Health care

Archive for April, 2010

By The Lifescript Editorial Staff
There’s a lot of talk about antioxidants, as if they’re a cure for everything. But do they help with diabetes?

They might, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Antioxidants are nutrients that include vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene and the mineral selenium. They protect the body from harmful substances known as “free radicals,” which are the by-products of metabolism that disrupt our natural cancer-fighting defenses and destroy important structures, such as cell membranes and DNA.

High blood glucose helps free radicals form in the body, and free radicals may be involved in diabetes complications.

Research shows that people who eat antioxidant-rich foods report fewer cases of cancer and heart disease. However, researchers haven’t determined whether these good health statistics are because of the antioxidants people are getting or simply the benefits of the food that the antioxidants are contained in. Fortunately, all the food they’re contained in is good for you anyway. Your best bet is to eat a variety of antioxidant-rich foods.

Here’s where to find them:

• Beta-carotene and vitamin A can be found in leafy vegetables (broccoli, collard greens, kale, spinach) and red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables (apricot, cantaloupe, carrot, mango, peach, pumpkin, sweet potato, tomato, watermelon, squash).
• Vitamin C is found in broccoli, cantaloupe, citrus fruit (orange, grapefruit, lemon), kiwi, potato, red pepper, strawberry and tomato.
• Vitamin E is found in almonds, nuts, seeds, vegetable oil and wheat germ.
• Selenium is found in cashews, halibut, meat, oysters, salmon, scallops and tuna.
  
  

Compiled from 101 Nutrition Tips for People with Diabetes by Patti B. Geil and Lea Ann Holzmeister. Copyright by the American Diabetes Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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By Richard O’Connor, Ph.D., Special to Lifescript

Bookstores hold volumes on treating depression. But they don’t offer much about prevention. As a psychotherapist with depression, I have special insight on this disease. Learn the warning signs and how to get help. Plus, are you depressed? Take the quiz…


When it comes to depression, the emphasis is too often on treatment – after someone has hit rock bottom. People think the illness happens to you without warning.

But there are signs: People lead depressed lifestyles before they feel blue. If they believed they could avoid hitting bottom, their recovery could be much faster.

I wrote Undoing Depression (Berkley Trade) because I want to prevent people from suffering what my family and I did when I was depressed.

Above all, I want to give people hope, something that those with the disease lack. There’s good reason to be hopeful: 80%-90% of people recover if they get proper treatment.

Here are answers to 7 questions I’m often asked about depression:

1. Is the incidence of depression increasing?
Yes, it’s no exaggeration to call it an epidemic. At any given time, 20% of the population – one in five Americans – suffers from some form of depression.

Take the phone book and start with the letter A. Go on through to the end of the Es. That’s how many people from your community are clinically depressed.

Research suggests that more people are depressed, more often, more severely and starting earlier in their lives than ever before.

By The Lifescript Editorial Staff

Since prescriptions can be different from country to country, there are certain precautions to take if you’re traveling abroad and taking diabetes medication.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that you mention your trip to your health care team so they can help you take precautions against running out of a medication you need. The medication may not be available in the country to which you’re traveling, notes the ADA, and there’s a good chance that even if it is available, it will have a different name or will be available in different strengths.

Before you leave, ask your doctor to provide a letter that briefly describes your medical conditions and current treatments.

Other tips from the ADA:

• Bring extra prescriptions for your medications so pharmacists or physicians in other countries can provide them for you in an emergency.
• Write down a detailed list of all the medications you are taking and ask your pharmacist to provide extra supplies that you can store in separate bags.
• Always keep a 2-week supply of medications with you at all times in case your luggage is lost.
• Store all medications in an air-tight, insulated case to minimize exposure to temperature and humidity extremes.
• Wear an ID bracelet and carry an ID card in your wallet that identifies you as someone with diabetes.
  

Compiled from 101 Medication Tips for People with Diabetes by Betsy A. Carlisle, Lisa A. Kroon, and Mary Anne Koda-Kimble. Copyright by the American Diabetes Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph., Lifescript Pharmacist

Dear Pharmacist,
My brother is struggling with alcohol cravings, even though he has a support group and does acupuncture. Can you recommend any herbs or vitamins to reduce cravings?

-H.S. Orlando, Fla.

