Category Archives: Cancer

Keri Russell gets in fighting shape

In order to play a tough KGB agent on the FX series The Americans, Keri Russell worked out with Avital Zeisler, a Krav Maga instructor who moonlights as a hand-to-hand combat consultant.  “Working out [this way] makes you feel fierce,” says Keri. “I tend to be very internal—getting on the subway and keeping my eyes down. But I would leave those workouts looking people in the eye, like, ''Sup,” she says with bravado.  For each of Zeisler's moves, do three sets of 12 reps. MORE: The 25 Fittest Female Celebrities 1. Striking Squats Get into a squat with your elbows bent, hands open at cheekbone level, and palms facing in. As you stand up from the squat, strike with your left hand and then immediately strike with your right. Return to start. That's one rep. MORE: 5 Ways to Ease Sore Muscles 2. Elbow Striking Abs Do one crunch, with your elbows bent and hands on either side of your face, palms facing in. At the top of the move, bring your left forearm out and across your body until your left elbow is slightly past the center line of your chin. Return to start. That's one rep. Repeat with your right arm. 3. Lunging Defensive Knees With your hands raised to cheekbone level, lunge back with your right leg until your left thigh is parallel to the floor. Shift your weight forward as you bring your right leg forward, leading with your knee. Return to start. That's one rep. Repeat with your left leg. MORE: The 7 Best Butt Exercises 4. Self-Defense Pushup Do a pushup, then lower your body so you're lying on your stomach. Roll over, and in one movement, bend your knees, lift your hips, and kick your left leg in front of you, leading with your heel. Return to start. That's one rep. Switch sides and repeat. MORE: 7 Workouts for Hot Arms 5. 360 Kick Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands at cheekbone level, palms facing in. Leading with the heel, kick your right leg to the front, then side, then back (touch your foot to the floor between kicks). Return to start and do a jumping jack. That's one rep. Repeat with your left leg.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/17/keri-russell-gets-in-fighting-shape/

Lifestyle change may ease heart risk from job stress

Being under stress at work is tied to a higher risk of heart problems, new research confirms - but putting down the beer bottle and going for a walk may help. Researchers found that job strain - defined as having a lot of demands at work, but little control - was tied at a 25 percent higher chance of having a heart attack or dying of heart problems. But heart risks were cut in half among people - stressed or not - who maintained a healthy lifestyle compared to those who drank, smoked or were obese. “For many people avoidance of work stress is unrealistic,” lead researcher Mika Kivimaki, from University College London, said in an email. “Thus, we wanted to ask the question whether adopting an otherwise healthy lifestyle would reduce heart disease risk among those with job strain,” he said. Kivimaki and his colleagues combined the results of seven European studies that surveyed 102,000 people about their general lifestyle habits and health, including how much strain they were under at work. None of those participants had heart disease at the start of the study. Over the next seven years, on average, there were about 1,100 heart attacks or deaths from heart disease across the trials. About one in six people in the studies initially reported being under job strain. Rates of heart problems over a decade ranged from 12 cases per 1,000 generally healthy people without job strain to 31 per 1,000 people with job strain and multiple lifestyle risks, such as rarely exercising or having more than three or four alcoholic drinks a day. Kivimaki's team calculated that close to 4 percent of all heart attacks and heart disease deaths could be attributed to job strain and about 26 percent to drinking, smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity. The researchers wrote in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that for people with stressful jobs, adopting a healthier lifestyle may be a strategy to lower heart risks. “We hope this message reaches those who want to reduce their heart disease risk but feel they cannot avoid work stress,” Kivimaki said. One researcher who has studied work stress and heart disease separately said the new review may underestimate the link between job strain and heart disease. OTHER FACTORS? Paul Landsbergis of SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, said other types of job stress that may influence heart risks - such as having low social support and job insecurity - weren't taken into account. The new study doesn't prove pressure at work caused heart problems. But cardiologist Dr. Vincent Figueredo from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia said the results are in line with past studies suggesting that chronic stress, including from job strain, can have negative health effects. “With chronic stress, there's activation of these systems that can have long-term effects on things like insulin resistance, central obesity (and) high blood pressure,” Figueredo, who wasn't involved in the new research, said. What this review adds, he said, is that workers may be able to do something about those extra risks. “It does offer some hope for those people who do have that job strain they can't do anything about at work,” Figueredo said. “If you're stuck being stressed at work, at least go out and exercise, don't smoke and eat healthy.”source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/17/lifestyle-change-may-ease-heart-risk-from-job-stress/

