U.S. Raw Milk on the Rise – New Staph Strain Found in Europe
For the last several years now more and more Americans are becoming put off by the pasteurizing process they view as an unnecessary measure against illness-inducing microbes found in milk. Advocates point to advanced methods of keeping milk clean during milking, the farm-freshness that apparently re-instates long-lost benefits of lactose, and the full flavor of grass-fed cow’s milk kept from the meddling of modern man. Opponents, mostly in the form of government regulators, cite statistics such as the fact that 75% of dairy related illnesses are caused by raw milk consumption and that milk-borne pathogens are difficult if not impossible to eradicate outright. They are indeed always present around us, waiting to evolve into the right biological niche to cross over to human stomachs and attack with impunity until the immune systems of our modern pasteurization-influenced bodies finally figure out a way to fight back.
Meanwhile across the pond in England and mainland Europe scientists have recently discovered a new strain of antibiotic-resistant staph – which they call MRSA – cropping up in farms across the continent. While the threat is thus far nowhere near what you’d call a concern, scientists are a little worried about how elusive this particular bugger is when they try to test for it. So far the most advanced form of staph-testing has thus far not worked, forcing scientists and medical staff at hospitals to practice a seemingly archaic method of uncovering MRSA, through good old fashion petri-dish experiments.
That’s good for Americans, because our hospitals still overwhelmingly prefer to test for MRSA the old fashioned way. Consider it one of the few benefits to our otherwise severely outdated healthcare infrastructure. However we have little to worry about anyway, even those of us who love a good room-temperature glass of milk straight from the teet. This recently discovered breed of staph has thus far not been found anywhere other than in Europe, and as mentioned earlier scientists and health officials are not so much concerned with a real threat as they are with how hard it is to test for.
But this goes to show that life, whether it’s a microbe or a minotaurasaurus, finds a way. If the raw milk advocates have one thing right it’s that pasteurization is not a cure-all. Evolution will find a way around it. Till then, those in either camp can continue to clink glasses of milk together, so long as they don’t “contaminate” one another.
5 Fad Diets That Failed
Every year a host of diets hit the market that promise consumers what has yet to be seen: lasting and effective results. As our country’s waste line expands it seems that, in equal measure, so does are appetite for quick fix diet schemes that promise huge results without a lot of effort. This isn’t a new trend and, in fact, fad approaches have been around for a long time. But, as always, they results that these programs promise fall far short when in comes to results and most often have disastrous effects on our health and well-being. Here’s a list of five current fad diets that just don’t work.
The Detox Plan:
This has been around for a few years but has held on to its popularity. In theory, this plan promises users that they’ll lose weight when cleaning out your body. Through the use of liquid concoctions that are usually made from various and bizarre mixes. When ends up happening though has been shown to have lackluster results. There’s been, to date, no substantial evidence that’s supported the approach of purging your intestines of “toxins.” It makes you loose weight because you’re shifting to a liquid diet but as soon as the participant eats solid food again, the weight comes right back on. You can get the same result from eating a high-fiber diet without going off of solid food.
The Snack Pack Diet:
We’ve seen a lot of ads for companies that are putting out 100-calorie snack packs that are designed to limit the damage from incessant snacking. Though the dozens of low calorie snacks on the market offer a less fattening alternative, too many people are treating them as an alternative to food altogether. Supplementing your dietary needs through the use of vigorously withholding necessary nutrients isn’t going to help your body. Getting a well balanced diet while implanting portion control is far more effective than munching down on a low-calorie portion of Cheetos or Oreos.
The Twinkie Diet:
This was a diet craze that hit the market years ago and, as preposterous as it sounds, it was very popular. It was all about counting calories so you could eat as many Twinkies as you wanted just so long as your daily caloric intake was under the limit. Although calories do count, what you’re getting from some of those calories is really important and if you’re eating nothing but junk calories, then that’s all you’re putting into your body.
The HCG Diet:
This is a current phenomenon that many women are using. In practice, for 26 days, while only eating 5 to 7 hundred calories a day, you take hormones that are naturally produced in women during a pregnancy. It’s had a lot of backlash given that the diet insists that the participant abstains from any exercise. In conjunction with the hormones and minute caloric intake, the body jumpstarts its metabolism and cause massive weight loss. Now the results are real but the damage to the kidneys and other organs have made this diet very unpopular among health officials that underscore that there’s no substitute for a healthy regiment of food and exercise.
