warned elevated cholesterol in your 40’s increases your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Eating habits that reduce inflammation and promote normal energy production are brain-healthy. These food tips will keep you protected:

• Follow a Mediterranean diet. Control inflammation by eating foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, cold water fish, nuts, whole grains, and abundant fresh produce. Avoid transfats, full-fat dairy products, and red meat, but treat yourself to a glass of red wine and a dark chocolate square.
• Maintain consistent levels of insulin and blood sugar. Eat several small meals throughout the day. Avoid packaged, refined, and processed foods, especially those high in sugars and white flour, which rapidly spike glucose levels and inflame your brain.
• Eat across the rainbow. Emphasize fruits and vegetables across the color spectrum to maximize protective anti-oxidants and vitamins. Daily servings of berries and green leafy vegetables should be part of a plant-centered, brain protective regimen.
• Drink tea daily. Green, white, and oolong teas are particularly brain-healthy. Drinking 2-4 cups daily has proven benefits. Although caffeine can inhibit stress reduction and become addictive, moderate coffee drinkers also enjoy reduced cognitive risks.
• Consider supplementing your diet. Vitamins, herbs, and amino acids may provide additional brain protection. Folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and fish oils are believed to preserve and improve memory. Studies of vitamin E, gingko biloba, and tumeric have yielded more disappointing results. Talk to your doctor about medication interactions, and review current literature to make a personal decision about the costs and benefits of dietary supplements.

Act now to prevent and delay Alzheimer’s disease

It is never too early or too late to protect yourself and your family against Alzheimer’s. Start a multi-step strategy now, and begin actively preventing or slowing this disease.

The race to cure Alzheimer’s is expected to continue for some time. Investing in your diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and rest will help you feel better now and keep your brain working stronger…longer.
Picture Credit

Yesterday At The Dental Surgery

The dentist pulls out a numbing needle to give the man a shot.

'No way! No needles. I hate needles' the patient said.

The dentist starts to hook up the nitrous oxide and the man objects.

"I can't do the gas thing. The thought of donning the gas mask on is suffocating me!"

The dentist then asks the patient if he has any objection to taking a pill.

"No objection," the patient says. "'I'm fine with pills."

The dentist then returns and says, "Here's a Zydena."

The patient says, "Wow! I didn't know Zydena worked as a pain killer!"

"It doesn't" said the dentist, "but it's going to give you something to hold on to when I pull your tooth."

Author Unknown

Can’t figure out this joke?

Zydena is the brand name of the latest selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor in the pharmaceutical market.

Still puzzled?

Zydena belongs to the same class of drugs as (your) Viagra, Levitra and Cialis!

Here’s what Park Hyun Jun MD, PhD and colleagues at the Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine have to say about udenafil, the active ingredient in Zydena:

“Udenafil at 100 mg was effective for relieving ED for up to 12 hours after dosing. This duration of effectiveness could allow for flexibility and spontaneity in the sexual lives of patients.”

Reference:
Park HJ, Park JK, Park K, Min K, Park NC. Efficacy of Udenafil for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction up to 12 Hours after Dosing: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010 Apr 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Picture Credit 1; Picture Credit 2

Mild Memory Loss Is Not a Part of Normal Aging

Simply getting older is not the cause of mild memory lapses often called senior moments.

These very early mild cognitive changes are really the first signs of progressive dementia, in particular Alzheimer's disease according to a study led by Robert S.Wilson, neuropsychologist at Rush University Medical Cente.

The study involved over 350 nuns, priests and brothers who participated in Rush's Religious Orders Study and completed up to 13 years of annual cognitive testing. After death, the brains were examined for the lesions associated with dementia: neurofibrillary tangles, cerebral infarction (stroke), and Lewy bodies.

Researchers looked at the rate of change in cognitive function over time. The last four to five years of life showed a very rapid decline. The preceding years showed a much more gradual decline that would be described as normal aging.

As expected, pathologic lesions were related to the rapid decline, but researchers were somewhat surprised to find the pathology was very strongly predictive of the mild changes in cognitive function.

Higher tangle density adversely affected all forms of cognition at all trajectory points. Both Lewy bodies and stroke approximately doubled the rate of gradual memory decline, and almost no gradual decline was seen in the absence of lesions.

"Our study finds that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are the root cause of virtually all loss of cognition and memory in old age. They aren't the only contributing factors; other factors affect how vulnerable we are to the pathology and to its effects. But the pathology does appear to be the main force that is driving cognitive decline in old age," said Wilson.

Recognizing that the earliest changes in memory are related to Alzheimer's pathology can lead to early diagnosis.

Although most adults begin to notice age-related memory glitches in their 40’s and 50’s, scientists believe the neurological changes of Alzheimer’s ironically begin when the brain is at its peak… closer to age 20!

Although there are no magic solutions, tantalizing new evidence suggests it may be possible to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease through a combination of healthful habits.

Scientists now suggest you can stimulate your mind, improve your mood, sharpen your memory, and reduce your Alzheimer’s risks. Learn their discoveries and join the race towards brain vitality now.

Journal Reference

Wilson RS, Barnes LL, Aggarwal NT, Boyle PA, Hebert LE, Mendes de Leon CF, Evans DA. Cognitive activity and the cognitive morbidity of Alzheimer disease. Neurology, 2010; 75 (11): 990 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181f25b5e

Strategies to Prevent and Delay Alzheimer's Disease:

1. Get pleanty of exercise
2. Eat a brain-healthy diet
3. Keep your mind active
4. Sleep regularly and restfully
5. Learn to relax
6. Protect your brain

You can download the complete plan from HELPGUIDE.org but we will include the first strategy below for your convenience. We will run the rest by installment in the following days, if we remember. :)

Prevention and delay strategy #1: Get moving!

According to a recent Mayo Clinic review, no single lifestyle choice has as much impact on aging and Alzheimer’s disease as exercise. In a 2009 review of literature from the International Journal of Clinical Practice, scientists documented that over time, physical activity effectively reduces the probability of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Additional research shows those with existing cognitive problems and dementia receive a protective benefit from regular exercise.

These tips will maximize your exercise plan:

• Exercise at a moderate pace-for at least 30 minutes five times per week. Just five workouts every seven days can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 35%. When serious brain damage has already occurred, brisk walking and other cardiovascular exercise can slow further injury.
• Build muscle to pump up your brain-moderate levels of weight and resistance training not only increase muscle mass, they maintain cognitive health. Combining aerobics and strength work is better than either activity alone. Add 2-3 strength sessions to your weekly routine, and your risk of Alzheimer’s is cut in half if you are over 65.
• Stretch for success-agility not only makes you light on your feet, it improves balance and reduces head injuries. Remember the Tin Man… and reach, twist, and flex often to keep your fr ame limber and your brain supported.
• Think movement-those who are physically active throughout life have improved cognitive forecasts. Gardening, cleaning house, and taking the stairs build brain-healthy movement throughout the day. Look for opportunities to walk, bend, stretch, and lift your way to vitality.

Act now to prevent and delay Alzheimer’s disease

It is never too early or too late to protect yourself and your family against Alzheimer’s. Start a multi-step strategy now, and begin actively preventing or slowing this disease.

The race to cure Alzheimer’s is expected to continue for some time. Investing in your diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and rest will help you feel better now and keep your brain working stronger…longer.

Picture Credit