Spring in welfare: Renew

Spring has officially launched! It is the season of renewal, a "rebirth" so to speak, when the daffodils poke their heads courageous on the floor and the last snow piles melt to the green grass. Nature made changes to the brighter every year, so why not you? It's time for spring cleaning of the soul. Just as we can declutter, reorganize, and shine our homes, we can also do the same for our brains and bodies. Your approach may be mental, emotional, spiritual, or any combination of the three

To be mentally and emotionally well means being in control of your emotions and behavior. it makes you better able to manage the inevitable life changes. Be spiritually well is to find meaning and purpose in your life. Find these living each day in a way that reflects your values ​​and beliefs. There is a common misconception that spiritual health is the same as religion, and although it may involve religion, he does not have to. Other ways to practice spirituality include mindfulness, journaling and meditation.

It is important to cool your home every spring, remember to refresh your mind as well. Take steps to improve your mental, emotional and / or spiritual can change your outlook and attitude, give meaning to your actions, and guide your choice to be healthier, healthy and healing.

More spring well being tips to come over the next three weeks

Have a great day

• Look inside :! find happiness, peace, and purpose will be internally help you find more happiness in external (hugs, puppies, and promotions), and to accept and overcome the negative external influence (one day rain or bad news)
• Turn the tables. once that success was thought to happiness ... New research shows that the opposite is true! Happiness leads to success! Happy people have the energy, optimism and orientation toward a goal. So before you get to perform, check your prospects, and we do not mean email! (APA)
• Be resilient: engage in practices that build and fortify your walls emotional strength so that no matter what lemons, you are given in life, you are still drinking lemonade sweet. Maintain a hopeful outlook, take care of yourself, and form meaningful connections. (APA)

Sources: American Psychological Association, LifeWork Strategies EAP and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

You want to give your favorite Mexican recipes a healthy makeover for the heart? By making a few simple changes, you can reduce fat and salt and still keep the flavors you like.

Mexican dishes use a lot of fresh, healthy ingredients, and it is easy to switch to other non-self healthy choices for healthier options.

Go for fruit and vegetables

vegetables play an important role in many Mexican favorites. Take a look at the recipes you do most often, and you'll probably find :.

• Tomatoes packed with lycopene, folic acid, potassium and vitamins A, B, C and E, tomatoes offer a lot of flavor and nutrients. Consider making your own salsa, or just adding more diced tomatoes to your meals.
• Peppers. With a wide variety of sweet spicy peppers can get the flavor and also add vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid and fiber. Large peppers tend to be mild, while small peppers turn heat.
• Avocados. Although high in calories and fat, avocados offer a healthier type of fat that can help lower LDL, or "bad" cholesterol when eaten in moderation. Just keep an eye on portion sizes enjoying guacamole or adding avocado slices to your recipes.
• Beans. Manager of protein, minerals and fiber, beans are a great addition to many classic Mexican dishes. . Be sure to drain and rinse canned beans before using

Beyond these nutrient-rich foods, consider adding new flavors to your recipes tried and true, such as:

• Jicama. This root vegetable can be peeled, sliced ​​and tossed in salads and salsas for an extra kick of vitamin C, fiber and potassium.
• Nopales. These pads of prickly pear (without thorns, of course) are loaded with fiber.
• mangoes. One cup of mango is only 100 calories and can sweeten your food without adding fat.

Get Spicy

to add more flavor to your recipes, look beyond the saltshaker. You can spice things up by choosing

• Lemon juice or lime juice
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Chiles

make healthy swaps

Keep the fat, salt and calories in your favorite recipes low by making healthy swaps.

• broil, bake or grill instead of frying.
• Choose corn tortillas instead of flour.
• Go to sour cream or low-fat cheese, and always keep an eye on your portions.
• Select fajitas with lots of vegetables instead of quesadillas.
• Boil the beans and crush them with low-fat milk or low-sodium vegetable broth to a texture similar to fried beans.
• If you have taco salad, skip the fried shell

dietitian -. a food and nutrition expert - can help you find even more ways to make your favorite Mexican recipes low in fat and calories. For more information, visit the Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) .

Sunlight can use a punch one to two to trigger skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) light damages a key gene in skin cells involved in the fight against tumors, and yet appear to help these dangerous mutant cells survive exposure to the sun, according to a report in the issue of November 26 of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .

A team of Yale University, Connecticut Center for Plastic Surgery, and the National Cancer Institute found that skin samples removed during plastic surgery of healthy individuals were many tiny patches of cells with damaged versions of the gene p53 tumor suppressor. These spots are larger and more frequent in skin exposed to the sun (such as samples of nose jobs) and in armored areas (such as belly-tucks).

"The number of [patches] was amazing," says co-author paper Douglas Brash, a Yale oncologist. On average, the skin of armored sun had three plates of mutant cells per square centimeter, while exposed skin was 33. the patches accounted for up to 4% of the epidermis of the skin exposed.

the cells with mutant p53 genes are sensitive to carcinogenic mutations and radiation survive UV more frequently than normal cells undergoing programmed cell death when damaged by the sun. "It is a double whammy," says Johns Hopkins University oncologist Michael Kastan, who said the study "implies as a UV first step "in skin cancer. Amato Giaccia, a radiation oncologist at Stanford University, agrees." it's a very important study, "he said.

exercise during pregnancy and after baby

Exercise is not always top of the list for women pregnant or most new moms. The idea may seem almost laughable to many when you're too tired to move from the couch or half the night with a newborn.

Staying active during pregnancy and after the baby is actually a great way to help you feel better. Exercise has been proven to give you more energy, and it can reduce your risk of pregnancy complications, including excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes and hypertension.

Katy Myers has a unique perspective on work during pregnancy. As a physiologist main exercise at the fitness center and health at Shady Grove Adventist HealthCare Medical Center, she works closely with cardiac patients develop exercise routines that get them moving and keep them healthy. She is also pregnant with her first child.

"My doctor told me she did not care what I was doing, as long as I moved and the baby was safe," she said. "Exercise can be as simple as going out for a daily walk. There is no need to develop complex workout plans or pick up a new hobby "

Katy Here are some tips to help you move :.

during pregnancy .

• Speak with your doctor before starting your medical history, fitness level before pregnancy and the experience of the current pregnancy can impact what exercise is appropriate for you.
• Avoid positions when you are lying on your back . He can compress the nerves and reduce blood flow to you and your baby.
• Make the talk test . Make sure that you are able to hold a conversation throughout your workout to make sure you do not overwork yourself.
• make it easy on yourself . Find something you like, or stay with the activities you already do. Walking and yoga are two great workouts for pregnant women

After delivery :.

• Get permission from your doctor . Depending on your performance and health, the security window to resume the practice could be between 6-8 weeks postpartum.
• Sneak in . Try squeezing in a workout when your baby naps. Yoga, core workouts and strength training are some easy exercises you can do in your living room while your small dozes.
• Until the intensity . Once your doctor gives you the green light, giving a high intensity workout to try. drive high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great way to get your heart rate and burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Jumping Jacks, jumping rope and lifting weights are timed super high intensity workouts you can do at home.
• Go for a walk . Take the stroller or strap on the baby carrier and go for a walk. Head to the pavement or hitting the trails - whatever you feel comfortable doing - to get a great workout and enjoy the fresh air
• Workout with you baby .. Sign up for fitness classes you can do with your baby, such as yoga or stroller fit. It is a great way to get out of the house, meet other new moms and stay active

Before starting work, to keep one last piece of Katy tips in mind: "your body knows best. If you have a day off, stop or decrease your intensity."

Will take a decongestant raise your blood pressure?

Before reaching for cold, flu or allergy relief at the pharmacy, it is important to learn how decongestants, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter medications, can affect your heart rate and blood pressure.

What is a decongestant?

When you have a cold, allergies or sinus problems, the membranes in the nose, sinuses and chest can swell and block the airflow. This makes you feel blocked or congested.

A decongestant is a kind of medicine that helps narrow the blood vessels in these membranes, lowering the swelling and help you breathe easier.

decongestant found in many types of cold, flu, sinus and drugs against allergies, but not all. To find out if the drug you want to take a decongestant in it, look at the drug facts label on the package. This label indicates the names of all active ingredients of the drug and purpose. Even if you do not have high blood pressure heart or blood pressure problem, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a new type of drug.

decongestants and hypertension

decongestants are similar to adrenaline, a hormone that helps fight or flee from danger in times of stress.

