Heart Disease #1 Killer Of Women

Increased Risk of Heart Disease: number 1 killer of women over 50. After age fifty, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Cardiovascular disease kills ten times more women than breast cancer. The good news is that heart disease is one of the most preventable diseases we know.

Listen to a discussion about Women's Heart Health
This 20 minute discussion covers:

• Why more women die of heart disease than men!
• Results of the WISE (Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation) Study
• What is ischemic heart disease?
• Differences between women's heart disease and men's heart disease
• The differences between women's and men's symptoms
• Why more women die from their first heart attack than do men
• Why women must make lifestyle changes earlier than men
• Risk factors for women
• What can we do to promote a healthy heart and reduce our risk factors
• Strategies to limit our weight
• Warning signs to report to our doctors

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To learn more on reducing your risk, visit this informative page on Women's Health

Heart Health FAQ

Listen to a discussion about Heart Health Frequently Asked Questions
This 26 minute discussion covers:

• Results of heart health neglect
• What is heart disease and does it differ from cardiovascular disease?
• Who is at risk for heart disease? What are risk factors?
• What is homocysteine and what effect does it have on heart health?
• What is C-reactive protein and should you be tested for it?
• What are triglycerides and what role do they play in heart disease?
• What role does air pollution play in heart health?
• How do the symptoms of heart disease differ between men and women?
• What are the most important steps to take to promote a healthy heart?
• What supplements promote heart health and what do they do?
• How should you change your diet to promote heart health?
• How much exercise do you need to promote heart health?
• How can parents promote heart health in their children?

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Saw Palmetto Effective For BPH

You might have read about some nutrition studies recently in the newspaper. I am posting this information in hopes it will help clarify the issues brought up by the studies. The following information was put out by Dr.Jamie McManus, Chairman, Medical Affairs, Health Sciences & Education, Shaklee Corporation.

The saw palmetto study tested men who had moderate to severe prostatic hyperplasia and tested the saw palmetto versus a placebo. At one year, there was no significant difference between the two groups, which flies in the face of at least 21 other studies involving thousands of men that showed significant improvement using saw palmetto. The reason for this discrepancy is that these previous studies have determined that it is men with mild to moderate prostatic hypertrophy who will benefit from saw palmetto and this study clearly chose a group with far more significant pathology that may need a higher dose of saw palmetto to see a response. The study did not test a higher dose, just the dosage that is known to be beneficial (21 studies) for mild to moderate symptoms.

So, the bottom line is that this study chose a population that we would not have expected to see significant improvement in symptoms, and it does not negate the well established scientifically founded acceptance of saw palmetto as a reasonable choice for men with mild to moderate prostatic hyperplasia (also known as BPH).

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A three-year preliminary study in Germany found that 160 mg of saw palmetto extract taken twice daily reduced nighttime urination in 73% of patients and improved urinary flow rates significantly. In a double-blind trial at various sites in Europe, 160 mg of saw palmetto extract taken twice per day treated BPH as effectively as finasteride without side effects, such as loss of libido. A one-year dose-comparison study found that 320 mg once per day was as effective as 160 mg twice per day in the treatment of BPH. A review of all available double-blind trials has concluded that saw palmetto is effective for treatment of men with BPH and is just as effective as, with fewer side effects than, the drug finasteride.

Clarify Women's Health Initiative Calcium Findings

New Information: You might have read about some nutrition studies recently in the newspaper. I am posting this information in hopes it will help clarify the issues brought up by the studies. The following information was put out by Dr.Jamie McManus, Chairman, Medical Affairs, Health Sciences & Education, Shaklee Corporation.

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study on calcium and vitamin D was published last week, with the lead investigator on the study leading his interviews with the most negative findings of the study and seemingly ignoring the positive results. While the study is not flawed, there are two factors that affected the ultimate findings. One, the population was too young to demonstrate a reduction in hip fractures and two, the study did not last long enough to show the reduction in colon cancer risk (study was 7 years and colon cancer takes 10-20 years to materialize). The study did show a significant increase in hip bone density (this is good!) and also a non-significant (but present) reduction in hip fracture risk. So, again, this is a limited study and does not lessen the importance of Vitamin D as well as calcium in supporting bone health, reducing risk of hip fracture (other studies have shown this-future studies can continue to define) as well as in the myriad of other functional roles these essential nutrints play in the body. It is well established that people do not take in adequate amounts of calcium, and there is growing concern that many populations, especially the elderly and those who live in northern latitudes are deficient in Vitamin D.

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A healthy immune system naturally!

The Immune System and Interferon

The immune system is our hardest working system whose job it is to protect us 24 hours a day from bacteria, and viruses and invading pathogens.

That's a good thing since germs can live several hours on surfaces like:

• Cafeteria tables
• door knobs
• desks
• telephones (#1 surface for viruses)

We're also under attack from environmental toxins. And stress and poor nutrition can lower the bodies defenses, as can the aging process.

