Amount Of Sugar In Some Common Foods And Drinks

To keep control of sugar levels, it helps to know just how much sugar there is in the food we eat.

Our cells need sugar (glucose) to survive- without it, cells would die. But consuming too much of it can cause numerous different health problems including poor dental health, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In March 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) published new guidelines recommending that adults and children alike reduce their consumption of free sugars to less than 10% of their total
energy intake, with further reduction to below 5% associated with additional health benefits.

Free sugars includes glucose, fructose and sucrose added to foods and drinks, as well as sugars naturally present in syrups, honey and fruit juice. It does not include sugars present naturally in fresh fruits, vegetables and milk.

A single teaspoon of sugar is around 4 grams (g). The WHO state that reducing daily sugar consumption to 5% of daily
energy intake would be around 6 teaspoons of sugar.

Listed below are the sugar content of numerous everyday foods, both processed and natural ones.

• Chocolate Bars: The sugar content of most chocolate bars is between 6 - 10 teaspoons of sugar.
• Soft Drinks: One can of most soft drinks including coca-cola, pepsi cola, sprite, mountain dew contain between 8.25 - 13 teaspoons of sugar.
• Breakfast Cereals: - Cornflakes 2.4 teaspoons, Cocoa Krispies 9.75 teaspoons, Rice Krispies 2.5 teaspoons, Cheerios 1 teaspoon, Honey Nut Cheerios 8.25 teaspoons.
• Fruits: - Bananas 3 teaspoons, Mangos 3.2 teaspoons, Tomatoes 0.7 teaspoons, Berries 1 - 1.7 teaspoons, Apples 2.6 teaspoons, Pineapples 2.5 teaspoons

Joseph Nordqvist

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

A Vitamin Deficiency May Be Making You Fat

Vitamins aren't just for preventing colds—they may also fight weight gain.

Recent research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests there could be an intricate relationship between how much you weigh and how
many vitamins and minerals you consume—and falling short on a super-common nutrients like vitamin A could be helping
you pack on the pounds.

Researchers analyzed the responses of more than 18,000 Americans from a seven-year nutrition survey and found that,
compared to normal-weight individuals, obese adults had 5 to 12% lower intakes of all micronutrients across the board.

A few specific deficiencies stood out, too: Compared to normal- weight adults, 20% more obese adults were lacking in vitamin
A, vitamin C, and magnesium. They were also less likely to meet recommended federal requirements for calcium, vitamin
D, and vitamin E.







Caroline Praderio
Source: prevention.com

US Scientists Breed Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Resistant To Malaria Infection

US scientists say they have bred a genetically modified (GM) mosquito that can resist malaria infection.

If the lab technique works in the field, it could offer a new way of stopping the biting insects from spreading malaria to humans,
they say.

The scientists put a new "resistance" gene into the mosquito's own DNA, using a gene editing method called Crispr. And when the GM mosquitoes mated - their offspring inherited the same resistance, PNAS journal reports.

In theory, if these mosquitoes bite people, they should not be able to pass on the parasite that causes malaria.

About 3.2bn people - almost half of the world's population - are at risk of malaria.

Bed nets, insecticides and repellents can help stop the insects biting and drugs can be given to anyone who catches the
infection, but the disease still kills around 580,000 people a year.








Source: bbc.com

Pregnancy Shouldn't Stop You From Enjoying A Cup Or Two Of Coffee

The list of things for a pregnant woman to avoid is long and caffeine was not an exception.

Medical experts have always advised pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake, but mothers - to- be can now take solace in a new study that suggests consuming moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy will not affect their child's intelligence.

Researchers at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio looked for markers of caffeine in the bloodstream of expectant mothers at two different points
during pregnancy. After comparing those levels to children’s IQ and behavior at four and seven years of age, they found no consistent pattern between higher
caffeine intake and behavioral problems or lower IQ.

No more than 200mg of caffeine per day (approximately two cups of coffee) is however recommended.

Supposedly "Healthy Foods" May Be Junk For Some People

A diet that may work wonders for your best friend may not have the same impact on you.

If you've ever tried out the latest diet fad only to find yourself gaining weight and feeling awful and wondered what you were doing wrong, scientists now have an explanation for you.

A new study from Israel suggests that people have very different blood sugar responses to the same food -- with some showing large spikes even after eating supposedly healthy choices.

The study shows that the glycemic index of some foods which is a measure of how that food impacts blood sugar level is not fixed, but rather varies widely depending on the individual (independent.co.uk).

The findings from the study is published in the Nov 19 issue of the journal Cell.

Coconut Oil Can Trigger Acne Breakouts

“A lot of people are shocked to hear about this one,” Yap Tan says of this comedogenic oil.

“But not only does coconut oil clog pores around the mouth, it also creates a stubborn kind of inflammation—usually on the cheeks and along the jawline.” That goes for coconut oil that’s applied topically or ingested with food, so check your pantry along with your medicine cabinet.








Source: yahoo.com

Skin Quiz: What Is The Least Common Cause Of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

Under-eye circles or bags have many causes including hyperpigmentation (increased melanin), broken blood vessels, hard living (stress, tobacco, too much alcohol), under-eye fat loss etc.

Which among the four causes listed above do you think is the least common?