Adrenaline opens your airway, causes your blood vessels to contract and moves more blood to the heart and lungs. This makes your heart beat faster and causes your blood pressure to rise.

Because decongestants act like adrenaline, they can also raise your blood pressure and pulse. You should not use decongestants if you have:

• Hypertension
• heart disease The
• An irregular heartbeat

find no decongestants

If you are not able to take decongestants because your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about other ways to find relief. Your doctor may suggest:

• The medications that do not contain decongestants but may even help relieve your symptoms
• Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, tea, juice and soup
• using a saline nasal spray to rinse your sinuses
• Get enough rest, and easily take with your activities
• using a cool mist humidifier to make the air in your home moist

for more information, visit the heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876 -2484) .

A pilot study of a live vaccine against the monkey version of the AIDS virus may facilitate such fear about vaccines: that they should never be used newborns. The results in the January of Nature Medicine , have prompted some AIDS researchers to suggest that a live vaccine for humans - an idea shelved because of security concerns - . Should get another look

a team led by virologist Ronald Desrosiers of the New England Regional Primate Research Center injected 18 macaque monkeys born with a genetically weakened strain of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Previous studies have shown that large doses of SIV vaccine protected adult monkeys, but have caused disease in newborns. The new study, which explored the effects of five doses 300 times smaller, found that only infants exposed to higher dose of attenuated virus - 283 nanograms - came down with the disease

Results are. perplexed, because conventional wisdom was that the progression of SIV infection in a wholly disease is unrelated to the initial viral dose. The experience of the New England group "can be taken as evidence of a dose effect, which is hard to explain," said AIDS researcher David Montefiore of Duke University. But the results suggest that the SIV vaccine may be safe and effective in newborn monkeys and adults, says Desrosiers. "Yes, a high dose of the virus in an absolute newborn in extreme conditions can still result in the disease," he said. "But we do not think this is a natural scenario."

Live vaccines supporters mitigated against HIV face an uphill battle to convince their colleagues that the benefits of this approach outweigh the potential risks, however. These vaccines, like the one against polio, carry a risk of causing illness: Each year, about 10 people contract polio vaccine. However, live attenuated vaccines against HIV "bear serious attention," said Michael Murphey-Corb Regional Centre Primate Tulane in Los Angeles. "After all these years of hard efforts," she said, "it's the only thing that we have in our favor. "

Choosing the Best Sunscreen: Advice Nurse Rose

When you enter in the drug store looking for sunscreen, there is often a dizzying array of options. Nurse Rose Melendez, RN, director of the emergency department and the administration of nursing at Adventist HealthCare Adventist Hospital in Washington, shows what to look that we store on sunblock for summer

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Why wear sunscreen so important in the first place

nurse Rose: wear sunscreen whenever you spend time outdoors is extremely important because it protects you from sunburn and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Studies have shown that most sunburn you get, the more you are likely to develop skin cancer. Wear sunscreen every day also helps prevent the signs of aging

Q:.? How do I choose the best sunblock for me and my loved protect

Nurse Rose: For the best possible protection against harmful UV rays, which cause cancer the skin, the label of the sunscreen should include:

1. broad spectrum
2. SPF 30 or higher
3. waterproof or resistant (for a maximum of 40 to 80 minutes) very water

Q: is there a difference between the spray and lotion varieties

nurse Rose: sunblock spray can be just as effective as the variety of lotion, as it meets the requirements that I just mentioned. Some experts have warned against the use of spray sunscreen with children due to the risk of inhaling toxins that can harm the lungs

Q:.? How do I apply sunscreen and how much do I need

Nurse Rose: You need about an ounce of sunscreen to cover the exposed parts of your body - but remember, there's really no such thing as too much sunblock. And do not forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours or every time you get wet -. Like jumping in the pool Worried about skin cancer? Aquilino Cancer Center of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center offers a wide range of comprehensive care of cancer.

Tips additional health Rose

Listen rose more health advice in running WGTS 91.9 FM every Wednesday at 07h40

If you have heart disease, you might wonder if you can travel. Is it safe to fly? Are you fit enough to go sightseeing? What happens if you have symptoms on the road?

In many cases, people with heart disease may have very little, if any, restrictions on travel. Although there are some things to keep in mind, with a little planning and awareness, you can have a safe, fun trip

Travel Conditions and heart. Know before you go

Whether you want to visit the beach, you went to years or a halfway exciting city in the world, starting with a trip to your doctor's office.

Talk with your doctor about how you feel, you want to go and what you want to do while you are on vacation. If your plans include more strenuous activities you do on a regular basis, such as swimming, hiking, or even walk than normal, your doctor can help you determine what is safe. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a walking program, or a part of cardiac rehabilitation, to help you prepare for activities on your trip

Your doctor may also suggest waiting to travel if :.

• You have had a recent heart attack or stroke
• You recently had heart surgery or another procedure
• Your symptoms are not under control

and, if you have a pacemaker or an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD), your doctor may tell you how to safely navigate airport security.

Ahead Plan your cardiovascular health

once your doctor that it is safe to travel, discover local hospitals in the area you plan to visit. Your doctor may have recommendations for a heart center or a local cardiologist if you have symptoms of your trip

Remember that in the most remote places, you could have a long drive . - Or a cheap flight - the closest hospital. Take a look at your health insurance to check your coverage outside of the area, and consider getting travel insurance in case of emergency.

To manage your medication, get your prescriptions filled before you go, and remember that if you are traveling abroad, the same types of drugs may not be available. Pack your medications in a carry bag over so that you can easily get on a flight, and keep a bottle of water and snacks with you.

Wherever you go, have a list of medications you take, and the name and your cardiologist's phone number on you at all times.

a safe trip

Traveling can be stressful and tiring, and it is easy to do too much when visiting a new place. To get the most out of your trip :.

• Allow enough time to get to (and vicinity) from the airport so you do not feel rushed or worry about missing a flight
• For a long flight or car trip, get up and move around every few hours to prevent formation of blood clots, especially if you have peripheral arterial disease (PAD), heart failure or a history of blood clots.
• Take it easy with your time, and the time the plan each day to rest between your activities.
• Follow your diet as much as you can and remember that some foods, such as raw or unpasteurized dairy products may not be safe to eat.
• Drink water, and go easy on alcohol or caffeinated beverages

If you have symptoms, do not wait - get help .. everything on

for more information, visit the heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484).

In almost every episode of the drama of the TV hospital ER , doctors rushed to a stretcher, shouting "VFib! . "and slapped electric paddles on the chest of a patient It is a drama that happens too often in real life as well: the heart of a patient, damaged by a blocked artery, stops its regular beating and begins fibrillating - . convulsion without pump blood But a study in the current issue of Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that this type of heart attack called ventricular fibrillation could be expected and perhaps even avoided the key.: control of the electrical activity of the heart for signs of mathematical models known as chaos

the steady beat of a normal heart result from waves of electrical activity that tell muscle cells to contract .. generally, the wave begins at heart and stops at the top. But in a damaged heart, sometimes the wave spiral back into the muscle, where it is broken down into many small waves that disrupt the heart. "He squirmed as the surface of the boiling water," said Alan Garfinkel, a cardiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, "and you're in trouble."

These seizures seem so disorganized that cardiologists have traditionally dismissed them as random. But in the early 1980s, researchers began to find chaotic behavior indices in isolated heart cells. Now Garfinkel and his team have seen the chaos wracking whole heart. implanted the reseachers electrodes in a dog's heart and diseased human hearts that had been removed from heart transplant recipients. to get a clearer signal, they slipped catheters with electrodes in the heart of the five patients with fatal arrhythmia called less atrial fibrillation. "It is like recording the orchestra inside the pit, rather than having your ear to the building wall," says Garfinkel

what he and his registered colleagues was a signature of chaos :. Behavior that is essentially unpredictable, but in the simple, random difference can be described by simple equations. "There is order in the disorder," said Garfinkel. Richard Verrier, a cardiac physiologist at Harvard Medical School, agrees, calling the work "the strongest case yet" that chaos plays a role in sudden heart attacks.

