A quick and simple breath test can diagnose stomach cancer, study findings reveal.

Scientists from Israel and China found the test was 90% accurate at detecting and distinguishing cancers from other stomach complaints in 130 patients.

The British Journal of Cancer says the test could revolutionize and speed up the way this cancer is diagnosed.

About 7,000 UK people develop stomach cancer each year and most have an advanced stage of the disease.

Two-fifths of patients survive for at least a year, but only a fifth are still alive after five years, despite treatment.

Currently doctors diagnose stomach cancer by taking a biopsy of the stomach lining using a probe and a flexible camera passed via mouth and down the gullet.

The new test looks for chemical profiles in exhaled breath that are unique to patients with stomach cancer.

Volatile organic compounds

Cancer appears to give off a signature smell of volatile organic compounds that can be detected using the right technical medical kit – and perhaps even dogs.

The science behind the test itself is not new – many researchers have been working on the possibility of breath tests for a number of cancers, including lung.

But the work by Prof Hossam Haick, of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, suggests it is a good way to spot stomach cancer.

In the study, 37 of the patients had stomach cancer, 32 had stomach ulcers and 61 had other stomach complaints.

As well as accurately distinguishing between these conditions 90% of the time, the breath test could tell the difference between early and late-stage stomach cancers.

The team are now running a bigger study in more patients to validate their test.

Kate Law, director of clinical research at Cancer Research UK, said: “The results of this latest study are promising – although large scale trials will now be needed to confirm these findings.

“Only one in five people are able to have surgery as part of their treatment as most stomach cancers are diagnosed at stages that are too advanced for surgery. Any test that could help diagnose stomach cancers earlier would make a difference to patients’ long-term survival.”

To read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21671455

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The latest research found that women age 75 and younger are dying at higher rates than previous years in nearly half of the nation’s counties—many of them rural and in the South and West. Curiously, for men, life expectancy has held steady or improved in nearly all counties.

The study is the latest to spot this pattern, especially among disadvantaged white women. Some leading theories blame higher smoking rates, obesity and less education, but several experts said they simply don’t know why.

Women have long outlived men, and the latest numbers show the average life span for a baby girl born today is 81, and for a baby boy, it’s 76. But the gap has been narrowing and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown women’s longevity is not growing at the same pace as men’s.

The phenomenon of some women losing ground appears to have begun in the late 1980s, though studies have begun to spotlight it only in the last few years.

Trying to figure out why is “the hot topic right now, trying to understand what’s going on,” said Jennifer Karas Montez, a Harvard School of Public Health sociologist who has been focused on the life-expectancy decline but had no role in the new study.

Researchers also don’t know exactly how many women are affected. Ms. Montez says a good estimate is roughly 12%.

The study, released Monday by the journal Health Affairs, found declining life expectancy for women in about 43% of the nation’s counties.

The researchers, David Kindig and Erika Cheng of the University of Wisconsin, looked at federal death data and other information for nearly all 3,141 U.S. counties over 10 years. They calculated mortality rates for women age 75 and younger, sometimes called “premature death rates,” because many of those deaths are considered preventable.

Many counties have such small populations that even slight changes in the number of deaths produce dramatic swings in the death rate from year to year. To try to stabilize the numbers, the researchers computed some five-year averages. They also used statistical tricks to account for factors like income and education.

They found that nationwide, the rate of women dying younger than would be expected fell from 324 to 318 per 100,000. But in 1,344 counties, the average premature death rate rose, from 317 to about 333 per 100,000. Deaths rates rose for men in only about 100 counties.

“We were surprised” by how much worse women did in those counties, and by the geographic variations, Mr. Kindig said.

The study wasn’t the first to reach those conclusions. Two years ago, a study led by the University of Washington’s Christopher Murray also looked at county-level death rates. It too found that women were dying sooner, especially in the South.

Some other studies that focused on national data have highlighted steep declines in life expectancy for white women who never earned a high-school diploma. Meanwhile, life expectancy seems to be growing for more educated and affluent women. Some experts also have suggested smokers or obese women are dragging down life expectancy.

The Murray and Kindig studies both spotlight regional differences. Some of the highest smoking rates are in Southern states, and the proportion of women who failed to finish high school is also highest in the South.

“I think the most likely explanation for why mortality is getting worse is those factors are just stronger in those counties,” Dr. Murray said, adding that abuse of Oxycontin and other drugs also may add to the problem.

