Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: 5 Foods to live by: Improve your heart, improve y...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: 5 Foods to live by: Improve your heart, improve y...: Everyone wants to live a healthy, long life; but, few know just how easy it is to do. When you hear the word “wellness” you may be thin...

5 Foods to live by: Improve your heart, improve your life!

Everyone wants to live a healthy, long life; but, few know just how easy it is to do. When you hear the word “wellness” you may be thinking “unattainable”. Doesn’t it sound like a lot of rules and tricks to live by? In truth, “wellness” is a connection of several things – of which, the heart is at the center.

One of the most important routines we can put into practice each day is to discipline what we feed our heart, making certain it represents healthy food choices. Why? Our heart pumps our blood and is the most vital organ we possess. When we feed our heart poor choices, we stop it from performing for our overall wellness.

It’s actually much easier than you may realize to “feed” your heart just a few simple things each day to help "it" help "you" live a long and heart-healthy life.

#1: Omega 3 Fatty Acids (think oily fish, like Salmon, or Olive Oil).

*Helps keep our HDL and LDL cholesterol levels in balance

*Reduces the risk of blood clots

*Reduces inflammation

#2: Soluble fiber (think Oatmeal)

*More targeted to keep LDL cholesterol levels low

*Helps with your overall digestive system

#3: Phytochemicals (plant foods)

*Contain Antioxidants (God-made natural medicine for our bodies)

*Helps rebuild, renew and restore our cells and rid our bodies of toxins

#4: Vitamin E foods (Almonds, nuts)

*Assist with balancing cholesterol

*Provides “fiber” (which helps keep us feeling “satisfied”) while keeping our blood sugar levels balanced

#5: Whole gains (brown rice, whole wheat bread)

*Provides the fiber and nutrients our bodies need

*Helps keep our “salty, sweet” cravings in check

Lean meat (i.e. Turkey, Chicken) and fish (mostly oily fish), along with plant based food are the best diet for the heart. Eat from these groups and you’ll be doing your heart a favor.

Quick Tips for Wellness: It’s easier to keep your heart healthy than to get your heart healthy!

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Radiation from Japan: It reaches way beyond it's ...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Radiation from Japan: It reaches way beyond it's ...: I think we all knew this one was coming, but we just didn’t know when. The “radiation isotopes” levels taken from Tuna caught off the sh...

Radiation from Japan: It reaches way beyond it's own shores

I think we all knew this one was coming, but we just didn’t know when. The “radiation isotopes” levels taken from Tuna caught off the shore of California are being presented with a confusing front from the scientists to the journalists waving the “red flag” after discovering what is being described as “low levels” in tuna. The discovery of these contaminates may or may not be cause for concern, according to scientists who know the depth and breadth of radioactivity found in consumables, like tuna.

What’s very specific about this recently published report is the date (August, 2011) the samples were taken from Pacific caught Tuna. In general, the study states that these levels are present but “low”. It also suggests that other "large, highly mirgratory marine animals make extensive use of waters around Japan....may also be transport vectors" for radionuclides to North and South Pacific Oceans." See the following link to regarding this report by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/05/22/1204859109.) The following Abstract was taken from the preceding link:

Abstract
“The Fukushima Dai-ichi release of radionuclides into ocean waters caused significant local and global concern regarding the spread of radioactive material. We report unequivocal evidence that Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis, transported Fukushima-derived radionuclides across the entire North Pacific Ocean. We measured γ-emitting radionuclides in California-caught tunas and found 134Cs (4.0 ± 1.4 Bq kg−1) and elevated 137Cs (6.3 ± 1.5 Bq kg−1) in 15 Pacific bluefin tuna sampled in August 2011. We found no 134Cs and background concentrations (∼1 Bq kg−1) of 137Cs in pre-Fukushima bluefin and post-Fukushima yellowfin tunas, ruling out elevated radiocesium uptake before 2011 or in California waters post-Fukushima. These findings indicate that Pacific bluefin tuna can rapidly transport radionuclides from a point source in Japan to distant ecoregions and demonstrate the importance of migratory animals as transport vectors of radionuclides. Other large, highly migratory marine animals make extensive use of waters around Japan, and these animals may also be transport vectors of Fukushima-derived radionuclides to distant regions of the North and South Pacific Oceans. These results reveal tools to trace migration origin (using the presence of 134Cs) and potentially migration timing (using 134Cs:137Cs ratios) in highly migratory marine species in the Pacific Ocean.”

