JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015
Vol. XVIV
FREE
Eat Your Heart Out With Healthy Tips ...
Healing Within:
Tips to manage stress
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... and More
5 natural supplements every man should take P8
On Bobbi Kristina, what can happen to the brain during a near-drowning?
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Liberia aims to be Ebola-free by soon.
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Page 2 / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / HealthyStart
healthbriefs
Healing Within:
Tips to manage stress
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t some point in our lives we will all experience an imbalance within our health. It happens to the best of us. Through stress, poor eating habits, burning the candle at both ends and overall lifestyle choices, our body takes a daily beating. It’s up to us to make sure that we keep that balance in check.
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Tracy Lynn
DGLN Contributor Many people are walking around aimlessly not really knowing what the answer is to their health issues. But one simple thing that we can all do is take a good hard look at our dietary intake. What are you eating and how is it making you feel? Your diet matters more than you think it does. It’s not just your waist line that becomes affected by the foods you consume, but your overall wellbeing. The foods that we put in our bodies can either accelerate or slow down the aging process. They can either contribute to or help to reduce inflammation. They can create weight issues or keep our body lean and healthy. And most importantly, putting it all together, the choices we make nutritionally have a huge impact on our moods, emotions and long-term mental well-being.
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esearchers say that women who drink multiple cups of coffee per day may reduce their risk of developing the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs by almost a fifth.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 37 women are afflicted by endometrial cancer, which causes about 10,170 annual deaths in the U.S. While past studies have linked hormonal imbalances, diabetes and obesity to a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer or uterine sarcomas, a new one set out to determine how dietary factors may determine risk.
There was a time in history where our options were not as plentiful as they are these days. We now have more convenience foods, and more food in general, than ever before. Many of these convenience foods are marked as being healthy,
fitness friendly and fat melting, but really they are nothing more than a shiny wrapper with overly processed dehydrated powders and potions. We’ve gotten so far
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Eat Your Heart Out With These 11 Healthy Tips ebruary is American Heart month sponsored by The American Heart Association. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in
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daily cups of coffee linked to reduced endometrial cancer risk
the United States; 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.
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For some good news, however, heart disease can often be prevented by making healthy food and lifestyle choices. As a nutritionist, I often work with clients to help them develop a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent heart disease. Below are 11 simple -and healthy -- tips for heart health. 1. Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal not only tastes yummy but it is also good for the heart as it is rich in soluble
The researchers determined total fat, monounsaturated fat, phosphorus, carbohydrates, yogurt, butter, potatoes, cheese and coffee were all associated with a heightened risk of endometrial cancer. The researchers then analyzed a separate group of about 1,530 women with endometrial cancer who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), and focused on those nine foods specifically in relation to the women’s diets. Based on the results of the two groups, researchers were able to determine that drinking three cups of coffee a day reduced endometrial cancer risk by 19 percent among women in the EPIC study, compared with women who drank less than one cup of coffee per day, Medical News Today reported. In the NHS study, drinking four cups of coffee was found to reduce the risk of cancer by 18 percent. “Coffee intake is worth investigating further to see if coffee can be used for the prevention of endometrial cancer,” Dr. Melissa Merritt of Imperial College London said in a news release.
Milwaukee Community Journal 3612 North Martin Luther King Drive Milwaukee WI. 53212 Patricia O'Flynn Pattillo Publisher
The study, published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, analyzed about 1,300 women who participated in the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study with endometrial cancer. The women answered a dietary questionnaire, and researchers assessed the link between 84 foods and nutrients, and the risk of endometrial cancer, according to Medical News Today.
fiber, shown to reduce cholesterol levels. Beta glucans, the kind fiber in oatmeal, may be particularly beneficial for heart health and for weight control. Oatmeal also contains magnesium and potassium, minerals which contribute to a healthy heartbeat. 2. Watch your portion by using a smaller bowl and spoon. A simple way to practice portion control is to use smaller plates; we tend to eat less when we use smaller plates and bowls. And... use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon -- you will probably eat even less. 3. Top your oatmeal with sliced banana. Bananas are rich in vitamins and miner-
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“However, before clinical recommendations can be made, further studies are needed to evaluate this question in other studies and to try to isolate the components of coffee that may be responsible for any influence on endometrial cancer,” she said. --Fox News
HealthyStart / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / Page 3
Scientists illuminate brain tumors with fluorescent nanoparticles
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esearchers at the University of Washington have been able to illuminate brain tumors by injecting fluorescent nanoparticles into the bloodstream that safely cross the blood-brain barrier - an almost impenetrable barrier that protects the brain from infection. The nanoparticles remained in mouse tumors for up to five days and did not show any evidence of damaging the blood-brain barrier, according to results published this week in the journal Cancer Research.
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Brain cancer is among the deadliest of cancers. It's also one of the hardest to treat. Imaging results are often imprecise because brain cancers are extremely invasive. Surgeons must saw through the skull and safely remove as much of the tumor as they can. Then doctors use radiation or chemotherapy to destroy cancerous cells in the surrounding tissue. open the blood-brain barrier, risking infection of the brain. The UW team surmounted this challenge by building a nanoparticle that remains small in wet conditions. The particle was about 33 nanometers in diameter when wet, about a third the size of similar particles used in other parts of the body.
Results showed the nanoparticles improved the contrast in both MRI and optical imaging, which is used during surgery. "Brain cancers are very invasive, different from the other cancers. They will invade the surrounding tissue and there is no clear boundary between the tumor tissue and the normal brain tissue," said lead author Miqin Zhang, a UW professor of materials science and engineering. Being unable to distinguish a boundary complicates the surgery. Severe cognitive problems are a common side effect. "If we can inject these nanoparticles with infrared dye, they will increase the contrast between the tumor tissue and the normal tissue," Zhang said. "So during the surgery, the surgeons can see the boundary more precisely. "We call it 'brain tumor illumination or brain tumor painting,'" she said. "The tumor will light up."
Nano-imaging could also help with early cancer detection, Zhang said. Current imaging techniques have a maximum resolution of 1 millimeter (1/25 of an inch). Nanoparticles could improve the resolution by a factor of 10 or more, allowing detection of smaller tumors and earlier treatment. Until now, no nanoparticle used for imaging has been able to cross the blood-brain barrier and specifically bind to brain-tumor cells. With current techniques doctors inject dyes into the body and use drugs to temporarily
Crossing the blood-brain barrier depends on the size of the particle, its lipid, or fat, content, and the electric charge on the particle. Zhang and colleagues built a particle that can pass through the barrier and reach tumors. To specifically target tumor cells they used chlorotoxin, a small peptide isolated from scorpion venom that many groups, including Zhang's, are exploring for its tumor-targeting abilities. On the nanoparticle's surface Zhang placed a small fluorescent molecule for optical imaging, and binding sites that could be used for attaching other molecules. Future research will evaluate this nanoparticle's potential for treating tumors, Zhang said. She and colleagues already showed that
HPV Vaccine Does Not Increase Likelihood of Unsafe Sex for Girls, Study Says
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he vaccine used to guard against the human papillomavirus does not lead young people and teens to engage in more unsafe sex, according to a study released today.