Immunity has become a global issue because we are literally jet-setting pathogens across the world every day. The good news is that scientists and researchers are making new discoveries every day about the immune system and how it works. One of the most promising of those discoveries had to do with the important role interferon plays in keeping the immune system healthy and strong.

Interferon is a family of cytokines (Cytokines are small secreted proteins which mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.) that are active participants in host cell defense because they possess antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. More simply put, interferon is a natural substance produced by the body that's activated when a cell is attacked by a virus. Interferon has two main functions:

1. When a cell has been an attacked, it signals to neighboring unaffected cells and triggers their defenses. It acts as the body's first responder and triggers the bodies defenses. Once the surrounding cells get the message they can produce certain proteins to protect themselves. That way the infection stays localized and can't spread.


2. Interferon activates other immune system support cells that search out, kill and dispose of the invading pathogens. It does this by signaling natural killer cells (NK cells), macrophages and other immune cells so they can mobilize and proliferate and then kill invading pathogens.

Interferon production and activation occurs within hours of a person being infected but the other cells, such as macrophages, can take much longer, up to several days, to react. However, theoretically, if you keep your immune system in top shape your body can produce interferon when it's needed.

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Factors that challenge the body's immune system

• Stress of everyday life
• Poor nutrition deficient in key nutrients
• Lack of exercise
• Inadequate sleep
• Intense exercise
• Aging

The effects of aging on the immune system

There is a well recognized progressive decline in immune function that is associated with aging. This particularly effects the T-cells, a type of white blood cell. This decline is also linked to an increase in infectious diseases, especially viral diseases, such as upper respiratory diseases and shingles. Recovery from an illness often takes longer in older people. That can often be a result of declining immune function.

Effects of stress on the immune system

Stress is a major factor in compromised immune health. Clinical research is showing that chronic, severe or unrelenting stress diminishes immune function. In fact, an entire field of study called psyconeuroimmunology has emerged in response to the growing link between stress and illness.

The effects of lack of sleep on the immune system

Sleep deprivation and insomnia have a similar effect as depression has on lowering immunity. Even modest amounts of sleep disturbance can produce a 30-50% transient decrease in natural killer cell activity. Natural killer cells, also known as NK cells, are activated to kill invading pathogens.

Dietary factors effecting the immune system

Low caloric intake may lower immunity. Undernourished people are at increased risk of infection and very low caloric intake can also lower immunity.

On the other hand, eating too much can also lower the body's immune system. We know that obesity is linked to many cancers and that is a sign of an under functioning immune system. Diets that are high in fat may also depress the immune response and result in infection.

Overuse of antibiotics on our immune system

The overuse of antibiotics, both in our food chain and used for treating viral infections, leads to stronger bacteria that will not respond to available antibiotics. Scientists cannot develop new antibiotics fast enough to keep up with these drug resistant bacteria. To add to this challenge, viruses naturally mutate so that when you develop antibodies to a virus, it mutates so your immune system has to be constantly ready to respond to new viruses.

Global travel

Today pathogens can be spread quicker than ever. In very recent news we've read about pandemic concerns regarding SARs, influenza and Avian Flu. Since antibiotics do not affect virus, we are dependent on vaccinations and our immune system to keep viruses at bay. In past years there have been shortages of vaccine which has caused concern. The elderly and the chronically ill need this vaccine to protect them from this ever changing virus.

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What can we do to keep our immune system strong?

• Eat healthfully
• Take appropriate supplements
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage your stress levels

If you incorporate all these changes in your lifestyles you'll be well on your way to a healthy, functioning immune system.

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Why not just take interferon?

Ever since it's discovery in 1954 scientists have been studying interferon and how to use it to treat disease. There are a variety of synthetic interferons that have been developed. Each of these synthetic interferons is specific to a particular disease, in other words each synthetic interferon drug is used to treat one disease, most often a specific type of cancer. These interferons are actually chemotherapy drugs and are quite toxic with many side effects. So these are drugs used as treatment once you're sick, not a form of of prevention. Also since they are drugs with serious side effects they are only prescribed to people already ill with serious diseases.

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Boost interferon production naturally!

Interferon production in the body can now be boosted naturally in healthy individuals though a new dietary supplement. Developed by Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima, who first discovered interferon in 1954 while conducting studies on virus replication in rabbits, it is the result of more than 40 years of research on natural interferon-inducing compounds. After screening, testing and evaluating more than 200 different herbs, Dr. Kojima successfully isolated a combination of botanicals that naturally increase the body’s production of its own interferon.