Some also think the statistics could reflect a migration of healthier women out of rural areas, leaving behind others who are too poor and unhealthy to relocate. That would change the rate, and make life expectancy in a county look worse, explained Bob Anderson of the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics

“We shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that more people are getting sicker in these geographic areas than previously,” he said.

But that is open to debate. Migration didn’t seem to affect male death rates. Dr. Murray disagrees with the theory, saying he has tracked a great deal of movement from urban areas to less-populated counties.

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323494504578340732591601900.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories

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Most people might expect to see IV drips in hospitals, and emergency rooms, but they are routinely showing up in spa settings as well.

“You walk in and you get it and you’re relaxing in a chair,” Valerie Yost said.

Yost, a patient at an IV clinic, recently told CBS 2′s Kristine Johnson that she was looking for an energy boost.

“When you walk out you’re just fresh and ready for what the day brings you,” she said.

Other patients said they hope that the combination of vitamins and minerals will help cure their exhaustion.

“I’ve been really feeling very fatigued,” Elwanda Young said.

Yost and Young are part of a growing trend of people who seek out customized, intravenous cocktails at wellness centers and spas across the country. Experts told CBS 2 that the formula of vitamins and minerals could provide instant relief for a number of ailments.

“It’s applicable to many different ailments; dehydration, sunburns, poor nutrition, extreme activity, or even hangovers,” said Dr. Johnny Parvani of Reviv Medical Spa.

Experts say IV therapy was introduced 50 years ago. Today it is used as a complimentary treatment for everything from arthritis to asthma, Dr. Marcia Harris explained.

“It actually works at the cellular level,” she said. “When you take something orally it has to get metabolized and then it get into the blood stream, and by that time there’s no telling how much you’re actually getting.”

As the treatments catch on and become more popular, they are not without their critics.

“The amount of drug that is available immediately to the system is greater with intravenous, that is true, however it doesn’t insure safety or need or value,” explained Yale Department of Emergency Medicine Chair Gail D’Onofrio.

D’Onofrio told CBS 2 that there is no scientific research that supports the use of IVs for conditions like jet lag and sunburn, and that the therapy is not without risks.

“They range from as simple as inflammation to the vein, to more complex complications such as an infection,” D’Onofrio explained.

Doctors in the growing field counter that it is no different from an IV drip administered at a hospital, and that every patient goes through a thorough medical screening first.

“These therapies are extremely safe,” Parvani said.

Treatments can cost up to $400, and should always be administered by a medical practitioner.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/02/25/seen-at-11-iv-drips-are-the-latest-rage-but-are-they-safe/

Lack of sleep ‘switches off’ genes

One week of bad sleep can “switch off” hundreds of genes and raise the risk of a host of illnesses including obesity and heart disease, scientists claim.

Studies have also shown a lack of sleep can lead to cognitive impairment Photo: Alamy

By Nick Collins, Science Correspondent

The week of sleep deprivation was found to have altered the function of 711 genes, including some involved in metabolism, inflammation, immunity and stress.

Inadequate sleep also interfered with genes which are designed to become more or less active at certain points in the day, by throwing off the body’s 24-hour internal clock.

Although a week’s normal sleep was enough to restore the affected genes to their normal pattern, researchers said that prolonged periods of sleeplessness could lead to serious health problems including obesity and heart disease.

Studies have also shown a lack of sleep can lead to cognitive impairment, for example limiting our ability to drive a car safely.

Prof Colin Smith, one of the authors of the new paper, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, said: “This is only a week of sleep restriction and it is only five and a half or six hours a night. Many people have that amount of sleep for weeks, months and maybe even years so we have no idea how much worse it might be.

“If these processes continue to be disrupted, you could see how you are going to get impairment of organs, tissues, heart disease, obesity, diabetes. If you are not able to replenish cells and tissues that are damaged then you are going to suffer permanent ill health.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9892792/Lack-of-sleep-switches-off-genes.html

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OK, what to look for in a fruit juice.

I know, totally random, but like one of my first posts about sleep…sometimes I do that

I got started thinking about it when I was drinking juice today…

straight from the container

again.

When I noticed this:

ahh maybe you can’t see it too well.

It says “42% Juice”

“well crap”

was my original thought.

So I decided to do some research.

Here are, I think, 3 of the most important things to look for:

• contains “100% fruit juice”
• includes puree or pulp
• is “USDA organic”

Why?