Up to 1 in 5 children suffer from a mental disorder, CDC says

Up to 20 percent of children in the United States suffer from a mental disorder, and the number of kids diagnosed with one has been rising for more than a decade, according to a report released on Thursday by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In the agency's first-ever study of mental disorders among children aged 3 to 17, researchers found childhood mental illnesses affect up to one in five kids and cost $247 billion per year in medical bills, special education and juvenile justice. Children with mental disorders - defined as “serious deviations from expected cognitive, social, and emotional development” - often have trouble learning in school, making friends, and building relationships later in life, the report said. They are more likely to have other chronic health problems, such as asthma and diabetes, and are at risk for developing mental illnesses as adults. “This is a deliberate effort by CDC to show mental health is a health issue. As with any health concern, the more attention we give to it, the better. It's parents becoming aware of the facts and talking to a healthcare provider about how their child is learning, behaving, and playing with other kids,” Dr. Ruth Perou, the lead author of the study, said in an interview. “What's concerning is the number of families affected by these issues. But we can do something about this. Mental health problems are diagnosable, treatable and people can recover and lead full healthy lives,” Perou added. The study cited data collected between 1994 and 2011 that showed the number of kids with mental disorders is growing. The study stopped short of concluding why, but suggested improvements in diagnoses as one possible explanation “Changes in estimated prevalence over time might be associated with an actual change in prevalence, changes in case definition, changes in the public perception of mental disorders, or improvements in diagnosis, which might be associated with changes in policies and access to health care,” the study said. Perou said more research was needed to determine the specific causes of mental disorders, and that greater awareness could lead to an uptick in diagnoses. A host of environmental factors, including chemical exposure and poverty, can also affect a child's mental health, she said. Lead, for example, is known to be “one of the biggest toxins to impact behavior and learning,” Perou said. Poor children are at a higher risk for developing certain conditions, according to the study. The most prevalent mental health diagnosis, as reported by parents, was Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects 6.8 percent of children. Also common were behavioral conduct problems (3.5 percent), anxiety, which consists mostly of fears and phobias (3 percent), depression (2.1 percent) and autism spectrum disorders (1.1 percent). Many of these disorders occur together, the report said. Boys were found more likely to have most of the listed disorders except for depression and alcohol abuse, which affect more girls. The study also noted that suicide, which can be precipitated by an untreated mental illness, was the second leading cause of death (after accidents) among children 12 to 17 years old. The CDC report was based on multiple other studies that collected data and interviewed children and their guardians about their diagnoses, habits, behaviors and other factors.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/17/up-to-1-in-5-children-suffer-from-mental-disorder-cdc-says/

Single yellow fever shot is enough, WHO says

The World Health Organization says a yellow fever booster vaccination given 10 years after the initial shot isn't necessary. The U.N.'s global health agency said Friday that its expert group on immunization believes a single dose of vaccination is sufficient to confer lifelong immunity against the disease. The Geneva-based body says only 12 known cases of yellow fever after vaccination have ever been identified. Some 600 million doses have been dispensed since yellow fever vaccination began in the 1930s. Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes that is endemic to 44 countries in tropical areas of Africa and the Americas. There are an estimated 200,000 cases of yellow fever and up to 15,000 deaths worldwide each year.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/17/single-yellow-fever-shot-is-enough-who-says/