ical School. In the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Jena and his colleagues combed an in-
The HPV vaccine has been on the market since 2006, but is not as widely used as other recommended vaccines, according to the federal Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. By GILLIAN MOHNEY Gillian Digital Reporter The vaccine, given in three doses, is recommended for both boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 12. Just one dose of the vaccine cut down the risk of contracting HPV by 82 percent, according to a 2010 CDC study. In spite of its success, just 57 percent of female teens received at least one dose and 38 percent of male teens had received all three doses in 2013, according to the CDC. Dr. Anupam Jena, lead author of the study and a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, said one likely cause for the low use of vaccine is that many parents and physicians are apprehensive about the possibility that the vaccine could lead to an increase in unsafe sex among teens and young adults. “I’d like to emphasize that it’s a real concern. It’s not something to automatically dismiss but that’s why we need some scientific evidence to show we’re on the right path,” said Jena, an assistant professor of Health Care Policy and Medicine at the Harvard Med-
surance database to figure out whether people who had the vaccine had higher rates of sexually transmitted infections than those who did not get the vaccine. The researchers looked at the medical history between 2005 and 2010 of 21,000 girls between the ages of 12 to 18, who had been given the vaccine, and compared them with 180,000 women who did not have the vaccine. The study found that the vaccinated women did not have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, suggested they did not have increased rates of unsafe sex. Jena said U.S. HPV vaccination rates pale in comparison to similar countries such as Australia, where around 80 to 90 percent of eligible young people are vaccinated. He said he hoped the research would encourage parents and physicians to get their children vaccinated. "This is a reasonable concern to have had, but the evidence suggests that it’s
not important," Jena said. "[Physicians] can be reassured by these findings and use them to talk to their patients." Robert Bednarczyk, assistant professor in the Hubert Department of Global health at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta, wrote a commentary on the study for the Journal of the American Medical Association and said physicians have not recommended the vaccine as much as other recommended vaccines given to teens such as shots for meningitis. Because HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, Bednarczyk said some doctors are uncomfortable talking about potential sexual activity with their patients and their parents. “Some of them even said, ‘I think 11 is too young to have this discussion with patient,” Bednarczyk said.
chlorotoxin combined with nanoparticles dramatically slows tumors' spread. They will see whether that ability could extend to brain cancer, the most common solid tumor to affect children. Merely improving imaging, however, would improve patient outcomes. "Precise imaging of brain tumors is phenomenally important. We know that patient survival for brain tumors is directly related to the amount of tumor that you can resect," said co-author Richard Ellenbogen, professor and chair of neurological surgery at the UW School of Medicine. "This is the next generation of cancer imaging," he said. "The last generation was CT, this generation was MRI, and this is the next generation of advances." Other co-authors are Omid Veiseh, Conroy Sun, Chen Fang, Narayan Bhattarai, Jonathan Gunn of the UW's department of materials science and engineering; Forrest Kievit and Kim Du of UW bioengineering; Donghoon Lee of UW radiology; Barbara Pullar of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; and Jim Olson of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Children's Hospital. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Jordyn Dukelow Memorial Fund and the Seattle Children's Hospital Brain Tumor Research Endowment. --news-medical.net
Eat Your Heart Out With These 11 Healthy Tips (continued from page 2) als, in particular potassium, which help promote heart health. They are also relatively low in calories and high in fiber to help keep your weight at bay. 4. Include a bean soup for lunch. Beans contain soluble fiber which help lower cholesterol. Lentil and split pea soup are great choices. They are also filling and help keep you satisfied. 5. Snack on a handful of mixed nuts. Nuts contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats and have been shown to reduce heart deaths in the elderly. Nuts also help to control weight. The key is to snack on nuts instead of chips, and practice portion control. Aim for approximately ¼ cup or one layer of your palm. 6. Start your dinner with a colorful salad. Starting your meal with a colorful salad is a great way to boost heart healthy nutrients in your diet. Vegetable salads are full of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and low in calories. The different colors provide different nutrients so throw in dark greens which are high in folate, tomatoes high in lycopene and yellow peppers which are full of vitamin C. 7. Dress it with olive oil.
But Bednarczyk points out the vaccine is supposed to be given well before an adolescent is exposed to the virus through possible sexual activity and that the way the virus is transmitted does not need to be discussed in detail.
Olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Best to use an olive oil based dressing over creamy varieties such as blue cheese. However, it's important not to over pour; aim for 1-2 tablespoons, or a shot glass worth.
"Do you go into a detailed discussion about why it can spread and how it can spread?" said Bednarczyk, who pointed out doctors don't often go into great detail about how bacterial meningitis is spread before they suggest their patients get vaccinated.
People who cook dinner at home tend to eat healthier and take in fewer calories. No surprise. Restaurant portions are huge and full of all sorts of hidden ingredients which are loaded with calories.
8. Cook dinner at home.
9. Enjoy grilled salmon or arctic char as your main course.
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Page 4 / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / HealthyStart
national news
Ebola outbreak in West Africa appears to be slowing down: U.N.
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mobile centers to handle localized outbreaks.
n outbreak of Ebola that has claimed more than 8,400 lives in West Africa appears to be slowing down, though the battle to contain the disease is not over, the U.N. special envoy on Ebola said on Thursday.
"Those who are involved in the response have worked out that they can organize rapid mobile responses in case there's a flare up anywhere, so they can set up small temporary treatment facilities wherever they are needed," Nabarro said.
"The change in behavior that we've been hoping for, working for, anticipating, is now happening everywhere," Dr. David Nabarro told Reuters in an interview.
He said the U.S., British and French military, which built treatment centers, had played a crucial role.
"The facilities to treat people are available everywhere," he said. "Safe burial teams are providing safe and dignified burial services everywhere and the result is that we're seeing the beginnings of the outbreak slowing down."
"This external help was absolutely vital in bolstering and supporting the capacity of the people in the country to make the changes," Nabarro said, adding that "much of the external help came from within Africa."
Nabarro declined to predict when the outbreak of the virus could be definitively over. The hemorrhagic fever is spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected people or the highly contagious body of someone who has died of the virus. Nabarro said burial practices that involved people touching and cleaning bodies of Ebola victims had helped fuel the outbreak. The worst Ebola outbreak on record infected about 21,200 people in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea since it was detected in March, according to the World Health Or-
A health worker checks the temperature of a man arriving at Bata Airport, January 14, 2015. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh ganization. The government of Liberia said earlier on Thursday that it could be free of the virus by the end of next month after success in curbing transmission. It said the country had only 10 confirmed Ebola cases as of Jan. 12. "It's an incredible drop," Nabarro said, adding that he believed the Liberian figures were "absolutely correct." Nabarro de-
scribed "a remarkable collective change in patterns of behavior" and said Liberia had "come to terms with the reality that the outbreak of Ebola is being driven by the way in which people behave." More than 3,500 of the 8,400 dead were from Liberia. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea now have capacity to quickly set up
Eat Your Heart Out With Healthy Tips (continued from page 3) Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which are known to be good for the heart. Grill your fish with your favorite spices and a drizzle of olive oil. 10. Have cauliflower as a side dish. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, a cousin to broccoli and Brussels sprouts,
high in fiber and low in calories. It is an excellent, low-calorie source of potassium. One cup of chopped raw cauliflower contains 320 mg in only 27 calories
who do not. Chocolate contains flavonols, phytochemicals which may reduce heart disease risk. However, remember that amounts count and aim for one small square.
11. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate for dessert.
And, finally, because no one got heart disease from a deficiency of chocolate, if you are not a chocolate lover, no need to start indulging. Finishing off your meal with fresh fruit will do just fine.
