Preventative Medicine

I was just watching TV and saw a commercial for Advair.

It was described in one way as "preventative medicine". Now here is my thought:
Isn't the point of preventative medicine to prevent a problem and not have to take a pill in the first place? So if we need medication for Preventative Medicine... Isn't that the same as taking a drink to prevent Alcoholism or Tobacco for Preventing Smoking?

Just a little thought of the day.

Winter: Save Your Skin from Warm Dry Air

Has anyone else noticed as soon as the heat comes on, the skin dries out?Are you lacking important Vitamin E and Vitamin C?

Vitamin E is the name of a group of fat-soluble compounds with antioxidant activities
Recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin E for adult intake is 15 mg.
Here are some recommended foods.

Food	Milligrams (mg) per serving	Percent DV*
Wheat germ oil, 1 tablespoon	20.3	100
Almonds, dry roasted, 1 ounce	7.4	40
Sunflower seeds, dry roasted, 1 ounce	6.0	30
Sunflower oil, 1 tablespoon	5.6	28
Safflower oil, 1 tablespoon	4.6	25
Hazelnuts, dry roasted, 1 ounce	4.3	22
Peanut butter, 2 tablespoons	2.9	15
Peanuts, dry roasted, 1 ounce	2.2	11
Corn oil, 1 tablespoon	1.9	10
Spinach, boiled, ½ cup	1.9	10
Broccoli, chopped, boiled, ½ cup	1.2	6
Soybean oil, 1 tablespoon	1.1	6
Kiwi, 1 medium	1.1	6
Mango, sliced, ½ cup	0.9	5
Spinach, raw, 1 cup	0.6	4

Vitamins Good for Skin Nutrition

Vitamins C, E, A, K, and B complex can all help improve skin health. We'll review C and E here:
Vitamins C and E. Among the most important new dermatologic discoveries is the power of vitamins to counter the effects of sun exposure. Duke University found "appreciable photoprotection can be obtained from topical vitamins C and E." "Supplementation with natural Vitamin E in 400 mg per day has been noted to reduce photodamage, wrinkles and improve skin texture."  To make sure your diet includes plenty of vitamin C, eat citrus fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C such as bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens. These foods can replace the loss of the vitamin through the skin. You can also take vitamin C supplements, up to 500 to 1,000 milligrams of per day

 Topical Vitamin C lotions must have L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, the only one that can penetrate skin layers and do the job. This can lead to an increase in collagen production which is produced more in younger skin.

 SHOULD I TAN TO INCREASE VITAMIN D?

The link between tanning and skin cancer pretty solid.  Even in the sun a SPF of 25 or more is recommended.  The color looks great, but skin cancer does not!  Vitamin D is fortified in many foods, and here are a few others: Cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, & sardines, egg yolks, beef liver

If you are going to take Vitamin D supplements make sure it is Vitamin D3 and not D2.  Also, remember you need Vitamin D to absorb Calcium in the body

Check out this information here and more @ WebMD "Healthy Skin" for more:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/skin-nutrition

Stress: Introducing the Adrenal Gland

It is a strange world we live in today! When we turn on the TV there is bad news with lost jobs and the econmy down. WE open our bills up and buy groceries, both of which seem to cost more and more. "Lucky" for us, gas is down to 2.50 - $3.00 a gallon. All of this is going on while we all seem to have caught the "flu", which is added to the fact you have joint, back, and muscle pains in life.

WHAT DOES THIS EQUAL?

A RECIPE FOR STRESS!

What should we do about Stress! The body is programmed to react to stress in a specific manor. Here is a mild look at how it works, and how you can fight it! Introducing the Adrenal Gland.

When stress occurs the hypothalamus (control center for many functions located in the brain) stimulates the adrenal gland. This gland located on the top of our kidneys releases Norepinephrine and Epinphrine from the inner portion, the medulla. The release of these hormones turns on the Sympathetic Nervous System and initiates the "fight or flight" response. This response causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, pupil dilation, breadown of fat and release of glucose through liver functions, and increased brain arousal, alertness, and excitability. In the short term, this restores balance to the systems of the body. In teh long term, however, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and increased blood clotting combined with decreased blood to the internal organs can have a negative effect.

Furthermore, Aldosterone and Cortisol are also released when this gland is stimulated. Aldosterone acts ont eh body by increasing sodium and decreasing postassium levels in teh blod causing an increase in blood water, volume, and blood pressure. This leads to letheragy, weakness, irritability, and general swelling. Cortisol works in teh body to control glucose levesl in teh blood. It is the opposite of insulin in that it prevents cells from using glucose so it is available to the brain and heart. It ialso causes a breakdown of proteins to be used for tissue repair. Once again, the short term it is great. Long term, increased cortisol levels are associated with atrophy of lymph nodes, reduction in white blood cells (decreased immunity), and vascular disorders.

What signs to look for?

1) High blood pressure

2) Increased pulse rate

3) Upset Stomach

4) headache

5) Backache

6) Anger

7) Depression / Anxiety

What are the secrets to controlling chronic stress?

1) Exercise (20 minutes per day)

2) Eat Properly (and proper amounts)

3) Get Proper Sleep (7-8 hours a night)

Relaxation techniques including Prayer, Mediation, Yoga, Breathing exercises, and many others are proven to decrease stress levels.

YOU NEED TO CONTROL STRESS, OR IT WILL CONTROL YOU!