The Number of Hours That You Sleep Could Protect Your Heart

According to the researchers at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, the number of hours that you sleep could prevent heart disease.

The study states that adults who regularly slept seven hours a night had the lowest rate of coronary heart disease.

In the study, initially, 30,000 adults were examined and were free from cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the study revealed that people who slept five hours or less, more than doubled their risk for coronary heart disease.

Additionally, people who slept nine hours or more increased their risk one and one half times for heart disease.

Concluding, the study found that both short and long term sleep durations were related to angina and stroke. The research findings did not depend on age, race, ethnicity, smoking, drinking, sex, body mass, diabetes, hypertension or depression.

This is keen health news. For a healthy heart, regularly sleep seven hours a night.

What Is The New Benefit From Eating More Blueberries?

Blueberries may lower cholesterol.



New-Medical.net reported new research from the U. S. Department of Agriculture which shows that blueberries may lower cholesterol as effectively as a commercial drug and have potentially fewer adverse side effects.

A compound called pterostilbene found in blueberries, contain similar cancer chemopreventative properties to those found in resveratrol, a compound that is found in grapes.

It is the compound pterostilbene that has the potential to be developed into a nutraceutical for lowering cholesterol.

The laboratory study used rat liver cells. The experiment exposed four compounds from the blueberries to the cells. Pterostilbene showed a high potency for activating the cells receptor which plays a part in reducing cholesterol and other lipids.
Until the study is done on humans, the research does not state how many blueberries humans would have to eat to lower their cholesterol. Nonetheless, other benefits from the rich antioxidant fruit are:

• Anti-Aging
• Protection Against Cancer
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Prevent Obesity
• Memory Booster

And, now perhaps lower cholesterol. That's keen knowledge!

How Can Reading Food Labels Improve Your Health?

Do you exercise and eat healthy meals? However, your blood Lab report states that your blood pressure and cholesterol are borderline high. Then, it is imperative that you begin reading the labels on food and medicine.

Hidden high sodium (sodium chloride) is in all processed, canned, and boxed foods. Moreover, restaurant foods contain high sodium.

After reading a news report about Rye bread having more vitamins than wheat bread, I checked out the label, and to my surprise, one slice of Rye bread contained 320 mg of sodium.

Check out the labels on the frozen food meals such as pot pies, they contain 1,000 mg of sodium. Even the low-fat frozen meals contain up to 600 mg of sodium. Beware of vegetarian foods as well. Hidden sodium and gluten are in processed vegetarian meals.

It is best to cook meals at home and eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables.

According to the FDA ( U. S. Food and Drug Administration), "Dietary Guidelines" state that the general population's daily intake be no more than 2,300 mg of sodium, which is equivalent to one heaping teaspoon.

The "Dietary Guidelines" for African American people who are middle-aged and people who suffer from kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the intake of sodium is 1,500 mg.

Equally as important, is the intake of cholesterol. The body produces cholesterol naturally, however, read the labels. Some products like cookies, ice cream, whole milk, protein bars, ground turkey, and red meat contain cholesterol. Try plant-based protein shakes instead of whey protein shakes to cut back cholesterol intake.

Before making any changes to your diet, consult with your physician.

Post by Karen Ray

The Health Care Bill - U.S.A.

The Health Care Bill - What do you think about it? It is definitely a hot topic and a very serious topic. There is much opposition, and there is great support for the reform of health care. I commend President Obama for keeping his campaign promise.


Nonetheless, I can entertain both sides of the health care argument. The health care reform will come with great cost to the taxpayers, but what happens when a taxpayer who has worked for 15+ years, and then is laid off? I think that if a taxpayer has paid into the system, then there should be health care available to that taxpayer if for some reason their health insurance is lost due to unemployment?


Moreover, because of the high cost of health insurance, most employers are hiring part-time employees, and/or contract workers to save on health care costs. Furthermore, there are full-time employees who must pay deductibles, and pay co-pays, which depletes their savings. For example, one patient has to pay $2000 for an x-ray because of an unforeseen accident. I am in favor of the health care reform, and at least basic health care for all Americans.


Why? because we are human beings. I think that all human beings should have access to health care. Yes, there is the Medicaid program, but everyone is not eligible. In addition, there are some low-cost clinics that can assist people without insurance.

When I think about health care I think about prevention. If all Americans were covered and educated about the prevention of certain diseases, stress, and diet, then the Health Care Reform could pay for itself. I hope that the Health Care Bill passes. If not, it is back to the "same old, same old."

What do you think?