"Will it kill you?" Probably not. Will it make you feel sick? If you ate a lot of it (several pounds) it possibly could. Almost 80% of the worlds "fresh catch" caught goes to Japan. Even though we'd all like to avoid contaminated food, the levels found are (supposedly) low according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Typically, the FDA doesn't test all seafood imports, but since the disaster in Japan,it has and about 99% have been declared safe for consumption. However, according to the Government Accountability Office, only about 2% of seafood is inspected.

So how common is a problem like this one and how concerned should anyone become over consuming seafood? Unfortunately, radioactivity isn’t all too uncommon in our environment thanks to unexpected disasters like the Tsunami in Japan. To put it into perspective, we medically use some radioactivity in medical procedures while we also avoid it as much as possible.

“Radioactive wastes” are by-products of nuclear power, nuclear fission or technology. The “waste” is considered hazardous to life and the environment, regulated by the government for our protection. Consumption of these wastes isn’t recommended but is almost unavoidable in our culture today.

These “wastes” are comprised from “radioisotopes” which contain unstable configurations of elements that “decay and emit ionizing radiation” both harmful to humans and the environment. The “isotopes” emit different types of levels of radiation lasting for varying periods of time. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_waste)

Mercury
A greater concern for seafood lovers should be the "mercury" content in their seafood. Derived mostly from coal, Mercury stays in our system forever (just about) and is much more dangerous to our health than other forms of waste which will eventually leave our bodies (maybe or maybe not without further health problems). Pollutants, oil spills and plastics contribute a great deal of toxic waste and negatively affect our waterways and our overall health.

What does all this mean to you and me? Are we now supposed to avoid Tuna caught off the coast of California while also tiptoeing around seafood from the bottom of the Gulf? Do we shift gears, buying “Organic farm raised” products versus fresh catch? Do we just keep consuming and assuming the scientists are correct, and our concerns are minimal at best?

Since the data collected was from 2011 and just recently released, I would say we’re (probably) safer buying Tuna off the East Coast than the West Coast, and when necessary, purchase Organic products as much as possible. What do you say?

Quick Tips for Wellness: For now, East Coast catch is probably the safest bet.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Meaningless label or smart marketing? Is Lipozene...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Meaningless label or smart marketing? Is Lipozene...: If it sounds too good to be true (fill in the blank), it probably is! Lipozene is yet another over-the-counter product being promoted as...

Meaningless label or smart marketing? Is Lipozene a weight loss wonder or a poster child for the FDA approval process?

If it sounds too good to be true (fill in the blank), it probably is! Lipozene is yet another over-the-counter product being promoted as a “weight loss” wonder answer-to-your-prayers; however, when you read the fine print you become aware of the real message: The FDA hasn’t tested this product (only approved it to be sold). Which in short means this: The FDA has only allowed it to meet the basic requirements for all OTC drugs and/or supplements.

So what, exactly, does that mean to the consumer consuming it? Simply this: If you’re buying a product based upon a perceived expectation, buyer beware! Unless it's FDA TESTED then you may not be buying what you're expecting.

Lipozene may be the poster child for this blog, but in reality, it’s just another good example of what is “allowed” in our country when it comes to “Over-the-counter” supplements and drugs being marketed to the general public: As long as the products passes through a basic requirement, it can be sold WITHOUT FDA testing. Did you know…

*1 out of every 10 medications purchased are OTC drugs

*A “drug” is defined by the FDA as “safe and effective” for use by the “general public” without seeking the treatment/recommendation by a health care provider/professional

*Once a drug or supplement is “vetted”, through a basic OTC process it gets to the shelf or through the gate to be sold to the general public without being fully tested or evaluated by the FDA

*There are over 300,000 (known) marketed OTC drug products in the market place (plus, a lot of products that are out there the FDA doesn’t know about or have reviewed)

*There are over 80 “therapeutic classes of drugs” that must comply with an OTC drug monograph developed by the FDA and published in the Federal Register. A “monograph” is a type of “recipe” book, covering acceptable ingredients, dosages, formulas and labeling for each product produced.