Saving the best for last, research found that people who eat dark chocolate have lower rates of heart disease than people
Asked about lessons to be taken and suggestions that the WHO had been slow in sounding an alarm about Ebola, Nabarro said: "I hope that the result of this epidemic and the investigations done ... will better enable us to work out the way in which to predict" an outbreak. By Louis Charbonneau and Michelle Nichols --UNITED NATIONS
Liberia aims to be Ebola-free by end-February as cases fall to 10
File - People celebrate in a street outside of West Point slum in Monrovia, Liberia (AP)
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iberia, one of the three West African countries worst hit by Ebola, could be free of the virus by the end of next month after success in curbing transmission, the government had said recently. "There are 10 confirmed Ebola cases as of the 12th of January 2015 in the whole of the country," Deputy Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah, who heads Liberia's Ebola taskforce, said. “My projection is that, if we do everything possible, we can reach zero by the end of the February." Liberia said this week
that only two of the country's 15 counties still had Ebola cases. The worst epidemic of the virus on record has killed more than 8,400 people and infected some 21,200 in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea since it was detected in March, according to WHO figures. More than 3,500 of the dead were from Liberia. An explosion in infection in the capital Monrovia in August caused international alarm, which grew after a Liberian citizen, Thomas Duncan, carried the infection to the United States the following month. (continued on page )
HealthyStart / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / Page 5
Millions in health coverage gap seek to avoid tax penalty
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tephanie Daugherty earns too much from her part-time job at a doctor’s office to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to comfortably afford one of the health plans for sale through the federally-run insurance exchange that Texas and many states use.
and more residents who fall into the coverage gap than any other state. About a million uninsured low-income working adults in Texas will be exempt from paying the penalty, according to U.S. Department of
their household income is equal to or less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $16,104 for an individual or $32,913 for a four-person household. Undocumented immigrants, prisoners and members of In-
The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that Congress cannot force states to expand their Medicaid programs.
So the 26-year-old nursing student and mother paid a $180 tax penalty — 1 percent of her annual income — to spend another year uninsured.
Jill Hanken, the director of HealthCare.gov enrollment at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, said groups like hers are communicating with volunteer tax preparers in the state to help get the word out that people who fall into the gap may be exempt from the penalty.
“I just figured it was cheaper than signing up for health insurance,” said Daugherty, whose 4-year-old son is covered by Medicaid and who limits doctor visits to an annual exam at a Planned Parenthood clinic.
“It’s a real problem in all the non-expansion states, so we’re trying to provide the best information we can,” she said.
With Sunday’s deadline to enroll through the exchange looming, Daugherty met with an exchange adviser, or navigator, at her Fort Worth community college to see if she might qualify for federal subsidies. She doesn’t, but she also learned she may not have had to pay the penalty, after all. Daugherty and millions of other low-income, working adults who fall into a so-called coverage gap — ineligible for either federal subsidies or Medicaid — may qualify for an exemption to the penalty. In Texas and nearly two dozen other conservative states that chose not to expand their Medicaid coverage under the federal health care overhaul, nonprofit groups and volunteer tax advisers are trying to help people avoid the penalty for not having insurance. “If the people who can’t afford the federal marketplace pay the penalty, that’s like being hit twice,” said Mimi Garcia, Texas director of Enroll America. Garcia said she advises navigators to make sure that people who can’t even afford the marketplace’s cheapest plans file for an exemption on their tax returns this year. Texas has the nation’s highest uninsured rate
states that did not expand it and their residents are left in this gap,” said Cheryl Parcham, the private insurance director of Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Families USA.
The penalty will rise to either 2 percent of income or $325, whichever is higher, for individuals this year, and 2.5 percent or $695 in 2016. The Treasury estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of taxpayers nationwide will file for an exemption from the penalty on their 2014 tax returns.
In this photo made Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, Affordable Care Act navigators hold an enrollment event at the Fort Worth Public Library in Fort Worth, Texas. Enrollment drives are being held across the country to help people beat the deadline to sign up for health insurance through the federal marketplace. But in Texas and more than two dozen other states where millions of people fall into a so-called coverage gap, the outreach effort has involved more than just signups. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Health and Human Services Regional Director Marjorie Petty. Nationally, about 4 million people fall into the coverage gap, according to the Kaiser Foundation. The hole has become so noticeable that the Internal Revenue Service on Monday issued a form for taxpayers in the 22 states that didn’t expand Medicaid to claim an exemption if
dian tribes are also exempt. To make a case for exemption, taxpayers must first apply for coverage through the insurance exchange. Those denied are directed to Medicaid, and if they do not qualify, they must file the tax form. The Affordable Care Act “was written assuming states were going to expand Medicaid. Now we have a situation where we have some
The exemptions will stay in place as the rollout of the health care law continues, Petty said. “People going online to try to do this, they’re running blind,” said Brendan Riley, a navigator in Raleigh, N.C. Opponents of the health care law are taking a case to the Supreme Court next month that challenges the validity of the law’s subsidies in states that have not set up their own insurance markets, which is most of them. If the court agrees with the plaintiffs, at least 6.5 million people will lose subsidies for their premiums and other costs. Most would drop coverage. --FORT WORTH, Texas (AP)
Page 6 / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / HealthyStart
wisconsin news Health Sense: UW project to address Obesity epidemic in Wisconsin
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ore than a third of Wisconsin adults are overweight, and another 39 percent are obese, according to UW-Madison researchers. A quarter of high school students in the state and nearly a third of preschoolers are overweight or obese, researchers say.
By David Wahlberg
Wisconsin State Journal Obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes, heart disease and other conditions, costs $1.5 billion in medical expenses in the state each year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. It seems appropriate, then, that the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Wisconsin Partnership Program is committing $8.6 million over five years to the Wisconsin Obesity Prevention Initiative. Organizers hope to get people to eat better and become more physically active through community engagement, social messaging, policymaking and land and transportation planning, among other steps. Part of the goal is to gather better data on childhood obesity and get groups around the state to better coordinate their efforts, said Dr. Alexandra Adams, a UW family medicine doctor organizing the initiative. “We’re not so rash as to think we’re going to have an enormous impact on the rate of obesity,” Adams said. “If you can get a leveling off ... that would be considered a huge success.” The partnership program supporting the initiative started in 2004,
This annual survey by the UW medical school, started in 2008, collects health data from willing participants around the state to track a variety of health factors. It recently found that food insecurity is nearly as prevalent in rural areas as in urban areas. Lifecourse Initiative for Health Families: This has been the partnership program’s major effort in recent years, receiving $12 million from the fund. The initiative aims to reduce infant mortality, especially among Dr. Alexandra Adams is organizing African-Americans, in Beloit, the new Wisconsin Obesity Kenosha, Milwaukee and Prevention Initiative. Racine. Statewide, deaths before age 1 are three times as using a $300 million fund created likely among blacks as among after the nonprofit Blue Cross and whites. Blue Shield United of Wisconsin became a for-profit company and In coming years, the partnership had to reimburse the state for tax program’s major effort will be the breaks. The endowment is now obesity prevention initiative. It is worth $391 million. Medical Colexpected to be formally launched lege of Wisconsin in Milwaukee next month, Adams said. has a similar fund. Over the years, UW’s partnership program has awarded 375 community, education and research grants totaling nearly $157 million. The projects target a range of health issues, from breastfeeding to services for the homeless. A few significant efforts stand out: Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine: This UW medical school program selects students mostly from rural areas and trains them in rural areas, with the hope that they’ll work in rural areas. The program, which started in 2007, expanded the medical school’s class size from 150 to 176 students each year.
