Your Healthcare FAQs

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I saw a very informational video on Resveratrol on 60 Minutes about a year ago.  While it isn’t a new substance, it’s been a great focus for scientists who are studying its amazing life extending properties. Resveratrol is found in wine and is now in other forms and is the next ‘Acai’ boom.

There are new products coming out of the woodwork so be cautious when buying.  Your best bet is to do some research online to see which products are producing results and read as many reviews as possible.

What most people make the mistake of doing is popping pills or products and putting things in our bodies that are not safe.  We, as a consumer get caught up in the hype and want to believe what we hear.  It’s such an ironic thing, really.  When we are told how simple raw and healthy foods are the SECRET, we barely want to make the effort.  I’ll save that for another post.

This video I think you’ll find interesting.

By: Kelvin Ho

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery in medical terminology, refers to a group of gastrointestinal surgical procedures carried out on patients suffering from chronic morbid obesity (i.e., at least 100 lbs overweight, or a body mass index, BMI, of 40 or greater, for more than 5 years). It is used to facilitate weight loss and avoid the risk to life-threatening diseases associated with morbid obesity, such as type II diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis, etc.

Weight loss surgery is normally resorted to as a last measure when an all other conventional weight loss methods, such as diet control, exercise and weight loss medications, have failed in treating the person for morbid obesity. It may be pointed out that weight loss surgery is distinct from liposuction in that the latter is more of a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical procedure.

What does weight loss surgery involve?
According to The American Society for Bariatric Surgery, there are basically two approaches to weight loss surgery:

1. Restrictive procedures, which help reduce the capacity for food intake in a single meal but do not interfere with the normal absorption (digestion) of food.

2. Malabsorptive procedures, which help reduce absorption of calories from food by altering the process of digestion.

Restrictive procedures are mainly of two types:
1. Lap band surgery, which involves placing laproscopically a silicone gastric band around the top of the stomach in order to create a very small stomach pouch. As a result, the person starts feeling full with just a small portion of food. Food will then slowly empty from the smaller pouch into the lower part of the stomach and into the rest of the digestive tract.

2. Gastric bypass surgery, which involves stapling of the smaller, upper part of the stomach to separate it from the rest of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to connect it to the smaller stomach pouch.

Lap band surgery is a relatively simple and less risky procedure compared to gastric bypass surgery. It requires just 1 to 3 days of hospital stay as opposed to 5 to 8 days in the latter case. Moreover, there is no malabsorption of vitamins and minerals after lap band surgery, which is not always the case with gastric bypass surgery. However, the expected weight loss over a period of 18 months is lesser (50 to 60% of the excess weight) compared to gastric bypass surgery (70 to75%). Both the procedures are reversible, but lap band surgery is much more easily reversible.

There is a third type of restrictive procedure too, called sleeve gastrectomy, that is less commonly used. In this the surgeon removes approximately 60% of the stomach laparoscopically so that the stomach takes the shape of a tube or “sleeve”.

Malabsorptive procedures are rarely used these days due to the problems of malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies caused by them.

Any risks?
In addition to general risks associated with any kind of major surgery, weight loss surgery can pose its own complications. Discomforting symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, hernia, gallstones and nutritional deficiencies can crop up after weight loss surgery.

Is it for you?
Though the ultimate answer to the question whether you qualify as a candidate for weight loss surgery or not rests entirely with your bariatric surgeon, here are some pointers that can help you in your decision-making process. If you have been more than 100 lbs overweight for more than 5 years, if your body has failed to respond to the conventional weight loss methods, and if you are not suffering from any major disorder that makes surgery difficult, you can seriously consider weight loss surgery as a feasible option. Consult your doctor for detailed information in order to weigh the risks against benefits of weight loss surgery.

Finally, remember that even if you keep realistic goals in mind, the real success of weight loss surgery is strongly dependent on your making long-term changes in your diet and lifestyle.

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By: Scott Meyers

There are many herbs and spices that are beneficial to keeping the body functioning at its absolute best. In order to remain as healthy as possible, you should consume as many herbs and spices as possible every day.

Turmeric is a spice that not everyone is familiar with. Turmeric is a yellow spice that is most often to be found in mustards manufactured in the United States. Turmeric is also a staple of many Indian dishes. Turmeric is a healthy spice that has anti-inflammatory properties, and also works as an antioxidant. These properties help turmeric to prevent the development of cancer. Turmeric goes to work to help get rid of the many symptoms that can accompany arthritis, as well as tendonitis, autoimmune disorders and a selection of other disorders that involve any degree of inflammation such as swelling in muscles or joints.