Source: medicinenet.com

Skin Benefits Of Lime

Citrus fruits have numerous beneficial effects on the skin and lime is no exception. Lime juice, benefits your skin in more ways than one, because

it is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C, flavonoids and Citric acid. These are some of the benefits:

1. Takes Care Of Acne:
The antibiotic properties of lime juice inhibit the growth of acne causing bacteria.

2. Controls Excess Facial Oil:
The astringent properties of lime juice helps control excess oil by tightening the pores and reducing oil production

3. Eliminates Dark Spots:
Lime juice can be used to lighten dark spots due to its skin lightening properties.
Apply to the darkened portions of your skin and leave for about 20 minutes.  

4. Removes Dead Skin Cells:
The citric acid present in lime peels can slough off dead skin cells. They are often used in beauty treatments in spas as well as home remedies to improve the appearance of facial skin.

Note that lime juice can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. So take adequate steps to protect your skin from sunlight when you apply it

Exercise When You're Tired: Strange But True

After a long, exhausting workday, exercising sounds like the last thing you'd want to do, but getting your sweat on will actually energize you.

Fatigue along with mood and depression improved after a single 30-minute moderate intensity exercise session, according to a study published in Medicine and Science in
Sports and Exercise.

"Everything we do uses oxygen, so when
you exercise it helps you work more efficiently and you don't tire as easily," says Nutting. "You also function better mentally."








Source: health.com

What Nail Biting Says About Your Personality

Are you mindlessly twisting your hair or biting your nails as you read this article? New research from the University of Montreal suggests that compulsive behaviors like these might say more about your personality than you think.

People who are generally impatient, or who get bored or frustrated easily, are more likely to engage in repetitive body-focused behaviors such as skin-picking, nail-biting or eyelash-pulling, the researchers found.

The study, published in the March issue of the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry , points to
perfectionism -- a trait that can be more damaging than many people realize -- as an underlying cause.

“We believe that individuals with these repetitive behaviors may be perfectionistic, meaning that they are unable to relax
and to perform task at a ‘normal’ pace," Dr. Kieron O'Connor, professor of psychiatry at the university and the study's lead author, said in a press release Tuesday. "They
are therefore prone to frustration, impatience, and dissatisfaction when they do not reach their goals. They also
experience greater levels of boredom.”







Source: huffpost.com

Champagne Helps Your Memory- Study Suggests

A study which was released in May 2013 by researchers at the University of Reading in the U.K., suggested that drinking one to three glasses of bubbly a week may help counteract memory loss associated with growing older and delay the onset of brain disorders like dementia. This study recently resurfaced online and quickly went viral.

But don’t pop the cork just yet. Here are some reasons to view this study with a skeptical eye:

1. The study was on rats: Twenty-four of them, to be exact. The study would need to be repeated on a larger number of rats before its findings could be given more
weight. However, there’s no way to tell whether this would hold true for humans.

2. There may be better ways to protect against dementia. No one knows for sure what can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. But research shows that eating right , staying mentally and socially active and exercising may be your best bet.

Other tips that might help keep your brain sharp: Learn a new language, play an instrument and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check.






Source: webmd.com

New Case Of Ebola Confirmed In Liberia- WHO

The World Health Organization has confirmed that a new case of the deadly Ebola virus has surfaced in Liberia.

"There is one confirmed case," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told AFP,
without providing further details. Liberia was declared free in September.

The west African nation, where thousands died at the height of the epidemic last year, was first declared Ebola free in May, only to see the fever resurface six weeks later, and again in September.







Source: yahoo.com

The Power Of Music: Its Health Benefits (I)

American musician Billy Joel once said " I think music in itself is healing.  No matter what culture we 're from , everyone loves music . " Most of us would wholeheartedly
agree with this statement , and it is this universal bond with music that has led researchers across the globe to investigate
its therapeutic potential .

Barbara Else, senior advisor of policy and research at the American Music Therapy
Association told Medical News Today  that "the elements of music - rhythm, melody, etc. - are echoed in our physiology , functioning and being."

• Mental Health: Numerous studies have shown music can benefit our mental health. A 2011 study by researchers from McGill University in Canada found that listening to music increases the amount of dopamine produced in the brain - a mood-enhancing chemical, making it a feasible treatment for depression.

• Reduces Pain and Anxiety: Bob Marley once sang: "One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain." According to some studies, this statement may ring true. 

    In March 2014, researchers from     Denmark found music may be beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia - a disorder that causes muscle and joint pain and fatigue. Listening to calm, relaxing, self-chosen music "reduced pain and increased functional mobility significantly" among 22 patientsbwith fibromyalgia , according to the investigators.

• Relieves Stress: When feeling stressed, you may find listening to your favorite music makes you feel better - and there are numerous studies that suport this effect. 

 A study reported by MNT last month, for example, found that infants remained calmer for longer when they were played music rather than spoken to - even when speech involved baby talk.

Honor Whiteman

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

Coconut Oil Effective Against Candida Fungal Infection

Candida albicans is part of the normal gut microbiome in humans and animals, but when the fungus gets out of balance in the body , it can cause infection.

Though antifungal medications are sometimes used , a new study suggests coconut oil may be an effective treatment.

The study - led by Prof. Carol Kumamoto, PhD, from Tufts University in Massachusetts - is published in the
American Society for Microbiology's journal mSphere.

Prof. Kumamoto says" Candida is one of
the most common causes of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients."







Source: medicalnewstoday.com

Babies Should Be Placed On Their Backs While Sleeping

There are a number of things you should do to keep your baby safe while sleeping, an expert says.