Dear H.S.,
Your brother – along with roughly 14 million Americans – struggles with alcohol cravings and physical or psychological dependence. There are many alcoholics who go through life without ever attempting to quit, and many end up facing liver failure, pancreatic cancer or jail time. Congrats to your brother (and you) for reaching out.

Yes, there are several supplements that can help your loved one reduce alcohol cravings.

Kudzu extract: Derived from a weed that grows all over the world, kudzu extract is sold in supplement form at health food stores and has various medical uses. The extract from kudzu root (pueraria lobata) may be of benefit and is sometimes used as a treatment for alcoholic cravings (and possibly metabolic syndrome). It reduces the urge to drink, according to a 2004 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food. To be clear, animal studies have shown kudzu’s benefit; human trials have yet to confirm this.

Glutamine: An essential amino acid, glutamine has multiple functions: It lines the gut, improves mood, reduces anxiety and may even help reduce cravings. One detrimental effect of alcohol is that it reduces the action of natural glutamine in the body, which contributes to those nasty hangovers. To cut the craving and ease a hangover, try supplementing with 500-1,000 mg of glutamine with each meal.

5-HTP: Also an amino acid, 5-HTP is a popular natural antidepressant and sleep aid, as it raises both serotonin and melatonin in the body. Serotonin deficiency has been tied to alcoholism and other addictive disorders, therefore raising the body’s levels of ”feel good” serotonin is beneficial. I suggest approximately 50-300 mg per day, in divided doses. You can start with 50 mg twice daily and work up slowly.

Milk thistle: These leaves from the Mediterranean regions are known for cleaning the liver, the primary organ damaged by excessive alcohol consumption. Milk thistle is beneficial if you have mild liver damage, not severe.

Prescription medications can also help curb alcohol cravings. Antabuse (disulfuram) is an old drug that’s still available. It makes a person vomit profusely if alcohol is ingested – not a pretty picture. Another medication is Naltrexone, which blocks pleasure sensors in the brain and reduces the cravings for alcohol/narcotics once you quit. Campral (acamprosate) is another medication that may help.

People with addiction problems have imbalanced brain chemicals. The above mentioned supplements may help bring harmony once again. Other useful options include dandelion, Reishi mushroom, evening primrose oil, glycine and L-tyrosine.

Did You Know?
About 1 in 4 children in America is exposed to alcohol abuse within the family.

Want to know more? Get your own copy of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Drug Muggers: How To Keep Your Medicine From Stealing the Life Out of You! Plus, meet Dr. Suzy Cohen.

The information contained on www.lifescript.com (the “Site”) is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition. Information and statements provided by the site about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lifescript does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, third-party products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by Lifescript is solely at your own risk.

By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, Lifescript Personal Coach

Q: Years ago I married a much older man and we have a daughter. I lived overseas for many years and left him because he was verbally abusive. He’s now in his 80s, has dementia and is begging me to help him. I care about him and know he’s in need. Our daughter is grown and I’m not working. I’m torn: If I take care of him, I’ll be far from my daughter – but I don’t know how much more time he has and would feel awful if he passed alone. Can you give me some advice?

-Jean S.

A: Hi Jean,

This is truly a tough situation because it not only involves tending to the health of an ex-spouse, but it also involves leaving the country, your daughter and the comfort of your own home. You don’t mention how old and healthy you are and that would definitely play a role in my answer. With that said, I believe this is what I would do if I were you.

Discuss this with loved ones and measure their input. Since this is a serious commitment, I also suggest you see a counselor for a couple of sessions and get some objective input as well. At the end of the day, only YOU can decide whether this is something you can or can’t do. Of course, you could always take care of your ex, and if it ends up being too much, return home. The fact that you’re considering this tells me that you’re a very caring person whose heart is in the right place. The question remains: If you go, will you be in the right place?

Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com

Are you dating the wrong person? Got an unhealthy addiction? Need motivational advice? Email your question! Ask Dr. Sklare

Relationship troubles? Ask Dr. V

Need fitness advice? Ask Jorge Cruise

Got a diet dilemma? Ask Joel Marion

What’s in your stars? Ask the Saturn Sisters

Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!

