Harmony Center Blog

Five Pains You Shouldn't Ignore

Barb — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:04:00 GMT

Sometimes it's hard to know when to see a doctor when you have pain.

It's an easy decision when you have severe, unrelenting pain, but at times you just don't know. And with a bad economy, perhaps you are trying to avoid seeing a doctor because you cannot afford it. According to Gundersen Lutheran, there are pains you shouldn't ignore. Here are five pains that deserve your attention:

1. Chest pain
If you have pain or discomfort in your chest, pay close attention to the following symptoms:

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the chest -- especially associated with shortness of breath.
Sweating or nausea.
Discomfort in one or both arms, neck or jaw.

These are common signs of a heart attack, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Chest pain also can be a sign of other medical conditions -- reflux disease, a stomach ulcer or other heart-related issues.

2. Stomach pain
Abdominal pain is not uncommon, but sometimes it needs to be checked out by a doctor. See your doctor if:

The pain is something you've never had before.
The pain worsens or doesn't improve.
You are unable to pass gas.
You cannot keep fluids down.
There is blood in your urine or stool.

3. Headache
If anything about your headache is different than normal, take notice. Ask yourself, "Is this the worst headache of my life?" or "Is this headache different than one I've had before?" If yes is the answer, don't delay seeking treatment, especially if it's associated with numbness or weakness, vision troubles or difficulty speaking or understanding speech. A severe headache can be a sign of a serious problem, including stroke, aneurysm or new onset migraines.

4. If it wakes you up
It is common to fall asleep with pain -- in your shoulder, for example -- that is still there in the morning. But if you experience pain that is so severe that it wakes you up at night, make sure you make an appointment to see your primary-care provider. Pain that wakes you up is not normal and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

5. If it won't go away
If your health-care provider gives you a treatment plan for your pain, make sure you ask how long it should be before you see improvement. If your pain doesn't improve during that time, it's time for another appointment. Your clinician may need to re-evaluate your pain or injury.

The Perio-Cardio Connection

Barb — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:36:00 GMT

CHICAGO, June 1 -- Cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, is a major public health issue contributing to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth affects nearly 75 percent of Americans and is the major cause of adult tooth loss. And while the prevalence rates of these disease states seems grim, research suggests that managing one disease may reduce the risk for the other.

A consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease was recently published concurrently in the online versions of two leading publications, the American Journal of Cardiology (AJC), a publication circulated to 30,000 cardiologists, and the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Developed in concert by cardiologists, the physicians specialized in treating diseases of the heart, and periodontists, the dentists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease, the paper contains clinical recommendations for both medical and dental professionals to use in managing patients living with, or who are at risk for, either disease. As a result of the paper, cardiologists may now examine a patient's mouth, and periodontists may begin asking questions about heart health and family history of heart disease.

The clinical recommendations were developed at a meeting held earlier this year of top opinion-leaders in both cardiology and periodontology. In addition to the clinical recommendations, the consensus paper summarizes the scientific evidence that links periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease and explains the underlying biologic and inflammatory mechanisms that may be the basis for the connection.

According to Kenneth Kornman, DDS, PhD, Editor of the Journal of Periodontology and a co-author of the consensus report, the cooperation between the cardiology and periodontal communities is an important first step in helping patients reduce their risk of these associated diseases. "Inflammation is a major risk factor for heart disease, and periodontal disease may increase the inflammation level throughout the body. Since several studies have shown that patients with periodontal disease have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, we felt it was important to develop clinical recommendations for our respective specialties. Therefore, you will now see cardiologists and periodontists joining forces to help our patients."

For patients, this may mean receiving some unconventional advice from their periodontist or cardiologist. The clinical recommendations outlined in the consensus paper advise that periodontists not only inform their patients of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with periodontal disease, but also assess their risk for future cardiovascular disease and guide them to be evaluated for the major risk factors. The paper also recommends that physicians managing patients with cardiovascular disease evaluate the mouth for the basic signs of periodontal disease such as significant tooth loss, visual signs of oral inflammation, and receding gums.

While additional research will help identify the precise relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, recent emphasis has been placed on the role of inflammation -- the body's reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation. While inflammation initially intends to have a protective effect, untreated chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the affected tissues, and therefore to more severe health complications.

"Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are inflammatory diseases, and inflammation is the common mechanism that connects them," says Dr. David Cochran, DDS, PhD, President of the AAP and Chair of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. "The clinical recommendations included in the consensus paper will help periodontists and cardiologists control the inflammatory burden in the body as a result of gum disease or heart disease, thereby helping to reduce further disease progression, and ultimately to improve our patients' overall health. That is our common goal."

To learn more about gum disease, locate a periodontist, or to find out if you are at risk for periodontal disease, visit perio.org or call (800) FLOSS-EM (800/356-7736).

Brazil Nuts and Selenium

Barb — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:18:00 GMT

One Brazil nut contains 120 mcg of selenium, which is twice the recommended daily allowance. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals that may damage your eyes. This powerful trace mineral may help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

25 Cancer Symptoms Men Are Likely to Ignore

Barb — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:35:00 GMT

By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor

Annual checkups and tests such as colonoscopies and PSA assays are important, but it's not a good idea to rely on tests alone to protect you from cancer. It's just as important to listen to your body and notice anything that's different, odd, or unexplainable. (You should also listen to those close to you, such as a wife or partner, because others sometimes notice things we're unaware of -- or don't want to admit.) You don't want to join the ranks of cancer patients who realize too late that symptoms they'd noticed for a long time could have sounded the alarm earlier, when cancer was easier to cure.

1. Upset stomach or stomachache: One of the first signs colon cancer patients remember experiencing when they look back is unexplained stomach aches. Those with pancreatic cancer describe a dull ache that feels like it's pressing inward. Many liver cancer patients say they went in complaining of stomach cramps and upset stomachs so frequently that their doctors thought they had ulcers. Liver cancer patients and those with leukemia can experience abdominal pain resulting from an enlarged spleen, which may feel like an ache on the lower left side.

If you have a stomachache that you can't attribute to a digestive problem or that doesn't go away, ask your doctor to order an ultrasound. Finding a liver or pancreatic tumor early can make all the difference in treatment.

2. Chronic "acid stomach" or feeling full after a small meal: The most common early sign of stomach cancer is pain in the upper or middle abdomen that feels like gas or heartburn. It may be aggravated by eating, so that you feel full when you haven't actually eaten much. What's particularly confusing is that the pain can be relieved by antacids, confirming your conclusion that it was caused by acid in the stomach, when it's more than that. An unexplained pain or ache in lower right side can be the first sign of liver cancer, known as one of the "silent killers." Feeling full after a small meal is a common sign of liver cancer as well.

If you have frequent bouts of acid stomach, an unexplained abdominal ache, or a full feeling after meals even when you're eating less than normal, call your doctor.

3. Unexplained weight loss: If you notice the pounds coming off and you haven't made changes to your diet or exercise regime, it's important to find out why. Unexplained weight loss can be an early sign of colon and other digestive cancers; it can also be a sign of cancer that's spread to the liver, affecting your appetite and the ability of your body to rid itself of waste.

4. Jaundice: Pancreatic cancer, another one of the "silent killers," is often discovered when someone notices jaundice and asks the doctor to do a battery of tests. Jaundice is most commonly thought of as a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, but darker-than-normal urine that's not the result of dehydration is also a sign. Clay-colored stools are another little-known sign of jaundice. Oddly, jaundice can also cause itching, because the bile salts in the bloodstream cause the skin to itch. Some people with pancreatic cancer say they noticed the itching before they noticed the jaundice itself.

5. Wheezing or shortness of breath: One of the first signs lung cancer patients remember noticing when they look back is the inability to catch their breath. "I couldn't even walk to my car without wheezing; I thought I had asthma, but how come I didn't have it before?" is how one man described it. Shortness of breath, chest pain, or spitting blood are also signs of testicular cancer that's spread to the lungs.

6. Chronic cough or chest pain: Several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung tumors, can cause symptoms that mimic a bad cough or bronchitis. One way to tell the difference: The problems persist, or go away and come back again in a repeating cycle. Some lung cancer patients report chest pain that extends up into the shoulder or down the arm.

7. Frequent fevers or infections: These can be signs of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells that starts in the bone marrow. Leukemia causes the marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy white cells, sapping the body's infection-fighting capabilities. Doctors sometimes catch leukemia in older adults only after the patient has been in a number of times complaining of fever, achiness, and flu-like symptoms over an extended period of time.

8. Difficulty swallowing: Most commonly associated with esophageal or throat cancer, having trouble swallowing is sometimes one of the first signs of lung cancer, too. Men diagnosed with esophageal cancer look back and remember a feeling of pressure and soreness when swallowing that didn't go away the way a cold or flu would have. Consult your doctor also if you have a frequent feeling of needing to clear your throat or that food is stuck in your chest; either of these can signal a narrowing of the esophagus that could mean the presence of a tumor.

9. Chronic heartburn: If you just ate half a pizza, heartburn is expected. But if you have frequent episodes of heartburn or a constant low-level feeling of pain in the chest after eating, call your doctor and ask to be screened for esophageal cancer. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- a condition in which stomach acid rises into the esophagus, causing heartburn and an acidic taste in the throat -- can trigger a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which can be a precursor of esophageal cancer.

10. Swelling of facial features: Some patients with lung cancer report that they noticed puffiness, swelling, or redness in the face. The explanation for this is that small cell lung tumors commonly block blood vessels in the chest, preventing blood from flowing freely from the head and face.

11. Swollen lymph nodes or lumps on the neck, underarm, or groin: Enlarged lymph nodes indicate changes in the lymphatic system, which can be a sign of cancer. For example, a lump or an enlarged lymph in the neck or underarm is sometimes a sign of thyroid, head, or throat cancer. A painless lump on the neck, underarm, or groin can be an early sign of leukemia.