Always place the baby on his or her back to sleep, including naps, and always on a flat, firmbsurface, said Dr. Mary Jones, child advocacy director for the Loyola University Health System pediatric team.

Babies should always sleep in their own bed, whether it is in the parents' room or a separate room, she said. Never have a
baby sleep in the same bed as other people.

It's also important to prevent the baby from getting too hot while sleeping. Use a blanket sleeper or a second layer of clothing instead of a blanket, Jones suggested.

Parents should also keep the baby's crib free of toys, blankets, positioners and bumpers.

"Despite the progress we've made, some surveys show as many as half of parents do not put infants to sleep on their backs," Jones said in a Loyola news release.

"It's important for physicians to take the time to emphasize safe sleeping, and parents shouldn't be afraid to ask their baby's doctor if they have questions about the recommendations.

Safe sleep for babies saves lives," she said.
Other tips include keeping the baby's vaccinations up to date, never smoking in a baby's room or home, and supervising
tummy time when the baby is awake.








Robert Preidt
Source: nlm.nih.gov

Drinking Diet Soda Leads To Weight Gain, Not Weight Loss

Diet soda is calorie-free, but it won't necessarily help you lose weight.

Researchers from the University of Texas found that over the course of about a decade, diet soda drinkers had a 70%
greater increase in waist circumference compared with non- drinkers. And get this: participants who slurped down two or
more sodas a day experienced a 500% greater increase.

The artificial sweeteners contained in diet soda have been shown to have the same effect on your body as sugar.

"Artificial sweeteners trigger insulin, which sends your body into fat storage mode and leads to weight gain," Brooke Alpert, RD, author of The Sugar Detox says.






Source: health.com

Warning Signs Of A Cavity

Most any dentist should be able to spot a
cavity, but do you know the warning signs if you're between checkups?

The American Dental Association mentions these symptoms of a cavity:

• Having pain in your tooth.
• Getting food caught in your tooth.
• Feeling a rough edge against your tongue.
• Having a sensitivity to foods that are cold or sweet.

-- Diana Kohnle
Source: medicinenet.com

Depression Is More Than Feeling Sad

When you have depression, it's more than feeling sad. Intense feelings of sadness and other symptoms, like losing interest in
things you enjoy, may last for a while. Depression is a medical illness, not a sign of weakness. And it's treatable.

Symptoms of Depression
For major depression, you may experience a sad or depressed mood, or an inability to feel pleasure.

Some other symptoms are:

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
• Difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Appetite changes, which may include weight gain or loss
• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Slow speech; slow movements.

Causes of Depression
Depression is an extremely complex disease that can occur for a variety of reasons. A number of factors can increase the chance of depression

• Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can cause depression later in life.
• Certain medications. Some drugs, such as Accutane (used to treat acne ), the antiviral drug interferon -alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.
• Conflict. Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
• Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression.
• Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is a complex trait that may be inherited across generations, although the genetics of psychiatric disorders are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's chorea or cystic fibrosis .
• Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring.
• Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can lead to depression.
• Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or is a reaction to the illness.
• Substance abuse . Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.

If you think or suspect you are depressed, see a doctor for proper diagnosis. The good news is there are a lot of treatment options available to you. Many people use a combination of treatments such as medication and psychotherapy. You and your doctor will discuss the best treatment option(s) for you.

Ref: webmd.com

Feds Arrest Supplement Makers In The US

Federal officials arrested six executives of a big Texas supplement maker on Tuesday.

Authorities released an 11-count indictment against USPLabs for falsely claiming its popular workout and weight loss supplements were made using natural ingredients.

The feds also filed a complaint against Bethel Nutritional Consulting Inc., of New York and New Jersey, saying it sold "natural" supplements that in fact contained prescription drugs, and filed civil charges against a batch of smaller supplement makers.

"The sweep resulted in civil injunctions and criminal actions against 117 various manufacturers and/or distributors of dietary supplements and tainted products falsely marketed as dietary supplements," the Department of Justice said in a statement.

"Many of the cases we have brought relate to products that misrepresent the ingredients they contain," Benjamin Mizer, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, told a news conference.

"We have also brought cases against products that make unsupported claims about their effects. In numerous cases,
products are touting curative properties for diseases ranging from cancer to herpes."

They include products like USPLabs' Jack3d and OxyElite Pro.








Maggie Fox
Source: nbcnews.com

Uterine Transplants Offered To Infertile Women In The US

A leading hospital in the Unites States on Thursday, 12 November, 2015 said it is preparing to offer women uterine transplants, a technology that has been proven in Sweden.

The Cleveland Clinic will be the first hospital in the US to offer transplanted uteruses. The transplants will be offered to 10 women.

The clinical trial is open to women who have problems getting pregnant because they have an issue with their uterus, have lost their uterus, were born without a uterus or have a uterus that no longer functions.

Healthy Ways To Gain Weight If You're Underweight

A weight gain program may seem like an opportunity for indulgence. Just grab some French fries and have at it! Unfortunately, just as healthy weight loss requires a balanced approach, healthy weight gain means more than adding junk food to your daily meals.

New Medical Dressing Changes Colour When It Detects Infection

A medical dressing that changes colour when it detects infection could cut the unnecessary use of antibiotics, say scientists at Bath University.

It works by releasing fluorescent dye from tiny capsules when toxins are given out by bacteria in a wound.