Look for social media messages telling adults that everyone — from parents and teachers to police officers and city planners — can help prevent obesity, by being a role model in daily life or through efforts such as reducing crime or redesigning neighborhoods to encourage physical activity. “This is not somebody else’s issue,” Adams said. “This is everybody’s issue.” Reporter David Wahlberg explores the health care system, with an emphasis on consumers. Health Sense runs every other week. You can reach Wahlberg at dwahlberg@madison.com or 6
Survey of the Health of Wisconsin:
Healing Within: Tips to manage stress (continued from page 6) away from our innate style of eating, and it’s showing up for us in our health. The rise in digestive health issues, thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune disorders is directly related to our diet, lifestyle and environment. You've heard it over and over before — what you eat really does matter. What you put in your body affects your immune and digestive systems and your future health. Over time the compound effect of eating overly processed food reduces your chances of maintaining an optimal level of health. So what do you do with all the conflicting information and options out there? How do you know what to choose? When in doubt, go old school and keep it simple. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Stay away from the aisles with boxes, cans and bottles. Stick with the produce, meat and seafood departments. Load up on the foods
that Mother Nature intended for you to eat: foods that your body has the enzymes to break down, digest, assimilate and eliminate. Go for your green, orange and red veggies, tubers and fruits. Consume moderate amounts of grassfed meats and poultry as well as wild fish. Be sure there are no hormones, antibiotics or chemicals injected. Consume copious amounts of healthy fats. Add coconut, red palm oil, ghee, grass-fed butter, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, avocados and a small amount of raw nuts. These healthy fats are full of medium chain fatty acids that your body and your brain will use for energy vs storing them as fat. Avoid at all cost anything with hydrogenated vegetable oil, soy, canola or corn oil. These oils are have a very low smoke point and already, before using them, are oxidized during the processing of the product creating inflammation. Limit your grain consumption, es-
pecially flours and processed grains, as they too can contribute to inflammation in the body. Processed sugars should be an occasional treat, not a daily indulgence. Remember, it’s what you do in the big picture that matters. So an all-out dessert won’t hurt you as long as you are cushioning it on all ends with natural healing foods. Of course we need to take our life off the plate into consideration as well. Stress plays a huge role in our health. As adults, we too need daily time outs. Daily meditation and prayer is a great way to get centered, connected and in your body. Daily exercise not only burns fat and calories, it helps you stay focused and on track. Early morning workouts are the best way to start your day, but just get it in regardless of the time of day. Try spending more time outside. Go for a walk, run, hike, or just sit and read outside. The sun increases your vitamin D levels reducing your risk of osteoporosis
Measles Outbreak Swells to 121 Cases This Year, CDC Says
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he measles outbreak continues to grow with an additional 19 confirmed cases in the last week, bringing the total number of measles cases to 121 since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking the outbreak on Jan. 1. The outbreak is believed to have begun with a group of unvaccinated people visiting Disneyland in California in December, but it has now spread to 17 states -- the latest being Delaware, Michigan and Nevada -- according to the CDC. Last week, five babies at an Illinois daycare center were diagnosed with measles, prompting national daycare center chain KinderCare to require all staff members working with newborns to be vaccinated. Of the first 34 people with measles for whom the California Department of Public Health had vaccination records, only five had received both doses of the measles vaccine, according to the agency. One received just the first dose. Nationally, officials are seeing the same trend, said Dr. Anne Schuchat, who directs the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said during a news conference Thursday. Some of those 34 cases tracked by California may not be included in the 121 tally by the CDC because they were reported before Jan. 1. "This is not a problem with the measles vaccine not working," she said. "This is a problem of the measles vaccine not being used." The CDC is seeing more adult cases of measles than usual during this outbreak, Schuchat said, adding that children are getting and depression. And most importantly, as important as quiet time is for ourselves, make sure to invest some time the your loved ones. Try as we may to be healthy, sometimes it just gets away from us. We are overwhelmed from work, family, relationships and keeping up with daily obligations. Eventually our bookends can come loose and we need to reset and re-establish ourselves. Finding a coach, restructuring your dietary plan, taking a vacation or doing a cleanse are wonderful ways to wipe the slate clean with a fresh start. Sometimes it’s just a matter of tweaking what you’ve already got, but occasionally you really need to dig deep to see what’s going on beneath the surface to figure it all out. Let today be the day that you let go of all that’s holding you back and take back your health. Step outside
the virus, too. Cases have now been reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Washington, according to the CDC. The agency issued a health advisory on Jan. 23,
at which point the virus had only spread to six states beyond California and Mexico. The United States last year reported its highest number of measles cases in two decades, with 644 cases as part of 20 separate outbreaks. Health officials attribute the spike to a measles outbreak in the Philippines and overseas travelers. The 121 cases in the U.S. reported since Jan. 1 of this year are considered part of one outbreak. The measles virus is contagious long before symptoms appear, and it is airborne, according to the CDC. One infected person with the measles can spread it to an average of 18 other people, and it can linger in the air and live on surfaces to spread after an infected person has left a room. Complications include hearing loss, pneumonia and swelling of the brain, according to the CDC. About one or two people out of every 1,000 people infected with the measles die of the virus.
yourself and see your life from another perspective. Ask a friend or family member to, nicely, point out some imbalances in your life in a constructive way. And most importantly, be patient with yourself. Health is multifaceted and we must approach it from many angles … physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Balance is the key for which you are the master. *** (Tracy Lynn is a certified Colon Hydrotherapist, Nutritional Health Coach and the owner of the Internal Cleansing & Healing Center at 9855 Erma Road, Suite 132 in San Diego, CA 92131. She can be reached at 858-500-6596 or by email at tracy@internalcleansingandhealingcenter.com.
HealthyStart / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / Page 7
Bill Cosby’s and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Sex Lives Are the Talk of the U.S. and It’s Not Good
One woman has accused comedian Bill Cosby of drugging and raping her. Cosby never has been charged with a crime and his lawyer has denied the allegations.
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omedian Bill Cosby and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are suddenly in the headlines together because of their sex lives. Cosby cancelled three television talk-show appearances but appeared on two others after Barbara Bowman, a former actress, accused Cosby of drugging and raping her twice.The Washington Post published the article. Similar allegations have dogged Cosby for decades. Law enforcement officials have never charged Cosby with rape, and over the weekend, John P. Schmitt, Cosby’s attorney, issued a statement of denial. “Over the last several weeks, decades-old, discredited allegations against Mr. Cosby
A letter written 50 years ago this month discusses Martin Luther King, Jr.'s sex life. It is believed that F.B.I. Director J. Edgar Hoover wrote the letter. Hoover hated King.
have resurfaced. The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment,” Schmitt said. He issued the statement after Cosby, 77, refused to discuss the allegations on a taped NPR interview broadcast Saturday. Cosby remained silent and shook his head when NPR host Scott Simon asked him about Bowman’s allegations. Since the NPR broadcast, a second woman alleged that Cosby drugged and raped her twice. Joan Tashis, a writer, made her comments in the blog “Hollywood Elsewhere.” Now a letter sent 50 years ago this week to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has surfaced. The one-page typewritten correspondence, reportedly written by F.B.I. Director J. Edgar Hoover, refers to King’s acts of adultery. It is well known that Hoover despised King.
