Smoking and Stroke

New data from Canada suggests that smokers’ risk having strokes or mini-strokes nearly a decade earlier than non-smokers. After they reviewed the records and clinical courses of patients referred to a stroke clinic because they were at high risk after suffering either a stroke or a mini-stroke (called transient ischemic attack or TIA), investigators found that smokers were at risk at a younger age, 58, on average, as opposed to 67 for non-smokers. Habitual smoking hardens and narrows arteries and makes blood stickier, the researchers noted, and added that these changes might explain the association seen between smoking and stroke. What’s more, they concluded that quitting has a big impact on stroke risk: within 18 months to two years of putting out that last smoke, the risk of stroke declines to that of a non-smoker. The researchers looked at stroke risks among 982 patients at an Ottawa stroke prevention clinic: 718 non-smokers and 264 smokers. The findings were presented October 3 at the Canadian Stroke Congress in Ottawa.

The Diet that Really works

Before everyone wants to become thin to fit into their jeans. Now everyone wants to become thin and healthy. Weight gain has turned into a more serious problem, obesity. People are now becoming desperate to get back into shape and maintain their health. Weight loss is not just a socialite's problem but also to everyone who wants to become healthy. But with so many diet trends that have failed to become a mainstay is there anything else that works. Fortunately hoodia diet pills for weight loss does work.

It the new diet that has been featured in several television shows such as Oprah, BBC and 60 minutes. According to tests and testimonials it has proven to be safe and effective in loosing weight hassle free. It's the latest and most popular diet to come out today.

The Polymeal Concept

If you have a family history or personal history of cardiovascular disease, consider trying the "polymeal" concept. Researchers estimate that by eating combinations of specific foods that have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, you may lower your risk by as much as 76 percent.

A polymeal diet includes:

Wine: Drink about 2/3 of a cup of wine every day to help reduce heart disease by 32 percent (if you don't drink, don’t use health benefits as a reason to start.)

Fish: Eating fish four times a week can lower the risk by as much as 14 percent.

Chocolate: Enjoy about 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate daily.

Exercise May Reduce Risk of Cancer Death

Yesterday's post discussed fitness and healthy aging. Today's post further illuminates why exercise is so important.

Researchers at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis compared the physical activity of more than 150,000 men and women, using reports gathered between 1982 and 1997. The investigative team then correlated these activity levels with cancer diagnoses between 1998 and 2005, and with cancer deaths between 1998 and 2006. They found that those who exercised on a daily or near daily basis for at least 10 years had the lowest risk of dying from colon cancer. Meanwhile, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of California, San Francisco, studied the exercise habits of 2,705 men diagnosed with prostate cancer over an 18 year period. The data suggested that those who walked 90 or more minutes per week at a normal to very brisk pace had a 46 percent lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who walked less than 90 minutes per week at an easy pace. In this study, more than three hours a week of vigorous activity was associated with a 61 percent lower risk of prostate cancer death compared with men who did less than one hour a week of vigorous activity.

Drug Addiction Vs Alcoholism

A lot of people argue that alcoholism is different from drug addiction. But then, it is almost the same. Where the drug addict is addicted to drugs the drinker is addicted to alcohol. Both of them are addicted to harmful substances affecting their health and lives and the lives of those around them. The consequences and effects of both are almost the same.

Treatments for both these conditions are also pretty identical. Even though there may be a difference in the medications prescribed for both these treatments, the underlying philosophy followed to treat both these addictions are the same.

The only difference between these two is that they consider each other the worse affected of the two. While the drug addict may claim that alcoholism is worse than his habit, the drinker is convinced that alcohol is any day better than being addicted to drugs.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema (also known as dermatitis in medical terms) is a skin disease which causes coin shaped patches on the skin. It is an allergy that affects the outer layer of the skin. There are various forms of eczema and is a common disorder that can affect people of all the age, genders including the small children. The condition can become worse if it is not taken care of at the right time. Eczema symptoms indicate that something is not quite right with our immune system, and should be treated immediately.

The severity of eczema can vary from person to person and so do the treatments vary depending on the intensity of the disorder. The exact cause of the eczema is still unknown, but it can elevate with the use of harsh soaps, detergents or even by using synthetic clothing materials like wool etc. Sudden climatic change can also aggravate the rashes and the redness of the infected skin. Medical allergies can aggravate the disease but are not the cause for eczema. Applying high- powered prescribed medicines can bring the situation under control.

Smoking Effects on Health

SMOKING: EACH PUFF IS POISON

Smoke from each cigarette contains 4000 chemicals, of which 400 are poisonous and 40 causes the lung cancer.

Nicotine – Stresses heart. Causes Cancer Pressure and addiction (as bad as heroin or cocaine)

Carbon monoxide – Reduces the amount of oxygen in body.

Irritants – Same as those in floor cleaner, insecticide, mothballs.

Smoking Is Proven To Cause

Cancer of the lungs and many other organs

Heart attacks

Chronic lung diseases like bronchitis and emphysema

Smoking Also Increases Risk Of

Blood vessel disease which leads to gangrene

High blood pressure, strokes and diabetes

Ulcers in the stomach and intestines

Best Tips for Better Sleep

Good sleep strategies are essential to deep, restorative sleep you can count on, night after night. By learning to avoid common enemies of sleep and trying out a variety of healthy sleep-promoting techniques, you can discover your personal prescription to a good night’s rest.

The following tips can help you achieve sleep and the benefits it provides.

Avoid oversleep- Don't oversleep to make up for a poor night's sleep. Doing so for even a couple of days can reset your body clock and make it harder for you to sleep at night.

Associate your bed and bedroom with sleep and sex only- Don't watch TV, eat, or read in bed. Although these things help some people sleep, they can also give your brain the idea that bed isn't just for sleeping - and this can keep you awake.

Smart Ways to Be Healthy

A healthy lifestyle cannot be achieved by running on treadmills or eating salads everyday. Refreshing mood, good quality of sleep, healthy lifestyle and many other activities that are full of fun and pleasure are also good for your health and fitness. The following smart ways can further add 20-30 years more to your life span.

Spend Time with Friends

A social and romantic life is a guaranteed joy. It has a huge impact on your health and happiness. Learn to spend quality time with your good friends.

Start a New Diet

Trying a new diet will become a reason to boost up your health and energy level. Try to eat whatever works for you.

Drink Cranberry Juice And Enjoy Cranberry Juice Benefits

Cranberry juice is derived from a type of berry that has small red fruits. Like other fruit juices, this also offers many health benefits especially if you drink the recommended amount of this juice on a daily basis. Following is the list of the top cranberry juice benefits that you may reap:

1. Cranberry juice is found to be effective in preventing the occurrence of urinary tract infection. One study indicates that this natural juice ensures that E. coli bacteria cannot initiate infection. This is due to the anthocyanidins, which are flavonoids, contained in cranberry juice.

2. Cranberry juice benefits are aplenty and one of these I preventing cancer development with phytochemicals and antioxidant.