This allows doctors to identify bacterial infections and treat them more quickly, particularly in children with burns.

Researchers said it could help to save lives.

Children with burn wounds are particularly susceptible to bacterial infections because of their immature immune systems.
These infections can slow the healing of wounds, leading to longer stays in hospital and sometimes permanent scarring. In
severe cases, infections can kill.

Doctors find it very difficult to diagnose infections quickly and easily without removing the dressing, which can be painful and create more scarring. Because of this, antibiotics are often prescribed as a precaution before the infection is confirmed.

However, treatment with antibiotics when there is no infection can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics - and antibiotic resistance is a major health concern.

Dr Toby Jenkins, reader in biophysical chemistry at Bath, leading the project, said "it could really help to save lives."
The team has been awarded almost £1m by the Medical Research Council to test the responsiveness of the prototype dressing to samples taken from the wounds of burns victims.






Source: bbc.com

Breastfeeding And Its Effect On Eyesight

Breastfeeding may help protect premature infants from a common eye disease that can lead to blindness.

A new study looks at how nursing affects the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity… a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, increasing risk of detachment.

Researchers analyzed medical records of more than 2,200 preterm infants comparing breastfeeding to formula feeding.

While any amount of breastfeeding played a protective role in preventing retinopathy of prematurity, exclusive or mainly
breastfeeding was associated with significant benefits in preventing severe disease.

The authors say these findings may be related to the antioxidant and immune protective properties of breast milk, which contains vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.






Dr. Cindy Haines
nlm.nih.gov

Should You Bother With Natural Colon Cleansing?

One of the main theories behind colon cleansing is an ancient belief called the
theory of autointoxication. This is the belief that undigested meat and other foods cause mucus buildup in the colon. This buildup produces toxins, the theory goes, which enter the blood's circulation, poisoning the body.

There are two main methods of colon cleansing. One involves buying products such as enemas, laxatives, herbal teas etc, to help the colon expel its contents, while the other involves seeing a practitioner to have a colon irrigation.

The health claims made by producers of colon cleansing products and colon
irrigation practitioners are broad and wide-reaching. Their main goal is to clear the
colon of large quantities of stagnant, supposedly toxic waste encrusted on colon
walls. Doing so, they claim, will enhance the vitality of the body.

We do know that the body can do the following:
- Natural bacteria in the colon can detoxify food wastes.
- The liver also neutralizes toxins.
- Mucus membranes in the colon can keep unwanted substances from reentering
the blood and tissues.
- The colon sheds old cells about every 3 days, preventing a buildup of harmful
material.

However, if you must do a colon- cleanse, do not do it too often, and if you decide to see a colon-cleansing therapist, choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who follows that organization's standards.

It's always a good idea to talk with your primary health provider before starting a
new practice such as colon cleansing.






Source: webmd.com

Does Cigarette Smoking Damage The Skin?

Smoking damages nearly every organ in the body. Whilst most people are familiar of its association with lung cancer, stroke
and heart disease, it also has profound effects on the body’s largest organ – skin.

First Genetically Modified Humans Could Exist Within Two Years

Biotech company Editas Medicine is planning to start human trials to genetically edit genes and reverse blindness.

Editas Medicine, which is based in the US, said it plans to become the first lab in the
world to ‘genetically edit’ the DNA of patients suffering from a genetic condition – in this case the blinding disorder ‘leber congenital amaurosis’.

The disorder prevents normal function of the retina; the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye. It appears at birth or in the first months of life and eventually sufferers can go completely blind.

Katrine Bosley, the chief executive of Editas Medicine, told a conference in the US that the company hopes to start trialling the technology on blind patients in 2017.







Source: telegraph.co.uk

World Health Organization Begins Awareness Campaign On Antibiotic Use

The first ever World Antibiotic Awareness Week begins today 16 and runs through till 22 November 2015. It is a campaign aimed at increasing awareness of global antibiotic resistance.

Phones Need "Bed Mode" To Protect Sleep

Smartphones, tablets and e-readers should have an automatic "bedtime mode" that stops them disrupting people's sleep, says a
leading doctor.

Prof Paul Gringras argued the setting should filter out the blue light that delays the body clock and keeps people awake later into the evening. The doctor, from Evelina Children's Hospital in London, said every new model was "bluer and brighter".

He said manufacturers needed to show more "responsibility".

As it gets darker in the evening, the body starts to produce the sleep hormone melatonin - which helps people nod off.

Certain wavelengths of light, those at the blue-green end of the spectrum, can disrupt the system.

Prof Gringras was part of a study, published in Frontiers in Public Health, analysing the light emitted by devices.

It concluded there was a clear trend for new devices to be bigger, brighter, have higher levels of contrast and emit more
blue light.

The professor of children's sleep medicine told the BBC News website: "That is great for use in the day, but awful for use at
night.
"There is converging data to say if you are in front of one of these devices at night-time it could prevent you falling asleep by an extra hour."






bbc.com

What Does Your Pad Or Tampon Contain?

About 70% of all American women use tampons. On average, a woman will use between 11,000 and 16,000 tampons
in her lifetime.

In fact, tampon-like devices have been used since ancient Rome, where women fashioned devices out of wool to absorb
menstrual flow.

Rolls of grass were used in parts of Africa, and Hawaiian women used ferns.

But what is actually in a modern-day tampon and pads?

