A Voice for Progeria

Progeria is a disease that speeds up the aging process. Children with progeria begin to show signs within the first two years. Parents may notice some hair loss and a lack of physical growth. Over a short period of time, children with progeria may experience some difficult health challenges such as hearing loss, fragile bones, strokes, heart disease and more. These challenges are quite tough yet parents have had to face handling the disease knowing that their child's life span may be over within 13 to 20 years.

Thankfully, many of these children have lived their lives enjoying each moment despite the health challenges. Sam Berns has taken his assignment in life to share his journey with progeria.

Here Today, Gone Today - It's Up to Your Heart!

"I love you with all my heart"
"My heart belongs to you" or "My heart beats only for you"

Yes you've heard it all before. The truth is the heart is an organ that can change your life instantly. Unlike the diseases that may give you time to get treatment, transplants or time with your loved ones - a heart attack may not be that merciful. If you are fortunate enough you may survive an attack. On the other hand, there are those who are taken away completely, leaving everyone in complete shock.

I have found some videos that may provide some insight to your heart and how you may eliminate heart disease. Be informed.

Something to Talk About!

After receiving numerous emails regarding an issue that many hesitate to discuss, I've decided to take it head on. This condition can be terrifying to men and women, where some describe it as their worst nightmare. Erectile dysfunction also known as impotence is downright scary, it is the inability of maintaining or having an erection.

Although having difficulties with an erection may be due to stress and not necessarily an indication of impotence, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment. However, once it is determined that there is a health issue, an effective treatment plan may reverse your erectile dysfunction.

This is a very sensitive topic that is not easy for men and women to talk about even in the privacy of their own environment. Communication is vital to the survival of your relationship, your own self confidence and peace of mind. Above all, seek medical attention, do not assume that you are under stress - you may be right but then again you may be wrong. Your health and wellness is in your hands.

Be Still And Know - You Are In Charge

Life is filled with challenges, how you handle the challenges? Do you become overwhelmed? anxious? depressed? ill tempered? or do you remain calm? seek guidance? look for solutions?

There are many ways that we can cope with the ever changing moments of life. Challenges exist for all living things. The trees, the animals and the earth all face challenges. As humans, we face challenges daily. The wealthy, rich, successful people are constantly facing challenges. It is how you handle the challenges that really makes the difference in your health and wellness.

As we have previously explored meditation and it's benefits, it is time to take a listen to those who have benefited from this practice. Hopefully, you too will take the time to add meditation to your daily habits. Take a moment, be still - your health and wellness depends on you.


The Medical Findings


Think Happy Thoughts

Health Disparities - Minority Health Awareness Month 2012

April's here again and with that it is the month where we focus on Minority Health Awareness. The health disparities continues to remain high within the minority communities - leading in higher mortality rates. No need to read a long article, listen to the experts who would like to give you an insight to the concerns of major diseases that are rampant in the minority community.

The Things I Love About Apples

As a child, I loved apples. My father the healthy eating commissioner of our household,made sure that our home was always stocked with fruits, 100% juices and vegetables. It was a way of life for us and as a parent, I made sure that my children developed a love for the healthy foods. Well, getting back to the love of apples, it began with the colors. It helped that my favorite color was red and I enjoyed the crunch of the apple. Apples as you know have a variety of colors and are tasty from sweet to tart or just plain. The saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away actually has some truth to it.

According to the United States Drug and Food Administration funded study, apples have been found to benefit in the following areas:
* lowers (LDL) bad cholesterol
* increases (HDL) the good cholesterol
* good source of fiber pectin
* good source of antioxidants
* contains small amounts of potassium
* aids in weight loss

Further research studies have indicated that there is a correlation between apples and reducing/preventing some cancers, brain health (Alzheimer's disease), heart diseases, lung diseases and strokes.