-100% fruit juice doesn’t need sweeteners…fruit is sweet all on it’s own

-pulp has more fiber and less effect on blood sugar

-organic juice avoids concentrating pesticides

Try these juice alternatives:

flavored water..not the kind you buy! throw a couple of frozen strawberries in a water bottle, or keep a pitcher of water in your fridge. The frozen fruit triples as “water flavoring”,  ice cubes, and a healthy snack once it’s thawed!

-green tea- it’s calorie-free (if you have it without milk or sugar) and naturally high in antioxidants

-soy milk- naturally sweet and are now offered in a variety of flavors, including almond and vanilla. The benefits show that soy milk may reduce your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis. Look for low-fat, unsweetened soy beverages to reduce calories

If you must drink juice- try just adding a splash of it to your water. You’ll get the flavor without the sugar or calories.

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My two year old and I just got done making homemade dog treats for our little pug-dachshund mix, Fenway. Branden and I have made her dog treats before but I can’t find the recipe for the life of me so we just created a new one!

We used:

water

peanut butter

carrots

whole wheat flour

Rolled into little balls and baked at 350 degrees for like, 30 minutes. We’ll see if we have to keep them in longer but that’s the game plan

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Get your blogging platform with Empower by clicking on any of the banners and entering your email address.

Our members can access their leads and team data, and use Empower Network as a vehicle to build whatever business they want on the back end. Empower Network is the perfect affiliate marketing system to grow a network marketing or online business, fast, and will allow you to quickly and efficiently learn the skills you need, minus the fluff …and earn large 100% commissions to fund your lifestyle or business ventures.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I will be doing something and a random question pops into my head. This was one of them. What the heck is the difference between jelly, jam and preserves? And it got me wondering which is the best. So here it is:

Jelly: the “fruit” in jelly comes in the form of fruit JUICE not actual fruit

Jam: made with fruit juice and fruit pieces pureed

Preserves: made with whole chunks of fruit

So what is better for you? I started by doing some research online but couldn’t find any adequate answers as to which is better and why. So, I decided to do my own research!

Now first off, I know that there are other “fruit jelly-like options” like fruit butter or chutney. However, jelly, jam and preserves all have standards established by the Food and Drug administration, so I figured I’d stick with those.

So I decided to search my mother’s kitchen for any of these three items because for some reason, at any point, there could be all three. I found preserves and jelly. From a quick glance at the nutrition facts, they are very similar. There’s about a 10 calorie, 5 grams of sugar difference with preserves being the healthier choice.

By going through the ingredients list, preserves seems to be a little healthier..but not by much. Keep in mind that when you look at an ingredients list, the first ingredient is what there is the most of in that product. So when comparing products, you want to take the first two to three ingredients and basically compare those.

In true “preserves fashion” (remember, made with whole chunks of fruit), the first two ingredients in the store brand red raspberry preserves are red raspberries and high fructose corn syrup. For Smucker’s Red Raspberry Jelly, it was red raspberry juice then high fructose corn syrup. For jam, it was the same as the raspberry preserves.

So, my personal conclusion- it doesn’t really matter. It will come down to your personal preference. Remember, I only compared one of each. My personal preference is preserves, it is what I use in my household, but again, really the only difference between the three is what his listed above.

So enjoy! (In moderation!! )

PS- if you want more help reading nutrition labels, view my article about them here.

So why do some weight loss programs fail?

1.) “Diets” are short-term fixes. I would say that when 99% of people want to lose weight, they don’t say, “I want to lose 20 lbs  and then put it back on in 6 months, and then lose 20 lbs again.” No, you want it to get rid of it for good. When you’re considering a program, picture yourself doing it for the long haul. Can you picture yourself taking that pill or drinking that shake for a month? Two months? Forever? What about with exercise?

2.) They can make you sick or hungry. Programs that severely limit certain kinds of foods from your diet can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body which can end up making you sick. And they can make you hungry. You don’t want to just cut calories, you want to create a calorie deficit which means you are burning more calories than you are taking in. This is where exercise comes in. By adding exercise you are boosting your metabolism which puts your body in “fat-burning mode” and helps you slim down and/or cut up.