12. Excessive bruising or bleeding that doesn't stop: This symptom usually suggests something abnormal happening with the platelets and red blood cells, which can be a sign of leukemia. One man with leukemia noticed that his gums bled when he brushed his teeth; another described bruising in strange places, such as on his fingers and hands. The explanation: Over time, leukemia cells crowd out red blood cells and platelets, impairing the blood's ability to carry oxygen and clot.

13. Weakness and fatigue: "I had to stop halfway across the yard and sit down when I was mowing the lawn," said one man when describing the fatigue that led to his discovery of pancreatic cancer. Generalized fatigue and weakness is a symptom of so many different kinds of cancer (and other ills) that you'll need to look at it in combination with other symptoms. But any time you feel exhausted without explanation and it doesn't respond to getting more sleep, talk to your doctor.

14. Rectal bleeding or blood in stool: "I thought it was hemorrhoids" is one of the most common statements doctors hear when diagnosing colorectal cancer. Blood in the toilet alone is reason to call your doctor and schedule a colonoscopy. Another sign of blood in the stool many people miss is stools that are darker in color.

15. Bowel problems: Constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stools can all be signs of cancer. As with many other cancer symptoms, the way to tell if this is cause for concern is if it goes on for more than a few days without a clear cause, such as flu or food poisoning. People diagnosed with colon cancer say they noticed more frequent stools, as well as a feeling that their bowels weren't emptying completely. One of the early signs of pancreatic cancer is fatty stools, which can be recognized as frequent, large stools that are paler than normal and smelly. This is a sign that your body's not absorbing your food normally, and it should be brought to your doctor's attention.

16. Difficulty urinating or changes in flow: Hands-down, the most common early sign of prostate cancer is a feeling of not being able to start peeing once you're set to go. Many men also report having a hard time stopping the flow of urine, a flow that starts and stops, or a stream that's weaker than normal. Any of these symptoms is reason to call your doctor for an exam and a screening test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

17. Pain or burning during urination: This symptom can also indicate a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease, of course, but in any case it warrants an immediate trip to the doctor. This symptom is often combined with the feeling that you need to go more often, particularly at night. These same symptoms can also indicate inflammation or infection in the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia, the name for what happens when the prostate grows bigger and blocks the flow of urine. However, you need to get checked out to tell the difference.

18. Blood in urine or semen: Men are often warned about blood in the urine, but they may not realize that blood in semen is also a danger sign for prostate cancer. Blood in the urine or semen isn't always visible as blood; urine may just be a pink, dark red, or smoky brown color, while blood in the semen may just look like a pinkish streak.

19. Erection problems: As prostate cancer progresses, another very common sign is difficulty getting or sustaining an erection. This can be a difficult subject to talk about, but it's important to bring it to your doctor's attention. It could be a sign of sexual dysfunction with another cause, of course, but it's a reason to have an exam and a PSA test.

20. Pain, aching, or heaviness in the groin, hips, thighs, or abdomen: One sign of prostate cancer is frequent pain in the hips, upper thighs, or the lowest part of the back. Men with testicular cancer report noticing a heavy, aching feeling low in the belly or abdomen, or in the scrotum or testicles themselves. They sometimes describe it as a feeling of downward pulling or as a generalized ache throughout the groin area. Prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes often makes itself known as discomfort in the pelvis or swelling in the legs.

21. Testicular swelling or lump: The lumps that indicate testicular cancer are nearly always painless. It's also common for a testicle to be enlarged or swollen, but lacking any specific lump that you can see or feel. Some men report feeling discomfort from the enlargement, but not an outright pain.

22. Unexplained back pain: Back pain can mean all sorts of things, of course -- most often pulled muscles or disc problems. But unexplained, persistent back pain can be an early sign of cancer as well, so get it checked out. Pain in the lower back and hips can be a sign of prostate cancer, while pain in the upper back can signal lung cancer. A pain in the upper abdomen and back is one of the few early signs of pancreatic cancer.

23. Scaly or painful nipple or chest, nipple discharge: Men do get breast cancer; they also get a condition called gynecomastia, which is a benign lump in the breast area. Breast cancer is usually detected as a lump, but if it's spreading inward it can also cause chest pain. Other signs of breast cancer include patches of red, scaly, or dimpled skin or changes to the nipple such as turning inward or leaking fluid. Bring any lump, swelling, or skin or nipple problem, or any chest pain, to your doctor's attention.

24. A sore or skin lump that doesn't heal, becomes crusty, or bleeds easily: Most of us know to watch moles for changes that might indicate skin cancer. But other signs, such as small waxy lumps or dry scaly patches, are easier to miss. Familiarize yourself with the different types of skin cancer -- melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma -- and be vigilant about checking skin all over the body for odd-looking growths or spots.

25. Changes in nails: Unexplained changes to the fingernails can be a sign of several types of cancer. A brown or black streak or dot under the nail can indicate skin cancer, while newly discovered "clubbing," which means enlargement of the ends of the fingers, with nails that curve down over the tips, can be a sign of lung cancer. Pale or white nails can be an indication that your liver is not functioning properly, sometimes a sign of liver cancer.

Seasons of Life

Barb — Sun, 17 May 2009 04:19:00 GMT

A beautiful powerpoint!

Thanks to Jeri in Deerfield Beach, FL for sending it over

Happy Mother's Day!

Barb — Sun, 10 May 2009 04:25:00 GMT

To my own Mother, Peggy, and all the other wonderful mothers out there!

Clck on the HUG below to read the history of Mother's Day!

50 Ways to Save Money from AARP

Barb — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:07:00 GMT

1. Quit idling "To save gas, UPS drivers plan their routes to avoid tie-ups at left turns. So now I plot out my errands so I'm not zigzagging around." —Sue Foster, Titusville, Florida

2. Hoard your Lincolns "I tuck the $5 bills I get back in change in my favorite piggy bank. At the end of the month I deposit them in my '$5 Account' at the bank. I'm able to save anywhere from $150 to $300 a month. It's always a blessing to know that if an unexpected repair or expense comes up, you have a little stash to use instead of a credit card." —Janet Sinclair, Boston, Massachusetts

3. Drive a search engine "I am very fond of Google Product Search, which lets you sort the results from low price to high. And I have always saved a ton of money by buying on eBay." —Teri Beahm, Cypress, Texas

4. Send less down the drain Low-volume showerheads aren't the only way to cut water bills. "My kids were always letting the faucets run when doing dishes, brushing teeth, and shaving. But underneath the sink is a shutoff valve that lets you reduce water flow." —David Rutter, Needham, Massachusetts

5. Split the bills "My husband and I don't generate a lot of trash, so we split the garbage-collection bill with a neighbor." —Debra Larrison, South Bend, Indiana

6. Split the pills "I have my doctor prescribe a double-strength dose of my pills, and then I cut them in half. That's one copay for twice the medicine." —Elmont Hollingsworth, Mount Pleasant, Iowa [Search "pill splitting" at aarp.org for more details. —Ed.]

7. Put the work in workout "I figure I save $40 a week by mowing my half-acre yard myself, $125 a week by cleaning house, and $175 a month grooming my four dogs. Plus, doing all these chores keeps me so active, there's no need to join a gym!" —Bev Nord, Round Rock, Texas

8. Hairdo it yourself "Every month my husband colors my hair and I cut his, saving us $540 a year." —Sharon Wadel, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

9. Cross the border for a doctor "For major dental work I go to Costa Rica to an internationally known dental clinic and save thousands. All payments can be made on a major credit card, or you can pay cash for a 5 percent discount." —Jack Fennig, Dallas, Texas

10. Give yourself more than credit "I use a cash-back credit card, and I don't carry a balance. I get 5 percent back on gasoline purchases!" —Jeff Roberts, Yorktown Heights, New York

11. Get free firewood "Check with local tree services to see if you can come to a worksite and collect trimmed branches. You get free heat, and they save on hauling and dumping fees." —Patricia Hayward, Phoenix, Arizona

12. Rig a flush light "Each night I have to make several trips to the bathroom. To save electricity, I bought a battery-powered push light for a dollar and used small screws to attach it to the bottom of the toilet seat. Now I just tap the light after raising the seat and whoop-ee!" —Joe Reber, Webster, New York

13. Round up on the ledger "When writing a check, I deduct to the next biggest $5, so a check for $11.87 would be entered as $15. When I get to $100 extra, I transfer it to savings." —Diane Guichard, Metairie, Louisiana

14. Hide your COLA "If you are retired, you get a cost-of-living adjustment every year from Social Security. Don't record the new amount in your checkbook—continue to use the old amount. You can always find out your exact balance by checking your bank statements." —James Hill, Olympia, Washington

15. Make saving your vice "I don't smoke but pretend I do by putting away $25 every two weeks 'for a carton.' "—Trisha Grether, Mason, Ohio

16. Shop consignment stores "Most small towns have resale shops. I recently bought a wool winter coat, stylish and like new, for $7. And I pay around $4 for dresses and $2.50 for tops and skirts." —JoLynn Gates, Fairfield, Iowa

17. Postpone the "doughnut hole" "Don't include generic prescriptions in your Medicare Part D purchases. Pharmacies offer a wide range of generics (Walmart has them for $4), whereas most Part D plans claim the 'average retail price,' which is much higher." —Jim Rogers, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

18. Turn down one thermostat… "Keeping your water heater at 100 degrees Fahrenheit is adequate for most households, yet most settings are 125 degrees. I lowered mine, and I'm saving about $30 a month." —William [last name withheld], Highland Park, Iowa

19. …And raise another "My greatest money saver is keeping my air conditioner at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, which has lowered my monthly electric bill from about $400 to $125." —Louise Daly, Boca Raton, Florida

20. Share the mower "Never buy anything yourself that is used seasonally. Instead, form a co-op with friends to purchase a lawn mower and other equipment." —Charles [last name withheld], Lettsworth, Louisiana

21. Seal in freshness "I have used a $25 vacuum-packing 'food saver' system for ten years; it maintains the freshness of meats, breads, vegetables, and more, saving about $1,000 a year by taking advantage of 'Buy one, get one free' deals and 'family packs,' and eliminating waste and freezer burn. Also, a full freezer uses less energy." —Rick Meiers, Bradenton, Florida

22. Freeze your assets "I put money into a plastic container with water and freeze it. When I see something I want, I know that by the time the money is defrosted, I won't want that item anymore." —James Kipp, Tonawanda, New York

23. Tap the tap "You don't need to buy bottled water; just turn on the faucet." —Mike Shipplett, Sierra Vista, Arizona

24. Make the oven multitask "By cooking smarter, I have saved on propane gas and groceries. When I heat up the oven, I fill it completely with meat entrées, cookies, cakes, and biscuits, then freeze some for later use." —Angela Braun, Jackson, Michigan

25. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!