Are you working out the wrong way? Common fitness myths debunked

We only have the best intentions when we work out, but sometimes it can be hard to know what exactly is best for our fitness. Luckily the American Council on Exercise debunked eight common workout myths for us so the next time you hit the pavement (or treadmill) you can start to see results. Related: 12 Reasons To Lose Weight Now Myth #1: Stretching before exercise reduces the risk of injury. False: The scientific literature of the past decade fails to support stretching before exercise as a successful strategy for injury prevention. However, research does support stretching at other times, including post-exercise, to reduce injury risk. Myth #2: Walking a mile burns as many calories as running a mile. In our dreams: While walking is a great physical activity, it does not require as much energy as running. Research has shown that running has a 40 percent greater energy cost compared to walking . That means you burn more calories when you run. Related: 15 Delicious Diet Breakfast Ideas Myth #3: Lactic acid causes acidosis and muscle fatigue during exercise.  False: The old myth linking lactate or lactic acid to fatigue is the result of a scientific misinterpretation that has prevailed through the years.  Lactate does not cause metabolic acidosis. Furthermore, it is useful in the performance of exercise at high intensities. Myth #4: Lower-intensity exercise puts you in the fat-burning zone, so it’s preferable to higher-intensity exercise.   Wrong: The “fat burning zone” at low intensities of exercise doesn’t even exist. To burn maximum calories in support of ongoing weight loss, progress to a moderate-intensity/higher-volume exercise program and include interval training. Related: Low-Calorie Desserts to Try Right Now Myth #5: Morning workouts increase metabolism better than workouts performed later in the day. Wishful thinking: The decision to exercise in the morning should be driven by personal preference rather than any false hopes that greater weight loss will be achieved by exercising before breakfast. Myth #6: Muscle weighs more than fat. Not true: Muscle does not weigh more than fat. A pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat. The difference is their density. As we lose fat and gain muscle, weight may change very little, while body volume decreases as we become leaner. Related: Cheap, Healthy Meals Your Family Will Love Myth #7: Women who want to avoid looking bulky should avoid resistance training. False: Resistance training does not cause women to get bulky. In fact, it is virtually impossible for women to get as big (i.e., bulky) as men due to physiological differences, such as lower levels of testosterone. Myth #8: Spot reduction really works, especially if you want six-pack abs. In our dreams: Research shows that if a vigorous, high-volume, core-training program is performed, fat will be reduced in the abdominal area, but not selectively. A lean midsection requires a program of core, resistance and aerobic exercise—not just a focus on the abs.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/16/are-working-out-wrong-way-8-common-fitness-myths-debunked/

Brain makes call on which ear is used for cell phone

The study — to appear online in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery — shows a strong correlation between brain dominance and the ear used to listen to a cell phone. More than 70% of participants held their cell phone up to the ear on the same side as their dominant hand, the study finds. Left-brain dominant people — who account for about 95% of the population and have their speech and language center located on the left side of the brain — are more likely to use their right hand for writing and other everyday tasks. Likewise, the Henry Ford study reveals most left-brain dominant people also use the phone in their right ear, despite there being no perceived difference in their hearing in the left or right ear…

Majority of pools are contaminated by poop, CDC says

There's poop in public pools, according to a new report. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found genetic material from E. coli bacteria in 58 percent of public pools they tested during the summer of 2012. This shows that “swimmers frequently introduced fecal material into pools,” which could spread germs to other people, the researchers wrote in their report. E. coli bacteria are normally found in the human gut and feces. They also found genetic material from bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whichcan cause skin rashes and ear infections, in 59 percent of pools. The fecal material in pools comes from swimmers not showering before getting into the water, and from incidents of defecation in pools, according to the report. The average person has 0.14 grams of fecal material on their “perianal surface” that can rinse into a pool if a person doesn't shower first, according to the report. The Pseudomonas aeruginosabacteria in the pools may have come from the natural environment, or from swimmers, the researchers said. There were no samples that showed E. coli O157:H7, a toxin-producing E. coli strain that causes illness. Two parasites, Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which also spread through feces and cause diarrhea, were found in less than 2 percent of samples. The study included 161 pools in the Atlanta area, and the researchers noted their findings may not apply to all pools, but said there is no reason to think that contamination or swimmer hygiene practices differ between pools in the study and those in the rest of the country. The researchers collected samples of water from the pools' filters, and looked for the genetic material of specific bacteria. “Chlorine and other disinfectants dont kill germs instantly,” said Michele Hlavsa, chief of CDCs Healthy Swimming Program. Its important that swimmers shower before getting in a pool, not swallow the water they swim in, and avoid swimming when they have diarrhea, she said. The CDC also recommends that parents of young children take children on a bathroom break every hour, or check diapers every 30 to 60 minutes. Diapers should be changed in a diaper-changing area, not near the poolside, the CDC says. Copyright 2013 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/16/poop-prevalent-in-public-pools-cdc-says/