Generally, tampons are blends of cotton and rayon, along with synthetic fibers, but each manufacturer's products are different
and considered proprietary. Consumer groups in the United States have been wanting to know more since the 1980s.

A growing environmental movement
and awareness about toxic shock syndrome prompted women to ask what was in these products because manufacturers weren't
required to fully disclose what goes into a tampon or pad.

That's because they are regulated and approved as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration and full disclosure is not required.






cnn.com

Drug Combinations to Avoid

Living in a country where most drugs are sold over the counter, its very common for people to self diagnose without the help of a health professional leading to drug misuse and ingestion of deadly combinations.

Megadoses Of Popular Vitamins May Do More Harm Than Good, Experts Warn

Persons eager to boost their health by consuming megadoses of vitamins C, E and D may be doing more harm than good,
a fifth estate investigation into the vitamins and supplements industry reveals.

Nafdac Alerts Public On Circulation Of Falsified Amoxverse and Ampiverse Capsules in DRC

The National Agency for Food and Drug
Administration and Control ( NAFDAC )
has alerted the public and especially
healthcare providers of the circulation of
falsified versions of the drugs Amoxverse and Ampiverse in Democratic Republic of Congo .

According to the agency’s website, the
notification was received from the World
Health Organizationand after careful Laboratory analysis of the products, they discovered it did not contain any active ingredient.

The purported manufacturer ( UNIVERSE Ltd Kenya) stated on the label explained
that they do not manufacture any Penicillin.

The falsified versions of the antibiotics
labeled as manufactured by UNIVERSE
Ltd Kenya are being circulated in
plastic containers of 1000 capsules and
have been reportedly found in private
health care facilities in DRC.


NAFDAC has urged health care
providers and the general public to be
vigilant and ensure that any information
in respect of importation, distribution or
sale of the falsified Amoxverse and
Ampiverse capsules is reported to the
nearest NAFDAC office or the National
Pharmacovigilance Center (NPC) via e-
mail: pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng






Source: healthnewsng.com

New Sexual Disease: Thousands May Have Been Infected Already

A new sexually transmitted infection (STI) could have infected hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, new research suggests.

Do I need to include probiotics and prebiotics in my diet?

You don't necessarily need probiotics — a type of "good" bacteria — to be healthy. However, these microorganisms may
help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing "good" bacteria in your body already do.

Eye Care: Use Allergen-Reducing Eye Drops Sparingly

Using an allergen-reducing eye drop during allergy season may help 'get the red out' and sooth itchiness, but daily use can actually make the problem worse.

It can cause something called rebound redness, which results in excessive eye redness because eyes no longer respond to
eye drops.

Allergen-reducing eye drops work by constricting the blood flow to the cornea,
which deprives it of oxygen.

So while your eyes don't feel inflamed and itchy anymore, they're actually not getting enough oxygen from blood. That's not ideal,
because the eye muscles and tissues need oxygen to function.

The lack of oxygen can even result in swelling and scarring.





Source: m.wikihow.com

Maternal mortality falls by almost 50% - UN report

Pregnancy-related deaths have fallen by almost half in the past 25 years, according to a report by United Nations agencies published in The Lancet.

Around 303,000 women died of complications during pregnancy or up to six weeks after giving birth in 2015 - down fromb532,000 in 1990.

Officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the results showed "huge progress".

However, only nine countries hit targets set by the UN.

"This report will show that by the end of 2015 maternal mortality will have dropped by 44% from its levels from 1990," said Dr
Lale Say, coordinator for reproductive health and research at the WHO.

But she warned that the progress was "uneven" - with 99% of deaths happening in developing countries.

While 39 countries reported "significant progress" in reducing pregnancy-related deaths, only nine countries achieved their
targets.

"Many countries with high maternal death rates will make little progress, or will fall behind, over the next 15 years if we don't
improve the current number of available midwives and other health workers with midwifery skills," said Dr Babatunde
Osotimehin, executive director of the UN Population Fund.

Eastern Asia saw the greatest improvement, with maternal mortality falling from approximately 95 to 27 per 100,000 live
births.

The UN now aims to reduce the global ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 by 2030.






Source: bbc.com

What Your Pee Colour Says About Your Health

Every time you pee, you have the chance to learn something about yourself—from how hydrated you are to whether some of your vital organs may be showing signs of dysfunction.

Dr. Daniel Shoskes, a urologist at Cleveland Clinic helps us decode the numerous shades that may show up in your urine:

* Transparent: If your pee is completely clear, it may be a sign that you are drinking too much water. “There can be rare risks with drinking a very large amount of water [including] diluting the salts in the body." Over-hydration rarely causes serious health issues, unless you are forcing yourself to drink far beyond what you need,” he
noted.

* Pale straw to amber or honey: Lighter shades of yellow indicate that you are probably well-hydrated—but as the color
darkens, it could be a sign you need to refuel with fluids.

* Syrup or brown ale: If you’re noticing shades of brown in your urine, it could simply be a sign that you are dehydrated.
However, it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor because brown urine could also be indicative of a problem in the liver, Shoskes said. “If there is liver disease or bile, some of the bile salts that the liver should be processing and eliminating through stool are hanging around in blood and ending up in urine—people with severe liver disease can have brown urine,” he said. “That’s something that can be determined rather quickly by a dip stick test of urine.” If brownish urine is starting to worry you, consult your doctor to get it checked out.