What more just before dissolving into chaos, signals, electrical heart to go through a "stage prechaotic" recognizable last up to a few minutes in which voltage spikes on the electrogram to begin deviate from their normal periodicity. "That's the amazing thing, he really knocked us," said Garfinkel. These models, he said, could possibly provide a warning signal for the onset of ventricular fibrillation. They could also accelerate the development of pacemakers smarter, could recognize that fibrillation is probable and nudge heart back into line.

is Your Blood Pressure? - Nurse Advice Rose

Last month was National Blood Pressure Education Month, but you should keep an eye on your blood pressure year. Nurse Rose Melendez, RN, director of the emergency department and the administration of nursing at Adventist HealthCare Adventist Hospital in Washington, tells how to stay on top of our blood pressure.

Why our blood pressure important?

Nurse Rose Melendez

Nurse Rose: Knowing your blood pressure and keep it healthy level are essential for your health because untreated people high blood pressure are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure causes about 1,000 deaths per day in the US

How often is high blood pressure

Nurse Rose: about 70 million Americans have high blood pressure - that is 1 of every 3 adults. What's worse, only half of people with high blood pressure are under control

what is considered a good blood pressure level

nurse Rose.? When you have your blood pressure measured, you will see a larger number and a lower number. Generally, high blood pressure is considered a higher number of more than 0 and a lower number over 80. However, this may vary depending on your health status, age and drugs. Consult your primary care doctor about what a healthy blood pressure is for you

How can I keep my blood pressure under control

Nurse Pink:.? Follow these simple tips:

• Get Physical
• Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine
• not smoking
• maintain annual health burden
• exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week

should also eat a healthy diet heart by:

• eat vegetables, whole fruits and grains
• including non-fat or low-dairy fat, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils
• Limit foods that are high in saturated fat
• Limiting sugary drinks and candy

Keeping track of your blood pressure is just one important way of staying au top risk factors for heart disease. Take fast heart free evaluation of Adventist HealthCare risk www.TrustedHeartCare.com for more.

Tips additional health Rose

Listen to more health advice in pink running in WGTS 91.9 FM every Wednesday at 07h40

Knowing your family history can save your life - especially if your parents or grandparents had heart disease ?. Like many medical conditions, heart problems can run in families, but this does not mean that there is nothing you can do to avoid them.

Everyone has risk factors, and discovering if you have heart problems in your family tree, you can take an important first step in managing your risk.

What is a risk factor?

a risk factor is something that makes you more or less likely to have, or get, a type of medical condition

. You can not control some risk factors for heart disease, such as age, sex, or family history. But you can control other risk factors, especially those related to habits and lifestyle choices, such as your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, the ability to cope with stress and smoking.

Am I at risk of heart problems?

Understanding your family history is the key to managing your risk factors. A first step is whether your parents, grandparents and other close relatives, such as aunts, uncles, siblings, have or have had:

• high cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• heart attack
• stroke
• diabetes
• heart rhythm problems
• heart muscle disease
• A history of blood clots or blood vessel problems

what can I do to reduce my risk of heart disease?

one would think that if heart disease in your family, there is nothing you can do to avoid it - but this should not be true. You can do a lot of healthy choices that will help you keep your risk low.

Examinations and projections

Start with a visit to your doctor and get regular checkups and screenings to keep an eye on your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. You can also talk with your doctor about the signs and symptoms to watch, and other tests and screenings you may need as you age.

The treatment plans

If you have a condition that increases your risk, including high blood pressure, follow your doctor's orders. Stay on your medications and make sure to get prescriptions refilled before you run. Never stop taking medications without talking to your doctor.

healthy lifestyle choices and heart health

Because many cardiac risk factors related to lifestyle, you can make healthy choices that keep your low risk.

Eat healthy for the heart, get regular physical activity, find healthy ways to cope with stress, and to quit or avoid the use of tobacco products. If you struggle with healthy lifestyle choices, talk to your doctor. Many hospitals offer lifestyle management programs to help people stay on track.

For more information, visit the Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) .

The hormone leptin is only on the list of proteins that appear to play a key role in regulating weight gain. One of its partners is a protein called agouti, previously known for his role in the regulation of coat color in mammals (see Science NOW, January 3, and Science February 7, p 751. *). Now a new mouse model described in the current issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , can help researchers understand the role of the agouti in body weight regulation - for information that can lead to new drugs for the treatment of obesity.

previous evidence implicating agouti in weight control comes from a mutant mouse strain that produces natural agouti in all tissues, so that it becomes not only obese but also developing diabetes due to insulin resistance. Normal mice are only the protein in hair cells, however. In contrast, humans, even those of normal weight, express the gene in their fat cells, where its function is currently unknown.

To get a better idea of ​​what agouti made in fat cells, Rick Woychik and colleagues at Oak National Laboratory Ridge in Tennessee first joined the agouti gene to a regulatory sequence that causes the gene to be turned on in the adipose tissue. They transferred then this hybrid gene in normal mouse embryos, which then grow to the protein in their fat cells. As with the normal humans, these transgenic mice do not become obese. But they did it when scientists gave them injections of insulin, a hormone that helps cells use simple sugars. The animals that received daily insulin injections for 1 week earned 1.7 times as much weight as non-transgenic animals given the same amount of food.

"This suggests that agouti gene plays a role in adipose tissue function and the [protein] acts synergistically with insulin to promote weight gain," says Woychik . Indeed, it suggests that in obese agouti naturally occurring mutants, abnormal protein production can indeed stimulate excessive insulin production by the pancreas, which could then not only help to ensure that the gain of the weight of animals, but also lead to resistance to the possible insulin and diabetes.

Exactly how agouti and insulin interact on adipose tissue "is the great issue, "says George Wolff, a geneticist at the National Center for toxicological research in Jefferson, Arkansas. and find the answer, Wolff added, is likely to be difficult, because the system involved in regulating weight is" very complicated and complex. " However, with this new mouse molecular engineering should help scientists trace the complex ways in fat regulation, Woychik said. Once these channels are known, it adds, it is possible to develop drugs that stimulate or block to trigger the gain or weight loss.

* For details, Science Online subscribers can connect the full text of the news story.

not of the Salt

You may want to think twice before entering the pre-packaged sandwich deli. Earlier this month, federal regulators issued new guidelines to cut the sodium Americans eat in processed foods, to reduce blood pressure and heart disease in the US

Announcements guidelines encourage restaurants and food manufacturers to voluntarily reduce salt added to food by a third over the next decade.

So what is the problem with the sodium?

Sodium is an electrolyte needed in our body that keeps the fluids in our body balanced, but consume too much sodium causes fluid balance to be "slightly," said Bonnie Alexander, RD, an outpatient dietitian at Washington Adventist hospital. This causes high blood pressure and stresses your heart.

"Over time, high blood pressure can stretch or weaken blood vessels, causing heart attacks and increase the probability of plaque buildup in the arteries," said Alexander.

Nine of 10 Americans consume too much sodium, taking an average of 3400 mg per day, or 50 percent more than recommended. Most of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy, such as frozen food, processed snacks and food in restaurants.

"The new guidelines could help get the sodium the average American eats down closer to the recommendation 2,300 mg per day, but the new guidelines are not mandatory and will not go into effect immediately" said Alexander.

"Americans continue to need to read nutrition labels and make heart healthy choices while eating out."

Cut the sodium in your diet.

• Read nutrition labels
• Choose foods with 150 m of sodium or less
• Limit consumption of packaged or processed foods
• vegetables rinse canned
• Limit the use of the salt shaker
• Add flavor to dishes with fresh herbs and spices

want more help eat healthy ? Call 301-891-6105 to make an appointment with one of our dietitians.

Looking for red, white and blue foods for your July 4th celebration? By choosing fresh fruits and vegetables in season and do some simple swaps, you can plan a festive and healthy rally.

colorful foods for heart health

Concerning heart health food, a colorful variety is best.

Eat different types of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean and low-fat protein or fat-free dairy products can give your body the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to keep working in the right meaning. And a healthy diet for the heart can help you keep your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar in check, reduce your risk of heart disease.