“King, look into your heart, you know you are a complete fraud and a great liability to us Negroes,” the author wrote. The writer repeatedly calls King an “abnormal animal” because of “his sexual orgies.” “You will find on the record for all time your filthy, dirty, evil companions, male and females [sic], giving expression with you [sic] to your hideous abnormalities,” said the writer. The letter is rife with grammatical and spelling errors. Though the intent of the letter is not clear, Dr. King and his confidants believed the writer wanted to shame him into committing suicide. In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and today a monument to Dr. King stands on the Mall in Washington, D.C. --www.BlackMansStreet.Today
5 natural supplements every man should take (continued from page 8) supplements for prostatitis that can be part of a holistic healing approach to managing pelvic pain and male urinary health for men of any age. Many prostate supplements work even better when combined with other prostate supplements. That is why men like the convenience of taking formulations such as Prost-P10x that contain several natural ingredients in one product. The best-researched prostate supplements include the following:
4Turmeric/curcumin 4Quercetin 4Graminex pollen extracts 4Cranberry 4Saw palmetto 4Beta-sitosterol 4Zinc 4Vitamin D 4Pygeum africanum 4DIM 4Stinging nettle 4Green tea
Another important supplement that also assists prostate health but also supports gut health and overall immunity is a quality daily probiotic designed for men. Natural testosterone support supplements When your hormonal balance gets, well, unbalanced, there are a number of supplements that can help you regain that balance to support your metabolism, libido, erectile function, energy mood and strength. The important difference between taking natural supplements and testosterone therapy is that supplements help boost your body’s natural production of testosterone, bringing it to normal, healthy levels, whereas testosterone therapy has you taking testosterone itself, which stops your body’s own production of this important hormone. Testosterone therapy can lead to dependence on the therapy and lead to other dangerous side effects. That is why a natural approach is safer and preferable. The supplements that can support your sexual health and testosterone production (plus free bound testosterone) include the following:
4L-arginine (continued on page 10)
Dr. Manny:
On Bobbi Kristina, what can happen to the brain during a near-drowning
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he tragic near-drowning incident involving Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, has sparked many questions pertaining to brain injuries. First let me express how deeply saddened I am by this unfortunate incident, and my heart and prayers go out to her family. I pray to God that this young woman, who has already
by Dr.Many Alverez endured so much tragedy in her short life, makes a full recovery from this horrific accident. As details from what may have transpired on Saturday -- when 21-year-old Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive, face down in a bathtub -- continue to emerge, many of you have written to me asking about brain injuries. While we don’t have the full details on exactly what happened to Bobbi Kristina, we do know CPR was administered and that she remains in a hospital “fighting for her life.” A source close to the situation told Fox411 that doctors have expressed that there is little they can do to help her. "It's now a matter of when the family wants to let go and accept that she's pretty much not going to make it," the source told Fox411. "They've left it up to the family as to how long they want to keep her alive." From a medical standpoint, there are some factors which must be considered in surmising what can occur in the brain during a near-drowning experience. First, we must consider how long the patient was without oxygen. Typically, if a patient has not received good oxygenation for greater than six minutes, the brain can suffer irreversible damage. What I mean by irreversible damage is that brain function can either be completely or partially disabled. When the entire brain is completely disabled, we typically refer to that as brain death – which occurs when the upper brain areas and brain stem are no longer functioning. When the brain becomes partly disabled, the patient may have some structures of the brain working, like the brain stem, but not all. We typically refer to this state as a coma. In order to differentiate between the two, physicians will conduct a full examination of the patient, which will includes checking vital signs, making note of underlying medical conditions, and considering how the brain failed to get enough oxygen, for instance was it due to a drowning, stroke, etc. The physician will then use several tests to determine the extent of brain
function. These tests typically include a full neurological examination, looking at the activity of the pupils, gag reflex, and possibly doing an apnea test – disconnecting the patient from the ventilator to see if the patient can spontaneously breathe on his or her own for several minutes. The physician will also do an electroencephalogram (EEG) test, to look for electrical activity in the brain, and conduct brain vascular imaging. At the conclusion of the analysis, doctors will determine whether there has been partial or complete brain death. Many patients who have partial brain injury and are in a coma can theoretically progress to a more stable condition and partially recover. However, complete brain death tragically means death of the being. Many people wonder why someone who has had a brain injury after they have been revived through CPR, can recover their heart function. While the heart can autonomically function as long as it is receiving oxygen, it is ultimately the brain which controls all. The brain dictates our breathing, neurological support and even our hormonal support, which ultimately regulates some of the major organs in our body including our kidneys. Without brain function, our bodies become quite vulnerable. While we don’t have the details surrounding the medical condition of Bobbi Kristina, we do know how she was found, and the dangers of injuring the brain. We can only hope that she is able to make a full recovery after this tragedy. I wish her peace in her future, and continue to pray for her health. Dr. Manny Alvarez serves as Fox News Channel's Senior Managing Editor for Health News. Prior to this position, Alvarez was a FNC medical contributor. Click here more information on Dr. Manny's work with Hackensack University Medical Center.
Page 8 / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / HealthyStart
men’s health 5 natural supplements every man should take
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upplements are important for men’s health for several reasons. No matter how hard you try and how dedicated you are to following a healthy diet, you just can’t get all the nutrients you need. This is especially true if you are fighting disease, recovering from treatment or just wanting to maintain maximum immunity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Personal Liberty Digest You have so many excuses for not getting the optimal nutrition your body needs to stay in great health. You work long hours, travel a lot, don’t have time to prepare healthy meals, eat on the run, etc. Plus, there are the everyday stressors that take a toll on everyone’s health and wear down the immune system: environmental pollutants, work-related stress, not getting enough sleep, not getting enough exercise, financial worries and other lifestyle matters. Add all this to the stress of having a disease, and you have the recipe for a compromised immune system that needs support. That is where supplements come in. Depending on which supplements you take, they can: Strengthen your immune sys-
tem, Enhance your diet, Improve your energy and sense of well-being, Help with your sexual performance, Protect against cardiovascular disease and stroke, And aid in protecting you against chronic disease. There are many supplements available. But if you had to narrow it down to the best supplements for men’s needs, the following five general types of supplements are great for promoting your heart health, prostate health, hormonal balance and sexual health. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids need to be obtained from supplements because your body cannot produce them. There are many health benefits of omega-3, including lowering cholesterol, supporting overall cardiovascular health, preventing cancer cell growth, and helping to regulate food consumption and metabolism. These essential fatty acids calm the inflammatory response in the body, helping to prevent tissue damage as well as other diseases and conditions associated with inflammation. Omega-3 is known for helping to prevent prostate cancer, and it
may also help men prevent other prostate conditions like enlarged prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA offer the most health benefits. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon, tuna, herring, sardines and trout twice a week. It also recommends that people with heart disease take 1 gram EPA+DHA and people with high triglycerides take 2 to 4 grams EPA+DHA under the care of a physician.
Turmeric/curcumin Turmeric is spicy member of the ginger family. One of its active components is curcumin, a polyphenol with many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin is also what gives curry its flavorful kick. Both turmeric and curcumin have long been used since ancient times in Indian and Chinese medicine, but thousands of modern studies around the world have uncovered the numerous health benefits of these natural ingredients. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps with many conditions, including osteoarthritis, joint pain and immune response. It has been found to help men
with depression and diabetes, and it also acts as a blood thinner. Men should take note of the studies showing that curcumin has been found to reduce well-established prostate cancer tumors and to help support prostate health for BPH and prostatitis patients. That is why many men look for prostate supplements with curcumin. Prostate supplements There are numerous prostate supplements that help promote both prostate and urinary health. Curcumin (above) is just one. Other well-researched natural ingredients can help support an
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HealthyStart / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / Page 9
women & children The hidden dangers of eyelash extensions Optometrists Advise Women Against Indiscriminate Use of Artificial Eyelashes
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o a quick web search for the term "eyelash extensions" or "fake eyelashes," and you'll come up with a slew of ads for local salons and breathless articles about the fashion trend. Even the Kardashians are selling their own brand of fake eyelashes. What you probably won't find—unless you go digging—is information on eyelash extension safety.