3.) You end up exhausted. When you are on a diet that requires you to cut calories or certain foods from your diet, you don’t have enough energy to complete every day tasks, let alone trying to workout on top of it! And if you cut too many calories, you actually slow down your metabolism which can make it harder to lose weight

4.) Diets are freakin hard! Now I’m not saying that good nutrition and exercise isn’t going to be hard. It will be, but I know at least for me, counting calories, starving myself, being exhausted and then finding myself binging on crap food and feeling guilty is just going to make me feel worse instead of better. And I know I won’t get very far because if you’re anything like me, you’ll give up.

So what do you need to do to get it off and KEEP it off?

To lose weight and keep it off, you need realize that just like anything, it’s going to take work and commitment. If you take a pill for two weeks to help you lose weight, but haven’t changed any of your nutrition or exercise habits, what do you think will happen when you stop taking that pill?

Whether you want to hear it or not, you need to make a lifestyle change. I am not saying you need to revamp everything at once- some people can do that and some can’t. Sometimes you need to do things one at a time!

If you are looking to lose weight and get healthy, look for programs that encourage that. Don’t sacrifice nutrition for weight loss, and don’t leave out the exercise component. Subscribe to my free newsletter here on the right. You’ll get a weekly “challenge” to strive for better health. Try one each week or when you find one that works stick with it and make it a part of your lifestyle. It can be something as simple as use smaller plates! You’ll also get a quick and healthy recipe to try.

I also recommend checking out this page and the reviews. It’s the program I recommend and the one I used to drop over 30 lbs and two years later, I still use everyday for weight management and proper nutrition. The workout DVDs are great to do right at home, or if you’re traveling they are easy enough to bring! When I first started making some health changes I used workout DVDs 2-3 times a week and gradually increased my workout intensity from there.

Aug. 2010: 161 lbs                 Nov. 2010: approx 130 lbs              August 2011: 130 lbs

(sorry they are a little blurry!)

July 2012: 125 lbs

Recently, I saw a  list of “toddler superfoods”. Granted, I’m sure this list probably changes every year..but if the items listed provide important nutrients for a toddler…wouldn’t they have important nutrients for me too? When it comes to wellness, I don’t need all the “fluff”. Tell me what’s good, why it’s good and give me an easy way to incorporate it into my diet and I’m golden. Just make it easy. Oh, and try  make it quick. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to spend a ton of time cooking a new dish that may or may not be total crap. Some nights I’d consider a bowl of cereal and glass of wine a fine dinner- but I digress. Here’s the list (it comes from Parenting.com) . Below that are some easy ways to incorporate the items into your diet. Enjoy!

Eggs- contains the obvious protein, but the Vitamin D in eggs help you feel fuller longer.

Oatmeal- Foods that are high in fiber (like oatmeal) are digested slowly so you have a steady stream of energy

Fruit- each “color” fruit has a variety of different nutrients. So strive to eat fruits of different colors

Nuts- have healthy fats. In children and adults, they can provide you with that extra energy “kick”

Milk- for this I’d go soy if possible. Soy milk has less calories, less sugar and more calcium. Unfortunately it does have a little less protein too (6g vs 8g)

Blueberries- protects against heart disease and diabetes,  improves brain function, and may help reduce “toxic” belly fat that has been linked to obesity

Tofu- a lean protein w. anti-cancer benefits

Tomatoes- filled with lycopene which, again, helps guard against cancer

Low-Fat Greek Yogurt- has at least 2x more protein than regular yogurt, and has 1/2 the amount of sugar. Yogurt in general has healthy bacteria that helps boost immunity and aid in digestion

Cruciferous Veggies- (cabbage, broccoli) lower the risk for many types of cancer and improve digestion

Salmon- has Omega 3 fats (good fats) which are good for brain development, warding off depression and are an anti-inflammatory

Cocoa- “cocoa powder actually has one of the highest concentrations of flavonoids, a compound known to improve blood pressure and heart and oral health. They may also protect skin from sun damage. Use at least 70 percent pure cocoa and check that it isn’t processed with alkali (also called “Dutch processed”), which removes most of the flavonoids.” (Parenting.com)

Black Beans- the darker the color, the better they are. A great source of protein, fiber and calcium

Basil- filled with antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, K) and has iron, potassium and calcium. Basil actually helps with digestion

Cinnamon- helps regulate blood sugar and can help you avoid those energy crashes

Snack ideas:

- Low-fat Greek Yogurt with blueberries (or another fruit) and cinnamon/cocoa powdered sprinkled on top

- Oatmeal with fruit and cinnamon/ cocoa powder sprinkled on top

Healthy Salmon Salad (opposed to tuna salad)