Summer is a great time to eat colorful, with so many fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Corn and berries to tomatoes and peaches, market your local farmer is a great place to start when planning healthy meals on July 4. Beyond the produce aisle, you can make simple, healthy choices that lighten your main dishes, sides, and desserts.

Ramp Reds

• Set a bowl of cherries and red grapes on your picnic table for snacks.
• raspberries and strawberries Toss in a fruit salad.
• Slice up the watermelon for a refreshing side dish.
• Add beets and radishes to your favorite green salad.
• Serve the tomatoes for snacks and sandwiches toppings.
• Remember those red peppers for your vegetable tray.

Choose the Right White

You probably know that fruits and vegetables red and blue pack in a lot of nutrients, but what about white foods ? It is important to remember to choose the white good, limiting processed foods with white flour and sugar, such as cakes, cookies and pies.

• Choose lean protein such as fish or white meat chicken for your main dish instead of hamburgers and hot dogs.
• Make a fruit or a healthy vegetable dip with low-fat or nonfat yogurt.
• Choose low-fat or nonfat cheese for sandwiches.
• Add cauliflower in your crisper.
• white corn Grill for a healthier side dish.
• Serve white peaches or nectarines for a refreshing dessert.

Get the Blues (and Purples)

blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant that may help prevent blood clots, as well as vitamin C and other nutrients that promote overall health.

• Make patriotic fruit skewers with blueberries, bananas and strawberries.
• Add ripe fruit salad.
• Set a Concord grape bowl snack.
• Grill eggplant, leaving skin.
• Toss red cabbage in your favorite salad.
• Serve plums for dessert.

looking healthy recipes for the heart? Visit our blog on healthy recipes for heart 6 fun today! For more information, visit the Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) .

A chemical group attached to one end of a DNA molecule seems to cause a damaged DNA patch later in the double helix to be repaired. This amazing case of "Remote chemistry" as a scientific name, suggests that DNA repair long distance of some type may play a role in normal cells. The discovery, published in today's issue of Science * could also pave the way for therapies that could patch up damaged DNA, preventing the cancer.

A team of chemists from the California Institute of Technology led by Jackie Barton manufactured DNA helices with high-damage: a small crease in the propeller called a thymine dimer. This is the kind of damage caused by ultraviolet rays of the sun, and it can be a first step towards cancer melanoma deadly skin. Then they inserted an electron acceptor metal complex to the end of the DNA. Exposing the sample to light excites the metal compound, triggering absorb an electron thymine dimer and repair DNA damage. Because the compound can catalyze the repair reaction repeatedly Barton said the experience "may be a strategy to rationally design molecules that can accomplish this kind of therapeutic relief." In the heart of DNA base pairs form a BORDER = 0> said stack (gray, shown in top view and side) along which electrons can tunnel from a remote site to an acceptor artificial electrons (yellow).

Dandliker ET AL.
And because the electrons released by the thymine dimer must move down the DNA helix to the metal compound, the result may indicate that the unique structure of the DNA allows behave like a thread - unlike proteins, which are insulators. Barton thinks electrons can "tunnel" through the canal that runs through the center of the joined bases of the propeller. "There is no doubt that these results say DNA is a different system than proteins," she said.

The feat chemistry to distance impressed the other researchers, but they are divided about what it says on the electrical properties of DNA. Barton experiments "clearly show that there is a long distance to chemicals that can be performed on DNA, and the transfer of electrons can be done, "said Nick Turro of Columbia University. Others, however, believe that the chemical change can be explained in a more classic image, in which electrons jump from one atom to DNA rather than tunneling down the helix in a single step. It would be the distance to chemistry, says the University of North Carolina Holden Thorp chemist, "with a credible mechanism. And there are a lot of cool things [Barton] could do with it."

* For details, science Online Subscribers can create a link to the full report.

Blocking the formation of new blood vessels in female mice can disrupt their breeding cycles, including their ability to become pregnant. The discovery, published in the April issue of Nature Medicine , can lead to a new approach for the treatment of endometriosis, uterine tumors, and other diseases among women.

formation of blood vessels, or angiogenesis, is already a prime target for potential anticancer drugs currently in clinical trials. But when these compounds are designed to block the growth of vessels in tumors, they can also prevent formation of new blood vessels in normal tissues during healing, menstruation, and pregnancy.

Robert D'Amato, medical researcher at Children's Hospital Boston, wondered if he could exploit this side effect of fertility control potential. He and his colleagues injected pregnant mice with newly AGM-1470, a compound present in cancer trials. They found that the chemical affected the development of the placenta and yolk sac, that supply blood and nutrients to the embryo. The embryos were unable to develop properly and have all been reabsorbed by the body mothers.

To see if AGM-1470 may prevent pregnancy, the researchers injected pregnant female mice with the compound daily for 16 days. Treatment prevented the thickening of the normal and endometrial maturation - the wall of the uterus. - And stunted growth of the corpus luteum, a mass of producing hormones that forms in the ovary during each estrus

experts are excited about the implications of the study for people. "It's so simple, but using this approach alone, you may be able to target a number of disease states," said Robert Barbieri, gynecologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. For example, he said , angiogenesis-blocker could stop the growth of uterine fibroids - benign tumors of the uterine lining - and the development of endometriosis, a painful and refractory condition in which endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. further along the road, D'Amato said, drugs that block angiogenesis may even be candidates for a new female contraceptive.

Fight the Bite

With the recent awareness about Zika, it is important to take precautions to avoid contracting and spreading the disease. Although the information on the virus has recently made headlines, Zika was moving for decades.

Zika virus was discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then outbreaks Zika were reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands (CDC). Because the symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other diseases, many cases may not have been recognized. This gives us even more reason to be aware and informed about Zika and its potential effects.

The Zika virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, which occur most often during the summer months, so it's important to protect yourself accordingly. The virus has also been reported to spread through blood transfusions, sexual contact and from mother to child during pregnancy. Although infected persons are most often asymptomatic, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain and headaches. If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions or concerns, talk with a health professional immediately. Take a look at the following prevention tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to have a summer without mosquitoes

Prevention Tips:

1. Use insect repellent and reapply according guidelines
2. cover crib, stroller carriers and baby with mosquito
3. Wear clothing that covers arms and legs
4. Stay in places with air conditioning or door screens / window
5. Take precautions when sexually active
6. Stay up to date on travel information safe

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LifeWork Strategies, Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For more information, consult your doctor. feel Please free to copy and distribute this health resource.

Congenital heart disease in adults (CDHA) Center is a joint program of the Heart Institute at the Hospital of Pittsburgh of children UPMC and the Institute of cardiology and vascular UPMC. It provides long term dedicated care for patients with congenital heart disease, adolescents, adults of all ages.

To mount a successful attack, it is sometimes useful to get a detailed overview of the target. Now researchers AIDS have an image of a potential career grained: an HIV envelope protein that helps the virus fuse with host cells. A crystal structure of a key part of the protein described in today's issue of Cell , suggests yet another target for people on the development of anti-HIV drugs.

Researchers have long known that HIV is based on the gp41 surface protein to fuse with and infect cells. But they did not know the specific regions of gp41 responsible for the fusion to occur. Peter Kim, David Chan and colleagues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in Cambridge crystallized the gp41 core and used X-rays to map its structure. The team reported that the core has a "striking similarity" to a part of the flu virus that allows it to infect cells.

The Whitehead group calls the basic structures of gp41 "a particularly attractive starting point" for drug designers. "Knowing [these] structures allows us to think of ways that we can inhibit the fusion," says Chan. Joseph Sodroski, an AIDS researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston who specializes in the entrance HIV, said the new study is "a great confirmation" of what the Whitehead group worked on. But there are at least a dozen other purposes for which there is still no anti-HIV drugs, and Sodroski warns that this finding, too, it will take years to implement. "As well as molecular information is, we do not yet have reached a point with the logic design we can just do a drug," says Sodroski. "There is still a futuristic thing."

healthy travel

Whether traveling for business or pleasure this summer, it is important to have a plan to deal potential travel stresses and minimize the effect on your physical and mental health. Long hours, long lines, unknown places of limited nutritional food, uncomfortable hotel beds options, and packed schedules are among the factors that increase anxiety and make our trip in good health difficult to accomplish. The following tips are to help you avoid the stress and maintain well-being while traveling:

Nutrition:

• Plan ahead. Make sure you have healthy snacks options such as granola, fruit, nuts, protein bars; avoid the temptation to turn to sugary snacks, candy and soda when your energy is low. If you are able to bring a small cooler, you have healthy additional options. Save money by packing your own snacks before you go!
• Do not forget breakfast. Too many people skip or skimp on breakfast while traveling and suffer the consequences. A healthy breakfast promotes better concentration and productivity throughout the day

Fitness :.