The Atkins Diet:
This was a craze that galvanized the nation and led many restaurants to offer Atkins-friendly options in order to placate an interested public. By taking out all carbs, participants could eat what ever they wanted so long as it had no carbs in it. The result was that people lost weight but they were doing long-term damage to their body. Through introducing far to much fat and other harmful foods into their intake, many people were seeing an increased risk of heart attacks.
Fad diets will always be around so long as there’s a weight problem. In the west, there’s a prevailing notion that somehow there’s going to be a magic bullet for weight loss that’s all contained within a single pill or system. People seem to be a fickle breed and will believe anything but there’s a reason why exercise and potion control have always proven to be the most effective way of combating obesity.
Why is Red Wine Good For You?
Believe it or not, there are health benefits to drinking alcohol–in moderation, of course. Red wine carries many health benefits when consumed as a part of an overall healthy diet. It is heart healthy in a variety of ways, can reduce the risk of contracting some cancers and slow the development of Parkinson’s and Alzeheimer’s diseases. Most of the studies surrounding red wine are based on a five ounce serving, which is the recommended daily limit for consumption of alcohol.
Though not all studies have been comprehensive, there is significant evidence pointing out that red wine is heart-healthy. Alcohol of any variety is known to thin your blood, so drinking red wine will not only thin your blood but protect the lining of your arteries and break down bad cholesterol, thus reducing your chance for heart disease.
Red wine contains antioxidants called polyphenols that prevent the buildup of “free radicals,” which cause cellular damage in the body, and reduce your risk for cancer. One major polyphenol that has been studied most by scientists is called resveratrol. Some clinical research on resveratrol has suggested that it is capable of protecting people from obesity and diabetes.
Resveratrol is produced mainly in the skin and pulp of wine grapes. When producing wine, the longer the skin remains on the grape, the higher the concentration of resveratrol in the wine itself. Grapes that grow in cooler climates, such as in the state of Oregon, also have more resveratrol. It is suggested that the same amount of resveratrol can be obtained without the alcohol by drinking dark or red grape juices, or eating wine grapes.
While enjoying red wine, it is advised to sip in moderation to receive its full benefits. Simply gulping down a glass–or bottle–of red wine reduces the amount of polyphenols that get absorbed into the blood. Whereas sipping allows the membranes inside the mouth and throat to absorb it more, providing 100 times more resveratrol to the blood than drinking it down.
As mentioned, it is advised to drink in moderation. Consuming too much alcohol all at once can result in multiple health problems, including alcohol poisoning in some extreme cases. However, drinking alcohol, particularly red wine, in small amounts over an extended period of time will not only help improve your circulation, but allow you to have a good time as well.
Prepare Yourself for the Summer
Summertime is coming up! It’s a time when the kids are out of school, and a time to plan family vacations, weekend trips to the river, or a simple backyard barbecue. But you can’t just step outside for several hours for summer fun, as it can be easy to get heat exhaustion and dehydration if not properly prepared for the hot and, in some places, humid summer weather.
It is most important to become acquainted with the weather change. Taking a brief walk at least every other day will help you get used to moving and being active in the heat. It’s okay if you sweat; that is just your body keeping you cool. Spend a week or two walking for a short amount of time, around fifteen minutes or so, then increase it to 20 or 25. Your body will soon become better accustomed to the heat, allowing you to spend multiple hours at a time outside.
Also be sure to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. Without protecting yourself, the sun could cause serious burns to your skin, raising your risk for skin cancer.
The most obvious solution is to apply sunscreen before going out. Sunscreens have different levels of SPF, or sun protection factor, that can cater to anybody’s skin’s needs based on their skin type and intended activities, such as swimming or running.
It is important to note the difference between sunscreen and sunblock. Most people believe these two are one and the same. While they have similar ingredients and texture, sunblock contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, two ingredients which help it last longer. Whereas sunscreen breaks down and absorbs into the skin much faster, thus creating the need to reapply every few hours. For those of us who want a little bit of color, sunscreen would be a better option, but only if monitored closely.
Also don’t forget to cover your head, which is a common place most people forget about, and the first most likely place to get burned. Wearing a hat generally works best for people. If you are bald, apply sunscreen to the top of your head. Also, don’t be ashamed of considering hair loss treatment as an alternative, as our hair provides some protection from the sun.