4. Allergic reaction. The glues in some lash adhesives contain formaldehyde, which can cause a severe allergic reaction over time that can result in oozing and crusting. Formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen. 5 Loss of eyelashes. Yes, you can end up with bald eyes! The glue can pull out your lashes or you could end up pulling them out yourself. Irritation can lead to a condition called madarosis, which causes you to tug on them. Britain's College of Optometrists also cautions that you could end up with traction alopecia, "where the hair falls out due to excessive tension placed on the hair shaft. As a result this can damage the hair follicle which can slow down and even cease production of hair." What about eyelash dyes, eyelash adornments, and growth formulas?
By Scott Nyerges ShopSmart Eyelash dyes are a big beauty don't. Currently, there are no color additives approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for dyeing or tinting eyelashes, and the FDA cautions against doing so. The dyes can cause blindness. Eyelash adornments, such as gluing tiny glass beads or crystals to the eyelash, or more extreme, attaching tiny charms to wires that are affixed to the eyelids, pose the same risks as eyelash extensions, not to mention an added hazard. "It doesn't take an expert to see trouble coming with sharp objects placed close to the eye," Avitzur says. "The risks of eyelash extensions are not only an allergic reaction to the glue [used to attach the extensions], but erosion of the inner surface of the eyelid," says Dr. Orly Avitzur, M.D., one of our medical advisors. "And that can cause permanent damage to your eyelashes."
And Latisse, which is an FDA-approved treatment for thin lashes, has potential side effects as well, including:
4Permanent changes in eye color— turning blue, green, or hazel eyes brown
Whether you go for regular old glue-on versions or fancy extensions that can cost hundreds of dollars at a salon, the risks are the same. Here are five you need to know:
4Permanently darkened eyelids 4Hair growth elsewhere on your
1. Irritation and redness.
4Lower eye pressure, which could
2. Inflammation and swelling. Check out this clip of actress Kristin Chenoweth on CNN. 3. Infection. Extensions can trap dirt and bacteria, leading to serious infections, including pink eye.
face if you’re not careful
4Itching, redness potentially mask glaucoma or other eye problems
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Study links previously unknown genetic anomalies to breast cancer in African American family members
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he "Jewels in our Genes" study, led by University at Buffalo researcher Heather Ochs-Balcom, has uncovered previously unknown segments of DNA shared by African American family members who have breast cancer. "The discovery of these regions supports our hypothesis that there are still undiscovered breast cancer genes that may be unique to African Americans," says OchsBalcom, PhD, a genetic epidemiologist in the UB Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health. "We can now focus on these specific chromosomes to learn if they house genetic mutations linked to breast cancer. "We also need to determine whether
those mutations are found in other racial groups or if they are unique to African Americans. If they are unique, it could explain why young African American women have a higher risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer compared to other groups," she says.
"Our study used linkage analysis, a powerful tool that helps to detect the chromosomal location of disease genes by examining genetic markers across the entire human genome. Our family-based gene hunt is simi-
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5 ways to combat vaginal dryness naturally!
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lthough, women might not always talk about it, but problems down there could make their life go off track for sure. This is because vaginal dryness is an extremely uncomfortable problem to deal with. There would be no signs of it on the surface but it can wreck a woman’s well-being to the core.
the vaginal cavity. The lactobacilli, present in curd and different milk products, are categorised under probiotics. Studies have shown that regular intake of food that are rich in probiotics help fight vaginal infections in pre-menopausal and postmenopausal women and in a way improve vaginal secretion to keep the area well lubricated naturally.
1. Eat foods rich in fatty acids: Some studies have shown that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid help cure dry eye syndrome. It might seem that this study has nothing to do with vaginal secretions, but some experts believe that just like these foods help in tear production they can also instigate stimulation of the vaginal area and lead to natural lubrication. So make sure you include fish in your diet as well as pumpkin, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds to combat dryness down there. Here are more reasons why you need omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Don’t miss out on vitamins: Your vitamin pills or foods rich in vitamins not only help make your skin glow, but also help to keep your vagina healthy and boost your sex life. Vitamin A, E and C can go a long way in countering vaginal dryness. There are also vaginal suppositories available in the market that contain extracts of Vitamin A and E to serve the purpose. However, if you are opposed to using them, gorge on foods that are rich in these vitamins. Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and leafy greens are good sources of vitamin A. Have a handful of peanuts, almonds sunflower seeds and make it a point to eat more spinach to get your dose of Vitamin E from foods. Remember to counter vaginal dryness, you need to include around 500 to 1000 mg of Vitamin C in your diet. So gorge on fruits like oranges, sweet limes, berries to your heart’s content.
2. Ensure regular intake of probiotics: Probiotics are often referred as ‘good’ or ‘healthy,’ bacteria that help maintain the pH balance in
4. Use natural lubricants: Now there is a host of artificial lubricants that you might find in the market that promise to deliver.
What more? It takes a toll on sex life, limiting physical intimacy while increasing chances of infection and allergies. However, there’s lot that can be done to combat vaginal dryness naturally. Here are few tips that can help to counter the problem without chemical interventions.
However, many women might be sensitive to the chemicals or develop allergies. A safe bet is to use oils that you are compatible with. Olive and coconut oil are believed to be the best oils that could provide lubrication without much fuss. Olive oil is high in squalane, a component found in human sebum and penetrates through the skin easily. Coconut oil on the other hand, has a low melting point and works the same way like olive oil. The sad part about using oil is that they not go well with latex condoms and could lead to a tear. In any case, refrain from using petroleum jelly or glycerine as a substitute to oils. Here is woman’s guide to choose the right lubricant to make sex more pleasurable. 5. Avoid smoking and drinking: You don’t need reasons to stop these vices. They are just bad for your health. Remember tobacco and alcohol can both ruin your efforts in trying to establish lubrication in the area. Smoking loads your body with toxins that deprives it of oxygen and hampers blood circulation. Alcohol on the other hand is a diuretic and has a drying effect on the vagina. For the same reason cut down on your caffeine consumption too. 6. Drink lots of water: The importance of drinking water cannot be stated enough. Apart from flushing out toxins from your body, water also helps to keep your mucous lining moistened, including your vaginal cavity. Lack of it could lead to dehydration and dryness down there. Here are seven tips to keep your vagina healthy. 7. Stay away from vaginal washes: Over-the-counter vaginal washes though promise to keep the vagina healthy and clean can sometimes do more damage than good. Chemicals in these products could alter the natural pH balance of the area and lead to vaginal dryness. It is wise to stay off them if you want to keep the area moistened without disturbing the pH balance. The best way to clean your vagina is by making a dilute solution of baking soda with lukewarm water. --Debjani Arora The HealthSite
lar to the groundbreaking study among women with European ancestry done in the early 1990s that led to the discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which greatly increase susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer." African American women can also carry the BRCA mutations, but Ochs-Balcom suspects there may be additional, undiscovered mutations linked to breast cancer in this population. "Family studies like this one have been difficult to conduct in the past," Ochs-Balcom says, "in part because it's difficult to get multiple family members to commit the time needed to participate. We found here that
approaching the recruitment of African Americans by using a multipronged approach that included collaboration from our community partnerships greatly facilitated success. She points out that African American women have a higher incidence of pre-menopausal breast cancer and a higher breast cancer mortality rate than European Americans. They also more likely to develop earlyonset cancers that are aggressive and difficult to treat. Some of these may be caused by unknown genetic anomalies that if found, could lead to early screening, detection and treatment. The study was funded by a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and is the subject of two recent papers published by
H
alle Berry is a worldrenowned beauty who just seems to get better and better with age. At 48 years old, the star has never looked so good – and it’s all down to her careful Skin Care regime. While seemingly very relaxed about ageing, even Halle Berry admits she has days where she worries about her looks. She commented: “Some days I have dark circles under my eyes, and I’m like, ‘Where did that come from?’ Some days I notice, ‘Oh, my God, I aged a little bit last night. It’s happening!’ What I try
the team in the journal Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention and the Journal of Community Genetics. It was conducted between 2009 and 2014 by researchers in the UB School of Public Health and Health Professions, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. The study examined the DNA of 106 African American families not known to carry BRCA mutations tied to hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome. Participants included 179 women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and 76 of their sisters who never had the disease.