Once a company passes the basic requirements set forth by the FDA they can produce and sell their product WITHOUT FDA testing! With the exception of prescription drugs, these standards are customary to the industry.

So, what does that tell you? Labels only represent compliance with the FDA’s basic requirements. If you’re buying a product because you “think” the label has been tested thoroughly (not just approved for use) and is completely safe, think again.

To learn more, visit the FDA’s website by following this link: http://www.fda.gov/drugs/developmentapprovalprocess/howdrugsaredevelopedandapproved/approvalapplications/over-the-counterdrugs/default.htm and Office of Drug Evaluation IV home page . Also, visit http://www.consumerlab.com to see if the product you’re about to take has been evaluated/tested by this highly recommended independent lab. You never know….it might just save you from experiencing even greater problems than you expected.

Quick Tips for Wellness: Labels are “marketing” strategies. Learn to “read” past them to find out more about the OTC drug/supplement you’re about to ingest!


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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: How "happy" is that meal? The hidden truth behind...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: How "happy" is that meal? The hidden truth behind...: “Hi. My name is Pat. And I “was” a fast-food Momma.” Sound familiar? Or maybe, you fall into the category of being the crowning queen...

How "happy" is that meal? The hidden truth behind fast food

“Hi. My name is Pat. And I “was” a fast-food Momma.” Sound familiar? Or maybe, you fall into the category of being the crowning queen/king of the drive- thru, order out, pizza delivery service connoisseur. If the pizza delivery boy tells you that you’re his “biggest customer” in sales, don’t take that as a compliment! Without realizing it, I was crowned that honor (a long time ago) with over 300 sales in one year. Yikes!

As a mom of three boys, I bounced from the ball field to school and home for many years, while feeding my three whatever was easiest and most convenient at the time. Back in the day, the drive thru window was my dining room table. Even though I knew the food wasn’t the best choice I justified my decision based on two primary reasons: Convenience and cost. I also rendered my decision based upon how I was “raised”; my dad “treated” us kids to a Burger Chef meal (one of the earliest versions of a fast food burger chain) every Friday night. “So what was the harm?” I’d reason to myself. “Wasn’t I raised this way?”

Now, in hindsight, I wish I had realized how off track I really was and what the result of those decisions would mean in the coming years. Not only was my choice of a meal forming my kids habits it was also “misleading” them into believing that what I was feeding them was a good choice (far from it). A recent conversation with a woman whose husband owned over 60 fast food chains got me thinking about this subject, again, when she proclaimed (in defense), “We have healthy meals!” As I tried not to smirk, smile or grimace, I told her that there was more to the “Chicken Salad with crumbled blue cheese” than people realize (extremely high in sodium, packed full of preservatives – lettuce doesn’t naturally last as long as it does in a fast food chain unless it’s been enhanced with chemicals – and full of hidden content in the calories). Just choosing a salad or a grilled chicken sandwich doesn’t mean you’re choosing a healthy meal. Here’s why:

*Everything we eat should contain healthy, unpreserved carbs, protein and fats.
*Food served in fast food chains contain chemicals to keep them preserved for longer than usual periods of time.
*The “healthy” menu selections are promoting the healthier choice between the obvious (fried versus grilled, salad versus french fries, etc.).
*The average fast food meal is full of calories (800-1000), high in saturated fats (usually more than 8 grams) and filled with refined sugar (See http://fastfoodmarketing.org/fast_food_facts_in_brief.aspx to learn more)

Unless you review the nutritional guide, then you are not making an informed decision. I don’t know anyone (other than myself) who will actually do that before they eat, but I have learned a valuable lesson in doing so: I stay healthier and I don’t gain “unexplained” weight.

If your goal is to practice wellness, then part of that goal is to stop eating blindly. Fast food companies spend a lot of money courting our business, realizing that we’re a “time poor” society. If you find yourself falling into that category, simply practice doing one thing before you drive thru one more fast food chain: Ask for a nutritional guide. You might just be surprised what you’ll read.