One of my favorite apple treats as a child was the candy apple. Of course, I had it on a few occasions. It was the treat I ate at an amusement park, circus or a day at the museum. Unlike today with it's fancy dressings, my candy apple was simply coated with lots of sugar. As I promote the great benefits of apples, I would love to say that candy coated apples are exempt from the above references as its trimmings can cause quite a bit of health complications - especially if it is consumed often.

My love for apples took on a whole new turn as I had my first taste of apple pie as an adult. My father in-law made the most delicious pies ever. He would make his pies using the apples from his apple tree and they were so delicious, I wish I could have shared it with you. As the holidays approaches, and as we continue to enjoy the delicious treats of apples, from hot apple ciders to apple pies - keep in mind that everything must be enjoyed in moderation. Go out to the local farmers market or your produce stand and purchase some apples - get to improving on your health and wellness.

For the Love of Your Heart!

February is American Heart Month. Celebrities, red pins, red dress - the awareness campaign in high gear during the month. The truth is heart disease is the #1 Killer in both men and women. Yes, women! This disease takes no breaks. It develops over time, it is sometimes genetically inherited but in other cases, it just happens (life style habits/behaviors). The symptoms in women differ in women and can be easily dismissed as stress or some other minor health set back that can be cured with a bit of relaxation or in some cases a prescription.

The symptoms in women includes:

• Sweating
• Fatigue (unusual)
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheaded
•  Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal, Neck, Upper back or discomfort in Shoulder 

Could you be stressed? Of course you can. What woman does not experience a bit of stress from time to time? Most women face the stresses of life daily. However, you must not ignore these symptoms. You must see a doctor immediately. Express your concerns, be your biggest advocate - get the full work up.

For the Love of your Heart:

• Avoid smoking - quit it, seek help if you must
• Eat your fruits, vegetables, whole wheat, diet. 
• Consume foods that are low in saturated fats, cholesterol and salt
• Exercise consistently for 30 - 60 minutes a day
• Maintain a healthy weight 

You already know that you don't have to be a man to be affected by heart diseases, neither do you have to be overweight or old.  The disease can affect you.

Antioxidants - the benefits

Antioxidants are known to protect your cells from free radicals. Free radicals damages the cells as they are molecules that are produced when your body breaks down food, also when you are exposed to the pollutants in the environment. Free radicals are linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and many others.

Here are the foods that contains antioxidants:

Poultry
Fish
Some Meats
Fruits
Vegetables
Nuts
Grains

What substances are found in antioxidants?

Vitamin A - liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. Retinol (Vitamin A1), 3,4-didehydroretinol (Vitamin A2), and 3-hydroxy-retinol (Vitamin A3).

Vitamin C - also known as ascorbic acid is found in fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E - is found in almonds, in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

Beta-carotene - foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard greens, spinach, and kale are also rich in beta-carotene.

Lutein - green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and kale (all linked to healthy eyes).

Lycopene- tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and other foods.

Selenium - is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries. Meats and bread are also common sources of dietary selenium specifically in the United States.

Be informed -make healthy choices!

Minority Health Awareness Month- April

Many are unaware that April is the month where we focus on promoting Minority Health. It is an effort to bring awareness to the health disparities that exist and to also educate and encourage minorities to take charge of their health and wellness. The statistics from the Office of Minority Health, clearly indicates that minorities have taken the lead in mortality rates in the following areas:

Asthma

• From 2003-2005, African American children had a death rate 7 times that of non-Hispanic White children.
• African Americans had asthma-related emergency room visits 4.5 times more often than Whites in 2004.
• American Indian/Alaska Native adults were 60% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma, in 2006.
• Asian Americans generally have lower rates of asthma than the White population, but they had a 50% greater death rate in 2003.
• Puerto Rican Americans have almost three times the asthma rate as compared to the overall Hispanic population.
• Puerto Ricans report 2.5 times more asthma attacks per year than non-Hispanic Whites.