• stretch breaks. Sitting for prolonged periods of time without interruption is harmful to your health. Aim to take a break at least once an hour to get up and stretch your body.
• Bring your walking shoes. Make a pair of walking shoes essential in your suitcase when you travel. Be part of your trip to explore on foot or bicycle to go in the period; if you are short on time, or uncomfortable with the area, head to the hotel gym

Sleep :.

• Do not do it; take breaks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 100,000 crashes each year are the result of drowsy drivers. Take lots of breaks, and if you start to get sleepy, drivers pass or stop and take a nap.
• Sleep does the body good. Most adults need an average of seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Without adequate rest periods for physical and mental repair, you may not be able to function at your peak.
• ready to sleep. Sleeping in hotel beds or unknown locations can cause sleep disorders or muscle pain. Consider bringing your own pillow, sound machine, or an eye mask

Security :.

• Maintenance Control. Have your car thoroughly checked before departure to ensure its best performance. In the case of an unexpected breakdown or accident, it is wise to have a roadside assistance. Also make sure that your tires are properly inflated.
• Pack tools. A car's basic emergency kit should include: pen, paper, cards, first aid kit, flares, a blanket, and a mini fire extinguisher. Bring a mobile phone that is fully charged. Make sure you have the tools to the unexpected flat tire or dead battery
• Do not text while driving. also not to tinker with devices like a cell phone or GPS-distracted driving is a major factor in road accidents nationwide. Every time someone takes their focus off the Road- even for only a few seconds-they put their lives and the lives of others in danger

Sources :. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mayo Clinic Strategies LifeWork EAP, Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals.

Did you know that heart disease and heart attacks are preventable? Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women, should not be a death sentence. Heart specialists have identified the essential means to reduce the risk of heart disease. These are to reduce the factors that lead to clogged arteries, which can restrict or cut off blood flow to the heart. Here's how:

1. If you smoke, quit: Smoking causes the accumulation of fat in arteries
2. Lowering blood pressure high blood pressure makes the heart pump harder and can cause artery walls to bulge or burst
3. Lowering your cholesterol: .. high cholesterol results in 'plaque buildup in arteries
4. Getting treatment for diabetes :. diabetes causes inflammation of blood vessels and results in more cholesterol plaque formation
5. Reduce your waistline: Abdominal obesity increases the cholesterol, . the plate, and inflammation of the arteries
6. Reduce Stress :. Stress may raise cholesterol and blood pressure
7. Eat healthy: high-fat diets increase cholesterol. Eat low fat foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
8. Exercise :. 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week burns fat and lowers cholesterol [
9. Drinking alcohol in moderation: People whose lifestyles include 12 ounce beer, a glass of four ounces of wine or liquor ounce up to three times per week were shown to have a reduced risk of heart disease. The upper consumption to that which increases the risk of heart disease
10. Eat less: .. The reduction in total calorie intake reduces fat that increases cholesterol levels

If you are at risk or think you might be at risk for any of these factors, or to learn more about how to reduce your risk of heart disease, consult your primary care doctor or visit Heart and vascular Institute at UPMC UPMC.com/HVI.

Your doctor has just told you that you have heart disease. Suddenly you're looking at the world through new eyes and you realize everything you eat has a direct impact on your health. The last thing you want is to go through a life changing event such as a heart attack. The good news is that taking simple measures as being more conscious of what you eat can help you control your heart disease. Here are some guidelines for heart healthy diet.

Make a habit of keeping these rules in mind, and soon you'll think more about your heart and less on the stomach when it comes to meal time.

Choose low protein sources. lean meat and poultry, low fat dairy products, legumes and egg whites are excellent sources of protein. Fish is a good alternative, especially when it contains omega-3 fatty acids for healthy heart.

practice moderation. Overeating is a direct contributor to weight gain, which can lead to high cholesterol and heart disease. Keep track of what you eat, learn to recognize when you have had enough, and realize that restaurants usually serve much you need to eat.

Reduce sodium in your diet. Try to eat less than 2,300 mg of salt per day. Some people - African Americans, middle-aged and older adults and people with high blood pressure - need less than 1,500 mg per day

Reduce consumption of fat and cholesterol .. stick to limited amounts of healthy fats, mono and polyunsaturated.

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - New unusual consortium of companies has signed a 5-year, $ 40 million agree with Eric Lander, a gene mapper at the Whitehead Institute and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop new techniques in "functional genomics". The parties hope to find a commercial advantage - in the form of new ways to diagnose, prevent and combat the disease -. In the growing number of molecular information on the genes of people

Under the agreement, the New Jersey-based pharmaceuticals for Bristol-Myers Squibb giant and two smaller biotech companies - "smart DNA "manufacturer Affymetrix Inc. of Santa Clara, California, and Millennium Pharmaceuticals of Cambridge, Massachusetts - give the Whitehead / MIT Center for Genome research equal amounts of cash and equipment for research in faster, more ways effective to collect and compare genetic data. In return, companies will receive commercial rights to the technologies developed under the program. The most coveted by companies are automated systems to analyze the activities of tens of thousands of genes and proteins in normal and diseased cells. detailed legal provisions and the nature of the inventions themselves, which govern companies get common or exclusive rights.

The agreement will significantly boost the budget of the current research annual $ 14 million center Whitehead / MIT, a hub of effort funded by the massive government to locate and characterize the estimated 60,000 to 100,000 genes in the human genome. That money, most federal grants through the Human Genome Project, has paid for the first rough guides to the 3 billion nucleotides in the human DNA: studded cards with thousands of landmarks called "sequence sites labeled "( Science , 25 October 1996, p. 540). Lander says he is now eager to see this information put to work in the biomedical field." We have 7 years to date in the construction of maps and sequences, telling us that this structural genomic information would help to change the world. it's time to take it for a test drive, "he said.

summer fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are presented throughout the summer in local farmers markets , the backyard gardens and fruit at roadside stands. People who eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet may have a reduced risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. The potassium-rich diets can help maintain a healthy blood pressure. In addition, fruits and vegetables help to fight free radicals, support digestive health and reduce the chances of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. Vitamin C, for example, helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.

At your next trip to the grocery enjoy delicious weeks of summer products. Enjoy fruit and vegetables raw or lightly cooked to get the most nutritional value fees. Stock up on what nature gave us to stay healthy, including:

• Peek summer fruits that are rich in vitamins C and A include cantaloupe, watermelon, and tomatoes. Cherries are a good source of potassium. also try the peaches, blueberries and honeydew melon.
• Eggplant, zucchini and green beans are good sources of dietary fiber. Summer squash is a good source of manganese and molybdenum. Other tasty summer vegetables include peppers, snow peas, corn, onion and broccoli.
• Most products are low in calories. Reduce the amount of cereal in your bowl to make room for cut fruit. If you do not have time to sit down for breakfast in the morning, make a fruit smoothie to go.
• Snack on raw vegetables or fruit instead of chips or pretzels. Mix your favorite nuts with dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a house to keep trail mix in your office.
• Eat a salad for lunch once or twice a week. Add vegetables to a sandwich or wrap.
• Visualize your plate. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains should take the greatest amount of space. They also add flavor and texture to your dish. Try stir-fried vegetables, vegetable fajitas, or pasta primavera.
• pick fruit and vegetables in a range of colors to ensure that you get a variety of minerals and vitamins.