Fresh or dried peppermint is especially beneficial for a number of stomach ailments from heartburn to indigestion to nausea. Peppermint is very soothing to the stomach and entire digestive tract. Studies have shown that it is able to help rid sufferers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of many of their symptoms. Peppermint has been shown to be effective in slowing the growth of many types of bacteria and fungi and it is effective as well for those who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. Peppermint can be brewed as a tea or it can be purchased in pill form. Individuals who suffer on a regular basis from upset stomach or nausea would benefit from the consumption of peppermint in one form or another.

Cayenne pepper, also known as chili pepper, red pepper or paprika is a fiery type of pepper that is used to help several organs. Pepper has been found beneficial in moderating many types of stomach ailments, such as stomach aches related to any number of causes, gas and many different types of heart problems. Cayenne pepper is effective at lowering cholesterol and it improves the circulation of blood and is believed to be beneficial in preventing circulatory disease. Cayenne pepper decreases the possibility that the blood will clot, which can help to prevent deadly blood clots forming, especially after surgery. Cayenne pepper is also beneficial when a person is suffering from a toothache.

The advantages of cayenne pepper do not end there. Cayenne pepper has been shown through research studies to be effective at alleviating migraine headaches. For migraine sufferers the cayenne cream is applied directly to the inside of the nose. Be aware that if you do this you should apply a very small quantity and some people’s noses are too sensitive for cayenne. Cayenne pepper can help to improve blood circulation. It can also be applied to the skin topically as a way to alleviate pain connected with rheumatoid arthritis.

The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin and this ingredient has found to be effective for those suffering from Fibromylagia. As a cream cayenne can be applied to painful muscles and joints but be aware that sometimes cayenne cream causes a burning sensation on the skin and if it gets into the eyes it can cause some pain.

By: Scott Meyers

When we think of healing foods, we don’t always consider herbs and spices. They are the little extras that we often put on our food to give it more seasoning and to make it tastier for everyone at the table.

Put the saltshaker away when you’re cooking, as too much salt in the diet can spell disaster for your circulatory system and kidneys. Reach instead for healthy herbs and seasonings to jazz up your next meal and help make you healthier to boot!

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health and medical conditions. Examples of these include inflammatory conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nausea. There is no doubt that when it comes to herbs and spices there are plenty of healing properties you should get to know better.

Garlic has long been used as a folk remedy for many ailments. Garlic is a member of what is called the allium family as it contains a substance called allicin. Other members of this family include onions and scallions.

Research into the benefits of garlic has shown that it is a strong preventative agent against stroke and heart disease. Garlic is also instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. Further studies have shown that garlic is very close to a natural form of antibiotic. Garlic is full of substances that help to detoxify the body and are able to disperse carcinogens that are building in the system.

A number of research studies have shown that a diet rich in garlic helps to lower the total cholesterol rate of an individual, including the bad cholesterol or LDL while at the same time it raises the good HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Garlic also fights a great number of bacteria and viruses and therefore helps to prevent infections.

Garlic is associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer. Research in Italy and China support garlic’s beneficial effects. Garlic is best eaten in its raw state. The best way to benefit from garlic is to eat it raw: cut up, sliced up or chopped.

Ginger is a very odd looking substance. It can be found in every produce department, and should be used more for its beneficial effects on health. Ginger works well to calm an upset stomach. Ginger is particularly good to take before embarking on a road trip if you are prone to motion sickness. Ginger snaps and ginger bread are also effective at calming an upset stomach. Pregnant women are often encouraged to eat ginger to reduce the nausea from morning sickness.

Ginger is also believed to be helpful in the fight to lose weight, as it works as a natural dietary aid. The reason it works is that ginger helps to boost the rate in which the body burns calories. This benefit has been borne out in studies conducted by researchers in Australia. When coupled with other spices including rosemary, thyme, oregano and pepper, ginger is excellent in regards to its antioxidant properties and therefore is proficient at fighting cancer.

Ok….I’m here to tout again!  Please…for your own good, watch Food Matters.  I have wanted to see it after watching ‘clips’ online and finally today…I got to see it.

I am planning on actually watching it a couple more times at least to take notes, but I am throwing in a few key statements from the movie that I got from watching it today.  After doing more research, I plan on sharing more with you.  Alarming stuff….

Key points:

***In order for a pharm. company to license a pharmaceutical drug, they have to prove it to be successful in at least 2 trials over placebos.  Only 2 TRIALS!!!!!  They do NOT have to disclose the numerous other trials where it may not have been successful.  UNREAL!