Multiple concussions may be causing increase in military suicides, study finds

New research has revealed that soldiers who experienced multiple concussions during active service are much more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those who sustained just one injury or never had a concussion, the Los Angeles Times reported. The study relates to two disturbing trends U.S. military has experienced over the last decade: an increase in suicides and an increase in concussions.  In 2012, the Army experienced a record 324 suicides, exceeding the number of combat deaths in Afghanistan for that year. And numerous roadside bombs have caused thousands of military personnel to suffer from damaging concussions, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).   Many studies have speculated that these growing number of concussions may lead to an increase in military suicides, and this new paper, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, further highlights that relationship.   Craig Bryan, the study’s lead author and an Air Force psychologist who served in Iraq in 2009, analyzed 161 military subjects, most of whom were men serving in the Army.  The subjects had been referred to Bryan for suspected concussions and were subsequently questioned about their history of head trauma, depression, PTSD and suicidal tendencies. Among the 85 subjects who had suffered two or more concussions, 12 percent reported they had considered suicide.  However, of the 58 subjects who had experienced only one concussion, just 3 percent had thought about suicide. None of the remaining 18 subjects, who had never experience a concussion, reported any suicidal thoughts. “All of a sudden the likelihood of being suicidal increased dramatically once you had the second head injury,” Bryan, now head of research at the University of Utah’s National Center for Veterans Studies, told the Los Angeles Times. Both depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were controlled for in the study, meaning TBI is potentially a significant component of suicides. While researchers do not fully understand why TBI contributes to suicide, it is possible that mild TBI can impair problem-solving skills and the ability to fit in socially, leading doctors to speculate that these impairments may lead to suicidal ideation. Bryan also noted that it’s possible another factor is causing the two trends – impulsiveness.  The trait is a well-known risk factor for suicide, and impulsiveness can also increase the likelihood of suffering from a concussion, Bryan said. Overall, Bryan said the topic needs further research, as various studies involving football, ice hockey and other contact sports have also shown a similar relationship between TBI and suicidal behavior. Click for more from the Los Angeles Times.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/16/multiple-concussions-may-be-causing-increase-in-military-suicides-study/

Could marijuana reduce diabetes risk?

There's an unexpected link between marijuana use and factors related to Type 2 diabetes that has medical researchers intrigued. Several studies have found that marijuana users take in more food calories than nonusers, but they still have lower rates of obesity and diabetes, and lower average body mass index (BMI) levels. In a new study, researchers investigated what effects marijuana and its active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) might have on people's metabolism, especially insulin levels. [5 Diets That Fight Diseases] Insulin resistance an important risk factor for diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body's cells cannot properly intake insulin. The American Heart Association estimates 35 percent of U.S. adults have metabolic disorders that include insulin resistance. To examine the link between THC and metabolism, researchers gathered the results of 4,657 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional study administered annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the study's participants, 579 were current marijuana users, 1,975 had used the drug in the past but not recently, and 2,103 had never tried marijuana. Researchers analyzed the participants' fasting insulin levels, cholesterol levels, insulin resistance and waist sizes. Multiple benefits seen The results showed that the current marijuana users had 16 percent lower fasting insulin levels than nonusers, and 17 percent lower insulin-resistance levels. Additionally, the regular users of marijuana had smaller average waist sizes, and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, aka “good cholesterol.” “These are indeed remarkable observations that are supported by basic science experiments that came to similar conclusions,” Dr. Joseph Alpert, professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, said in a statement. Interestingly, only the current users of marijuana (not the former users) experienced the positive results, suggesting that the effects of marijuana use on insulin and insulin resistance only occur after recent use. To test their results, which were published in the latest issue of The American Journal of Medicine, the researchers also adjusted for participants who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Much more research needed “After we excluded those subjects with a diagnosis of diabetes the associations between marijuana use and insulin levels, [insulin resistance], waist circumference and HDL-C were similar and remained statistically significant,” Dr. Elizabeth Penner, a co-author of the study, said in a statement. “Is it possible that THC will be commonly prescribed in the future for patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome alongside antidiabetic oral agents or insulin for improved management of this chronic illness? Only time will answer this question for us,” Alpert said in an editorial accompanying the article in the journal. “We desperately need a great deal more basic and clinical research into the short- and long-term effects of marijuana in a variety of clinical settings such as cancer, diabetes and frailty of the elderly,” Alpert wrote. Copyright 2013 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/16/could-marijuana-reduce-diabetes-risk/