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to do is take it all in stride – and look in my cupboard for products.” The star explained that nobody really taught her about beauty – “I think I’ve been just learning as I’ve been going along […] Seeing pictures of myself and realising what went right and what went wrong. You know, ‘I’ll do that again, I’ll stick with that’.” When asked about her beauty role models, Halle Berry names Dorothy Dandridge, Carmen Jones and Jane Fonda, on account of their natural approach to ageing. She said: “I just want to look like myself, even if that’s an older version of myself.”
5 natural supplements (continued from page 7)
Study links previously unknown genetic anomalies to breast cancer in African American family members (continued from page 9)
Halle Berry talks Skin Care and beauty inspiration
4Plant sterols like beta-sitos terol
4Tribulus terrestris 4Fenugreek 4Vitamin D 4Green tea 4Pygeum 4Gingko biloba 4Avena sativa 4Beet root 4Resveratrol All of the above ingredients can be taken together and are all included in EveryDay Male®, a male health supplement that is formulated for men who wish to promote natural testosterone levels, have more energy and better libido. Magnesium Magnesium is an important mineral that is involved in over 300 biochemical processes. Having too little magnesium is detrimental to your health. For instance, having a magnesium deficiency is also linked to some cancers.
There are many benefits of magnesium for men. Researchers have discovered that diets rich in magnesium reduce one’s risk for colon cancer and inflammatory diseases like diabetes. It also plays a possible role in curing chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Magnesium is beneficial for athletes and strong exercisers for aiding in muscle repair, preventing injury, and reducing inflammation. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium is 400 to 420 mg. Even though this list of supplements that are beneficial to every man technically provides more than five supplements, these five categories of supplements are important for supporting your health from the cardiovascular, prostate, hormonal, inflammation-fighting and immune-supporting perspectives. If you are interested in supporting your health, start with eating a healthy, wellrounded diet and then boost those benefits with therapeutic doses of supplements specifically for men. –Craig Cooper
HealthyStart / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / Page 11
UW Hospital and Clinics recognized as a national leader in hypertension treatment MADISON—The Advanced Hypertension Program at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics was recently named a Designated Comprehensive Hypertension Center by the American Society of Hypertension (ASH). The designation recognizes academic medical centers and/or large multi-specialty clinics as leaders in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure. UW’s program is now one of only 13 programs in the country, and the only program in Wisconsin, Iowa or Minnesota, to receive this recognition. The UW Health Advanced Hypertension Program comprises a multidisciplinary team of hypertension physician-experts, including cardiologists, preventive cardiologists, nephrologists, as well as consultants in endocrinology and vascular surgery. Patients receive personalized treatment plans that are delivered in collaboration with a team of nurses, nutritionists, exercise physiologists and a psychologist who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. The objective of the pro-
complicagram is to help prevent the tions that can result from hypertension, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. “Our multidisciplinary team of ex-
perts was specifically developed to detect, assess, and treat the most challenging forms of hypertension before it leads to more serious complications in our patients,” says Dr. James Stein, UW cardiologist and codirector of the program. “Being recognized as a national leader is a testament to our team’s commitment to this goal and will only serve to strengthen our position at the forefront of innovative patient care.” According to Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, approximately 67 million American adults (31 percent) have high blood pressure and only about half (47percent) of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.
ASH is the largest organization in the U.S. of hypertension researchers and health care providers committed to preventing and treating hypertension and its consequences. ASH has a domestic and international membership of basic science and clinical investigators, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, as well as individuals with a scientific interest in hypertension. --
W
Diabetes impacts entire body Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. Insulin is the hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are unusual thirst or weight loss, frequent urinations, extreme hunger, fatigue or irritability. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are any of the above symptoms or frequent infections,
cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, recurring skin, gum or bladder infections, blurred vision or numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should have your blood sugar level checked.
In addition to type 1 and type 2, Gestational Diabetes is another form of diabetes that happens during pregnancy usually around the 24th week. This does not mean that you had diabetes when you became pregnant or that you or your baby will continue to have diabetes after giving birth. However, that is a risk and it is important that you follow your doctor’s recommendations on controlling blood sugar. Diabetes left untreated can result in serious complication ranging from heart disease and stroke, high blood
pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disease and amputation. Diabetes’ impact on African Americans According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 25.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. That represents 8.3 percent of the total U.S. population. There are 18.8 million diagnosed, 7 million undiagnosed and 79 million prediabetes cases. Over 26 percent of all people 20 years and younger are diabetic. Diabetes affects 13 million men and 12.6 million women. Nearly 2 million new cases were diagnosed in 2010. Nationally, 12.6 percent of all African American are diabetic. In 2010 alone over 5.5 million African Americans were diagnosed and undiagnosed with diabetes. According to the Institute for Alternative Futures www.altfutures.org trends indicate that by 2025 those numbers will climb to over 9.5 million. Those statistics are alarming and demand our attention.
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The hidden dangers of eyelash extensions practicing good hygiene, including washing his or her hands thoroughly and wearing gloves. Lastly, if you do notice signs of infection, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
How to avoid eyelash extension complications The easiest way to prevent the risk of infection or eye irritation is to simply avoid getting eyelash extensions. If you want thicker, fuller lashes, our experts say, use mascara instead. But if you decide to use eyelash extensions, make it an occasional beauty treat. And follow these tips from the American College of Ophthalmology:
4Make sure the aesthetician who
is doing your eyelash extensions has valid certification.
4Ask to see the ingredient list on
More information on eye cosmetic safety the adhesive being used and check for potential allergens like formaldehyde.
4Make sure your aesthetician is
J
obs in the healthcare field topped U.S. News & World Report's ranking of 2015's 100 best jobs. In the overall list, which factored stress levels, growth volume and rate, median pay, employment rate and future prospects, healthcare jobs took five spots in the publication's top 10. The top healthcare jobs in hospitals and healthcare systems were:
Nurse practitioner, number two overall, a position which has high levels of autonomy, a median salary of $92,670 and projected growth of 37,000 new jobs by 2022.
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare offers programs to help manage diabetes eaton Franciscan Healthcare in association with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Association of Diabetes Education (AADE) has created two programs that offer information, education and condition management techniques for those with diabetes or who are at risk for developing diabetes. The programs are IT’S NOT DIABETES… YET, Controlling your risks for diabetes and the DIABETES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
The 5 best healthcare jobs for 2015
The FDA has an extensive list of safety tips for beauty treatments, including eyelash extensions, mascara, eye shadow and other cosmetics.