Quick Tips for Wellness: Plan ahead. Read the labels. Think about “how” your food was prepared. Each one is a step toward a healthier you!


Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012, All Rights Reserved
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http://hamptonroads.com/2012/05/prostate-screening-misguided-hope-or-misguided-advice-you-might-have-be-judge

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/05/prostate-screening-misguided-hope-or-misguided-advice-you-might-have-be-judge

Prostate screening = Misguided hope or misguided advice? “You” might have to be the judge.

(Click on link to learn more about Prostate cancer and testing http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/ss/slideshow-prostate-cancer-overview)

How is it that a test which was thought to help prevent a deadly disease is now thought to be a deadly test? Over 20 million men receive an annual PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test that was thought to be the first step in preventing cancer, one highly recommended by most urologists, which has now received a distinct “thumbs down” by the government task team, United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) following an October 2011 report. The government team is standing by its recommendation against PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) screening for men.

The biggest question now to ask is why “not” be screened? It’s a scary thought for a man to second- guess his options, isn’t it? Better yet, what test can a man safely receive for PSA screening? Most importantly on everyone’s mind is, “How did this happen?”
At the heart of this dilemma, seems to be this one singular thought: Does PSA screening save more lives than it takes? That’s where the answer gets interesting. The “Pro’s and Con’s” seem to be summed up in several strong opinions:
A) Screening helps identify/find cancer
B) Several forms of cancer do not require treatment and can be left alone
C) Some cancers can cause death

Now, if that doesn’t sound confusing enough, here’s more on the subject by CNN Contributor “Dr. Otis W. Brawley is chief medical and scientific officer of the American Cancer Society and professor at Emory University. He is the author, with Paul Goldberg, of "How We Do Harm" (St. Martin's Press).”

“Does screening find some cancers that need to be cured and can be cured? After an exhaustive process, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has announced its final recommendation on PSA-based prostate cancer screening. It finds that the known harms of screening outweigh the potential benefits for men who have no cancer symptoms. It notes that all screening studies have demonstrated considerable harms associated with screening, but only one major study found evidence that screening saves lives -- and that study has some internal inconsistencies. It showed screening saves lives in the Netherlands and Sweden, but not in five other European countries. Even the positive parts of that study did not show a considerable increase in lives saved.” (http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/22/opinion/brawley-prostate-screening/index.html)

After 20 years of promoting PSA screening and over 1 million men later there seems to be a drastic change in advice. Pretty confusing? I should say so. So what are these “risks” that seem to outweigh the benefits?

The “United States Preventative Services Task Force” sent a clear message “against” PSA exams in their recent statement “against” routine PSA exams. According to Dr. Virginia Moyer, member of the task force, “only one out of every 1,000 men who are screened would actually benefit from the exam…..most will have to deal with side effects from treatment that can range from incontinence and impotence, to stroke and death. “Your primary care physician shouldn’t routinely offer the exam," said Moyer. "But if a patient brings it up, that Doctor has a responsibility to inform them of the potential harms and risk."

And if that sounds alarming, the response from the American Urological Association only adds to the pot: “We at the AUA still recommend the PSA, with its imperfections," said Dr. Chris Amling. "It’s the wrong thing to deny a man if he wants to have this test."

Not to be pessimistic, but as I see “health care reform” slowly being handed to our government, one has to ask the question: Is Uncle Sam slowly but surely going to start denying the average American needed testing in order to trim away at health care costs? Is it possible that insurance carriers are or will be lobbying for this type of logic (not only with PSA testing but with other types of preventative testing) in future health testing measures in the future? Just a thought, but maybe a good one to consider.

To learn more about the Task Force study, visit http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/prostatecancerscreening.htm

Quick Tips for Wellness: Weigh all your options before you make an informed decision for anything regarding your health/wellness.

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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Baby boomers: Do you have this potentially life t...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Baby boomers: Do you have this potentially life t...: http://hamptonroads.com/2012/05/baby-boomers-beware-do-you-have-potential-life-threatening-illness-aka-hepatitis-c The Center for Disea...

Baby boomers: Do you have this potentially life threatening illness (aka Hepatitis C)?