Cancer

• Although breast cancer is diagnosed 10% less frequently in African American women than White women, African American women are 34% more likely to die from the disease.
• American Indian Women are 1.7 times as likely to die from cervical cancer as compared to white women.
• Asian/Pacific Islander men and women have higher incidence and mortality rates for stomach and liver cancer.
• In 2004, Hispanic women are twice as likely as non-Hispanic white women to be diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Chronic Liver Disease

• African American men are 80% more likely to have chronic liver disease than non-Hispanic White men.
• Asian Americans are 2.2 times more likely to die from chronic liver disease, as compared to non-Hispanic Whites.
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with chronic liver disease, as compared to non-Hispanic Whites.
• Both Hispanic men and women have a chronic liver disease rate that is twice that of the White population.
• Hispanic men and women are almost twice as likely to die from chronic liver disease, as compared to the non-Hispanic White population.
• In 2004, chronic liver disease was the fifth leading cause of death for all American Indian/Alaska Native men, and the third leading cause of death for men, ages 35-44.
• The overall death rate for American Indian/Alaska Natives is 2.6 times higher than for the White population, in 2005.

Diabetes

• African American adults were 1.9 times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.
• American Indian/Alaska Native adults were 2.3 times as likely as white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes.
• In Hawaii, Native Hawaiians are more than 5.7 times as likely as Whites living in Hawaii to die from diabetes.
• Mexican American adults were 1.9 times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.

Heart Disease

• African Americans are 1.4 times as likely as non-Hispanic whites to have high blood pressure.
• American Indian/Alaska Native adults are 1.3 times as likely as White adults to have high blood pressure.
• Overall, Asian/Pacific Islander adults are less likely than white adults to have heart disease and they are less likely to die from heart disease.
• Mexican American women are 1.2 times more likely than non-Hispanic white women to be obese.

Hepatitis

• In 2005, non-Hispanic Blacks were almost twice as likely to die from viral hepatitis, as compared to non-Hispanic Whites.
• In 2006, American Indian/Alaska Natives were 2.7 times more likely to develop a case of Hepatitis C, as compared to the White population.
• In 2006, Asian Americans were 1.8 times more likely to contract Hepatitis A, as compared to Whites.
• Hispanics are three times more likely to be diagnosed with Hepatitis A than non-Hispanic Whites.
• In 2002, Black children were 3.2 times more likely than White children to be diagnosed with acute viral Hepatitis B.

HIV/AIDS
• African American males have 7.7 times the AIDS rate as non-Hispanic white males.
• American Indian/Alaska Native women have 2.8 times the AIDS rate as non-Hispanic white women.
• Hispanic females have almost 5 times the AIDS rate as non-Hispanic white females.
• Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander are twice as likely to be diagnosed with AIDS as the White population.
Obesity

• From 2001-2004, African American women were 70% more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic White women.
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders are 3.7 times more likely to be obese than the overall Asian American population.
• In 2003- 2004 Mexican American children, between the ages 6-11, were 1.3 times more likely to be overweight as Non- Hispanic White Children.
• American Indian/Alaskan Natives are 1.6 times as likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic whites.

Stroke

• African American adults are twice as likely than their White adult counterparts to have a stroke.
• In general, American Indian/Alaska Native adults are 60% more likely to have a stroke than their White adult counterparts.
• In general, Asians/Pacific Islander adults are less likely than white adults to have suffered a stroke, and they are less likely to die from a stroke.
• In 2005, Hispanic men were 15% less likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic white men.

These are just a few of the many other diseases that affect the mortality rates of the minority population. The main purpose of this article is not only to bring awareness but to also activate a change in behaviors. Take advantage of the free and low cost screenings; visit your doctors regularly; eat healthy; exercise and pass on the information to others. Do not become complacent with these themed months,awareness pins, buttons or symbols but take a good look at yourself - realize that your actions may determine the time you have here to enjoy life with your loved ones.