Most importantly, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Always carry water with you wherever you go, especially during the warmer months of the year, to replenish your body’s water loss through sweating and breathing. Even minor dehydration can cause heat exhaustion, fatigue, and soreness.
Summer should be a time to have fun and enjoy spending time with friends and family. But in order to have that fun, you must first take precaution. Nobody wants to have their fun interrupted by a heat-related health emergency. So get out there, be safe, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself.
Home Remedies for Removing Warts
Warts are ugly little things, not to mention painful. They are physical manifestations of Human Pappiloma Virus, which could carry serious health risks including a risk of cancer. Going to the doctor to have them removed can be even more painful and cost a lot of money, while buying remedies from the local pharmacy can be just as costly.
So if you want to save a bit of money, try out some of these home remedies that are proven to work for any type of wart, pain-free.
1. Apply Castor Oil
A more natural treatment, castor oil contains acid that can make the wart dry up like a scab and fall off. All you have to do is clean and dry the wart, apply a drop of castor oil using an eyedropper then cover it up with a bandage. Do this every day for about three weeks or so, and the wart should begin to come off.
2. Use Raw Potatoes
This simple home remedy uses a common item in nearly every household. You can use one of two methods to use a potato to get rid of the wart. The first is to just slice up a potato and rub it on the affected area several times daily for around two weeks. The other, quicker method is to grind the potato into a pulp, then apply it before bed. Because the potato is still freshly ground, its potency is still high and absorbs into the wart while you’re sleeping. Just take a little bit of the pulp and pack it around the wart, then wrap it up in a clean bandage. When you wake up in the morning, discard the bandage and pulp, and rinse off the wart with cold water. Because the wart is consistently exposed to the pulp through the night, it will fall off sooner than simply rubbing it several times a day.
3. If not Potatoes, why not Onions?
Onions are known for their potency that irritates the skin and increases circulation in the hands. This is especially important when removing warts on the hands and feet. Simply apply onion juice using a cotton swab a few times a day without rinsing. This method works well for hands and feet, but not for the more sensitive skin on the face.
4. A Dandy Remedy
For a gentler remedy that can be used on warts on the face, try using dandelion. The milk from the end of a cut dandelion is gentle yet still gets the job done. Apply two or three times each day without rinsing.
5. Marigold
The most common home remedy for warts is the use of the marigold plant, whose leaves, sap, and petals all contain chemicals that easily break down the production of warts. However, this is also the most time consuming.
Boil some water and let the marigold leaves soak in the water for about 20 minutes. Remove them, let them drip, then blend them into a sticky paste. Apply that around the wart area and cover it up with a cloth or bandage. Keep it on for about two hours, then remove the cloth and rinse it off. Repeating this once every day will remove that wart fairly quickly.
If none of these remedies work, consult your doctor. There may be other factors as to why you have the wart, and it should be checked out. Also check consumer reviews of store-brand products, as some of them may work if the home remedies don’t.
Debate Still Rages Over Obama’s HealthCare Reform Bill
After a long wait and a string of presidents that have attempted to reform the current healthcare industry, it’s still unclear has to how effective President Obama’s efforts will be. When the president signed legislation to overhaul the nations healthcare access in March of 2010, it was done out of a desire to guarantee access to medical insurance to tens of millions of Americans who currently get by on little or no healthcare insurance. This healthcare news has been in the media for over a year now and many are wondering if it will pass or be overturned by Capitol Hill.
This legislation was one of the single largest achievements of Obama’s first two years in office and he was able to achieve what many other presidents were unable to do in two terms. Much resistance was give to the plan, primarily by republicans, to combat its application to the country as a whole. Many states have attempted to modify or negate this plan and ever since republicans took control over the House and increased their ranks in the Senate during the last election, the future of this highly controversial plan has been called into question.
During a January secession in the House a vote of repeal was passed that was widely received as a symbolic act. This was seen as a reaction to a widely contentious campaign from the public against this referendum, yet the bill remains alive. Just a few weeks later, senate democrats defeated a republican led repeal of the healthcare overhaul. It fell just 13 votes short of the necessary 60 to repeal.
Many debate the proposed job creation and benefits of giving the government an even larger role in the current health care system. Proponents of the legislation still insist that, without this reform, the country will end up in dire straits that will result in huge budget deficits and public health and well-being.