Image "X-Ray Guy" www.freefoto.com

How to Make Exercise Fun? Try Bollywood Dance

If you enjoy exercising, and your exercise is fun, then you will exercise more. If you are wondering how to make your daily exercises fun, try "Bollywood Dance."

What is Bollywood Dance? Bollywood Dance is the commercial form of Bhangra the unique folk dance from India. In other words, Bollywood Dance is used in the film industry in India, and Hollywood, USA.

A keen observation from the "Dancing with the Stars" show, shown on network ABC, is how the stars shape up and lose weight from dancing. Keep in mind that the stars practice 4 to 6 hours a day. Nonetheless, the average person can lose weight from dancing as well.

I have danced the Bollywood Dance. It is a fun dance, and the steps are easy to learn. I did tone. Below you can view an example of the Bollywood Dance steps. There are many more styles and steps. My example is from YouTube  

Finally, Comcast Cable has a "Get up and Dance" On Demand showcasing how to dance different styles of dance from ballroom to bollywood.

Please note: Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise. Always stretch to warm up before dancing or exercising.

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Thank You.

Aspirin and Vegetables: What Do They Have in Common?

Salicylic acid (SA). Salicylic acid is the same anti-inflammatory compound that is created when aspirin is broken down in the body. Yes, there is aspirin in your vegetables.

According to the "Journal of Clinical Pathology" findings, vegetarians have have higher blood levels of salicylic acid in their bodies. The researchers stated that their findings may be the reason why people who eat more than the average serving of fruits and vegetables tend to have lower "incidences" of cancer and heart disease.

Moreover, the current research states that heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and a host of other diseases are caused by inflammation in the body. Therefore, an anti-inflammatory diet of vegetables can keep us healthy. This is keen knowledge that we should utilize everyday!



Some tips from Dr. Weil on his anti-inflammatory diet:

• Eliminate margarine
• Reduce the use of polyunsaturated vegetable oils
• Increase food sources of omega-3 fatty acids
• Eat fewer processed foods
• Reduce the amount of red meat you eat
• Choose colorful fruits and vegetables
• Take antioxidant supplements
• Take low dose aspirin (check with your doctor)
• Add ginger and turmeric to your cooking

Source "Prevention Magazine"

Image www.superstock.com

What are the Health Benefits from Drinking Green Tea?

Green tea is the new " apple a day that will keep the doctor away." Drinking one cup of green tea has stupendous benefits.

Green tea contains anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for numerous health problems, and some diseases. Green Tea Polyphenols (GTP) are the chemicals that act as preventive medicine for cancer, headaches, heart disease, high cholesterol, the immune system,and infections.

Furthermore, green tea helps to remove toxins from the body. Green tea contains (EGCG)epigallocatechin gallate. EGCG is also related to weight loss when added to certain vitamins and teas.

Some Medical Research Conclusions:
From Japan, the "Ohsaki Study - Green Tea Consumption and Mortality Due to Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and all Causes in Japan" Concluded that Green Tea Polyphenols (GTP), is associated with reduced mortality due to all causes and due to cardiovascular, but not with reduced mortality due to cancer."

The "American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine" Concluded and reported in May 2008, that the chemical found in green tea may be able to fight off cognitive deficits that occur with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The chemical is green tea polyphenol.

Search to find different brands and flavors. Enjoy and stay healthy.

How to Fight Cold and Flu Symptoms?

Healthy Fruit Cordial

New research from Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre found that a hot drink may help to reduce the symptoms of common cold and flu.

This research is published in the December 2008 edition of the clinical Journal of Rhinology. In the experimental trials, 30 volunteers with common cold symptoms were given commercially produced cordial apple and blackcurrant drink hot, or at room temperature.

The conclusion stated:" a simple hot drink of fruit cordial can provide immediate and and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness, and tiredness."

Even though drinking a hot totty has been established for medicinal cures for years, this is the first medical research that has been conducted.

Search the Internet to find where to purchase the commercial fruit cordial. As usual, consult with your doctor before trying a new health regimen.

I will drink a hot fruit cordial the next time I feel as though I am catching a cold!



Image: Cup of Tea from Free Foto.com

A Change Indeed; President Elect Senator Barack Obama!

Foremost, Congratulations to President Elect Barack H. Obama.

On January 20, 2009, Mr. Obama will become the 44th president of the United States of America. Mr. Obama ran a fine political campaign. His campaign was the epitome of my last article "How to Keep Your Head, When all Around you are Loosing Theirs."

It is reported that Mr. Obama's speeches, and Change platform actually relieved stress from many Americans during the decline of America's economic structure.

President Barack H. Obama will be an addition of keen knowledge displayed in the History books.