*  Pink to reddish: See an unexplained red hue in the bowl? That could be a major problem, according to Shoskes. “In urology our most prominent [warning sign] is red, which, while it can come from food you’ve eaten and other substances you’ve ingested, if it is coming from blood it can often mean a problem.” If you notice a pink or red tint to your urine—even once—it’s worth seeing a doctor, Shoskes advised. “There’s a huge list of conditions both benign and malignant that can cause blood in the urine, anything from medical kidney disease to a UTI, stones in the kidneys or bladder or
the more serious cancers of the kidney, bladder, prostate,” he said. Once a doctor analyzes a urine sample, he will quickly
be able to determine if the pink or red tint is actually caused by blood or something else—and can proceed with the appropriate course of action.

* Blue or green: For most people, seeing blue or green urine in the toilet bowl would be quite the shock—and urine of this color is very rare, according to Shoskes. While some little- known diseases, including porphyria—an inherited enzyme condition—can result in a person having blue or green urine, a change in urine color wouldn’t be the first sign of disease among sufferers.

Certain medications can also be responsible for bizarre changes in urine color, Shoskes noted.

*  Non-color factors: Does your urine smell weird? It’s probably nothing to fret about, according to Shoskes. “Smell of the urine
usually is not such a direct indicator of a disease,” Shoskes noted. “It’s much more of an indicator of foods you’ve eaten or medications you may be taking.”

Sometimes the consistency of urine can also appear strange— for example, if urine looks foamier than usual. While this may simply be a result of urinating with more force than usual, it can occasionally be an indicator of a health-related symptom.
“While usually not an issue, just an effect of how strongly you’re urinating, occasionally [foaminess] can be a sign of protein in the urine,” Shoskes said. Protein in the urine can be an indicative of a kidney problem—so if you’re concerned, ask your doctor to perform a urine analysis.

Overall, Shoskes said people should feel comfortable talking to their physician if they notice anything strange about their
urine—and should make sure that doctors always perform a urine analysis during regular physicals.





By Amanda Woerner for FoxNews.com Source: prevention.com

Beer Belly More Deadly Than Obesity, New Study Finds

Going to your doctor may soon look more like going to your tailor. Instead of starting with a request to step on a scale, he or she may measure your waist.

That's because a new study concludes that excess belly fat, even if you are skinny everywhere else, may be even more

deadly than being obese or overweight.

This study appears in the latest edition of Annals of Internal Medicine. After looking at data from over 15,000 people, researchers estimate that men with pot bellies have twice the mortality risk of people who are just overweight or obese.

Women with a similar fat distribution had 1.5 times the risk for death. 

And that's saying something when you know that being obese already increases your likelihood of having a heart attack , a

stroke, diabetes or even cancer.

In other words, your beer belly may be killing you.

As of now, the guidelines to manage obesity tell your doctor to look at your body mass index , the measure of body fat using a

calculation based on your height and weight. It is possible to have a "healthy" BMI and a slim butt, arms and legs. But if your pants are hard to button, and your low-riders make a muffin top, you should still watch your weight.

Source: cnn.com

For Healthy Teeth, Don't Brush After Eating

Don't brush your teeth immediately after meals and drinks, especially if they were acidic. Acidic foods—citrus fruits, sports
drinks, tomatoes, soda (both diet and regular)—can soften tooth enamel "like wet sandstone," says Howard R. Gamble, immediate past president of the Academy of General Dentistry. Brushing your teeth at this stage can speed up acid's effect on your
enamel and erode the layer underneath. Gamble suggests waiting 30 to 60 minutes before brushing.






Source: health.com

Diet Reverses Type 2 Diabetes

A Newcastle University team has discovered that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by an extreme low calorie diet alone.

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood.

In an early stage clinical trial of 11 people, funded by Diabetes UK, all reversed their diabetes by drastically cutting their food intake to just 600 calories a day for two months . And three months later, seven
remained free of diabetes.

It demonstrates that people who go on a very low calorie diet can remove fat
which is clogging up the pancreas allowing normal insulin secretion to be restored.

Professor Roy Taylor of Newcastle University who led the study and also works for the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “To have people free of diabetes after years with the condition is remarkable - and all because of an eight week diet.

“This is a radical change in understanding Type 2 diabetes. It will change how we can explain it to people newly diagnosed with the condition. While it has long been believed that someone with Type 2 diabetes will always have the disease, and that it will steadily get worse, we have shown that we can reverse the condition.”





Source: ncl.ac.uk
Newcastle University Press Office

Side Effects Of Vitamin C

The health benefits of Vitamin C are numerous and includes protection against immune deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.

Vitamin C is likely safe when taken in recommended doses but at very large doses, it might cause nausea, diarrhoea, heartburn, stomach cramps, vomiting, headache and other side effects. The chance of getting these side effects increases with dose. At amounts greater than 2000mg daily, Vitamin C causes severe diarrhoea and can lead to the development of kidney stones. In people who have had a kidney stone, amounts greater than 1000mg daily greatly increase the risk of kidney stone recurrence.





Ref: webmd.com

How To Avoid Lower Back Pain During Sleep

If you have ever used the phrase "I must have slept funny" to explain why you woke up with an achy back, you’re not alone.

In fact, research shows one in three people experience back and neck pain after a single night's sleep. Occasional back pain after sleeping can sometimes stem from your sleeping surface or from the position in which you sleep.