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/05/baby-boomers-beware-do-you-have-potential-life-threatening-illness-aka-hepatitis-c

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is now recommending all baby boomers receive a Hepatitis C test to determine if they have the deadly liver destroying disease. Anyone born between 1945 and 1965 falls into the “boomer” category. A simple one time blood test would put to rest the concern and perhaps save your life.

About 70% of those infected with this illness are baby boomers (2 million of the 3.2 million infected). Early detection could not only save you years of misery, but perhaps 120,000 lives. For whatever reason, Hepatitis is considered an “unrecognized” health crisis even though it’s infecting millions of people. Even illnesses related to Hepatitis C (cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer) take 15,000 lives a year.

From 1999 to 2007 the disease doubled in size. In recent years, new discoveries have been made to help heal and defend the body, but early detection is a key response in stopping this disease.

Blood transfusions, prior to 1992
Until changes were made in 1992, to screen blood for various reasons, blood transfusions were mostly thought to be responsible for the spread of the Hepatitis C illness. So, if you receive a blood transfusion prior to 1992 you might want to be checked just to make certain you don’t have this condition, waiting to raise its head in your health. The obvious ways in which you can contract it (via shared needles) isn’t the only possible culprit. Hence the reason why baby boomers are the larger majority of recipients now appearing to have this disease.

To put it into perspective about 17,000 infections occur annually and, of those infected, about 3% are baby boomers. While everyone with the infection will not seek treatment, they may see their condition subside while still experiencing a positive later. However, only about 25% of those infected are able to be treated without medicine. As you can see, the numbers quickly decline between those who don’t need treatment and can still survive the illness.

A “shared” illness
So where in the world is the spread of Hepatitis C coming from and what is the possible root-cause? Think about anything that touches the body and can spread or share our blood/body fluids: Tattoos. Manicures/Pedicures. Piercing. Razor blades. Toothbrushes. Open wounds/sores. Poor hygiene practices. It’s usually never the obvious things we think about (like sharing a needle with a drug addict) that becomes the culprit behind the spread of an illness but the everyday things we take for granted. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to understanding the when, where and why of Hepatitis C. While most think it could be a death sentence (which it could be if left untreated), the majority of us don’t realize that early detection can be a “life” sentence. So why not get tested now?

Testing
Unless you’re donating blood or having an annual physical, detecting Hepatitis C may be a challenge except through symptoms leading to its discovery. Whether you go to a Doc-in-the-Box or a local health care clinic, get tested!

Symptoms
Most of us would have no idea we’re infected with the illness, at all. Some of the symptoms could include:
*Fatigue
*Jaundice (yellowish) eyes and skin color/tone
*Belly pain
*Poor or loss of appetite
*Low or mild fever

While each of the above could also be related to something else, combined, they paint a picture we can’t ignore.

Quick Tips for Wellness: Ignorance isn’t something you can claim once you know better. Get tested now for Hepatitis C, especially if you’re a baby boomer.

Resources: http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/HepTestingRecsPressRelease2012.html
(Click on this link to see a slide show and learn more about Hepatitis C http://www.emedicinehealth.com/slideshow_hepatitis_pictures/article_em.htm)


Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012, All Rights Reserved
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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Anger Management: Have you "lost" your mind?

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Anger Management: Have you "lost" your mind?: Who hasn’t felt (at some point in their life) like their head was about to blow off their neck, their heart was beating outside their chest,...

Anger Management: Have you "lost" your mind?

Who hasn’t felt (at some point in their life) like their head was about to blow off their neck, their heart was beating outside their chest, or simply giving up when they’re under extreme amounts of stress as they face the unexpected and unwanted moments in their life? For most, those moments are manageable even though stressful. But what about those individuals who simply don’t respond with a “level” headed reaction? Why are some able to let stress roll off their shoulders while others seem to blow their gaskets without a second thought? And how does "self esteem" play part in our overall response?

Cortisol – The “fight or flight” hormone
Stress affects the brain’s ability to think clearly, so when we’re under extreme amounts of stress we literally lose our concentration while our hormones kick into overdrive. Maybe that’s why we can’t seem to think straight or react in a manner that we would otherwise regret. The “fight or flight” hormone, Cortisol, is released through the Adrenal glands when we’re angry, causing us to have a burst of energy that is usually hard to suppress (causing some to feel out of control). For each individual, the reaction is usually one of two things: Fighting against the stress or running from it. Rarely, will anyone not have a reaction to a stressful situation; however those who can keep a level head benefit from doing so.