1 pound prepared pizza dough, preferably whole-wheat
1/2 cup prepared pesto
4 ripe plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, torn
1.) Heat grill to medium-high.
2.) Meanwhile, place dough on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch round crust, about 1/4 inch thick. Place crusts on a floured baking sheet. Carry crusts and toppings out to the grill.
3.) Lay crusts on grill (they won’t stay perfectly round). Cover grill and cook until crusts are lightly puffed and undersides are lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
4.) Using tongs, flip crusts. Immediately spread pesto over crusts. Top with tomatoes. Sprinkle with feta and pepper. Cover grill and cook until the undersides are lightly browned, about 3 minutes more. Sprinkle with basil and serve immediately.

Black Bean Burgers

www.myrecipes.com

Prep: 20 minutes

Yields: 4

Ingredients

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
Cooking spray
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
4 (1 1/2-ounce) hamburger buns
Dill sprigs (optional)

1.) Place beans in a large bowl; partially mash with a fork. Stir in breadcrumbs and next 5 ingredients (breadcrumbs through egg). Divide bean mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty.
Prepare grill (or can be done on stovetop)
2.) Place patties on grill rack (or in frying pan) coated with cooking spray; grill 5 minutes on each side or until thoroughly heated. Place on bun. Garnish with dill sprigs, if desired.

According to the Midwest Center for Stress Control, the average adult has 300 negative thoughts per day, about one every 2 ½ minutes.

Negative feelings are associated with increases in adrenaline and cortisol, higher blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels and problems in the immune system. Constant feelings of anger, insecurity, anxiety, worry, and jealousy (among many more) not only trigger aches, pains, or digestive problems in the body but can also lead to chronic disease conditions and a shorter life span.

“These studies that suggest our bitter and grumpy feelings can have a physical manifestation is something that energetic medicine has known for a long time – it is essential to connect on a conscious level with our physical bodies and register how our fluctuating moods can affect how we physically feel.” [huffingtonpost.co.uk]

So what can we do to improve our thinking and in-turn, improve our health?

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life

1. Write it down and let it go- write down every negative thought you have. There is something therapeutic about “journaling” your pet peeves; putting them on paper and then “closing the book” on them.
2. Constructive criticism- ask a couple people who you trust what you could do to improve your attitude
3. Begin using positive self-talk every time you have a negative thought. Instead of getting mad at yourself for eating that piece of chocolate cake, vow to do better tomorrow!
4. Affirmation techniques- In one of the many personal developments books I’ve read, it said to think of a goal and write it down; phrasing it like you are already actively doing it. Make sense? Here’s a couple examples of goals:

   * Mental Goal: “I enjoy reading self-improvement books and listening to personal development podcasts weekly.” Or it could be something like, “I enjoy my job and co-workers. I am a positive influence on the people around me and enjoy lifting people up.”* Family Goal: “I enjoy traveling with my family and spending quality time together.” Or maybe, “I enjoy spending my Saturdays doing day trips or events with my family.”

   * Financial Goal: “My business is constantly growing and I am reaching and helping more and more people through it.” Or I am putting $100 a month into savings for my children.”

   * Professional Goal: “With my Herbalife success, I have created a solid customer base and am able to spend more time volunteering and doing things I love.”

   * Community Support Goal: “Now that I am making over $10,000 a month, I enjoy supporting a variety of non-profits financially and through time commitments.”

   * Social Goal- “I am friendly and outgoing and enjoy looking my best.”

   * Spiritual Goal- “I am committed to being the most caring and understanding human being I can be. I choose love and understanding instead of judge, hate or discriminate.”

   * Physical Goal- “I enjoy exercising three days a week and eating healthy to fuel my body and mind.”

   Try this, think of a goal you’d like to reach for each of these categories. Grab 8 index cards, put the category at the top and write your goal as if you are already living it out. Carry the cards with you and look at them often. Keeping in the for-front of your mind how you’re striving to “be better” will help you actually become “better”. As you accomplish your goals, set new ones! Thpastat is how you will continue to grow as  a person!