The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) offers creative ways to stretch your fruits and vegetables, including budget planning in advance, healthy recipes, buy in season and waste reduction; www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org visit for more tips. To find a farmers market near you, go to www.localharvest.org. You can also visit the Environmental Working Group to see the guide of their client to pesticides and the list of products to see their recommendations on fruits and vegetables to buy organic and which are less sensitive to pesticides

Sources :. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Working Group, Foundation Produce for Better Health, LifeWork EAP strategies, Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals.

tiny electrical zaps the brain seem calm Herky-jerky movements of people with Parkinson's disease. The results of a pilot scheme, described in this month's issue of Nature Medicine , suggest a potential new therapy for the disease, which affects about 1% of older Americans.

Parkinson's is a movement disorder that causes stiffness and movement of boot problems. The disease is caused by the death of dopamine producing cells in the brain, an event that leads to changes in the architecture of the brain affecting neuronal communications. In particular, an area at the end of the basal ganglia, the globus pallidus, increases its suppression of activity in other brain regions. "It is like a brake on a car," says Andres Lozano, neurosurgeon at Toronto Hospital "The movements of Parkinson's patients are slow, irregular, jerky -.. It is as they drive with their brakes" Ultimately, doctors sometimes destroy the globus pallidus of Parkinson's patients who do not respond to drug therapy to replace the lost dopamine.

Taking a different approach, the team inserted electrodes Lozano in the globus pallidus of Parkinson 21 volunteers. Using a CT scanner emission tomography (PET) to measure electrical activity, the team found that Lozano sending electrical impulses rapidly oscillating globus pallidus triggered an increase in blood flow to the premotor cortical areas, brain regions that are responsible for planning and launching the movement. At the same time, the researchers found, the movements of subjects become faster and more fluid.

The beneficial effect of this mechanism is a mystery. "It is still unclear what is happening," says Mahlon DeLong, a neurologist at Emory University in Atlanta. He thinks that electric shocks can temporarily disable depolarize and thus neurons in the globus pallidus, allowing premotor cortical areas to resume normal operation.

DeLong said a larger study is needed to compare the benefits of therapy with the electrode surgical removal of the globus pallidus. But he predicted that the treatment of the electrode gain favor as a better understanding and visualization of the brain allows more precise interventions. "We are on a new wave of important new treatments for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders," he said, leading to "restore a large number of patients with a better quality of life."

awareness of prostate cancer

Did you know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States, striking one in six men? Prostate cancer affects not only the man but also his family.

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, which carries urine and semen outside the body, through the prostate, and each side of the prostate are the nerves that control erectile function. Although the prostate are not essential to life, it plays an important role in reproduction.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer at an early stage is usually no symptoms, but it can often be detected by your doctor for a check routine. You should always consult your health care provider if you experience persistent hip, pelvis, or back pain, difficulty in urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), a low flow rate urine, painful urination or blood or burning in your urine.

It is important to note that nearly half of all men around the age of 50, to develop prostate enlargement. This condition, called BPH is not cancer and can be treated if it causes problems such as difficulty urinating.

There are two projections available, including a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). A PSA test can detect a problem with the prostate; an abnormal result may mean additional tests are necessary. A prostate biopsy can confirm the presence of prostate cancer. The American Urological Association supports the prostate cancer screening decision with PSA and DRE, including other known risk factors, including family history of the disease, age, ethnicity, and presence of a previous negative prostate biopsy.

There are several treatment options that men should discuss with their doctor. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate.

Tips for preventing prostate cancer and Healthy Life:

• The American Urological Association recommends that men 40 and older talk to their doctor about a prostate exam baseline cancer. After age 40, men should consult their physician about the need for a prostate cancer test every year.
• High-risk men should begin annual screening by age 40 men and men with a family history of prostate Afro American cancer are considered high risk.
• Eat healthy. Studies show that people who eat a diet high in fat have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Conversely, fiber, fruits, and cooked tomatoes have all been shown to reduce the risk.
• exercise regularly and manage your weight. Obesity may be a contributing factor to a number of cancers, including prostate cancer.
• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Drink plenty of water. This can help flush your bladder; urine should be almost clear color.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month. You can show your support in learning more about this cancer and encourage men in your life to visit their doctors regularly. You can also enjoy free screenings that may be available in your community

Sources :. American Urological Association, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Health Network Men, LifeWork Strategies EAP, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. This rare and fatal disease, it is difficult for the blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. PH deteriorates over time, and it affects men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds

High blood pressure in the lungs places additional stress on the right side of your heart -. And puts you at risk of heart failure and left heart disease, among other conditions.

The most common symptoms of PH is shortness of breath on exertion, and it worsens over time.

Types of pulmonary hypertension

• pulmonary hypertension is a term commonly used to describe high blood pressure in the lungs, resulting from any cause.
• pulmonary hypertension is a chronic disease that causes the arteries of the lungs to tighten, narrowing the blood flow. Over time, this condition can cause the heart to enlarge and become less flexible. Pulmonary hypertension can be genetic or associated with another disease or condition such as congenital heart disease or HIV.

Pulmonary hypertension Symptoms

PH change the cells lining the pulmonary arteries.

People with PH may be noted that the normal physical activities become difficult. They can also experience some of these symptoms:

• Vertigo
• Fatigue
• cough or chest pain
• Distribute
• Inability to lay flat without being short of breath
• Swelling of the ankles or abdomen

causes of pulmonary hypertension

hypertension lung may be caused by a variety of different conditions that affect all blood pressure. The causes of PH include:

• Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as rheumatoid arthritis sclerodermaand
• Congenital malformations of the heart, heart failure, or a disease heart valves
• blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), or other lung diseases such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
• HIV infection
• chronic low oxygen levels in the blood for a long time
• Some drugs
• Genetics

risk factors

These risk factors can make you more likely to develop PH:

• family history of PH
• obesity
• sleep apnea
• Pregnancy
• the presence of certain drugs in your body, such as methamphetamines
• Living at high altitude

How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?

Although it is a relatively rare disease, it is important to make an early and accurate diagnosis. If untreated, PH can lead to right heart failure and increased risk of death.

The only way to be sure of a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is to consult your doctor or a specialist pulmonologist in the treatment of lung diseases.

The treatment of pulmonary hypertension

Although treatment options for pulmonary hypertension are limited, doctors are able to control symptoms and minimize lung damage . Common treatments include medications taken orally, through the nose, or administered intravenously.

If the drug fails to control symptoms, heart and lung transplantation may be considered.

Lifestyle Changes for pulmonary arterial hypertension

If you have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, it is important to work closely with your health care provider.

• know the names of your medications and take them as directed. Always consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines.
• You may want to consult a dietitian. Those with pulmonary hypertension should be sure to eat foods rich in potassium, fiber and magnesium. They should limit their consumption of table salt and refined sugars and stay away from fast food.
• If you are overweight, your doctor will probably recommend a weight loss diet. You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities too. Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol.

Living with pulmonary hypertension

For more information on pulmonary arterial hypertension or to schedule an appointment with a specialist in pulmonary arterial hypertension, call 412-648-6161 , or 1-877-PH4-UPMC or by email PHprogram@upmc.edu.

Visit program web page full UPMC Pulmonary hypertension without charge for more information.

A protein misbehaved brain that has escaped the notice of over 0 years has emerged unexpectedly as a major cause of disease can Alzheimer. The unidentified protein form a previously unknown variety of Alzheimer's lesion that appears to be just as common as the well-known senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The discovery, published in the July issue of American Journal of Pathology , could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat disease dreaded depleting memory, which hits 5% of people over 65 years of

the brains of Alzheimer's patients have been known to house at least two microscopic defects from German neurologist Alois Alzheimer first described in 107. senile plaques are composed primarily of a protein called amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles are manufactured from one tau called which freezes in masses of paired helical filaments.