Image: "Time Magazine"

How "You Can Keep Your Head, When All About You Are Loosing Theirs?" Meditate

Dr. Deepak Chopra explains the benefits of meditation.

















How to Meditate?

Blog Title: From Rudyard Kipling's Poem "IF"

If You Need Motivation to Reach Your Diet and Health Goals; Then You Need "SparkPeople"

Get a Free Online Diet

Spark People is a new website that motivates people to obtain their exercise ,weight loss, and their healthy lifestyle goals.

The founder of Sparks People is Chris Downie (SparkGuy). Mr. Downie said that "he just wanted to help people." Mr. Downie invested millions of dollars, so that people from all around the world could utilize his website to stay motivated in reaching their goals.

Moreover, the Spark People website is absolutely Free! There are many diet and health companies that charge for the same services that SparkPeople offer.

Furthermore, the website offers the opportunity to communicate with other SparkPeople. You can join message boards that are related to: age, sports, exercise, health issues, vegetarians, and more.

Additionally,you can set up your own individual diet and exercise plans without cost. There are free medical and health articles from A-Z. I love their healthy recipies.

Whether you have 5, or 150 pounds to lose, begin with Spark People, and stay motivated with Spark People.

For more information click on the SparkPeople button above.

This keen knowledge is new and exciting.

How to Prevent Accelerated Aging?

Healthy Telomeres

Exercise!

"Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night"
Dylan ThomasRecent news from the "JAMA - Archives of Internal Medicine" study revealed "The Association Between Physical Activity in Leisure Time and Leuckocyte Telomere Length LTL."

Fact: The lack of physical inactivity is a relevant risk factor for many aging-related diseases and premature deaths. Moreover, as we age, our telomeres decrease.

The hypothesis tested stated that " physical activity level in leisure time [over the past 12 months) is related to leukocyte telomere length in healthy volunteers."

The group of experimental volunteers consisted of 2,401 white female twins and 249 male twins. Moreover, the factors considered in the study: physical activity level, age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and socioeconomic status.

The results proved that the group of twins who exercised just 199 minutes a week, or 33.17 minutes six days a week, showed 88 nucleotides in the growth of their telomere length.

The conclusion " A sedentary lifestyle [in addition to smoking, high body mass, and low socioeconomic status) affects leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and may accelerate the aging process."

I am indeed an advocate of exercising. When I walk 5 miles in my leisure time( 75 min.) six days a week during the months of May through September, I drop two dress sizes; can eat anything I want (as a treat); lose belly fat; gain strength and my whole body firms.

Therefore, I do look younger than my age. Although looking younger is not my motivation for exercising, "survival of the fittest" is my motivation; it is a keen knowledge that exercise keeps your telomeres growing, thus slows the aging process.

          

The humorous image of "How aging affects belt height" is from www.top20fun.com

A Healthy Twofold Resolution; "Think Globally, Act Locally"

Healthy Environment

This year, I am going to plant a tree.

I am inspired by two global Nobel Peace Laureate Prize winners, 2004 Professor Wangari - Maathai of Africa, and 2007 former Vice President Al Gore of the United States of America. Both recipients are working to make the world a better place to live.

One criteria for winning the the Nobel Peace Prize is: the candidate must make a difference in the world. The Nobel committee stated that Professor Wangari - Maathai "thinks globally, and acts locally."

Professor Wangari - Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist, was the first female African to be awarded the Nobel Peace prize. Moreover, Maathai is the founder of the Green Belt Movement in Africa. The purpose of the organization is to plant trees, which provide fuel, food, shelter, and income to thousands of people, with the majority being women.

Wangari said" when we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and the seeds of hope." Over 30 million trees have been planted thus far. For more information on Professor Wangari - Maathai, and the Green Belt Movement check http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/.

Another organization, UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme ) allows people from all over the world to pledge to plant a tree. Furthermore, UNEP is a great global resource for keen information, and scientific happenings all over the world. Check http://www.unep.org/.

Former Vice President Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his work, which produced the documentary film, "An Inconvenient Truth." The film draws attention to the severe problem of the increasing global warming on Earth. Additionally, Gore's work keeps the Global Warming issue on a political agenda as well.

In Summary, we must do more to make a difference in the world, and stop global warming. Some ideas and ways on my list are:

1. Plant a tree.

2. Utilize Rain Water for Watering plants etc.

3. Continue to Recycle.

4. Buy a Hybrid Vehicle (Soon).

5. Add Solar Panels to My New Home (soon).

6. Continue to Conserve Energy.

7. Utilize Cloth Grocery Bags.

Please comment on how you will work to stop global warming, or share with us, what you are doing now to make a difference?

Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy New Year 2008.