26. Sweat the small stuff "I save money by keeping track of everything I buy. I keep an envelope in my purse for receipts. At the end of the day I see where it's all gone. It's amazing how much you can spend without realizing it." —Pat Roesch, Weston, Connecticut

27. Trim your premium... "Taking an inexpensive refresher course in driving safety earned me a 5 percent discount on my car insurance." —Robert DeBellis, Aventura, Florida [For a course near you, go to aarp.org/drive. —Ed.]

28. ...Or comparison-shop it "I had been with my auto-insurance company for 13 years and had no tickets or accidents. But when I went on the insurer's website as a new customer, the quote came back for $250 below my current rate. I was so mad I went with another company and saved $600!" —Joy Dove, West Jefferson, North Carolina

29. Clean with shampoo "I use an inexpensive brand for scrubbing tubs and tiles. It's nontoxic, smells good, and costs a lot less than cleansers." —Lourdes Cortez, Staten Island, New York

30. Clean with vinegar "Forget about expensive name-brand cleaning products. You can do a lot with white vinegar and salt, and they are not toxic." —Heidi Ross, Centennial, Colorado

31. Get a radio discount "Some stations have coupons worth 30 to 75 percent off the regular price for dining, lodging, massages, and getaways." —Dorothy Baker, Boyne Falls, Michigan

32. Get a loyalty discount "I register as a frequent diner with various restaurants to receive coupons and unadvertised specials." —Linda Granzow, Mesa, Arizona

33. Get the "I asked" discount "Always ask if an establishment has a discount for people over 50. Many do, but they won't offer it unless you ask." —Cliff Johnston, China Spring, Texas

34. Print your own greeting cards "I use the computer." —Beatrice O'Kelly, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

CLASSIC ADVICE

Many of you offered these timeless gems

35. Set a budget.

36. Clip coupons.

37. Buy in bulk.

38. Take the bus.

39. Avoid moochers.

40. Grow your food.

41. String a clothesline.

42. Swap stuff.

43. Always pay cash.

44. Save on sirloin "Ask your supermarket manager which day is best for discounts on meat. I have purchased beautiful cuts for about one-fourth the original price, and I have never gotten spoiled meat." —Barbara Stanley, Blairsville, Georgia

45. Dust off the pressure cooker "Its speed saves energy, and, to my surprise, some dishes even taste better, like the lentil soup I make with a quick ham-hock broth." —Beverly Wilson, Lincoln, New Mexico

46. Bank online "I have my paycheck direct-deposited and save on driving." —Sue Hibler, Angola, Indiana

47. Think "junk" "I have had enough yard sales, and made enough Goodwill donations, to know that many things aren't really necessary or are impulse purchases that will sit on a shelf. So I generally do not buy anything without then giving two items to Goodwill." —Shelley Edmondson, Sedona, Arizona

48. Procrastinate "Whenever I'm tempted to buy an unplanned item I see at the store, I delay getting it until my next shopping trip. I usually don't buy it then, either." —Donald Clement, Frankford, Delaware

49. Learn a skill "Rather than hire a plumber, I go to the library to research a problem so I can do the repair myself. With a computer and Internet access, it's easy to get an answer to any question." —Hubert Neubauer, Los Angeles, California

50. Muzzle the media "I mute the television during commercials and seldom read magazines, thereby avoiding ads and articles that encourage consumerism." —Diana Joubert, Florence, Alabama [Glad AARP The Magazine is the exception! —Ed.]

Carpal Tunnel and Sleep: Surprising Connection

Barb — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:23:00 GMT

Before the 1980s, few people had heard of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). But as computer use proliferated, CTS seemed to proliferate right along with it, going from being nearly unknown to being the wrist and hand injury du jour.

To get the latest information about CTS I called hand surgeon Roy Meals, MD, clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and former president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Meals told me that CTS is eminently treatable and that computer use is no longer the most common cause of the problem. The previous problem was that people used the keyboard with their wrists in a flexed position and "flexing causes CTS because it stresses the nerve," says Dr. Meals. Today computer users are much savvier about positioning their hands correctly -- arms parallel to the floor and wrists straight when using the keyboard. Dr. Meals says you can achieve this position by adjusting the height of the chair or the keyboard... whichever is easiest and feels best.

SLEEP POSITION MAY CAUSE CTS

CTS is common in people over age 50, mostly because of health conditions that bring hormonal shifts (such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis)... menopause... and especially mechanical stress. All of these make the nerve more vulnerable to irritation. Repetitive motions that flex and extend the tendons in the hands and wrist such as job tasks on an assembly line or in carpentry, for instance, continue to be common causes. Surprisingly, Dr. Meals told me one of the most frequent triggers of mild CTS is when people sleep in the fetal position, flexing their wrist and curling up with the back of the hand under the chin, which puts hours of stress on the median nerve.

You should suspect CTS if you find yourself shaking your hands most mornings to get rid of numbness and tingling.

To help primary care doctors screen for CTS -- and with it provide proper referral to diagnostic tests and/or orthopedic hand specialists -- a group of researchers has now developed a simple screening questionnaire. It includes seven questions, but three of them were found to be especially important:

Is tingling present in at least two of the first four digits?

Do symptoms worsen at night or on awakening?

Does shaking your hand cause symptoms to recede?

Researchers found that "yes" to at least two of these questions correctly predicted CTS by 97%, as was proven in follow-up electro-diagnostic tests.

Dr. Meals says it is fine to treat a mild case of CTS at home. Purchase a wrist splint at the drugstore and wear it at night for several weeks in order to break the habit of flexing your wrist in sleep and irritating the nerve. When symptoms are serious, though, including not being able to fasten buttons, put on earrings or even touch the thumb to the little finger, it indicates that the nerve is degenerating.

Initial treatment from the doctor may be a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation in the area, but Dr. Meals says that about 25% of his patients end up needing surgery. Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery is used by some surgeons today, though Dr. Meals says he prefers open surgery -- the wrist area, unlike the abdomen, he notes, is tiny and difficult to see well with an endoscopy camera. Following surgery (of either kind, endoscopic or open) patients are generally almost immediately able to perform ordinary tasks involved in getting dressed and the like and return to desk activity in a few weeks... although participation in forceful grip and pinch work and athletic activities typically takes six to eight weeks. Fortunately, even nerves that have degenerated considerably will heal, says Dr. Meals, but it can take from six to 12 months.

NATURAL TREATMENT

Before resorting to surgery, natural treatments may be helpful in addition to lifestyle changes. Acupuncture has become a popular way to treat CTS, says Yi Hung Chan, LAc, DPM, who has a private practice in West Orange, New Jersey. Dr. Chan says that acupuncture needles can relieve the pain caused by CTS and also quiet irritation in the nerve. Some people also find that acupressure, in which hand pressure (rather than needles) is applied to certain areas of the hands and arms, is helpful as well. Obesity is known to contribute to CTS, so losing weight can have an effect. When performing activities that stress hands and wrists, be sure to take frequent breaks and try to avoid positions that cause extreme flexion or extension of the wrists, all of which will help keep your median nerve pain-free and working smoothly.

Source(s):

Roy Meals, MD, clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and former president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Breakfast That Takes The Pressure Off

Barb — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:19:00 GMT

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Want more from your first meal of the day than a way to keep your stomach from growling through your 8 a.m. meeting? Adding certain foods to your plate, bowl or baggie can lower your blood pressure (and jump-start your metabolism and get you out the door so quickly that it looks like you got up on time). Here's how:

Sprinkle flaxseed on your cereal. Your whole-grain cereal (only 100 percent whole grains should be on the label -- sorry, Cap'n Crunch) lowers blood pressure, and ground flaxseeds give pressure an extra kick. They contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a nutrient that relaxes blood vessels.

Stir chopped walnuts into oatmeal. These are loaded with ALA, and their protein and healthy fat profile pushes blood sugar, blood pressure and lousy (LDL) cholesterol down. Plus, the fiber in this combo stops raid-the-vending-machine hunger later in the day.

Whip berries into your smoothie. One study recorded a seven-point dip in systolic (the top number) pressure from a daily dose of berries. And no study needs to be done to prove they make smoothies taste great.

Toss a tomato onto your egg-white omelet. The lycopene in cooked tomatoes has a talent for tamping down blood pressure. No time to cook? Watermelon and pink grapefruit are richer in this nutrient than Bill Gates is in dollars (maybe not quite; just making sure you were still reading).