To study how tau goes awry, Marie Luise Schmidt, working in the laboratory of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine neurobiologists John Trojanowski and Virginia Lee, created a set of antibodies that bind to different tau sections. But many of the antibodies, particularly one called AMY 117, do not work quite as expected. They bind to tau protein at all, but instead sought plates

intuition "researchers was that the tau antigen used to produce the antibodies were contaminated with proteins from senile plaques. But when Schmidt stained autopsied brain sections using both AMY 117 and an antibody to amyloid, she was surprised to find that the two types of antibodies gravitated to two different sets of plates - one of which had never been glimpsed, apparently because it is resistant to conventional staining techniques. "Their existence could not have been suspected without these new antibodies," says Trojanowski. The team found plaques in the brains of 32 AD they examined AMY binding; the plates were usually close, but do not overlap, senile plaques

The discovery means that Alzheimer's researchers now have a whole new set of disease mechanisms to explore -. and new challenges to overcome. "It could be that if you sweep plaques and tangles senile and still have these AMY plates, you will get rid of two-thirds of the symptoms," said Trojanowski, who is currently in the process of purifying the protein AMY connection with the objective to locate and clone the gene. "This opens new perspectives for us," admits neuroscientist Zaven Khachaturian, director of the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Association of Research Institute of Alzheimer's in Chicago. "It can give us new diagnostic tools, new ideas about the causes of disease, and new targets for treatment. "

Quit Smoking November 15, the Great American Smokeout!

If you smoke, you may want to choose November 15 as the deadline to stop smoking! November 15 is the Great American Smokeout annual American Cancer Society. Nov. 15 also marks five years since Adventist HealthCare has become a tobacco-free campus for the health of our patients, staff, visitors and the community. Happy Birthday!

Smoking and Health

Did you know that smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death in the United States? Smoking is responsible for about 438,000 US deaths annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And about 38,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke. Health benefits can be seen in as little as 20 minutes after quitting smoking such as heart rate and blood pressure drops

Here is a timeline American Cancer Society other benefits of quitting.

• 8:00 after leaving :. carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting :. circulation improves and lung function increases
• one year after leaving : excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of
• 5 years after left of smoking. The risk of stroke reduced to that of five to fifteen years of a nonsmoker after stopping
• 10 years after leaving :. Lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, kidney and also decreases
• 15 years after leaving :. The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a nonsmoker.

Aside from the cost of smoking to health, consider the cost of smoking to your wallet. Find out how much you spend each month and each year on cigarettes here.

Five years without tobacco

"As an organization of health, we have a unique responsibility to lead by example in promoting healthy living "said William G." Bill "Robertson, and the President and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, when the campus health system went smoke-free in 07. The Seventh-day Adventist Church, Adventist HealthCare who is affiliated, took an early stand against smoking in the 1800s

recent research in the journal circulation of the American heart Association, found that there are many fewer hospitalizations for respiratory and heart disease where smokeless laws were adopted. the research involved 45 studies covering 33 laws at the local level and the smoke from countries without a state in the United States to Uruguay to New Zealand. the study found that smoke-laws was associated with a decrease of 15 in the heart of attack and reduced hospitalizations by 16 percent of stroke hospitalizations.

According to the centers for disease control and prevention smokers are two to four times more likely than nonsmokers to develop heart disease. And the risk of a person for the race also doubles if he or she smokes.

Quit Tips

Most people who were able to quit smoking successfully made at least one unsuccessful attempt before. Try not to view past attempts to quit as failures, but rather as learning experiences. A useful tip is to let all your friends, family and colleagues know of your plan to stop smoking and your quit date. Being aware that they know what you are going through can be useful, especially when you are grumpy.

You can also consider joining a support group. Adventist HealthCare holds a monthly support group smoking cessation at Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park. The next meeting will take place from 6: 30-7: 30 pm, Wednesday, November 28 Call 301-891-5004 to register and take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle

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Whether you are on vacation on a tropical island or just hanging out in your backyard, there are chances that you will pass a lot of time outdoors this summer. If you enjoy reading a good book in your background with the sun beating down on you, or play a rough-and-tumble game of touch football summer, it's easy to work up a sweat and lose water you soak up those rays.

To beat the summer heat, you need to keep your body hydrated. Proper hydration is not only good for your brain, your mood and your body weight, but it is also essential for your heart.

Your heart is constantly working, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood per day. Staying hydrated - that drinking more water you lose - you are helping your heart to do its job. Hydrated heart is able to pump blood more easily, which allows the muscles of your body to work even better.

Dehydration causes pressure on your heart. The amount of blood circulating in your body, or blood volume decreases when you are dehydrated. To compensate, your heart beats faster, increase your heart rate and making you feel palpitations. Also your blood retains more sodium, which makes it harder for it to flow through your body.

So how much water should you drink to stay hydrated? It really depends on how much your body needs. Some situations where you should drink more water include:

• If you are exercising or doing other physical activities
• If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease [
• If you have signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or weakness.

Please also keep in mind that certain medical conditions (such as heart failure) may require varying hydration strategies and consult with your doctor if necessary.

What are some of your favorite ways to stay hydrated? Do you have delicious ways to beautify your water? All tips to keep hydrated your whole family on summer outings outdoor? How do you stay hydrated part of your diet? We would like to hear some of your hydration strategies to beat the heat

Sources:

Stay hydrated - Staying healthy. American Heart Association

the effects of dehydration on the cardiovascular system: LIVESTRONG.com

Proponents of the research on breast cancer, known as pioneers for their collection efforts to fund huge success, are again going where no lobby the disease has gone before :? They are hoping Congress will authorize the sale of the first stamp to put money to study a disease.

the idea, first proposed the representative Vic Fazio (D-CA) by an oncologist Sacramento, is rushes by Congress. Last week, the Senate approved an amendment to the bill of costs the Treasury-Postal, sponsored by Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), which controls the postal service to create a special stamp costs a penny more than the stamps first class regular. Additional expenses, less administrative costs, would go to research on breast cancer in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, parent of National Institutes of Health (NIH). Feinstein said the patch could increase to $ 60 million for breast cancer if she submitted 10% of the market. When Science NOW was posted, the House was ready to vote on a similar bill that would set aside up to 8 cents per stamp, and give 70% of the money directly to NIH the other 30% to the Ministry of Defence.

postal service opposes the proposal, however, saying his mission is delivering mail, do not fund research. Observers of the biomedical community are doubtful, too. "If you do this for a disease," says a former House appropriations staff member, "clearly there will be a very important benefit of all other disease groups, very fast. This could kill for everyone . You can not make 0 stamps for each disease. "skeptics Senate also note that the idea flopped in Canada, where sales of these stamps were tiny.

tips for positive thinking

In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius philosopher said, "Your life is what your thoughts are "when our thoughts are positive, we tend to feel good and to easily interact with others, however, when our thoughts are mostly negative, we may feel anxious, depressed or angry;.. our interactions with others may be more difficult and strained.

life is not always easy, but we can turn "lemons into lemonade" if we use the power of positive thinking. in an effort to reduce stress and promote peace of mind, consider the following tips to avoid "traps" in the common thought:

• Reframe negative self-talk We tend to be the hardest. about ourselves. When self-talk is negative, such as "I'll never get this done," make an effort to restore the rule of thought with support alternatives. Avoid negative labels of yourself and others.
• Do not take it personally . When something disappointing happens, do not automatically blame you. Look closely at the many external factors that may have contributed to the problem. Take responsibility for your role, but avoid the unwarranted blame.
• realistic goals . Work and life satisfaction are strongly linked to the achievement of objectives. It is normal to strive for excellence. However, keep in mind that perfection is unrealistic.
• Anticipating positive . Exaggerated fears can make you feel anxious. Instead of anticipating the worst scenario, expect something valuable to come from every situation.
• Examine the evidence . Look at the facts surrounding a belief before you jump to a negative conclusion. Gather evidence that supports or refutes the thoughts and think of other possibilities. If an inspection reveals negative elements, the practice of growing your acceptance of which is far from ideal.
• Find the right balance . Our experiments usually fall somewhere between the extremes of all good or all bad. Try lists both advantages and disadvantages. When describing a difficult experience extreme replace words such as "never" and "always" with a more realistic descriptor as "sometimes."
• Look at the bright side . There is almost always a positive side to every question. During the examination of a situation, look at several angles. Examine learning and growth that can result from working through a difficult experience.
• End the day on a positive note . Every day can not go as well as expected, but it is important to recognize things that go rather than remain on the negative. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the interactions were pleasant or work task that was satisfactory.

If you have stressful thoughts that interfere with your daily life, consult your doctor or a mental health counselor. The consultation process helps people identify, evaluate and modify the beliefs that could have a negative impact on emotions and relationships

Sources: Washington .. Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

How important is breakfast?