The downside of Cortisol is the negative health effects our bodies will suffer from (post the anger moment) causing us to experience the following:
*Suppressed Thyroid function
*Slower metabolism
*Increased blood glucose
*Chronic inflammation
*High blood pressure
*Decreased bone density
*Acid reflux

All of the above lowers our body’s natural immunity system, rendering us more susceptible to illness and disease.
 
Heart and mind
When our blood pressure rises, our body responds with a domino like effect, starving our brain of oxygen while putting more stress on our body, releasing chemicals through our blood stream that clot our blood. The adage “You’re going to give yourself a heart attack” is a potentially prophetic statement least we bring our stress under control.

Not only will our body suffer, but our brain will, too. A lack of oxygen deprives the brain’s ability to “think clearly” (so yes, you do feel like you’re losing your mind!). The even worse part is that you will continue to suffer from all the “stress” you’ve put your body through long after the anger moment is gone. Some of the lingering symptoms include:
*Insomnia
*Migraines
*Back, neck and body aches

The Command Center: "Houston, we have a problem!"
Neurological consequences run hand in hand with physical outcomes, literally compromising our brains ability to produce the chemical balance needed for our overall wellness. Our hypothalamus is likened to a command post inside our brain, releasing controlling hormones that balance our mood. When these hormones are blocked (which is what occurs naturally when we’re angry) the releasing of them is blocked, as well, usually resulting in depression.
The important part of all of this is to know that your brain can work “for” you as well as “against” you based upon how it is used.

Angry brain?
Amygdala (the “anger” portion of our brain) is the portion of our brain that reacts to stress. The prefrontal cortex region of our brain calms down the amygdala. Some of us naturally have the ability to negotiate the balance of our amygdala with our prefrontal cortex region, calming down the increased cortisol levels that rise during heated moments, while others struggle with using this part of their brain to balance their emotions.

Stress + Anger = Predisposed response?
So why are some people more reactive (or over-reactive) when it comes to emotional stress? Could they possibly be genetically predisposed or hormonally out of balance causing their bodies to respond to stress in a manner that seems over the top? Yes, to both. There is also a likely pattern that develops in the early years of our childhood, stimulating our bodies response mechanisms during “stress”.

Stress management
Stress is a huge problem in most our lives. When we suffer from stress at a very young age, we develop “patterns” within our brain that last well into adult hood. Remember: Stress has a cycle effect on the brain causing it to stop working for us, turning our body against us. Certain mental/emotional disabilities affect our reasoning skills and with therapy and treatment can be stabilized. However, if the anger response is coming from external factors, then it’s time to “rethink” the response to stress, making a clear decision bringing it under control as it occurs. If stress is ruining your relationships, destroying your health and depressing/oppressing your overall wellness, take action now before the stress takes over your life.

Quick Tips for Wellness: He/she who allows stress to get the best of them is allowing stress to get the rest of them. Take control of stress before it takes control of you.

Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012, All Rights Reserved

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Reference: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Self-Esteem+and+Stress-Anxiety-a01073856127, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/SR00001

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Solve the mystery: Hair loss is more than an agin...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Solve the mystery: Hair loss is more than an agin...: Our bodies naturally recycle, shedding and replenishing our skin cells and our hair. There can be a very explainable reason why we lose ...

Solve the mystery: Hair loss is more than an aging process

Our bodies naturally recycle, shedding and replenishing our skin cells and our hair. There can be a very explainable reason why we lose a reasonable amount of hair throughout that cycle, but when more than what seems “reasonable” begins to occur, we need to pay close attention to what that loss might be telling us.

The growth and loss of our hair can be impacted by several things including our genes, our environment and our physical/emotional condition. The first one might be the only one we can’t really control, but the later two may be sending us “signals” we need not ignore.