Grab a yogurt. Making nonfat, no-sugar-added dairy products such as yogurt (look for ones containing probiotics) a regular part of your diet can reduce hypertension risk by 30 percent.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Swine Flu Update

Barb — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:17:00 GMT

http://health.yahoo.com/news/ap/med_healthbeat_swine_flu_q_a.html

3 Easy Ways To Make Your Environment Healthier

Barb — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:03:00 GMT

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Want to make your environment better for you without having to petition to move the freeway or shut down a coal plant? It's not that difficult. Use these simple steps to make a big difference:

Enact your own area-wide secondhand-smoking ban. Nonsmokers who hang out with smokers effectively become smokers themselves, and inhale cigarettes' more than 4,000 chemicals -- including arsenic, cyanide and DDT. The best way to purify your environment -- and take down your risk of lung, cervical and other cancers as well as heart disease, wrinkles and erectile dysfunction -- is to keep smokers 500 feet away from you and from any entrances you walk through. You'll have a 25 percent lower risk of plaque rupture (a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes) than people who routinely walk through secondhand smoke on the way in and out of buildings.

Move away from the printer. In one study, researchers found that a third of the office printers they tested spewed out high amounts of particles. Tiny particles not only are a hazard to your lungs, where they can lead to breathing problems, especially in people who have asthma or a weakened immune system, but they may also be linked to bad artery health.

Clean yourself. We mean your clothes. If drycleaning is optional, spare yourself the bill and the chemicals and hand wash those items. Drycleaning chemicals (trichloroethylene and perchloroethelyene, or PERC) have been linked to kidney and nervous system damage as well as cancer. If you must dryclean, remove your clothes from the plastic wrap and let outdoor air circulate around them for one hour.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Incredible Photo

Barb — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:45:00 GMT

Thanks to Lyn for forward this incredible photo!

It's amazing that this photo, taken so many years ago, actually still exists! And now, someone has put it online for all of us to see.

This INCREDIBLE picture was taken in 1918. It is 18,000 men preparing for war in a training camp at Camp Dodge, in Iowa--EIGHTEEN THOUSAND MEN!!!!! What a priceless gift from our grandfathers! Notice the scale...the men look smaller in the torch and larger nearer the camera. At first glance the entire artwork looks proportional. Note the numbers on men in the parts of the Liberty Figure at the end.

FACTS: Base to Shoulder: 150 feet Right Arm: 340 feet Widest part of arm holding torch: 12 1/2 feet Right thumb: 35 feet Thickest part of body: 29 feet Left hand length: 30 feet Face: 60 feet Nose: 21 feet Longest spike of head piece: 70 feet Torch and flame combined: 980 feet Number of men in flame of torch: 12,000 Number of men in torch: 2,800 Number of men in right arm: 1,200 Number of men in body, head and balance of figure only: 2,000 Total men: 18,000

The Cheapest Way To Look Better, Fast

Barb — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:58:00 GMT

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Is the pen mightier than the Botox needle? If you use it to write about your relationship, it might be (and it might help your relationship, too).

Couples who penned (or typed) their deepest thoughts about their relationship (for just 20 minutes, three or four days in a row) were more likely to be together months later, compared with couples who were told to write about their daily activities. The relationship writers also were more likely to use positive emotion words in instant messages to their partners in the days after journaling than were people who just wrote about ordinary things (a possible reason why those people stuck together).

How does all this make you look better? The feeling of being connected to someone is a key to feeling happy. Happiness boosts your health, so you look and feel radiant. And it naturally gives you the joy and confidence you need to be beautiful. On every level, love is the biggest beauty boost of all.

Not in a relationship? You need the pen and paper, too. Writing about your emotions can help produce beauty-making clarity and calm in other aspects of your life. Jot down your deepest thoughts about your career, your family, your dreams for the future -- anything. Or write a thank-you note to a past mentor, teacher or even a sister or brother. The simple act of focusing on those important things may help you feel more enthusiastic or positive -- or at least less anxious. So here's to a prescription for inner and outer beauty that you can truly write yourself.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Coronary Artery Disease -- Bypass or Angioplasty?

Barb — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:56:00 GMT

Dr. David Lipschitz

Recently, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine compared coronary artery bypass graft surgery with angioplasty in patients with severe coronary artery disease. This included patients who had blockage of the left main coronary artery, or the "widow-maker," as well as patients with blockage of multiple coronary arteries, also known as multivessel disease.

A quick read of the bottom line and the conclusion would lead one to believe that bypass is the treatment of choice for patients with significant coronary artery disease. But not so fast! A little more investigation reveals a slightly more complicated story. In fact, in the very same issue were accompanying editorials and experts' comments that brought up serious questions.

In examining the effectiveness of bypass versus angioplasty, this new study compared four main statistics: the subsequent number of deaths, strokes, heart attacks and whether arteries became blocked again and required more intervention.

The risks of heart attack and death were the same with both procedures, and there was a modest increase in the risk of stroke in the bypass group; but differences noted were of little clinical significance. The only major finding was a higher risk of recurrent blockage, also known as restenosis, in the angioplasty group. In the context of these four concerns, researchers claim that bypass is the preferred choice.

Here is the key question: Should bypass be the treatment of choice for coronary artery disease merely because angioplasty presents a higher risk of restenosis? In other words, is the more invasive procedure better simply because the less invasive option might need to be repeated? For me, the answer is not clear-cut.

First, this report did not consider quality of life following surgery or that memory loss occurs in as many as 50 percent of patients undergoing bypass. Second, these patients were followed for only one year. There was no information presented about how the two procedures affect long-term prognoses.

And what about the age of the patient, the presence of other serious disease, and declines in the ability of the heart to pump adequately? All of these factors complicate the determination of what the ideal course of treatment is.

In addition to the varying results, the wide mix of patients' symptoms complicated the study's findings. A fraction of the patients with severe coronary artery disease were totally asymptomatic, while the remainder had chest pain. Of those with pain present, some had "stable angina," a condition in which pain is present but not increasing in frequency or severity. Here, current consensus indicates that the treatment choice should be between an angioplasty and aggressive management with medications. Most results indicate that medical management one year after initiation of treatment is equally as effective as angioplasty. For these patients, a case could be made that bypass should not be the first choice.

A subgroup of participants was diagnosed with a condition called "unstable angina," in which chest pain occurs more frequently or more severely. These symptoms are harbingers of an impending heart attack, and a rapid intervention by bypass or an angioplasty can save a life. For this group, aggressive care is essential.

Finally, some patients were evaluated because of atypical chest pain, which is almost always mild. Testing was needed to determine whether the pain was caused by the heart or something else. In these cases, too, bypass is open to debate.

Deciding how to treat coronary artery disease remains a difficult decision for patients and their families. Current information is confusing, and there is little consensus, even among experts. Based on these facts, here is the best advice: Make sure that you choose a cardiologist whom you totally trust and who has an impeccable reputation. Seek advice from your primary care physician. Do your research and ask around.

Luckily, President Barack Obama's health care plans provide some hope for the future. In the coming years, researchers will receive substantial funding to undertake the extensive comparative studies necessary to determine which approach is truly best. Given the seriousness of our health problems, the rising health costs and the aging of the baby boomers, this research is vital. It will ensure patients get the highest quality of care, leading all of us to find rational solutions to a difficult problem.

========

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.DrDavidHealth.com.

Team Work

Barb — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 07:42:00 GMT

Together
Everyone
Accomplishes
More

Check it out here.

Cold medications recalled in Alabama

Barb — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:49:00 GMT

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of Influend-brand cough and cold products sold in Alabama on or after May 30 due to a health risk. The FDA said ION Labs Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., initiated the voluntary recall because the products weren't tested in conformance with company specifications and, therefore, might be super potent.

Possible complications can include Tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse with hypotension, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, restlessness and nervousness. Consumers who have questions can contact the company at 877-990-4466.

Harmony Center Note: Does anyone else find this scary? We recommend doing everything you can to keep your immune system running optimally. Personally, we do that with this product AND beta glucan.

Flip flops can cause tendinitis

Barb — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:01:00 GMT

NEW YORK (UPI) -- The switch to summer footwear can result in "flip flop tendinitis" and other foot problems, a U.S. podiatrist warns.

Adapting to flip flops or sandals from closed shoes creates stress on the shin muscles as they try to balance the shoe on the foot, says Dr. Tzvi Bar-David of New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. He advises transitioning gradually and giving muscles a chance to adapt to avoid painful shins or tendinitis.

After a long winter there may also be a lot of enthusiasm for returning to the outdoors to exercise, but Bar-David advises taking time to get proper footwear and to stretch muscles.

Sneakers should have a rigid heel counter and flexible ball of the foot. All shoes should have a comfortable toe box, be well padded and have a cushioned sole.

"Heel and arch pain can occur when starting to exercise without proper stretching," Bar-David says in a statement.

Bar-David encourages stretching calf muscles for several minutes every day as well as before exercising.

"Stand two to three feet behind a counter or wall placing your hands there," Bar-David says. "Keep your heels planted on the ground firmly and bring your body forward thus stretching the back of the calf. Hold for one minute and repeat several times."

Free audios

Barb — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:56:00 GMT

This site has a lot of free audios to listen to or download - www.learnoutloud.com. (You just register for a free account.)

This week's selection...

Marianne Williamson's MiracleThought Podcast

In this daily podcast released in conjunction with Oprah.com, spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson provides a daily uplift for hard times. With each episode, Williamson addresses how to deal with fear, anxiety, loss of faith, romantic hardship, financial worries and other big issues that may be impeding personal growth. Presented with a soothing yet urgent voice, these daily inspirations manage to distill Williamson's unending belief in the power everyone has to unleash their innate potential. Try out this daily podcast from Marianne Williamson.

The Household Staple That Steadies Blood Sugar

Barb — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:34:00 GMT

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

You use it to make windows and mirrors sparkle, to restore shine to your hair, to add extra zing to your endive and watercress salad and whatever else you can think of. But apple cider vinegar -- the Swiss Army Knife of household products -- has another important use: keeping blood sugar stable.