5. Let the past be the past. You cannot change what has already happened, but you can prevent it from happening in the future. Forgive yourself for the past but be determined to not let it happen in the future.
6. Personal development- read a good book. Seriously, I mean it. Dani Johnson, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, etc. Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, sign up for their email lists, listen to their podcasts, etc. Don’t want to sign up for all these different things? Sign up here . On the right-hand side there’s a place to put your name and email address (I know it says it’s for a social media book, whether you will use that or not just sign up anyway). You’ll get weekly emails with 2 motivational quotes and a motivational YouTube video that run about 5-10 minutes in length. Great way to keep you positive throughout the week!
7. Get some exercise- schedule some exercise into your daily routine. If work is the primary source of your thinking negatively and negative feelings, do a couple laps around the building on your lunch break. Kids driving you up a wall? Get them outside and take them for a walk (plus the fresh air/ exercise will help tire them out )
8. Clean house- no, not literally “clean your house” but get rid of all those negative people in your life (aka picture below)

   

…Then there’s lunch itself. He has it down to a science — another in a series of small efficiency measures. Every day, Saban sits at this very table and works through his lunch hour while eating the same exact meal: a salad of iceberg lettuce and cherry tomatoes topped with turkey slices and fat-free honey Dijon dressing. No time wasted studying a menu.

…He has a plan for everything. He has a detailed program for his players to follow, and he’s highly regimented. Above all, Saban keeps his players and coaches focused on execution — yes, another word for process — rather than results.” [CNN]

Those are just a few paragraphs from the actual article.Definitely take the time to read it here: http://money.cnn.com/2012/09/07/news/companies/alabama-coach-saban.fortune/index.html

But what if we approached life this way? Not just business or sports, but every aspect of life? Set goals and devised detailed programs on how to execute them? In the article it goes on to talk about how Nick Sabin holds “what if” meetings: ‘what if this were to happen?’ ‘What if this doesn’t go according to plan?’ By planning ahead and analyzing how each situation could potential unfold, you are eliminating the risk of losing ground..whatever the goal may be. Checks and balances will help keep you on track and remind you that there will be consequences for breaking “the plan”

Here are some examples:

Goal 1: To workout at the gym 4 of the 5 weekdays for an hour

Situation 1: What if I only get to the gym  3 of the 4 days?

Solution A: I use Saturday or Sunday and go to the gym

Solution B: I do a workout video at home

Solution C: I take the dog for an hour walk instead of a 15 minute walk

Goal 2: To allow one serving of “sweets” a day in my diet (candy, cookies, soda, etc)

Situation 1: I over-indulged in the free breakfast at work

Solution A: I add 10 minutes of cardio for every extra 100 calories consumed

Solution B: I forgive myself and vow to stay on track for the rest of the week

…etc etc..you get the point? I’m not claiming those are the best examples, or the best solutions, but just to get you thinking!

• Apples: (the forgotten fall fruit!) In the Northern Hemisphere they’re harvested late summer through fall.
• Arugula
• Broccoli:  It is more sweet, less bitter and sharp when harvested in the cooler temperatures of fall in most climates.
• Cranberries
• Edamame
• Figs: have a short season in late fall ending in time for Thanksgiving
• Garlic: another that can be harvested year-round but is sweetest in the fall season
• Pears
• Peppers
• Pumpkin
• Winter Squash
• Zucchini

* Musculoskeletal System- Stress causes muscles to tense up (think of phrases like, ‘I carry stress in my neck, shoulders, etc) which can lead to tension migraines and muscle discomforts

* Cardiovascular System- when you experience ”temporary stress” like a phone conversation or being stuck in traffic, your heart rate increases and there are stronger contractions of your heart muscles. When you repeatedly experience these episodes of stress it can lead to a heart attack.

* Memory Loss- stress can cause more frequent episodes of forgetfulness

* Bowels- stress can affect how quickly (or slowly) food moves through your body. You may end up with diarrhea or constipation.

* Frequent changes in temperament- stress can cause you to freak out, cry and have mood swings. AKA: not good. It’s a sign that your brain chemistry is being toyed with.

* Carb Cravings- I’m sure this isn’t new to you- but stress can cause you to “crave” sugary or salty foods. Go figure, huh? Bad news: in addition to the weight gain you’ll have from eating these foods, they will actually trigger the release of more stress hormones. Put down the potato chips and gallon of ice cream…

sources: http://www.stress-management-for-health.com/physical-effects-of-stress.html

http://quickbase.intuit.com/blog/2012/08/21/5-hidden-effects-of-stress/

Schools that had strict rules above and beyond the federal nutrition standards have even lower rates of obesity than those that do not.