***Over 100K people die each year from taking prescription drugs…AS PRESCRIBED. (most forms of heart disease, diabetes, and more are reversible with a healthy diet)

***Only 10 alleged-reported deaths in 23 years from people taking vitamin supplements.  HMMM….

***To treat depression, it has been PROVEN that doses of the vitamin Niacin have improved moods, behavior, etc.  INTERESTING…..(people would rather suffer through side affects of Xanax, Cymbalta, etc)

***There are doctors who are treating forms of cancer by intravenous (IV) injection of Vitamin C in dose amounts of 30,60, and 100K mg. in a 24 hr period WITH 50% SUCCESS RATE….FANTASTIC!!! (no loss of hair or nausea, no killing of healthy cells)

So, why are people so anxious to get ahold of a prescription before trying natural methods such as a healthy diet, vitamins, fruit, Omega 3′s, Superfoods, etc.  WHY?

Mainly because there is a money chain from your pocketbook all the way to DOCTORS, RESEARCH, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, GOVERNMENT, WALL STREET AND BEYOND.

Watch this video for a sneak preview and then rent it at Red Box or something…get it somehow.  Do it if you want to ‘live’ long and prosper, as they say.

Humans take water for granted….as much as we contribute to pollution as a country…we, as individuals need to think of water as a precious commodity.
Here is a great video with lots of information on ways we can stay hydrated (and it’s not just when we’re thirsty). It also reveals foods that we can get ‘water’ from as well. ~Michele

Submitted By: Theresa D. Mcgee

Many times at office you may feel dull, or cannot figure out any ideas of your work. And this can let you down or be in bad mood. Before being bad at others, it is better to check yourself and restart your body with the 6 tips below.

Feed brain with pure water: Always keep a glass of water with you and gradually sip it. This way can help activate your mind and body to keep active. Your brain is then clear and this makes you able to receive any information. This is due to the fact that water helps balance out some distinctive chemicals in your brain and nervous system. It is therefore recommended to take water regularly to feed your body system.

Apply pressure to relieve stress: Press your two fingers at both sides of forehead and leave it for 3-10 minutes. It greatly helps relieve your stress and increase more blood circulation to your brain.

Massage ears for comprehension: Sit down and relax yourself by doing ears massage. Place the tips of your hands at both of your ears, and gradually move them to the top. Then do massage and stretch out your ears. Also gently pull down your earlobes. This way can help in the listening and comprehension as this massage helps relax the nervous system around ears that is connected to the brain.

Exercise your brain with writing: Scribble on the paper with both of your hands. It might sound weird but this can excellently improve the coordination for both sides of your brain as it promotes the coordinating effects for the skills in spelling and calculating to be better and faster.

Increase effectiveness for the brain function: You may try to write the number 8 in air with both of your hands 5 times each side. Just start writing at the left side of the number and go up to be the 8 shape. This method will help increase the ability and effectiveness in reading, comprehension, and it also supports the left and right brain sides to work together well.

Exercise your legs: Stand straight with your feet close. Then step back your left feet and a bit raise the heel up. Also flex your right knee and bend your body forward for a bit. Your bottom should be at the same level with the right heel. Gradually breathe in and out as well as press your left feet down the floor and flex your right knee more with back straight. After you’ve inhaled, turn back to the first step but do it with the right leg and repeat the whole things for 3 times. This exercise is suitable for enhancing your concentration, the speed in reading, and relaxing the muscles of your thighs and calves.

Just realize that the first thing to consider about to help you clear out the trouble and get to success is the good condition of your mind. Remember that when you are conscious, your brain is also bright. And absolutely the success of your work can be reached completely.

I would like to ask my readers to send in some Healthcare FAQs so that I can share that info. with other readers and get some answers for you!  My comment section isn’t working currently so email your questions to michele.facini@gmail.com or use my contact form by clicking HERE.  I will do a post with all of the questions next week.

I love a challenge so bring it on!

Ayurveda is considered as alternative medicine and I just learned about it in my ‘online’ travels’.  According to Ayurveda there are three principles called Doshas.

vata =air & space – “wind”

pitta=fire & water – “bile”

kapha=water & earth – “phlegm”

Yoga, self care, and Ayurveda cooking are some of the essentials which address these three doshas.

You can actually take a quiz and find out which dosha best represents you.  

I found this video which shares a few of the self-care steps that are simple and easy to start with and can increase self-awareness and health.

Enjoy!