Grant Wilson, a physiotherapist and the co-author of “7 Steps to a Pain-Free Life" told  FoxNews.com there are two sleeping positions you should try to avoid.

   - “Sleeping on your side and curled up in a ball is not the best position because it tends to build up that pressure in the structures and discs in the back, particularly if we sustain that posture for a long time at night. You want to be in a more neutral position,” Wilson said.
   -“And some people sleep on their stomach, but again that's not advisable, particularly if people have neck pain or headaches.”

If you sleep on your back or on your side, Wilson suggests using a night roll, a belt-like pillow with the padding on the back.

“The idea of a night roll is that by wearing it around your waist, it fills in the gap between your hips and your rib cage, and therefore keeps the natural curves in your back and in your spine,” he said.
Night rolls can be purchased online and at some local pharmacies. Wilson said you can also try to make one yourself at home by rolling up a full-size bath towel and tucking it into one leg of a pair of pantyhose or tights. “Roll it up so that it’s a nice firm ball, put that around your waist and either pin it or just tie it in place, so it’ll stay firm
if you roll from side to side during the night,” he said.

If your back pain continues, Wilson advises speaking with your doctor.






Source: foxnews.com

Energy Drink Raises Stress Hormone Levels Of Young Adults

Just one energy drink can cause potentially harmful spikes in both stress hormone levels and blood pressure in young, healthy adults, a new study shows.

After drinking a 16-ounce can of "Rockstar Punched," young adults had a 74 percent increase in blood levels of the "fight-or-flight" hormone norepinephrine, said lead researcher Dr. Anna Svatikova, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

The young adults also experienced a significant increase in their blood pressure after consuming the energy drink, the study
found.

"The worry is that if these responses are seen in healthy young people, perhaps the effects of energy drinks may be more
pronounced in people who already have high blood pressure or arrhythmias," leading to more heart attacks and strokes,
Svatikova said.

Energy drinks can contain up to five times more caffeine than a typical cup of coffee, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAmHSA).

Emergency room visits involving energy drinks doubled between 2007 and 2011, rising from about 10,000 to nearly 21,000,
SAMHSA said.





Source: nlm.nih.gov

Heartburn Medications May Increase Kidney Disease Risk

Common medications used in the treatment of acid reflux and heartburn could damage the kidneys. This is according to two studies which were presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week.
The medication in question are called Proton Pump Inhibitors. They relief symptoms of acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic or stomach ulcer by reducing the amount of acid produced by glands in the lining of the stomach.




Ref: medicalnewstoday.com

Calcium From Supplements or Dairy Doesn't Strengthen Bones For Those Over 50, Study Finds

A new study should put the final nail in the coffin for any lingering beliefs that calcium supplements are good for you.
The new study finds that people over 50 don't get stronger bones either by taking supplements or from eating extra servings
of calcium-rich foods such as dairy products.
The findings, reported in the British Medical Journal's online publication BMJ.com, support what U.S. health officials have been telling Americans for a few years now — taking calcium supplements is not just a waste of time, but it could be harmful.
The extra calcium doesn't go to strengthen bones but instead can build up in the arteries, causing heart disease, or in the
kidneys, causing kidney stones.




Source: nbcnews.com

Skip Energy Drinks When You're Tired

Energy drinks contain up to five times more caffeine than coffee, but the boost they provide is fleeting and comes with unpleasant side effects like nervousness, irritability, and rapid heartbeat, says Goodson. Plus, energy drinks often contain high levels of taurine, a central nervous system stimulant, and upwards of 50
grams of sugar per can (that's 13 teaspoons worth!). The sweet stuff spikes blood sugar temporarily, only to crash soon after,
leaving you sluggish and foggyheaded—and reaching for another energy drink.




Source: health.com

Vitamin C Supplementation: Can It Prevent A Cold?

One of the most popular word-of-mouth cold remedies is to dose up on vitamin C.
But does boosting your vitamin C intake do anything to prevent or shorten colds?
Some studies suggest taking vitamin C has a modest effect on the common cold , but don't expect miracles, one expert says.
"It's fair to say that vitamin C supplementation both shortens
duration of cold and offers some protection against colds, though it's not very dramatic," said Stephen Lawson, a researcher at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, who studies micronutrients.
A 2013 review of dozens of studies found that vitamin C reduces the duration of colds by 8 percent in adults, and 14 percent in children. Considering that the average cold lasts about a week, that reduction translates to about one less day of symptoms.




Source: livescience.com

Eat More Home-made Meals And Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes May Reduce

If you eat more meals prepared at home, you may reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.

People who ate about two homemade lunches or dinners each day -- or about 11-14 meals a week -- had a 13 percent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to people who ate less than six homemade lunches or dinners a week. Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease. Researchers didn't have enough information to include breakfast patterns.

They analyzed data from nearly 58,000
women in the Nurses' Health Study and more than 41,000 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and followed for up to 36 years (1986-2012). None of the participants had diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer at the beginning of the study.

"The trend for eating commercially prepared meals in restaurants or as take-out in the United States has increased
significantly over the last 50 years," said Geng Zong, Ph.D., a research fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. "At the same time, Type 2 diabetes rates have also increased."