Having two tablespoons of vinegar at or near the start of a meal may clamp down on blood sugar spikes from eating starchy carbs like potatoes and pasta. Just two tablespoons of the stuff can do the trick. The vinegar slows absorption of the sugar from these foods by delaying stomach emptying, and it also makes insulin more effective. Essentially, insulin is like a mailman taking the glucose mail from your bloodstream and putting into your cellular mailbox. Both effects -- slower absorption into your bloodstream, and faster removal of sugar from your blood into cells -- keep blood sugar levels lower and more stable in diabetics.

Keeping blood sugar from surging can even cut your diabetes risk in the long run. There are quick-return benefits, too, including stymieing hunger pangs. That keeps pounds off, which makes your insulin mailman even more effective at getting sugar out of blood and into cells. That, in turn, keeps your energy level up, making it more likely you'll stay physically active (which cuts diabetes risk, too). So try splashing new potatoes and vegetables with red wine vinegar instead of mayo. Or start a meal with a mix of fresh greens and vegetables dressed in oil and vinegar. It may even help you feel satisfied all the way through an errand marathon.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Daily Activities Can Have Surprising Health Effects

Barb — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:13:00 GMT

Note from Harmony Center - just keep moving! Join our online SuperGym for free by clicking here.

By Jeff Hansel

You don't have to go to the fitness center every day of the week to get -- or stay -- healthy.

Sure, a fitness center's a great way to keep in the game. But you can supplement that game through fun, daily activities that can have a surprising effect, local experts say.

"In many ways we have engineered activity out of our daily lives and out of the lives of our kids," said Jo Anne Judge-Dietz, school coordinator for Steps to a Healthier Rochester with Olmsted County Public Health. "Thinking about how we got exercise a generation ago can help us build activity back into our daily lives, such as walking the dog, walking to the bus stop or mailbox, or walking to get a few items at the store."

Kids can easily get half their recommended 60 minutes of daily activity by biking or walking to and from school, for example. "Kids arrive at school awake and ready to learn, and parents avoid the traffic congestion around the school," Judge-Dietz said.

Check out some of these ideas from Judge-Dietz and the Chicago Tribune:

Stand while listening to phone messages at work, or while checking e-mail. It burns three times as many calories as sitting.
Walk the dog.
Work your abdominal muscles during business meetings by tensing them and counting to 20, 30 or 60.
Selectively tense muscles in your legs during business meetings.
Have your kids join a "walking school bus," (adult volunteers escort neighborhood kids to and from school). Volunteer as an escort.
Walk or bike to school or work.
Use drop off/pick up points for kids who live too far away from school to walk the whole distance.
While pushing a shopping cart, work your whole upper body -- biceps, triceps, deltoids, pectorals -- by tensing your arms in various ways.
Hang from the monkey bars with your kids or grandkids (or find a tree) to release the kinks and tension. Run, jump, dodge, crawl and climb with them.
Use gadgets like pedometers to have fun checking your movement.
Do sets of Kegel exercises (contract and relax the muscles that form the pelvic floor).
Use games like Wii Fit or Dance Dance Revolution to turn your TV into a workout station.
Set TV "time rules" to keep kids (and adults) from spending too much time in front of the TV.
Use activity for rewards (reward kids with a trip to the park or a bike ride that you join in).
Give kids gifts that encourage activity and going outside (such as colorful rain boots, a kite or seeds to plant).
Bend forward during your morning shower to release tight hamstrings, calves and hips, keeping your knees slightly bent. Forward bends can also help with fatigue, anxiety, headaches and insomnia.
Before getting up from bed, pull your right knee up toward your chest to help warm up a stiff lower back. Switch legs and then pull both legs in. Hold each position 30 seconds. A bit of side rocking mobilizes the sacroiliac joint.
Towel dry your hair in the morning -- and use a manual toothbrush.
Use the printer farthest from your desk at work.
Schedule "walking meetings" instead of sitting ones.
Take stairs instead of elevators.

Doodling and tea for retention...

Barb — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:46:00 GMT

When Not Paying Attention Makes You Remember More
By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

There's a good reason to take a paper notepad instead of your laptop next time you're headed to a potentially boring meeting. The doodles you make on paper may help you remember more.

That's what happened when 40 people listened to a long and boring taped message about who was and wasn't going to attend a party. Half were told to doodle while they listened, the other half didn't. Doodlers not only took the information down more accurately, but they also remembered more later. The lead researcher, from the University of Plymouth in the U.K., suspects that doodling may keep your mind occupied enough during boring tasks to make you efficient and prevent you from slipping off the mental focus path and all the way into daydreaming (which doesn't improve performance).

Of course, the ultimate way for you to remember more is to have more interesting meetings. But until Mercury freezes over, you'll have to stack the deck. Try this in addition to doodling: Bring a cup of tea. The amino acid called theanine in this brew -- doesn't matter if it's green, black or oolong -- is believed to help activate a part of the brain's circuitry that's tied to attention span. Coffee works for at least one of us, too. Or, bring peppermints for everyone: Its scent helps people work more thoroughly and accurately, so you can get back to your desk and find out who's posted what on Facebook while you were gone. Or best yet, remove the chairs from the meeting room. Standing meetings go faster, so you won't have time to be bored.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Easter Monday

Barb — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:50:00 GMT

Around the world.

Wishing you a Joyous Easter!

Barb — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:37:00 GMT

What a great bunny drawing from M. L. Smith. Watch for more of her work on this blog and click on the bunny to be taken to the Easter site we have chosen this year.

Stand by Me Collaborative

Barb — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:35:00 GMT

Thanks to Bob Crum the Great Garuda, in CA for forwarding this on. You can follow Bob and his interesting tweets at www.twitter.com/greatgaruda.

href="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741">Click here and crank up your speakers for a great show!

Good Friday

Barb — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:35:00 GMT

And He departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. - Augustine

Easter Egg Coloring Tips from McCormick

Barb — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:38:00 GMT

Click on the eggs below for some neat tips and tricks and even how to create custom colors! When you get to the first page click on Easter Eggs on the right side.

(First Tip - Colleen - you have to boil them first )

Check out this page for the story of the Easter egg, and there's even a link for the Easter bunny on the left.

http://www.holidays.net/easter/eggs.htm

Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany

Barb — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:12:00 GMT

Incredible!

Thanks to Jay in Fort Lauderdale for passing this on, Click here to visit Jay's site, and click on the train below to be transported to Miniatur Wunderland!

Easy Steps To A Better Memory

Barb — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:35:00 GMT

In today's entry, because we hear about it everyday, we are again pointing out that diabetes 2 - formerly known as Adult Onset Diabetes - can no longer be called that as it is afflicting younger and younger ages these days - even children! We are excited that Kathy Smith has joined forces with the American Diabetes Association to get us moving! This is not just for diabetics; it's good for anyone too sedentary who need to get started to stop type 2 diabetes from occurring. Click here for more information!

Now from the Docs!

Easy Steps To A Better Memory
By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Wish you could remember yesterday like it was only yesterday? Then take a 30-minute walk today. And every day. No excuses.

A recent study found that a little less time than that -- a mere 20 minutes of physical activity -- helped counter faltering memories in people over age 50. But there are plenty of important reasons -- including your heart, your blood pressure, your stress level, your mood and your joints -- to extend that to at least 30 minutes a day.

How well can moving your body turn your mind from sieve to steel trap? One group of adults whose memories were starting to slip saw improvements after doing an extra 20 minutes of activity (on top of a normal day's physical activity) every day for just six months. Why it works: It's likely that the blood flow from activity nourishes brain tissue and stimulates the generation of neurons, synapses and blood vessels. The exercise might even help delay Alzheimer's disease in people who already have mild cognitive decline.

You don't have to win any race-walking medals to see the benefits. People who did low-key workouts, including swimming and ballroom dancing, also sharpened their minds. Even better, the improvements tended to stick around for a year; some lasted up to a year and a half. That's a huge return on a 30-minute investment.

This is just one more piece of evidence that the easiest step you can take to better physical and mental health is putting one foot in front of the other. Track your steps with a pedometer (we do), then call or text a buddy daily to tell him or her your step totals. Do it today.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Happy Birthday, Captain Billy in Eustis, FL!!!

Barb — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:36:00 GMT

Wishing you a very blessed day and many more!

Enjoy the Ride!

Barb — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:32:00 GMT

You may have seen this before, but enjoy the ride!

Thanks to Jeri in Fort Lauderdale for sending this along.

http://www.lshs64.com/enjoytheride.html

Foods That Fight Breakouts

Barb — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:10:00 GMT

You know us at Harmony Center; we only recommend what our research shows us to be the best products that we use ourselves. Click here for the Omegas we suggest. They are the only capsules we have found that have the addition of rosemary and lemon essential oils, so there is no fishy after taste.

In addition, they are the only one we have found that includes Oemga 5 from the pomegranate.

And now from the Docs...

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Beautiful skin doesn't start in a jar or at the dermatologist's office. It starts with what you have for breakfast. Gets better with a smart lunch choice. And a delicious dinner helps keep skin smooth and breakout-free.

We've always said that what's on your plate can influence what pops up on your nose the night before a big presentation. And new preliminary research agrees. It found that people on a low glycemic-index diet -- meaning they ate vegetables, lean poultry and fish, and 100 percent whole grains rather than refined and sugary foods that spike blood sugar -- saw their acne improve. And more than 90 percent of people taking acne treatments decreased the dose or the amount of treatments they were using while on this diet.

That's no surprise to us. One culprit in breakout-prone skin is inadequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids. So when you trade sugar (and meat) for avocados, walnuts and fatty fish, you boost those valuable fats -- and help control acne.