Healthy Holidays; To Buy, or Not to Buy Toys?

To buy, or not to buy toys? Is a question that many parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and consumers in general are pondering this holiday season.

Eighty percent of toys are made in China, and sent to America. Unfortunately, with all of the massive toy recalls due to the poisonous lead found in the toys, many consumers are scrambling to find safe alternatives to the more popular toys that children request during the holiday season.

The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), has lists that consumers can check before purchasing toys. Moreover, Consumers can check with parent magazines, and research online (www.HealthyToys.org) for toys before shopping.

Some gift ideas for children:

• Books
• Clothes
• Music
• Educational Computer Games
• Watches
• Cameras
• Board Games
• Dolls and Stuffed Animals

There is good news nonetheless. American toy manufacturing companies, and small toy shops are working to make safe toys for America.

Extra, Extra, Eat Extra Apples

Healthy Apples

The old adage of "eating an apple a day, will keep the doctor away" may be a way of decreasing the risk of cancer.

The news from Cornell University's research studies, and experiments state that eating one apple a day could reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 17%. Moreover, eating three apples could decrease the risk by 39%, and eating six apples a day decrease the risk by 44%.

Researcher Rui Hai Liu, a Cornell associate professor of Food Science analyzed the peels of 230 lbs. of red delicious apples. He found many compounds. These compounds have "potent anti-proliferative activities against human breast, colon, and liver cancer." These compounds are "apple polyphenols."

Furthermore, the laboratory study on the rats that were given the apple polyphenols, showed, that the polyphenols, not only fought cancer cells, but decreased the number of tumors as well.

This is great news, and keen knowledge. If you think that you may find it difficult eating 3-6 apples a day, try a juicing machine. I have an old machine, but I am going to upgrade to Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer. LaLanne's Power Juicer allows you to put in whole fruit without cutting.

"It's My Anniversary" - Blog

Healthy Life Style

Well -Being

It was October 2006, when I wrote my first Blog. I am back after a short hiatus from an injury sustained, while working this past May. I was unable to play tennis, walk five miles a day, or jog. Moreover, I could not enjoy my friends as I normally do in the summer months. However, it was from the Grace of God, past yoga exercises, and following my wonderful doctor's instructions, that I was able to make a remarkable comeback!

One thing that I was able to do, nonetheless, was to plug in my computer, telephone, and the Internet, and produce streams of income via my virtual part-time business. "When a door closes, a window opens." Thus, well-being.

I have decided to keep my healthy living topics, and offset by writing about topics from A-Z. Thank you for reading my Blog, and please feel free to comment as usual.


K. Ray

Photograph: http://www.freephoto.com/

How to Build Muscle and Tone the Body Without Weights?

Healthy LifeSyle

Take the supplement Colostrum. Colostrum has many health benefits. It can enhance lean muscle mass, increase metabolism of body fat, and boost the immune system. Colostrum promotes healing in the body, grows hair and nails. Moreover, there is evidence of anti- aging properties as well. To read about all of the benefits of Colostrum search the Internet.

What is Colostrum? "Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid product by all female mammals prior to giving birth." Colostrum is processed into a premium quality organic first milking bovine colostrum form of powders, creams, and capsules.

Most health food stores carry the capsules, and orders can be placed online. I have taken the capsules that have 1,000 mg. colostum in one capsule. The cost of the top of the line brand runs about $24.00 for about 60 capsules. per bottle. You will see results after the second bottle.

Finally, please remember to check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Even if you are like me, and just take vitamins, check with your doctor.

Keeping you abreast of the secrets to a healthy lifestyle.

What's New in the Year 2007?

For centuries Queens have ruled countries. Two examples are Queen Elizabeth II. of the United Kingdom shown to the left, and Queen Nefertiti of Ancient Egypt (shown to the right), who ruled with her husband King Akhenaten.

It is in my editoral opinion, that I wonder why there is so much political chatter about Sen. Hillary Clinton's bid to run for the presidency of the United States of America. Yes, there are the obvious reasons. However, I am in deed, somewhat excited at the idea of a female president. Nonetheless, there are several interesting candidates in the race for the presidency. All of whom have unique styles and backgrounds.

Therefore, I hope that all of the candidates, given the due process of the democratic nomination, will be selected by the "content of their character," to quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and not by their age, race, creed, color or gender.

Finally, May the best candidate be elected!

A Peaceful Message to My Readers

"Peace on Earth; Good Will to All Men"

I would like to take time out, and thank all of my readers around the world for reading my Blog.

Equally, I would like to thank the U.S. Troops around the world for their strength and courage.

Sincerely,
K. Ray

Image Rainbow - freefoto.com