In states that have consistently strong laws in elementary and middle school, nearly 39 percent of fifth-graders were overweight when the study began. That dropped to 34 percent in eighth grade. About 21 percent of fifth-graders were obese, declining to about 18 percent in eighth grade. (Redorbit)

Schools are trying to take old recipes, say pizza, and lighten them up with healthier ingredients, like whole grain crust, or substituting bagels for parfaits. Some schools are also doing “taste testing” to eliminate waste and provide food options that appeal to students.

Full article: http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112674460/nutrition-laws-school-081312/

It’s the “World’s First Gym Membership For The Mind” and seriously, we should all have it.

Zig Ziglar says in his book, See You At The Top:

If I were to come into your home with a pail of garbage and dump it on your living room floor, we would have problems—fast. The person who dumps garbage into your mind will do you considerably more harm than the person who dumps garbage on your floor, because each load of mind garbage negatively impacts your possibilities and lowers your expectations.

You are what you are and where you are because of what’s gone into your mind. You can change what you are, you can change where you are, by changing what goes into your mind.

As individuals we need to work out cleaning our mind and slowing it down. The benefits? Changes in stress levels, anxiety levels, focus and actually improve your immune system.

Check it out at: www.getsomeheadspace.com

]]> http://www.meetcasey.com/destress-app/feed/ 1337 http://www.meetcasey.com/fatty-duck-livers-delicacy-insight-health/ http://www.meetcasey.com/fatty-duck-livers-delicacy-insight-health/#comments Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:32:40 +0000 admin http://www.meetcasey.com/?p=820 ↓ Read the rest of this entry...]]> To view the full article: http://host.madison.com/entertainment/dining/nutrition-duck-livers-can-teach-us-much-about-our-health/article_bbb650b8-dda5-11e1-912a-001a4bcf887a.html?comment_form=true

In this article, Dr. Janet Droessler talks about “foie gras” which is basically a duck’s fatty liver. Apparently it’s considered a delicacy, and to put it “nicely” ducks and geese are overfed for 2 weeks- increasing the weight of their liver from 3 oz to 35 oz and increasing the animal’s fat content from 7% to 56%.

I’m not sharing this to be cruel, but the point that Dr. Droessler makes is that, as humans, we “overfeed” on a constant basis.

“At about 3 pounds, it is our largest internal organ. It performs more than 500 vital functions. It metabolizes fats, carbohydrates and proteins; stores vitamins, minerals and sugars; filters the blood and removes harmful substances, manufactures blood clotting factors and much more. The liver is the only internal human organ that can regenerate. Until more than 75 percent of it has been damaged, we may not even notice a problem. We can’t survive without this resilient powerhouse…

…Chronic overnourishment causes problems for us, too. Prolonged excessive intake of carbohydrates, specifically fructose, combined with excessive calories, overwhelms the liver and can lead to inappropriate fat storage and fatty liver disease. Although, we don’t know what causes the disease to progress to inflammation, scarring and failure or exactly how much fructose is excessive, we do know that we are pushing our livers beyond capacity…

…The good news for all of us (ducks, geese, and humans) is that it is possible to completely reverse fatty liver disease by eating differently.”

[Wisconsin State Journal]

Just another example of  why it’s “better late than never” to start healthy eating habits!

image from: http://www.drsharma.ca/obesity-reducing-liver-fat-does-diet-composition-matter.html

In case you haven’t noticed, healthy eating and healthy living is “in” and with it comes this spice trend. More and more people are turning to spices to enhance their meals instead of sugar and salt.

“Americans love flavorful foods,” says Tammy Katz, chief executive at Katz Marketing Solutions, a food and beverage marketing consulting firm in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, “nutritionally conscious consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits of these spices.” Because spices add flavor, there’s no need to overload food with sugar or salt. And some spices like ginger and turmeric are thought to benefit digestion and decrease inflammation, respectively, Katz says. (Entrepreneur.com)

Spices provide anti-inflammatory benefits, act as anti-oxidants, balance blood sugars, and can improve circulation as well as cardiovascular health. Best of all, these crucial benefits are available to all without needless fat and calories.

Here is a list of spices from Smith & Truslow (http://www.smithandtruslow.com/health_benefits.php) and their health benefits:

A study was done with 40 women going through menopause, none of whom were on hormone replacement therapy and none of the women had a history of osteoporosis. The women had their blood taken at the beginning of the trial, then asked to “refrain from consuming alcohol” for 2 weeks. At the end of the two weeks their blood was taken again- the results showed a decrease in bone density.