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By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, Lifescript Personal Coach
Research and experience teach us that living a happy life takes a lot of give and take. From my experience, I think I’d have to agree. I bet we all know at least one person who’s much more of a taker than a giver, or much more of a giver than a taker. However, you need a balance of give and take if you seek a wellness-oriented life full of healthy relationships. This brings me to today’s reflection.

Let me put my thought to you in the form of a question: Are you more of a giver, a taker or do you have a healthy balance of the two in your life? I also wonder how those who know you best would score you on this issue. Simply put, if you’re one who takes a lot more than you give or gives a lot more than you take, I suggest you consider learning a new balancing act. Too much giving or taking can create problems for you in life when seeking personal happiness and relating to others. But a proper amount of both is a formula for healthy living. I suggest that you take my advice and give this next question some serious thought. How’s your give and take balance?

Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com

Are you dating the wrong person? Got an unhealthy addiction? Need motivational advice? Email your question! Ask Dr. Sklare

Relationship troubles? Ask Dr. V

Need fitness advice? Ask Jorge Cruise

Got a diet dilemma? Ask Joel Marion

What’s in your stars? Ask the Saturn Sisters

Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!

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By Edward C. Geehr, M.D., Lifescript Chief Medical Officer
Think you’re working out enough? A new study on women and exercise says otherwise. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study found that the current federal guidelines of 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes five days a week, of moderate to intense activity won’t prevent weight gain in women if they consume a normal diet. The study shows middle-aged women need 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily to prevent packing on the pounds.

The study was a follow-up to a 2002 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report that found 420 minutes of moderate exercise a week, or 60 minutes each day, is needed to control weight gain. Researchers from Harvard looked at over 34,000 women already enrolled in the Women’s Health Study from 1992-2007 who consumed a regular diet. All women were age 45 or over at the beginning of the study. Activity levels were tracked for an average of 13 years and weight was tracked during a three-year period.

The average weight gain during the study period was 5.7 pounds. For people with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 – considered “normal” weight – only those who exercised for 60 or more minutes per day were able to maintain their normal BMI. These data contest the 2008 federal recommendations of 150 minutes per week as being adequate.

Now here’s the bad news for those hoping to exercise away excess weight: The amount or intensity of activity made no significant difference in women who were already overweight or obese. In other words, exercise alone had no effect on weight control. Unless you push away the plate, you’re not likely to lose weight through your daily walks, bike rides, treadmill sessions, lap swims and elliptical trainers.

The worry among study researchers is that women may now just throw up their hands in frustration and say, “Why bother?” They’re quick to point out that even the current federal 150 minutes per week guidelines are sufficient to lower the risk of many chronic diseases.

We know, for example, that exercise can combat stress, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome (a precursor of diabetes), and certain cancers. There’s strong evidence that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of cancers of the breast and colon. Several studies have also reported links with reduced risk of endometrial cancers. For those already diagnosed with breast cancer, some studies have found improved quality of life and even improved survival rates, compared to sedentary women.

So even if you’re discouraged by these recent findings, there are plenty of reasons to continue your current exercise regimen. You can reduce the risk of health problems related to excess weight with regular activity. And if you’re willing to reduce your calorie intake, you’ll see even greater health improvements over time.

See All House Calls by Dr. Geehr.

By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, Lifescript Personal Coach
Happy Easter to everyone who will be celebrating this religious event this weekend. As you know, Easter is often considered the most important annual religious ceremony to Christians. According to scripture, Easter is the time that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. For many, it’s a holy time of deep reverence, religious contemplation and joyous celebration.

For the young, Easter primarily means egg hunts and legendary Easter Bunny stories. Whether this is a time of holy sanctity for you or simply a day of fun and adventure, I hope you all spend time with loved ones today. Special days like Easter have a way of bringing people together each year, and I suggest that you don’t waste this opportunity. Regardless of what Easter means to you, I suggest you use this day to strengthen your personal relationships and bring your family closer together.

Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com

Are you dating the wrong person? Got an unhealthy addiction? Need motivational advice? Email your question! Ask Dr. Sklare

Relationship troubles? Ask Dr. V

Need fitness advice? Ask Jorge Cruise

Got a diet dilemma? Ask Joel Marion

What’s in your stars? Ask the Saturn Sisters

Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!

Talk to us on Facebook and Twitter!