Many times, we have hair growth spurts that help replenish what we’ve lost. For example, warmer seasons (spring, summer) affect our hormones, stimulating hair growth. When the weather turns slightly “chilly” (fall), we experience an increase in hair loss. As our body loses or sheds hair, the body naturally replenishes – unless the hair loss is permanent. Most of us never realize the full impact of hair loss because it is so gradual, slowly occurring over time and replenishing just as fast as it’s lost. Perhaps, this is why we need a “trim” within a few short weeks from when we received a haircut.

There are three stages of hair growth we all experience: Anagen (active), Catagen (transitional), Telogen (resting):

During “Anagen”, our hair grows about 1/3” while slowing down greatly during the Catagen stage until it reaches the Telogen/resting stage, with the average person experiencing about 6” of hair growth a year.

For most of us, we experience each of these cycles without a great deal of concern knowing our hair will “thin” out a little at a time as we age. But what about sudden hair loss, losing more than the precursor amount expected? Signs that something else is going on includes:

*Sudden unexplained hair loss – Emotional or physical shock/illness can cause this type of loss (handfuls of hair loss or what seems beyond normal amounts of hair is lost during brushing/washing of hair).

*Full body hair loss – Very typical with certain medical treatment (i.e. chemotherapy)

*Patchy hair loss – May be the beginning signs of an underlying medical condition. “Seborrheic dermatitis” (aka cradle crap in babies) is an itchy redness, scaly dandruff in appearance and can be treated with over the counter medications.

Hormones and certain medical conditions can be at the “root” of the problem. According to Mayo Clinic, the following conditions deserve a second glance:

Thyroid problems. The thyroid gland helps regulate hormone levels in your body. If the gland isn't working properly, hair loss may result.

Alopecia areata. This disease occurs when the body's immune system attacks hair follicles — causing smooth, roundish patches of hair loss.

Scalp infections. Infections, such as ringworm, can invade the hair and skin of your scalp, leading to hair loss. Once infections are treated, hair generally grows back.

Other skin disorders. Diseases that can cause scarring, such as lichen planus and some types of lupus, can result in permanent hair loss where the scars occur.

Hair loss is a natural body function, expected to increase with age. Sudden, unexplained hair loss is unnatural and unless it’s the result of a medical treatment you need to see a doctor immediately. Your body could be telling you something you need to know.


Quick Tips for Wellness: Listen to your body.


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Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Celebrate Mother's Day with the gift of life in de...

Quick Tips for Everyday Wellness: Celebrate Mother's Day with the gift of life in de...: Mother’s Day originated thousands of years ago and evolved into a day in which we reflected and celebrated our mom in a special way. Typic...

Celebrate Mother's Day with the gift of life in dedication to your mother: Become an organ donor

Mother’s Day originated thousands of years ago and evolved into a day in which we reflected and celebrated our mom in a special way. Typically, more church pews are filled to capacity, and more greeting cards are bought on this day than any other. It’s hard to imagine that one day conjures up so much honor and reflection, but it does. Over the years, I’ve tried to think of ways in which I could celebrate and remember my mom, who is still alive, and what her life has meant to me as a woman, mom and wife. I know I’ll never understand or conceive all that she has given to me and the complete value of her sacrifices. What I do know is that I want to honor her life with my life, even beyond my “living” years. Many, many years ago, I became an “organ donor”, mostly so that my life could be extended beyond myself. Today, as I celebrate my mom and the sacrifices she made to bring me into this world, I realize I am also extending her life in me to the life of someone else, one day. If I could only imagine now, the life or lives my body could one day save, help and bless I’m certain it would be overwhelming. What a beautiful thought especially today as you each celebrate the gift that only your mom could give (life) and the unconditional love she gave and poured into your life. Of course, there are the “surrogate” mom’s in our lives, as well. Those women birthed in us who we’ve become. The woman who “adopted” us as her own and loved us beyond a physical womb, calling us her “child”, as she selflessly poured herself into our lives. The women who pass through our lives treating us as if they gave birth to us, while holding us and simply being “momma’s” to us when we least expect or deserve their unconditional love. A woman’s body initiates the start of our lives but a mother’s heart is what makes a woman a mother. Today, as you reflect upon your life and honor the lives and memory of your mother(s) do something that will extend your love way beyond your years; become an organ donor. It’s the greatest way to say “I love you, mom” and it will be the gift that keeps on giving in honor of the life she gave to you. To learn more about becoming an organ donor, visit the following links: http://organdonor.gov/index.html, http://www.thenationalnetworkoforgandonors.org/ Blessings to all the “moms” in our lives, today! Quick Tips for Wellness ™ Copyright © 2012, All Rights Reserved Follow me on Facebook Quick Tips for Wellness and Twitter @wellnesstips4u