We have all heard, and studies continue to back the claim that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Breakfast is an opportunity to start each day with a nutritious energy for your body and your mind. It also lays the foundation for long-term health benefits.

calories According to the American Dietetic Association, your body is still burning while you sleep, which is why you can wake up feeling hungry. After 8 to 12 hours without a meal or snack, you need to break the fast by literally wake up your stomach. Breakfast is the first chance the body has to refuel its glucose levels, which is the main source of energy for your body.

A healthy breakfast, not only improves your concentration and problem solving, but it also helps in weight loss and weight management. The breakfast that contains protein and some fiber helps reduce your hunger and prevent overeating later in the day. When you eat a healthy breakfast, you are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and have lower cholesterol, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.

In order to get the most health benefits them, your breakfast should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products or fat and lean protein. These food groups provide a nutritious combination of complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein and a small amount of fat that can leave you feeling full for hours. Avoid sugary cereals, syrups, pastries and white bread. If you want juice, choose 100 percent juice beverages without added sugar.

Try to choose one or two options for each of the above food groups to complete a good breakfast. Some choices of healthy breakfasts include:

• Veggie omelet with a bran muffin and a piece of fruit
• whole grain English muffin with low-fat cheese, scrambled egg, and a slice of tomato
• Smoothie made with 1 frozen banana, low fat milk, and whey or powdered rice protein
• Salmon on multigrain toast with cheese, light cream and a piece of fruit
• whole grain cereal with fresh fruit and low-fat milk
• oats or quinoa flakes with low-fat milk, raisins and nuts and a glass of orange juice
• together -wheat pita stuffed with sliced ​​hard-cooked eggs and a banana
• of whole grain bread with almond butter ½ grapefruit with cottage cheese

If you choose to eat cereal with low fat milk or grab a handful of grain to eat all dry on the run, remember that all the cereals are created equal; Read the label of nutrition and ingredient list. A serving size is generally 3/4 cup to 1 cup. Two key elements to assess are the fiber and sugar. Choose cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving, but preferably 5 grams per serving or more. Also try to choose cereals that have 13 grams or less of sugar per serving. If you count calories, pick up the grain with less than 0 calories per serving.

Your morning meal does not have to take much time to be healthy. Decide what you will eat for breakfast the day before, and if necessary, get up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy

Sources :. American Dietetic Association, the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, LifeWork Strategies, and Washington and GroveAdventistHospitals Shady. For more information, consult your doctor.

Like any other muscle in your body, your heart exercise to stay strong and healthy needs. Studies have shown that people who carry a steady amount of physical activity each week were almost half as likely to develop heart disease compared to people who are not active at all. Getting into a regular routine that incorporates physical activity and mobility is essential to keep your heart healthy.

So what kind of workout is best for your heart? Although exercises like weight lifting are necessary for the construction of a fit body, aerobic exercises that get the heart pumping is much more beneficial to your cardiovascular system. The best part is, everyone can do it. Aerobic activity can be as intense or as mild as you prefer either

Aerobics -. which are sometimes simply called "cardio" - include activities such as walking, hiking, dancing, swimming, sports, and cycling. Your body has many advantages of aerobics, as burning calories, increasing stamina, strengthen your immune system and improve your overall mood. Cardio are best for your heart because they

• help lower blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Decrease LDL ( "bad") cholesterol and raise HDL ( "good" cholesterol)
• increasing oxygen in the blood and strength of heart

If you are new to physical activity, start your diet slowly and remember any exercise is better than no exercise. 30 minutes brisk walk once a day can make a world of difference to your heart. You can always improve your workout by going for longer walks, running instead of walking, or adding in other aerobic exercises. If you are looking to improve your heart health, experts suggest to work at least three times a week at high intensity or five times a week at low intensity.

However, keep in mind that too much cardio, especially for people with pre-existing cardiac disorders, and abuse can deplete muscle. Always consult a doctor before starting an exercise program. Also, stop exercising immediately if you experience:

• Chest Pain
• An irregular beat very fast or irregular / heart
• Vertigo, dizziness, or fatigue extreme

Cancer cells mutate quickly, enabling them to outsmart medicines and survive inhospitable conditions in the body. Scientists have generally thought that the rapid cell division in tumors is to blame, with the changes resulting from errors that cells copy their DNA. But it now appears that the colon cancer cells, at least in a petri dish, have a different way to stimulate their mutation rate, they can simply move in response to unfavorable conditions. The mechanism behind the dramatic increase, reported in tomorrow's issue of Science *, is a mystery.

Mark Meuth, a molecular geneticist at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, was intrigued by an exception to the rule of rapid change in cancer cells: a cell line cancer human colon that when grown in a dish transferred to the same low rate as noncancerous cells. This was particularly surprising because the cell line, called 2774, has a defective DNA repair mechanisms; other cells with this defect quickly accumulate mutations.

mutation rate rose, however, when Burt Richards, a scientist in the laboratory Meuth, accidentally left a dish of tumor cells to invade. When the cells left boxes team crowded for 2 weeks, they found that a mutated gene, called HPRT , had transferred 700 times faster than in cells grown at low density, even if the cells are not crowded division. Another cell line, also colon cancer and called SK-UT-1, has strengthened its HPRT mutation rates 34 times after reaching a high concentration of cells.

Meuth said he does not know why the overcrowded cells mutate so easily, but he suspects that an unfavorable environment around the cells, such as lack of nutrients or oxygen in cramped conditions, password somehow a mutation mechanism. Lawrence Loeb, a pathologist at the University of Washington, Seattle, said that if researchers can discover the mutation rate mechanism has increased, it could provide a new avenue of treatment for any cancer cell that uses it. "If the increase is due to something simple like oxygen free radicals, antioxidants we could give," he said.

* For details, Science Online subscribers can link to the full report.

Between work and school, care nearby, and maybe have a little time for your staff clean, you may think it is impossible to squeeze another appointment in your schedule already packed. You might not even think of heart tests, but take the time to have at least an annual examination is crucial to living a healthy life, even if you do not currently have vascular conditions. Some heart conditions - and their risk factors like high cholesterol - may go unnoticed if regular checkups and health screenings are not a part of your routine

The best way to prevent heart disease is detect and manage important. risk factors such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol and high blood sugar. By performing annual screenings, your doctor may test these risk factors and prescribe the best treatment options. - Whether lifestyle changes, medications, or referring to a cardiologist for your

So what can you expect your balance sheet? Your doctor will perform several tests to determine if you are at risk for heart disease, including the following:

Test of blood pressure

The only way to detect high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test. High blood pressure can cause serious damage to your arteries and create blood clots, which increases your risk of heart attack and heart failure. A reading of the blood pressure of 0/80 mm Hg or less is ideal, and your doctor may want to check your blood pressure more frequently if your number is higher or if you are aged over 65

cholesterol test

after 20 years, you should have your cholesterol checked every 4-5 years. High cholesterol shows no symptoms, and people with high cholesterol have no idea of ​​their risk until they are tested. A lipoprotein fasting profile is a blood test that shows the total cholesterol, LDL ( "bad") cholesterol, HDL ( "good" cholesterol "and triglycerides (another fat in the blood). A ideal total cholesterol level is below 0 mg / dL, and your doctor can work with you to reduce your LDL cholesterol levels.

test blood sugar

measuring the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood helps your doctor determine your risk of developing insulin resistance, pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes untreated diabetes can cause heart disease and stroke, among other complications medical. obesity increases your chances of having high blood sugar.

in addition to these tests, your doctor will need to know your body weight, your daily diet, your exercise routine and your smoking habits . high BMI (body mass index), poor diet, minimal exercise, and smoking all increase significantly your risk of heart disease, especially when paired with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or blood sugar high. Also, if you have a preexisting cardiovascular fitness, suffered a heart attack or stroke, or have diabetes, your doctor will ask you to have more frequent exams.

Take care of your heart should be a priority and get regular checkups is the best way to ensure you keep your heart healthy.

to learn more about keeping your heart healthy, visit the UPMC Institute of Cardiology and Vascular online or call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484) to schedule an appointment you.