Physician, number four overall, due in large part to significant projected growth in job prospects over the next 10 years because of a looming physician shortage. Not only will the position grow by 123,300 new job openings by 2022, it comes with high salaries, with general internists earning a median salary of $186,850, according to U.S. News. Median salaries vary geographically, with the highest-paying areas including Wilmington, North Carolina; Tallahassee, Florida; and Wichita, Kansas. Physical therapist, number six overall, which is projected to grow 36 percent by 2022. The job's median salary is $81,030, with those working in home healthcare, nursing homes or schools earning the most. Registered nurse (RN), ranked at number nine, a role which FierceHealthcare previously reported will be in greater demand as healthcare shifts to a team-based model. The job's median salary is $66,220, but RNs also have higher median salaries depending on geographical area, with those in metropolitan California areas likely to earn higher salaries, according to the report. Physician assistant, ranked at number 10, which has an extremely low 1.4 percent employment rate and is expected to grow by 33,300 new jobs within the next seven years. The median annual salary in 2013 was $92,970. Jobs in the healthcare sector also rank high in a list of the loweststress jobs, according to a recent report. For example, medical records technicians were ranked as the fourth least-stressful jobs due to a combination of quick growth and quiet working conditions, FierceHealthcare previously reported.
Type 1 diabetes is most prevalent in children and young adults. It was once known as juvenile diabetes. Only 5 percent of people in the United States have type 1. It is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form representing 90 percent of all diabetes cases nationwide. Those numbers are increasing rapidly due to the rise in obesity and lifestyle choices. Type 2 diabetes is growing among African Americans In an interview with Dr. Paul Hartlaub, MD, MSPH, Family and Preventive Medicine, Medical Director of Clinical Quality, Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group, some astounding facts were revealed. As of last year, Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group was treating 9,000 patients who are known diabetics. Dr. Hartlaub services many of those patients and he estimates that nearly 20 percent of his patients have diabetes. About 70 percent of his patients are
African American. It’s not too late to control your risks Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes almost always exists prior to the onset of type 2. If you have “prediabetes,” IT’S NOT DIABETES..YET is a Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare program you should explore. It is a four week program that provides the steps to lead you to a healthier weight and lifestyle. Topics of discussion include understanding prediabetes; reducing your risk for diabetes through lifestyle changes; setting reachable goals for personal health;learning strategies for healthy eating, including smart shopping, menu planning and dining out; how to work movement into your everyday life; tracking your progress toward your goals; identifying resources and op-
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Page 12 / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 / HealthyStart
Tech Innovators Help bring Health Care to Hard-to-Reach Consumers
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– Alliance will connect black audience with targeted lifestyle and health information –
ometimes the very consumers who need health care the most are the least likely to enroll. This has been one of the challenges faced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the federal agency responsible for administering the Affordable Care Act. To meet this challenge, the agency is looking to Silicon Valley for help. This week, HHS announced an innovative collaboration efforts with tech firms PayNearMe, Monster.com, and Peers.org, to bring important Open Enrollment information low-income and other traditionally hard-to-reach communities. Monster.com, for example, is already the country's largest online platform for job seekers, counting more than 200 million registered users. The job site reaches a vast amount of unemployed and under-employed Americans -- precisely the audience that is likely to be uninsured. Through partnership with HHS , Monster.com will provide tips and advice on open enrollment through the company's blog. Similarly, Peers.org has agreed to post infor-
mation about Healthcare.gov on their website, and will host a live video chat with HHS officials to answer questions from the Peers community. Perhaps the most interesting partnership involves the electronic cash transaction company PayNearMe. PayNearMe's customer base is made up of individuals who operate in the cash economy. This includes low-income consumers and those who have limited or no access to a bank account. Almost half of this segment are people of color. The company allows the cashpreferring people to pay their monthly bills-rent, electricity, water, etc.-in cash at their local 7-Eleven and Family Dollar stores, without the high fees that generally accompany pre-paid debit cards and money orders, and with the convenience of same-day payment. Between November 15th and February 15th, the 2015 open enrollment deadline, all PayN-
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare offers programs to help manage diabetes (continued from page 11) portunities for continued success plus a focus on overall improvement in your quality of life. According to Colleen Kristbaum, MS, RD, CD, Director of Clinical Nutrition & Diabetes Management for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Southeast Wisconsin, if you are overweight, losing just 7 to 10 percent of your body weight can greatly increase your life span and reduce your risk for diabetes. Her advice is to eat healthy and stay active. It’s amazing what you can prevent. That means if you weigh 200 pounds, losing 14 to 20 pounds can greatly decrease your chance of developing diabetes. If you already have diabetes The DIABETES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM is open to people with all forms of diabetes. In a small group setting, the program offers its participants the tools, support and encouragement to effectively manage their diabetes. Wheaton Franciscan Diabetes Care has partnered with the International Diabetes Center (IDC) which connects diabetes management plans and treatments with partners worldwide to provide the most up-to-date information and treatment options. The IDC model focuses on interaction
between the patient, their physicians and diabetes educators. The Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Diabetes Management program is led by registered nurses, and registered dietitians. The Diabetes Educators are specifically trained to help patients learn and understand how to control their condition. Their sessions include topics such as: the diabetes disease process; nutrition (including carbohydrate counting); home glucose monitoring, physical activity; medications; risk reduction; coping skills and strategies and problem solving. Classes for both the prediabetes and diabetes programs are held at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare facilities in Brookfield, Brown Deer, Franklin, Milwaukee, Racine and Wauwatosa. Visit mywheaton. org or call WheatonDirect at 1- 8889WHEATON for locations and class schedules. The Diabetes Management Program is also developing a gestational diabetes program in collaboration with the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Pre-Natal Assessment Centers and the Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph Women’s Outpatient Center.
Liberia aims to be Ebola-free by end-February as cases fall to 10 However, a massive international response -- including the deployment of hundreds of U.S. troops -plus a public awareness campaign helped and infection rates have steeply declined. Nyenswah said the hotspot for Ebola transmission was now Grande Cape Mount, near the border with Sierra Leone. Progress has also been made in
novative way to literally place coverage information into the hands of traditionally hard to reach consumers because the receipts serve as proof of payment of important expenditures, and are therefore carefully scrutinized and held onto by the customers.
Sierra Leone - which has recorded the highest number of cases - and Guinea. The WHO said on Wednesday that the three countries had recorded their lowest weekly number of new cases for months. (Reporting by James Harding Giahyue; Writing by Daniel Flynn; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
As HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell put it, "These innovative companies help us to reach our consumers where they are with the information they need to sign up and reenroll in quality, affordable care through the Health Insurance Marketplace." It's a great idea. The government sector sometimes gets a bad reputation for lacking imagination and innovation. It's refreshing to see HHS step outside of Washington, D.C. to take advantage of the tech community to extend their reach and better communicate with their underserved constituents. earMe receipts printed at 7,800 7-Eleven stores nationwide will include information about upcoming enrollment deadlines and encouragement to explore tax benefits and new plans at HealthCare.gov. PayNearMe receipt reminders serve as an in-
Benjamin Todd Jealous is a Partner at Kapor Capital and former President & CEO of the NAACP. Kapor Capital is an investor in PayNearMe, and he serves as Board Observer for the company. By Benjamin Todd Jealous