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) sounds like a mouthful of medicine but, it may just be the “devil” inside anyone having one head injury too many.  Junior Seau’s suicide now has every mother and father whose child plays football rethinking their choice of sports.

CTE has been linked to the deaths of too many football athletes in the past and (unfortunately) is back in the limelight it doesn’t deserve.  Perhaps it took a suicide and a final last plea from its latest victim to underscore the seriousness of this injury.  With Boston University winning the chance to examine Seau’s brain, society might finally be able to get a glimpse inside what had tormented this man for so long.  The debate over footballs association with brain injury seems to be one filled with serious problems.  On one hand football now has much safer than ever before equipment and rules that protect athletes from what was once a (seemingly) free for all mentality of “let the best man win” attitude.  Or do they?  What about those kids who play football, soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball, MMA and how can I forget “Boxing”?  I can think of many opportunities for someone to get hit in the head or thrown to the ground from a pitcher accidentally coming too close for comfort. 

Regardless of what anyone thinks of sports involving physical interaction between athletes, brain injuries like CTE affect more than just an athlete’s ability to have a career; it’s affects their ability to live a normal life.  According to Boston University’s Center for the study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (http://www.bu.edu/cste/about/what-is-cte/):

“Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive brain trauma, including symptomatic concussions as well as asymptomatic sub-concussive hits to the head. CTE has been known to affect boxers since the 1920s. However, recent reports have been published of neuropathologically confirmed CTE in retired professional football players and other athletes who
have a history of repetitive brain trauma. This trauma triggers progressive degeneration of the
 brain tissue, including the build-up of an abnormal protein called tau. These changes in the brain
can begin months, years, or even decades after the last brain trauma or end of active athletic
involvement. The brain degeneration is associated with memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment,
impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia.”

In both sets of photographs, above, the brain tissue has been immunostained for tau protein,
which appears as a dark brown color. Tau immunostained sections of medial temporal lobe
from 3 individuals

·         Top left: Whole brain section from a 65 year old control subject showing
no tau protein deposition

·         Bottom left: Microscopic section from 65 year old control subject also
shows no tau protein deposition

·         Top middle: Whole brain section from John Grimsley showing abundant
tau protein deposition in the amygdala and adjacent temporal cortex

·         Bottom middle: Microscopic section showing numerous tau positive
neurofibrillary tangles and neurites in the amygdala

·         Top right: Whole brain section from a 73 year old world champion boxer
with severe dementia showing very severe tau protein deposition in the amygdala
and thalamus

·         Bottom right: Microscopic section from a 73 year old world champion boxer
with severe dementia showing extremely dense tau positive neurofibrillary tangles 
and neurites in the amygdala

The silent torment its victims feel cannot be described well enough.   The struggle between
following your hearts desire to pursue your athletic aspirations and staying safe may seem
a distance apart from what the future realities of your choice may hold.  No parent or child would 
ever consider exchanging one for the other, but many athletic organizations do.  The push and
pull of whether or not to allow your child to participate in contact sports seems almost too much to
ask for those who envision a bright future for their budding athlete.  The debate could be equally
confusing, as well. 

Dementia is accused of being related to CTE, but for many that verdict is still “out”.  What we do know

is the result of a blow to the head injury does leave some form of protein deposits which overtime and

abuse can lead to the build-up of severe tau protein.  This build up in the brain examples shown above

seems too frequently related to dementia patients who were also once athletes receiving severe “blows”

to the head.  If we learn nothing else from Seau’s suicide, we should learn CTE is “very” likely related to

head injuries associated with certain sports. 

Quick Tips for Wellness:  Let’s not get caught up
in defending a sport over defending a life.

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