There have been many debates over the support and funding for Planned Parenthood programs. These programs, arguably, are in favor of giving federal dollars to allow abortion and other government funded programs that are out-of-step with traditionally hard-line conservative principals. It’s still unclear as to what direction this debate will take.
Still, with much back and forth arguments, President Obama still hopes that his health reform bill will be approved this March 18th. The deadline has been set and the country currently is waiting to see if it will pass or fail. The bill has received more support ever since President Obama cited his willingness to amend certain contentious sections of this bill in order to ensure its success. It’s hoped that, sometime before Easter, the bill will be passed and the country will see the first major action in reforming an out-of-date system that has left the health of an entire potion of the American population in question.
Can My Dog Be a Vegetarian Like Me?
Vegetarianism is on the rise in this country. It is a movement to stray away from most processed products and live a more environmentally-friendly life. And for those with political opposition to the meat industry, a vegetarian diet is to show opposition to the practices and procedures. With more and more people dropping meat from their diets, many other habits and everyday procedures are altered as well. This includes introducing a vegetarian diet to the family dog. But does that really work?
The important thing to know is that dogs, like humans, are naturally omnivorous. While they do enjoy munching on grass and other plants, they also have sharp teeth built to rip and tear meat, which is often a staple in the diet of active dogs. Yet with the domestication of pets, it has become a lot easier to change what and how these animals eat.
While there are many varieties of nutritious dog food for a vegetarian lifestyle, it is still important to note the content of the food. A lack of animal byproducts will result in a loss in protein, which keeps dogs in shape and active. Protein can easily be replaced by vitamin supplements with the food, or with soy protein contained within the food. Note that some dogs, like some people, can’t digest soy.
Changing over to a vegetarian diet can be risky for dogs. Their eating must be closely monitored for several months after introducing them to a vegetarian diet to ensure they are consuming and digesting the food well. It is a good idea to first mix the conventional food with the vegetarian food, and slowly alter the portions every few weeks. This assists the dog’s stomach in getting used to the food.
Always consult a veterinarian to make sure your dog is getting enough of the key vitamins and minerals it needs to survive. A veterinarian can recommend, or even supply, vitamin supplements to ensure that a vegetarian diet will work.
This is a process that requires time and patience. While a vegetarian diet may not work for all dogs, there are still many options to incorporate your dog’s health into your own lifestyle.
When it’s Okay to Use a Weight Loss Supplement
Summer is upon us, and for many, it has them grueling about how they will look in their swimsuit. While looking great in a swimsuit can be good for our overall self-esteem, taking extreme measures to reach our weight loss goals can be harmful to our overall health. Instead of hoping to look the best this swimsuit season, many of those interested in losing weight should consider making an overall lifestyle change to promote better and long lasting health so that when swimsuit season does come around each year, they aren’t partaking in crash diets or over-the-top exercise binges.
Excess weight is one of the greatest killers in America. It leads many to suffer from stroke, diabetes, and heart disease which cause many to meet a premature death. To avoid suffering the same fate as many overweight individuals, many are striving to lose weight, and for those who have more weight to lose, such as 20 plus pounds or more, they should consider starting their weight loss program with a weight loss supplement.
Weight loss supplements can be highly effective in helping people lose weight quickly, and although they are helpful for those with excessive weight to lose, they shouldn’t be used by those only wanting to lose 5 pounds. Weight loss supplements are designed to help those who can’t lose weight with diet and exercise alone, and are concerned that their additional weight could lead to additional health problems.
Numerous weight loss supplements have been introduced into the markets for years which has created many skeptics. However, many products are now made from solely natural ingredients to avoid any harmful side effects which may be produced by any unnatural chemicals. Lipozene diet pill, which have become increasingly popular, are 100 percent natural as it are made from Glucomannan, a natural fiber found in Konjac Root. Simply by ingesting the amount of fiber found in Lipozene people experience the increase in metabolism and the decrease in diet needed to lose weight without having to worry about putting any unnatural substance in their bodies.
Choosing to lose weight is one of the best decisions any person can make when deciding to live a more healthy lifestyle. If you choose to make a weight loss supplement part of your weight loss regimen, contact your physician first. Just like an exercise routine needs to be okayed by your physician, so does a weight loss supplement regimen to make sure that you are healthy enough to achieve weight loss.