This dietary supplement is designed to be taken daily and is a blend of four botanicals that, when combined together, naturally allow the body to increase the production of interferon without added stress to the body*:

1. Pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata) extract, which has been found to induce interferon production


2. Plantago seed (Plantage asiatica), which contain chemicals called polysaccharides that are thought to stimulate the immune system


3. Safflower flower (Carthamus tinctorius) polysaccharides, which has been found to prompt development of macrophages, a type of white blood cell


4. Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) flower buds, used in Asian medicine

Since this supplement was developed, a number of human clinical studies have documented the supplement’s effectiveness. These studies, which have been published in medical journals, such as the Journal of Gastroenterology, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapy, and the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, highlight a variety of benefits associated with it. In one study the viral loads in Hepatitis C patients with high viral loads were significantly decreased*. Studies also show that these herbs have an immune system modulating effect specific to the NK cells*. Many scientists now believe that these NK cells have an important role in balancing the immune system. If you have too many NK cells you may be at risk for autoimmune disorders. If you have too few NK cells it might put you in risk of cancer.

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Buy this breakthrough immune boosting supplement

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Health News: Oily Fish Make Babies “Brainier”

Eating oily fish and seeds in pregnancy can boost children's future brain power and social skills, research suggests.

A study of 9,000 mothers and children in Avon, England suggested those who consumed less of the essential fatty acid Omega-3 had children with lower IQs. These children also had poorer motor skills and hand-to-eye co-ordination, research in the Economist said.

'Frightening data'

Looking at the effects of Omega-3 intake on 9,000 mothers and their children, the team found mothers with the lowest intake of the essential fatty acid had children with a verbal IQ six points lower than the average.

While those with the highest consumption of mackerel and sardines and other sources of Omega-3 had children, at age three-and-a-half, with the best measures of fine-motor performance, researchers said.

Low intake of the crucial fatty acid also appeared to lead to more problems of social interactions - such as an inability to make friends. Research leader, Dr Joseph Hibbeln, said "frightening data" showed 14% of 17-year-olds whose mother had eaten small quantities of Omega -3 during pregnancy demonstrated this sort of behavior. This compared with 8% of those born to the group with the highest intake, he said.

Dr Hibbeln said, "The findings of poor social development and poor motor control in children indicate that these children may be on a developmental trajectory towards lifelong disruptive and poorly-socialized behavior as they grow up."

Professor Jean Golding of Bristol University set up the original research, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, 15 years ago to look at predisposition to disease. She told the BBC: "The baby's brain needs Omega-3 fatty acids. It doesn't create its own fatty acids so it needs to be something that the mother will eat."

The new research also builds on earlier work in the US, which suggests pregnant mothers will develop children with better language and communication skills if they regularly consume oily fish.

Nutritional expert Patrick Holford, director of the Brain Bio Centre, said Omega-3 was key to children's intelligence because the brain is formed of 60% fat - 30% of which are essential fats. Successive studies have shown clear links between intelligence and consumption of this essential fatty acid, he added.

It's absolutely essential that pregnant women take in enough Omega-3 and children in early infancy take in enough Omega-3 - Patrick Holford, Nutritional expert

Ed. Note: We’ve known for quite awhile about Omega-3’s positive effect on hearth health, but more and more now we’re learning about how beneficial it is for moods and depression, autoimmune diseases and now brain development. Shaklee’s new OmegaGuard is the world’s finest fish oil supplement. It’s triple molecular distillation and purification process is unique to Shaklee. This results in an ultra-pure pharmaceutical-grade supplement. Plus, OmegaGuard provides a full spectrum of seven natural omega-3 fatty acids. For more information on Shaklee OmegaGuard or to order it online go to: http://www.shaklee.net/pjstory/product/20244

Article excerpt from BBC News. For the complete story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4631006.stm

Jeff & Bonnie

Special Report: In-Car Air Pollution May Raise Health Risks

Dirty air inside cars may be especially hazardous to people with health problems.

Spending a lot of time in your car may put your heart’s health at risk. A new study shows that prolonged exposure to dirty air inside vehicles could trigger potentially dangerous changes in heart function.

Prior studies have shown that exposure to fine airborne particulate matter is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in older and cardiac patients. But now, researchers say air pollution levels inside cars which are generally lower than outside, may also increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with existing health problems by changing the way the heart functions.

The study showed that exposure to in-car air pollution caused changes, such as increased markers of inflammation and increased blood clotting proteins, variations in heart rate, and other changes in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, in nine healthy state highway patrol troopers who worked in their cars.

In a study, which appears in the April issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers equipped each of the North Caroline State Highway Patrol cars with air quality monitors. Overall, researchers say that the troopers were in excellent health and appeared to be at low risk for heart or other health problems. But they found prolonged exposure to air pollution inside the troopers’ vehicles prompted changes in the heart rate that could be hazardous in less healthy individuals. Researchers say those changes do not seem desirable and show that exposure to in-car pollutants “should be minimized”.

Editor Note: The above excerpt was from an article written by Jennifer Warner, WebMD Medical News. With the AirSource Mobile unit you’ve got the best way to minimize your exposure to in-car pollutants. The AirSource Mobile conveniently plugs into your car lighter and fits in a normal car cup holder, and when you get to a hotel you plug it into an electrical outlet providing you with fresh clean air wherever you go. Also makes for a great Father's Day gift -- especially if Dad smokes in the car!