It's unlikely that you have to be perfect about a low-GI diet to see your skin change. Most of the people whose acne dimmed said they only followed that diet's general principles anyway. The key is following the rules we recommend in our YOU Diet and in this column: Enjoy and celebrate good, healthy whole foods. That means nixing sugars and syrups and increasing produce, 100 percent whole grains, nuts and lean protein, especially fish like salmon and trout that are high in omega-3 fats, or taking supplements containing DHA.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Physical Activity, Vitamin D and Turmeric

Barb — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:36:00 GMT

• Physical activity improves longevity
• Insufficient vitamin D may cause adolescent girls to have weaker muscles
• Health benefits of Curcumin and Turmeric

Physical activity improves longevity (Harmony Center link)
A Swedish study recently published in the British Medical Journal has given those who have reached or passed middle age hope and encouragement to begin a new healthy lifestyle, having discovered that starting a solid exercise regime after the age of 50 can raise one's level of longevity to that of those who have been exercising regularly all along.

With the onset of middle and then old age, health, wellbeing and vitality deteriorate as the bodily engine begins to wear out; to some extent, this is an unavoidable process, part of the natural cycle of mortal existence. Yet, the truth is, due to degenerate lifestyle and dietary habits, our bodies are failing much faster than they should be. And, unfortunately, most people embrace age-correlated health decline too readily and easily, without realizing that there is a lot more we can do to slow and even reverse the trend. The truth is, we can reverse the damage done earlier, and raise our level of health to that of those who have been living healthily throughout the years.

Details of Study

The said exercise was a population-based cohort study carried out in the Swedish municipality of Uppsala. It had looked at 2,205 men, first surveying them from 1970 to 1973 when the men were 50 years old. The study subjects were categorized into four groups based on their level of physical activity - sedentary, low, medium or high, and they were followed up on at the ages of 60, 70, 77 and 82. The basic aim of the study was to find out how post-middle age changes in levels of physical activity affect mortality rates.

Findings of Study

Not surprisingly at all, the study team found that more physical activity translated to lower mortality rates - for those in the low, medium and high level groups, the absolute mortality rates were 27.1, 23.6 and 18.4 per 1,000 person years respectively.

What was more significant was the researchers' discovery that those who raised their levels of physical activity while they were aged between 50 and 60 experienced improved mortality rates, reaching the rates of men who had all along carried out high levels of physical activity. This is certainly excellent news for late-starters.

In fact, the reduction in mortality for those who increased their level of physical activity, as compared to those who continued to only carry out low levels of physical activity, was so pronounced that the study team found that it matched the effects of stopping smoking. With smoking being strongly associated with many dangerous diseases and premature death, this is a very significant comparison indeed.

There is, however, a catch. The abovementioned improvement in mortality rate was observed 10 years after the change in habit. For the first 5 years of follow-up, men who had raised their levels of physical activity continued to experience higher mortality, as compared to those who had carried out high levels of physical activity throughout the years. This suggests that a sustained period of regular physical activity (at least 5 years) would be necessary for the low-level-exercisers to "catch up" with the high-level ones in terms of longevity.

"Increased physical activity in middle age is eventually followed by a reduction in mortality to the same level as seen among men with constantly high physical activity. This reduction is comparable with that associated with smoking cessation," wrote the study team.

Physical Activity Improves Health and Longevity, and It's Never Too Late to Start

The link between regular physical activity and good health and longevity has been repeatedly and firmly established in countless studies. While the Uppsala study concentrated on middle-aged men, the benefits apply to both genders of all age groups.

For example, using information from the Shanghai Women's Health Study which ran from 1997 to 2004, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology had found that exercise, walking, cycling as a mode of transportation, as well as non-exercise physical activity in general helped to improve women's average lifespan. It showed that both exercise or an overall active lifestyle, or a combination of the two, can bring about the said benefit.

With about half of middle-aged men in Western nations failing to undertake a regular exercise regime, perhaps some with the mentality that it would not make much difference anyway, the findings of the recent study in Sweden would provide some encouragement that it is never too late to start an exercise program.

Insufficient vitamin D may cause adolescent girls to have weaker muscles

NaturalNews) Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may cause adolescent girls to have weaker muscles, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

The research team was composed of scientists from Longsight Health Centre in Manchester, the University of Manchester, Saint Mary's Hospital for Women & Children in Manchester and Novotec Medical GmBH in Pforzheim, Germany.

"We know vitamin D deficiency can weaken the muscular and skeletal systems, but until now, little was known about the relationship of vitamin D with muscle power and force," lead researcher Kate Ward said. "Our study found that vitamin D is positively related to muscle power, force, velocity and jump height in adolescent girls."

The researchers measured vitamin D blood levels from 99 girls between the ages of 12 and 14, all of them students at the same inner city, multi-ethnic Manchester school. They found that 75 percent of the participants had vitamin D levels lower than optimal, although none were yet exhibiting any symptoms of deficiency.

Deficiency of vitamin D is well known to lead to hampered calcium absorption, which can cause the weakening of bones and lead to fractures and osteoporosis. Newer research suggests that it may also increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.

The researchers also measured each participant's muscle strength and force through a variety of jumping exercises. They found a direct correlation between vitamin D blood levels and the girls' performance on the muscle strength tests.

"These data highlight the importance of vitamin D status on muscle function in adolescent girls. Sub-optimal force might have implications for long-term bone development," the researchers wrote.

Scientists and medical professionals believe that vitamin D deficiency is widespread, particularly among darker skinned people living far from the equator, whose bodies cannot synthesize enough of the vitamin from the weak winter sunlight. Recent studies suggest that as many as 55 percent of apparently healthy U.S. adolescents might be vitamin D deficient.

Health benefits of Curcumin and Turmeric

(NaturalNews) Turmeric is one of the main ingredients in many curries. In India, it has been used for centuries to help treat various health conditions while, at the same time, it is also widely used in Chinese Medicine. In a recent study conducted at Michigan University, it was found that curcumin, the bright yellow pigment present in turmeric, can help boost cell health by improving the behavior of their membranes.

Curcumin is the known active compound in turmeric. In the said study, the researchers had found that curcumin helped improve the "orderliness" of cell membranes, which in turn made the cells more resistant to infection and malignancy.

"The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through it can be controlled," wrote study leader Professor Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has long been lauded for its healthful properties. Useful nutrients contained within the herb are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. More specifically, it is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Turmeric is said to help boost appetite, lower blood pressure, improve bile secretion and reduce pain; it has anti-inflammatory effects, too.

Under the Ayurvedic system of healing, turmeric has been prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual problems, arthritis, infections, jaundice, coughs and rheumatic pains. It is also used to cleanse the body. In Chinese medicine, turmeric is used to deal with liver and gallbladder issues.

More recently, the positive effects of turmeric against cancer have been proven using modern scientific protocols. In one specific study which was conducted on smokers, it was found that turmeric supplements helped to significantly lower the excretion of certain possible cancer indicators. In another study conducted on skin cancer patients who could not be helped by the conventional cancer protocols of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, turmeric supplements or ointments helped to markedly lower the severity of their symptoms; this included factors such as itching, pain levels and even the size of skin growths.

Health Benefits of Curcumin

Zooming in, curcumin, too, has a number of known beneficial effects. It is an anti-inflammatory compound which also helps to protect against stomach ulcers. Further, curcumin is a strong antioxidant which helps to protect cell DNA from damage. In addition, it has immune boosting effects.

Significantly, curcumin has strong inhibitive effects on cancer cells, preventing or slowing the onset as well as growth of tumors. In fact, laboratory studies conducted on animals have shown curcumin to be poisonous to tumor cells.

Conclusion

Antioxidant properties, healthier cells, detoxification, reduction of pain, anti-inflammatory effects, and even protection against cancer, among others -- with such a long list of important health benefits, you may want to consider making turmeric a regular part of your health-promoting diet.

Source: Natural news

Docs struggle with drug-resistant flu

Barb — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:26:00 GMT

Harmony Center Note: We saw so many people this past year struggle with more than just the common cold. The underlying theme seemed to be the undue length of time to get well. Touch wood, no one is our household has been ill for a very long time. We credit to our daily cleansing of toxins and immune system builders like colostrum. Click here for more information, and be healthy!

WASHINGTON -- The drug-resistance of the widely circulating type A H1N1 flu virus highlights the need for new flu drugs and faster tests, U.S. researchers said. Type A H1N1 is resistant to Tamiflu, the anti-viral that until now been the first choice for treating both seasonal flu and bird flu, USA Today reported Monday. Tamiflu is still effective against most cases of bird flu, the report said. Doctors
still have options for treating type A H1N1 influenza.

Relenza, also known as zanamavir, is in the same class as Tamiflu but the inhaled powder is difficult for some people to use. Older anti-virals, amantadine and rimantadine, will also work against that particular strain. The problem is that doctors don't often know which flu strain is making their patient ill. The other two common flu viruses this season, type A H3N2 and type B, are not resistant to Tamiflu but H3N2 is resistant to amantadine and rimantadine and won't work against type B flu. Rapid flu diagnostic tests can't
identify type A subtypes and a viral culture test takes nearly a week to identify the flu type, USA Today said.

Happy April 1! Watch out for those pranksters!

Barb — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:33:00 GMT

Click on the banner below for the history behind Happy April Fool's Day!

The Health Benefits Of Being Cheap

Barb — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:30:00 GMT

As Dad always said... Beans, beans, the musical fruit The more you eat the more you toot The more you toot, the better you feel So, eat your beans for every meal! Now from the Docs...