Consider Your Health While Abroad: Mexico
When traveling it’s easy to get lost in the fun of exploring new cultures, food, and region-specific scenery, because vacations are supposed to be carefree. Sadly, unexpected events can happen, and it’s better to plan for these emergency, instead of hoping for the best. For those taking a short trip the most that needs to be done may be a consideration of traveler’s insurance, but for those who are taking longer trips, such as several weeks or months, there needs to be a consideration of health and the possibility of major illness, specifically when abroad. When traveling in the US, most hospitals or clinics will take your insurance, but when abroad, you have to consider your options differently, even when visiting a close neighbor of the US, like Mexico.
Everyone has heard the possibilities and vacation horror stories of “Montezuma’s Revenge,” but regardless of the possibilities there are real dangers to health when abroad. One of the major differences is in the water supply. Mexico has many issues with water contamination, and most travel guides suggest not drinking or eating anything cooked with the water, even when in a resort.
Here are some other things to consider before and during your vacation.
Health Insurance
Medicare will not be covered for healthcare in Mexico, and neither will most healthcare plans. There are many insurers who have vacation-specific medical plans, meaning they are usually short-term plans. There are also Mexican insurance companies that underwrite international insurance, which can be useful if you travel abroad frequently.
Hospitals
From small clinics to government-funded hospitals with research departments, Mexico has a wide range of emergency care options. Most clinics, especially for tourist, will require payment upon the completion of care, which is something to consider into a decision to purchase insurance. If the treatment requires medicamentos, check for a pharmacy within the hospital. This will eliminate complications of buying medicine elsewhere, especially for non-spanish speakers, and it will make it easier to pay in full.
Dentistry
The likelihood of emergency dental care if fairly low, but you don’t want to eliminate the possibility. Dentistry work can be far less expensive in Mexico than in the US, but this is the reality of most medical-related options in Mexico, which explains the increase in medical tourism for plastic surgery, etc. Before booking an appointment, research the area for credible doctors. Ask the concierge in your hotel, and use any resources available to make sure you’re making the right decision.
Medical care abroad doesn’t have to be a scary proposition. Sometime it’s an unfortunate reality. While it may seem like the best idea to throw caution to the wind for the sake of the experience, it may result in your need for medical attention. Pay attention to where you buy any food locally, and avoid the water in most cases. While you want to be prepared for health emergencies, you may also want to avoid them.
A Healthy Body Starts With A Healthy Mouth
When looking at the overall goal of a healthy body, we often tend to deal with what we already have to work with. Shedding pounds and toning up are easy to focus on because they are the end result we’re often after. However, the process by which food and nutrients first enter our body is one of the most important and overlooked places to focus when examining our health. Your mouth is a key component in creating and maintaining good health by preparing food for digestion. In fact, medical studies have shown that gum disease has been linked to a number of serious medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. And gum disease is caused mainly by bacteria and plaque, which build up from poor mouth cleaning. Here are some simple, yet important tips to utilize when cleaning your mouth:
Brush for at least two minutes
Most adults don’t come anywhere close to brushing for the proper length of time. Try using a stopwatch or a cell phone timer the next time you brush; you’ll be amazed how long two minutes is. Use short gentle strokes and pay extra attention to the gum line. Try going for the outer surfaces of your teeth, then the inner, then the flat chewing surfaces. When consciously separating all the sides in your mind, you’ll begin to notice just how much detail there is going on in there.
Floss once a day
Flossing in between your teeth removes food particles and plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach. And since plaque causes gum disease, ridding yourself of this buildup is very important. Another great reason to floss is that recent studies have shown that flossing helps to prevent a heart attack or stroke. If you’re not sure how to properly floss, ask someone at your dentist’s office. This is an important skill taught in dental assistant training. There are also online dental tutorials.
Try using mouthwash
Using mouthwash is a great way to remove any plaque missed after flossing, and any bacteria you may have missed after brushing. Many mouthwashes also have fluoride in them, which is an important ingredient in toothpaste and many city water supplies to coat and protect your teeth. This product is a great way to ensure you’re winning the fight against cavities and gum disease in your mouth.
All of these are great ways to improve the health of your mouth, and thus the health of your entire body. However, like any great tools the most important part is using properly, and on a regular basis.