Immediately following the 2 week abstinence trial, researchers gave each woman a specific amount of alcohol drink. Again, their blood was tested. The results showed a decrease in bone turnover.

More research is needed, but talk to your doctor about the latest developments in research!

Changing the Face of Athletic Wear

Casey caught up with Ben Wood, the Head Coach and CEO of ViewSPORT to discuss sweat activated apparel.

Can you begin by telling us how the idea of ViewSPORT started?

ViewSPORT®began as an idea during long workouts. Having no real measure of the work done during each workout, the idea of a shirt that shows a design when you sweat was born. But how was Sweat Activated Technology created? The technology was developed at a workbench in 2009 by Ben Wood, chemist and Head Coach.

How did this dream become a reality?

Hard work. Ingenuity. And a support network of friends, family, and creative minds that believed in the product.

Who uses ViewSPORT?

Anyone working out – in the gym, at home or in a training camp – that wants to see results. That’s why they do it. But to get results, you need to push yourself. ViewSPORT is for athletes and serious exercisers who push themselves during workouts and take pride in that. The trendsetters and early adopters of the next new thing. Generally, anyone 17-35 male or female.

A question from Facebook: What happens when you wash it…and can it be washed with other clothes?

The technology lasts over 50 washes. It fades over time just like normal shirts would.

So how does it work?

When you exercise and begin to sweat, an image appears. We call it ViewSPORT Sweat Activated Technology – and the more you sweat, the clearer the image becomes. It’s motivation through perspiration.

Are you an apparel company or a technology company?

Apparel is the toe-hold that allows us to demonstrate our technology. Our brand awareness is growing significantly. Our long term strategy is to continue to fund awareness building through custom apparel contracts and our brand then license the technology to bigger players with the distribution and marketing muscle to support national and international retail sales.

Are there any companies out there doing anything remotely close to what you have created?

There are technologies similar to what we do, but having sweat activated motivational messages is unique and exclusive to ViewSPORT. We are the originators of Sweat Activated Apparel.

Besides the obvious difference between your apparel and you opponents’, what else sets you apart from your competition?

I think what makes us different is that we’re athletes who started a business – not businesspeople trying to speak to athletes. We run, we crossfit – we sweat every day. We want to motivate and inspire everyone to live lives of fitness. We want people to realize they can change their lives and get better everyday. We don’t just measure success in dollars and cents – we measure success in lives changed, sweat and miles run.

How did ViewSPORT become the official tour shirt for Gus Macker basketball?

We have a strong relationship with Scott McNeal and Gus Macker. We identified that a partnership would be mutually beneficial. The technology is perfect fit for Macker and has proven so this year.

What is the objective of ViewSPORT?

To provide the motivated athlete with a new tool that can be used as a visible measure of their sweat equity while providing the athletic apparel market with the next new thing.

Athletic apparel – not including shoes – is a fifty four billion dollar business in the United States alone. The four largest players combined represent only eighteen percent of this market. The rest is split between over two thousand smaller players. So there is a huge market with a low barrier to entry. And that’s just the athletic apparel market. This same technology has applications in other channels: military boot camps and garment security features.

Are your products sold exclusively on www.viewsport.us or can they be found on any other sites or in any other stores?

You can find us in Lax World, Aura Sports, Naperville Running, and other unique stores. We sell exclusively online, and most of our products are online only. Most of our lines will only produce a handful of that design and move on to the next. We want people to feel unique. Some shirts only have 24 others like them in the world. Each shirt is different and so is their style. We hope to significantly expand our retail presence both online and in stores. We are also actively pursuing military sales to use our technology as a physical training aid and are in currently partnering with Designer Whey for an online workout video program.

Check out the ViewSport apparel at: www.viewsport.us

What to add:

* Fish (for Omega 3s). Eat it at least twice a week to help fight heart disease. Americans are currently consuming only about 0.1 to 0.2 grams of omega 3s daily, on average, as compared to the 0.5 grams recommended a day.(Boston.com)

* Tomatoes (for Lycopene) to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. You also find Lycopene in watermelon and grapefruit.

* Fruits and Veggies (for potassium). I know, surprise, surprise, but it’s true. Potassium helps lower blood pressure which in-turn can help lower your chance of a stroke.

For the full article, or for cooking ideas view the full article: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blog/nutrition/2012/06/mens_health_what_you_dont_eat.html