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Whether you call it cheap, frugal, penny-pinching or prudent, we call saving money smart, especially when it involves eating one of the cheapest sources of protein, fiber and flavor available. Humble, tasty beans have an impressive portfolio of benefits. Here's what you'll cash in on when you eat them:

--A healthier heart. Beans reduce your levels of C-reactive protein, a likely indicator of heart disease risk. How? Probably due to their fiber. Black beans contain 7 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup serving, which gets you well on your way to the recommended 25 grams a day. Remember to add Beano, an enzyme that helps you break down the beans without the side effect of gas, so you don't clear out every elevator you get into.

Legumes also may reduce your lousy LDL cholesterol. In fact, LDL dropped when people ate a half-cup of cooked pinto beans every day for 12 weeks. (Any beans would probably do the trick).

--Lower blood pressure. Get your protein from plants and your blood pressure may be lower than if you got protein from animal sources. Their amino acids (building blocks of protein) and magnesium and other nutrients may help keep arteries relaxed. Some beans even contain more protein per serving than lean meat. Example: Kidney beans have 16 g of protein per cup; turkey holds 12 g in 3 ounces.

--A smaller waist. Bean eaters weigh as much as 6.6 pounds less than non-bean-imbibing folks do. Makes sense when you consider beans are not only full of satisfying fiber and protein but low in calorie-laden fat.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Persistent pollutant may promote obesity

Barb — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:28:00 GMT

Wow! Bad news! Click here to learn how to cleanse those impurites out daily! This is truly the missing link to weight loss.

Our featured article...

MISHIMA, Japan (UPI) -- Two Japanese researchers say it is "plausible and provocative" to associate the obesity epidemic with chemical triggers present in the modern environment.

Taisen Iguchi and Yoshinao Katsu of the Graduate University for Advanced Studies in Japan say the rise in obesity in humans over the past 40 years parallels the increased use of industrial chemicals during the same period.

The researchers note the chemical Tributyltin is used as a wood and textile preservative in paints for boats, as a pesticide on high-value food crops and many other applications.

Tributyltin affects sensitive receptors in the cells of animals, from water fleas to humans, at very low concentrations -- one-thousandth that of other pollutants known to interfere with sexual development of wildlife species.

The study, published in the journal BioScience, finds the harmful effects of the chemical on the liver and the nervous and immune systems in mammals are well known, but its powerful effects on the cellular components known as retinoid X receptors in a range of species are a recent discovery.

When activated, retinoid X receptors can migrate into the nuclei of cells and switch on genes that cause the growth of fat storage cells and regulate whole body metabolism, the researchers say.

Time out

Barb — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 04:07:00 GMT

Thanks to Celia in San Diego, CA for this beautiful powerpoint. Click here and take a few minutes to enjoy the photography and soothing flute music. Just click open if you don't want to save this file on your hard drive. This flautist is a little more advanced than Celia and I with the flutes we brought back from the amazing Lijiang .

View more from Lijiang by clicking here.

WOW! And right after posting the above, we received this amazing powerpoint from Eltricia in Fort Lauderdale. FL.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Happy Birthday, Tom Kenney!

Barb — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 05:26:00 GMT

Did somebody say 50???

Stretch Your Produce Dollar

Barb — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:49:00 GMT

At Harmony Center we realize how difficult it is for working people to fit in all the recommended servings of vegetables everyday without supplementing, so we recommend the best greens available. More information here.

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Buying produce and then not cooking it right is like paying for 172 cable channels (including 18 ultimate premiums) and only using three regular channels: It's kind of a waste. Here's how to get the most from your produce:

--Steam them. Boiling, sauteing or roasting can rob some vegetables of vital nutrients, while steaming helps keep nutrients in. It may lower lousy LDL cholesterol (it did with steamed beets, okra, carrots, eggplant, green beans, asparagus and cauliflower). Spice them up with garlic, turmeric, onion, basil or whatever herbs, flavors and spices you love.

--Oil them up (sparingly). A little olive oil or canola with DHA adds flavor and helps your body absorb their vitamins, phytonutrients and minerals. Much of the good stuff needs to be hitched to a little fat for the intestinal wall to welcome it in.

--Sauce them. Cooking a tomato boosts its level of lycopene, a nutrient that may reduce your risk of heart disease. Like them raw? Dice or puree them; the more you process them, the more lycopene you unleash.

--Put away the peeler. Skins contain health-giving phytochemicals, but can harbor pesticides -- especially potatoes (one of the most pesticide-ridden vegetables). If you love the skins, it's worth putting out for organic spuds. Other veggies: Wash them in the salad spinner three times.

--Reach into the freezer. Many fresh fruits and vegetables are picked before peak ripeness (and peak nutrition) to withstand transport and storage. From there, they start losing nutrients quickly. Fruits and vegetables intended for the freezer are usually picked closer to their ripeness peak and are flash-frozen immediately. The processing does deplete some nutrients, but locks in most of the rest for 12 months.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

The Best Way To Calm A Cough

Barb — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:14:00 GMT

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

If your cough -- or your child's -- is letting you get as much sleep as a late-night double espresso does, then reach into your kitchen cupboard and grab some honey.

Research shows that this favored home remedy for sore throats also can silence nighttime hacking. That's particularly good news, since some drugstore cough suppressants may inhibit your own ability to clear the junk that gets into your lungs.

A little honey goes a long way to silence the hacking. One and a half to 2 teaspoons, depending on age, is enough. (Caution if you're trying this at home: Never give honey to children under a year old, due to the risk of botulism. For anyone over age 1, choose honey from North America: overseas versions have been found to be contaminated by an old antibiotic that can interfere with your immune cell production). The honey the researchers used was North American buckwheat honey, a dark variety rich in phytochemicals, and it was better at suppressing coughs -- and even at helping the parents of coughing kids sleep better -- than an over-the-counter cough suppressant or than no treatment at all.

We YOU Docs and our families often use honey with green tea for the extra throat lubrication that helps keep coughing on mute. Honey's power may go beyond keeping nighttime peace: It may fight bacteria and sinus infections (albeit, the best evidence of that is still in a petri dish). But you can capitalize on what we know right now about honey: It's easy for kids (and you) to swallow. But just a little and only with coughs; don't wear out its effectiveness.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Exercise for Stress

Barb — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:58:00 GMT

Are you feeling stressed? Exercise is a great stress reducer; physical activity releases endorphins which will improve your mood.

Want to drop that gym membership expense, don't want to use gas to get there, or just don't have time any more?

Don't lose the benefits of exercise - they're too vital - but make it fit your schedule without leaving home! More information here.

Our prayers go out to the family of Natasha Richardson

Barb — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:29:00 GMT

Brain Injury Victims Can Seem OK, Symptoms Delayed

Actress Natasha Richardson's seemingly simple fall on a ski slope is raising questions of how it might have led to her death -- especially since she seemed to be fine afterward.

She reportedly suffered a head injury from the fall during a private ski lesson at a resort in Quebec. She died in a hospital in New York on Wednesday.

According to the resort, the 45-year-old actress said she felt fine after the fall but later became ill and complained of a headache. Doctors say sometimes patients with brain injuries have what's called a "lucid interval" where they act fine for an hour or more as the brain slowly, silently swells or bleeds.

The lucid interval is why doctors always advise keeping a close eye for up to 24 hours on someone who seems OK after a head injury, in case symptoms emerge.

Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury -- headache; loss of consciousness; vomiting; problems seeing, speaking or moving; confusion; drainage of a clear fluid from the nose or mouth -- appear after enough pressure builds in the skull. By then it's an emergency.

"Once you have more swelling, it causes more trauma which causes more swelling," said Dr. Edward Aulisi, neurosurgery chief at Washington Hospital Center in the nation's capital. "It's a vicious cycle because everything's inside a closed space."

Pressure great enough can force the brain downward to press on the brain stem that controls breathing and other vital functions, causing coma or death. Frequently, surgeons cut off a portion of the skull to give the brain room to swell.

Even simple bruising of the brain can trigger swelling. Trauma also may cause bleeding between the skull and the brain's covering, called an epidural hematoma. Sometimes a torn artery goes into a spasm, temporarily stopping bleeding and delaying the hemorrhage, that lucid period. Bleeding requires emergency surgery.

An epidural hematoma is the most likely scenario in Richardson's case, said Dr. Keith Siller of New York University Langone Medical Center.

"This is a very treatable condition if you're aware of what the problem is and the patient is quickly transferred to a hospital," he said. "But there is very little time to correct this."

A CT scan can detect bleeding, bruising or the beginning of swelling after an injury. The challenge is for patients to know whether to seek one.

"If there's any question in your mind whatsoever, you get a head CT," Aulisi advised. "It's the best 20 seconds you ever spent in your life."

Source: , Associated Press/AP Online

Can Workouts Make You Wealthy

Barb — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:48:00 GMT

At Harmony Center, we are very concerned about the increase of Diabetes 2, the lifestyle diabetes, and its occurrence at younger and younger ages - it can no longer even be called "adult onset diabetes." That's why we've teamed with Kathy Smith and the American Diabetes Association to get the word and help out to those who need it! Click here for more information. And, in line with their article below, go to this site to see how workouts truly can make you wealthy!

Now from the Docs...

Can Workouts Make You Wealthy
By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
The best way to keep your job might be to leave your desk. That's right: The less time you spend sitting on your bottom, the better it might be for your -- and your company's -- bottom line.

In a study of entrepreneurs, people who worked out regularly also had companies that performed well. In fact, those who ran regularly were better at meeting their personal goals and their companies had better sales than those owned by nonrunners. (The researchers didn't ask about walkers.) People who stuck to a strength-training regimen were also better at meeting their personal goals than people who didn't lift weights, but their businesses weren't doing off-the-charts better.

Researchers suspect that the boost in confidence and energy that people get from regular exercise may spill over into their careers, giving them an edge. Plus, getting into shape often means developing a mindset that accepts and embraces hard work -- a definite perk when it comes to moving a business through tough times and beyond.