Source: sciencedaily.com

Obese Teens May Benefit From Weight Loss Surgery

Weight-loss surgeries, long used by obese adults to drop excess pounds, may provide long-lasting health benefits to very obese teenagers, a new study finds.
The study of extremely obese teens found that, three years after either gastric bypass surgery or a procedure called sleeve gastrectomy, the average patient had lost 27 percent of his or her original weight. What's more, many also showed remission of obesity -linked ills such as type 2 diabetes , high blood pressure and high cholesterol .
"We found significant improvements in weight, cardiometabolic health and weight-
related quality of life at three years after the [weight-loss] procedure," wrote a team
led by Dr. Thomas Inge, of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.





Source: webmd.com

Ladies! Your Man's Looks Can Affect Your Sexual Outcome

A Penn State study found that women were more likely to orgasm around the same time as a male partner—and experience more frequent orgasms to boot—if they deemed him attractive or masculine. The connection isn't clear, but there could be evolutionary factors at play, Van Kirk says:
Heterosexual women may inherently desire masculine partners to have children with, and some research suggests that a vagina is
more receptive to semen after orgasm—which boosts fertility.




Source: health.com

Tips On How To Manage Heartburn

* Avoid Triggers: Know what triggers your heartburn symptoms and stay away from them. For example spicy foods, peppermint, citrus fruits, onions etc.

* Stop Smoking: Nicotine present in cigarettes can weaken the muscle that controls the opening between the stomach and the oesophagus, thereby allowing contents of the stomach to easily enter the oesophagus.

* Eat at least two to three hours before going to bed: This gives food time to empty from your stomach which will in turn reduce acid levels before you lie down- a position where heartburn is more likely to occur.

* Don't overeat: You can eat four to five small portion instead of three large ones.

* Eat Slowly
* Avoid alcohol

Baby Is Cured Of Leukaemia After Receiving Genetically Modified Immune Cells

A baby girl with aggressive leukaemia has become the first in the world to be treated with designer immune cells that were genetically engineered to wipe out her cancer.
The one-year-old, Layla Richards, was given months to live after conventional treatments failed to eradicate the disease, but she is now cancer free and doing well, a response one doctor described as
“almost a miracle”.
Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London treated the girl two months ago and stressed that it could be
more than a year before they know for sure whether the therapy has cured the disease, or simply delayed its progression.



Ref: guardian.com

Climate Change Affecting Sex Drive

There are so many things that can dampen your sex drive: You have a headache, you're tired, it's too hot outside.
According to a study, the last of those mojo-killers -- and the climate change that is causing more scorching hot days --
could be bringing down the birth rate in the United States.
Researchers used historical vital statistics and other sources to look at the number of babies born about nine months after really
hot days, which they defined as above 80 degrees, based on National Climate Center Data from weather stations across the
United States.
The researchers found that, for every day that soared above 80 degrees -- and in many cases above 90 degrees -- between 1931 and 2010, there were 0.4% fewer births nine months later.
The impact of one of these scorching days was that about 1,165 fewer babies were born across the United States.




Source: cnn.com

Fatigue And Sleepiness: The Difference Between The Two

Fatigue is usually a more chronic (long-term) condition than sleepiness.
Sleepiness is generally caused by lack of  proper, restful sleep, or a lack of stimulation. Sleepiness can be a symptom of a medical condition. Fatigue, especially chronic fatigue, is usually linked to a greater medical problem.
People who suffer from fatigue feel they lack motivation and energy. Even though fatigue and drowsiness are not the same, drowsiness, or the desire to sleep, is a common symptom that accompanies fatigue.
Patients describe fatigue as not just tiredness that results from overdoing things, but as a loss of motivation. The patient also does not feel refreshed after sleeping or resting.
Successful treatment of fatigue includes knowing its underlying cause which could range from anaemia, being overweight/ underweight, infectious diseases to endocrine or metabolic disorder.
It is very important you see a doctor if you persistently experience fatigue.

Processed Meats Cause Cancer- WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) says 50g of processed meat a day which is less than two slices of bacon increases the chance of developing colorectal cancer by 18%.
Processed meat is one that has been modified either to extend its shelf life or improve its taste. Chemicals used in processing could be responsible for increasing the risk of cancer.
Bacon, sausages, corned beef, ham are examples of processed meat.

Coffee Can Worsen Acne Breakouts

More doctors and aestheticians than ever believe in a diet-acne connection, and some common foods are now believed to be breakout triggers. Coffee is one of such. According to Yap Tan, coffee beans contains an organic acid which raises cortisol levels. Cortisol which is also known as the stress hormone can act like an androgen and simultaneously stimulate sebaceous glands and inflammation.




Ref: yahoo.com

"Tapeworm Tumours" Kills A Man

The unusual case was diagnosed through a collaboration between the US Centers for Disease Control and the UK's Natural History Museum. The researchers say that scans of a very ill man in Colombia who was also HIV positive reveaked what "looked like cancer, but the tumours were made of cells that were not human." The tumours had come from the man's resident tapeworm which had developed cancer and somehow spread the disease to its host, according to the scientists, whose study published in the New England Journal of Medicine describes "the invasion of human tissue by abnormal, proliferating, genetically altered tapeworm cells as a novel disease mechanism." The man died 72 hours after researchers pinpointed the cause of the tumours, Live Science reports.



Source: usatoday.com

Friendly Doctors Find It Harder To Be Honest With Patients They Like

Being a nice doctor and being a good one might be two separate things, according to a new study . Published in The Lancet Oncology, the study found that doctors who
are young, friendly, and naïve might not be as good at carrying out objective, truthful decisions — particularly to patients they like.