If your boss likes to see you in your chair and nowhere else, remind her that people who exercise have less anxiety, tension and stress. And that means you can think clearly, and probably even talk nicely to the shrill-voiced client who called 37 times before lunch.

Ultimately, taking time to work out may actually help you get more done during the work day. The best time to work out? Whenever you'll do it. But we recommend setting your alarm 30 to 60 minutes earlier than usual and getting moving first thing.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

The hospital room

Barb — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 06:15:00 GMT

A feel good clip, but you might cry first.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=06717b0cba7de01ee4b9&mui=53f4e1211972be157af4e8eb78640f78

The Dog Whisperer

Barb — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 05:08:00 GMT

Don't forget someone else loves you no matter what... Click here to read a short e-book in .pdf format from the Dog Whisperer.

EFT Teleclass starting tomorrow

Barb — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:12:00 GMT

Click here for more information on EFT or here for more information on the class.

World Builder Video

Barb — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:07:00 GMT

Thanks to Jay (www.Jays-Art.com) in Fort Lauderdale for passing this Kim Komando video of the day on.

Please comment on this one for sure! We'd love to hear your take on it

This computer-animated video features a man creating a world from scratch. But why would he do this? Who is he doing it for?

Bruce Branit created this award-winning short. The footage was shot in one day. But the visual effects took almost two years.

All that work really brought this world to life. Almost nothing in this video is really there.

World Builder from Bruce Branit on Vimeo.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer - the little known cancer - Susan B. Komen site

Barb — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:21:00 GMT

Click here to watch the short but informative video and be sure to note the support telephone numbers at the end.

Thanks to Michael in Fort Lauderdale for passing on this important information.

Are you wearin' the green?

Barb — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:28:00 GMT

Click on the leprecaun to be taken to a site with great videos and more on the history of HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Take Off

Barb — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:25:00 GMT

Shot from Pompano Beach, FL

Shuttle March 15, 2009, 7:46 PM EST

http://blog.harmonycenter.info/2009/03/15/kennedy-space-center-shuttle-take-off.aspx

A very special man

Barb — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:05:00 GMT

Click here to view.

Happy Birthday, Patty

Barb — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:03:00 GMT

Wishing you a year of peace and happiness

Not getting enough email?

Barb — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:44:00 GMT

Subscribe to subjects that interest you here.

And, don't forget our tip on Google Alerts. Google scours the web for you and send you emails with links pertaining to your choosen interests. We use it for health updates, but you can enter any key words - from soup to nuts. Check it out here.

Of course, you can easily unsubscribe from either of the above at any time.

FDA issues contaminated cheese warning

Barb — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:50:00 GMT

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning
consumers not to eat certain Queso-brand Mexican style cheese
because of possible contamination. The FDA said Quesco Fresco
Fresh Mexican Style Soft Cheese and Queso Cotija Molido
Mexican Style Grated Cheese manufactured and distributed by
the Peregrina Cheese Corp. of New York might be contaminated
with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause
serious and sometimes fatal infections. The Queso Fresco Fresh
cheese is sold in 14-ounce foil wrapped packages marked with
lot number 4469 or 4477 affixed to each package on a white
sticker. The Queso Cotija Molido cheese is packaged in 15-
ounce clear plastic bags that are marked with UPC number 8
17424 00027 7 and "Plant # 36-1388," but do not contain a lot
number or production date. Both products were distributed to
retail stores in the New York City area and in Scranton and
Hazelton, Pa., in early February. Consumers with questions
can contact the company at 718-456-2391.

Salmonella outbreak spreads to five states

MINNEAPOLIS -- The U.S. Center for Infectious Disease Research
& Policy says a Nebraska salmonella outbreak with sprouts as
the possible source has spread to five states. Approximately
50 cases in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and South Dakota
have been linked to the outbreak as federal and state
officials await the results of laboratory tests that could
confirm whether the cause was sprouts. CIDRAP officials at
the University of Minnesota said the rare Salmonella SaintPaul
subtype is the same as in last year's outbreak that involved
jalapeno and Serrano peppers, but the genetic fingerprint is
different. SunSprout Enterprises Inc. of Omaha voluntarily
recalled its alfalfa, onion and gourmet sprouts with "best
if sold by" dates from of March 2-14 after the initial out-
break was unofficially linked to sprouts.

Kathy Smith joins with ADA (American Diabetes Association) to fight Diabetes 2

Barb — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:54:00 GMT

Click here for more information.

The Surprising Way To Stop Stress

Barb — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:36:00 GMT

Don't have time to drive to the gym? Don't want to use your gas driving to the gym? Don't want to spend your money on a gym membership you may not even use? Check out our online alternative!
Now from the Docs

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Crazy commute? No problem. To-do list longer than the tax code? Bring it on. Mini work crisis? Easy.

The surprising thing that lets you shrug it all off is a little bit of weight training. See, people with a good amount of muscle mass have an easier time recovering from mental stress.

Whether you use dumbbells, machines, resistance bands or your own body weight to build muscle (think pull-ups, invisible chairs and push-ups), you can stay one step ahead of stress. In fact, when stress brings trouble to your door, muscles let you turn it around with the effortlessness of an aikido master.

Lean body mass (that's muscle, not fat) makes your blood pressure normal more quickly after a mentally stressful event. That's because a fit body does a better job of ridding itself of sodium. And that takes a big load off your heart and arteries, especially when you think you have more work than time or more problems than solutions.

Until you buff yourself up (and even after you do), try this to calm down from stress faster: black tea. Men who drink tea are able to reverse the nasty side effects of stress, including increased blood pressure and heart rate, better than those who don't sip the stuff. Even better: Invite someone to share that tea with you (and why not have him or her lift weights with you, too?). Laughter and spending time with friends also send stress and its baggage packing.

========

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

B-Vitamin Could Be Key to Memory Loss, Dementia

Barb — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:44:00 GMT

Harmony Center Note: Click here to see the very best way to get your B-12 and so much more! Ask us about adaptogens, for instance . Send an email or call 800.878.1840.

Now for our featured article...

Even those among us who'd like to slim down a little might be understandably upset at the thought of losing weight in our brains, but it seems our brains do shrink as we age. Decreases in brain volume are associated with cognitive impairments such as memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The good news is that British researchers recently found that some brain shrinkage may be associated with low levels of B-12 -- which suggest that perhaps supplementing might be a preventive strategy.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Several studies have linked B-12 deficits with cognitive decline and dementia. A. David Smith, DPhil, FMedSci, and his colleagues at the University of Oxford, set out to learn more about the association by measuring the amount of bioavailable B-12 in older people. In a five-year longitudinal study, they followed 107 individuals of both genders (mean age 73) with no mental impairments at the start of the study. Participants were given yearly exams that included cognitive tests, MRI scans and blood tests to track the amount of bioavailable B-12.

The researchers found two things. First, those whose B-12 levels were lowest at the start of the study had the most -- and fastest -- brain shrinkage over the five-year period. In addition, brain shrinkage occurred even in those whose plasma B-12 levels were still considered to be within a normal range.

TO SUPPLEMENT OR NOT TO SUPPLEMENT?

The RDA for B-12 is 2.4 micrograms, which can generally be obtained from the effective digestion and uptake of foods like meat, milk, eggs, fish and vitamin-fortified cereals. However, poor diet and, unfortunately, the effects of aging itself lead to depleted B-12 levels.

Now, Dr. Smith and his colleagues are turning their attention to the obvious next question of whether B-12 supplements can reverse or halt the loss of brain volume once it has begun, with a study of elderly people they hope to conclude later this year. Though there is little consensus among the medical community about when B-12 supplements should be prescribed, Dr. Smith believes people over age 50 should have B-12 levels checked every five years or so, and take supplements if the levels are in the low-normal range. Have your B-12 levels checked right away if you notice symptoms of deficiency, which can include tingling and numbness in the extremities in addition to poor memory. Vegetarians and pregnant women and nursing mothers are also at higher risk for low B-12 status, so they too should discuss with their doctor whether supplementation might be advisable. Other people who might have low B-12 levels are those who take proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists for prolonged periods.

Source(s):

A. David Smith, DPhil, FMedSci, is professor emeritus of pharmacology, founding director of Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) and honorary associate director, MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit, at University of Oxford in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Amazing Grace from Rome

Barb — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 05:46:00 GMT

Thanks to Jeri in Deerfield Beach, FL for sending this on.

Amazing Grace from the Coliseum in Rome - check out the bagpipes!

Click on the bagpiper below and be sure your speakers are on

Daylight Savings

Barb — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:07:00 GMT

Doesn't it seem like this is early this year?

Don't forget to spring your clocks forward an hour tonight!

15 minutes to change your life

Barb — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:10:00 GMT

Spend 15 minutes with me tomorrow morning - it could change your life!

http://EFTweeklyClasses.com

Lavender for relaxation and blood pressure

Barb — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:31:00 GMT

Lavender essential oil is a natural sedative. It promotes relaxation in your nervous system.. At times when you feel stressed or your confidence is low, place 3 drops of pure lavender oil on a soft cloth and inhale deeply. This is probably why it's so effective at lowering blood pressure. For quality lavender oil and 15% off (enter Harmony at check out) just click on the picture of lavender below.

World Peace, Love and Harmony Meditation

Barb — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:44:00 GMT

Start your week with a free download of a 20-minute meditation on world peace, love, and harmony. Patrick Porter, Ph.D. leads you on this guided visualization meditation with soothing music. The meditation provides many affirmations for achieving inner peace and for visualizing your participation in creating peace in your world. This title was published through our TeachOutLoud service and is available on free MP3 download.

World Peace, Love and Harmony Meditation