Todays Health Article

January 26th, 2012

Today… Life is on a fast pace, we dash here and run there, eating on the run, our health is being punished, and a need for some type of  diet plan (Dash Diet) is the only solution for better health. Our obesity is still out of control according to the latest reports, meaning out waistlines are still growing, despite the media warnings of the health risks that follow with obesity. High blood pressure and diabetes seem to be the apparent symptoms along with heart diseases. Why do we do this to ourselves… a road to ill health? Is it just because of having  no plan, regarding our eating habits?

The Dash Eating Plan

Now we have come to realize that a plan that is flexible and that is balanced  regarding our eating has shown to be beneficial to our health. Now the Dash diet, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, is such a plan, which has proven to provide a eating plan, that if followed, provides health benefits.

The DASH eating plan was one of three eating plans that were compared in research studies sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Their intentions of this research, was to research the effects of diet  regarding one’s high blood pressure.

The results of the research showed…

• Is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat
• Focuses on fruits, vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
• Is rich in whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts
• Contains fewer sweets, added sugars and sugary beverages, and red meats than the typical American diet
  

  Other Benefits

  The DASH diet has been recently named as one of the best overall diets by US News and World Report. Rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein and fiber, this eating plan has other powerful health benefits in addition to lowering blood pressure and warding off cardiovascular related diseases. Some additional benefits include:

  • Preventing obesity (when combined with regular exercise)
  • Preventing osteoporosis (due to increased calcium intake)
  • Preventing cancer (due to increased antioxidant intake)
  • Preventing diabetes (due to lowered sugar intake)
  • Preventing constipation (due to increased fiber intake)
  • Losing weight (due to a healthier and more nutritious eating plan)

The DASH Eating Plan… also is lowering sodium (salt) than the typical American diet. This is because eating less sodium can help lower blood pressure.

The DASH research showed that an eating plan containing 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day lowered blood pressure. An eating plan containing only 1,500 mg of sodium per day  further lowered blood pressure.

The “The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010″ advise people who have high blood pressure, African Americans, and middle-aged and older adults to aim for no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

The DASH eating plan also includes foods rich in potassium, such as fruits and vegetables.

Below is a table that shows the daily nutrient goals, including potassium, used in the DASH studies.

Daily Nutrient Goals Used in the DASH Studies (for a 2,000-Calorie Eating Plan)

* 1,500 mg of sodium was a lower goal tested and found to be even better for lowering blood pressure. It worked very well for middle-aged and older adults, African Americans, and people who already had high blood pressure.

The Dash Diet…

Is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods includes meat, fish, poultry, nuts and beans; and is limited in sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, red meat, and added fats. In addition to its effect on blood pressure, it is considered a well-balanced approach to eating for the general public. It is now recommended by the US Department of Agriculture(USDA) as an ideal eating plan for all Americans.

Not only does the plan emphasize good eating habits, but also suggests healthy alternatives to “junk food” and discourages the consumption of processed foods.

The DASH eating plan shown below is based on 2,000 calories a day. The number of daily servings in a food group may vary from those listed depending on your caloric needs.

Food Group	Daily Servings (except as noted)	Serving Sizes
Grains & grain products	7-8	1 slice bread 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal* cup cooked rice, pasta, or cereal
Vegetables	4-5	1 cup raw leafy vegetable cup cooked vegetable 6 ounces vegetable juice
Fruits	4-5	1 medium fruit cup dried fruit cup fresh, frozen, or canned fruit 6 ounces fruit juice
Lowfat or fat free dairy foods	2-3	8 ounces milk 1 cup yogurt 1 ounces cheese
Lean meats, poultry, and fish	2 or less	3 ounces cooked lean meats, skinless poultry, or fish
Nuts, seeds, and dry beans	4-5 per week	1/3 cup or 1 ounces nuts 1 tablespoon or ounce seeds cup cooked dry beans
Fats & oils**	2-3	1 teaspoon soft margarine 1 tablespoon lowfat mayonnaise 2 tablespoons light salad dressing 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Sweets	5 per week	1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon jelly or jam ounce jelly beans 8 ounces lemonade

* Serving sizes vary between cup -1 cups. Check the product’s nutrition label.

** Fat content changes serving counts for fats and oils: For example, 1 tablespoon of regular salad dressing equals 1 serving; 1 tablespoon of a lowfat dressing equals serving; 1 tablespoon of a fat free dressing equals 0 servings.

 Adverse Risks of The Dash Diet Plan

The Dash Diet, like any other changes taken towards your eating habits, must be considered regarding your current health conditions. If questionable, seek council from a nutritionists or Doctor before doing so. The studies have not indicated any adverse side affects of such diet, but the diet is new as well. It is very similar to a couple other diets that have been around for some time. The indications for those who have health problems such as diabetes or kidney illness to talk with your doctor before making a decision.

We are all looking for better health and a balanced diet plan such as the Dash Diet plan. It is basically the answer regarding what we may eat, or should eat, but the exercise is still a key here. If we are not burning off what we intake, we will gain weight, though the other benefits may be acquired. We will be just healthier, yet obese. So If you need a plan to decide what to eat, then by all means do so, just do not forget… the body needs exercise as well. The Dash Diet Plan has been recognized as the Number 1 diet for 2 years now, and reviewed  by many and endorsed as well.

Todays Health Article

January 21st, 2011

Todays top story regarding a nail gun, is not that uncommon, but this person is just lucky to be alive!  Many have carried this story due to the humor added and due to the near life and death consequences of this accident. Praise God he has recovering and all is being excepted, on such a light note. Yet, many accidents such as this one, appear more often than not. Yes, it can be a serious health issue and considering that most nails that go through a nail gun are contaminated with dirt and oil to maintain the gun, as well as the force of air. This person may or may not deal with other issues. My Prayers go with him and his family. I have included a news release below.

.News for nail in the head guy

Man, 32, shoots 3.5in nail into his head and doesn’t notice for …

Why a Nail Gun?

The whole purpose of such tools was to replace the common hammers used and to speed up the use of many construction activities needed for building or finish work. Nail guns were at one time, just found in the tool boxes of framers and finish work contractors. Today more and more so, have found their way into the hands of the weekend handyman and even lady hobbyist.

The Problem Is….

Nail Guns are Causing several Injuries

One report indicated there were approximately 36,000 reported injuries due to nail guns. Of this number approximately 3.9% of all workers compensation claims in the U.S. last year were a result of injuries to workers caused by nail gun accidents. Among those workers injured by a nail gun last year, as many as 25.5 percent involved paid… lost work time. According to a new study from State of Washington.

The study reported that the hands and fingers were the most commonly injured parts of the body. Actually anywhere from 80-to-89 percent of all injuries from nail guns are being puncture wounds to the hands and fingers from the nails.

In fact, more than 70% of all nail gun injuries at residential work-sites occur during the wood framing and sheathing stage of construction.

Approximately 69% of puncture injuries caused by nail guns are due to what the Home Builders Association of America calls: “Inadvertent gun discharge, or misfire, most of which, according to the Association, are preventable by the use of sequential triggers.

Safety and Solution

The best advise given for these tools is to read the instruction manual before using…that is the first step! I believe my dad’s advice “Any tool can be harmful if used incorrectly or not understood!” Many times application, improperly. leads to these accidents. Short cuts can prove to be fatal. Most people who use these tools have no respect or understand how dangerous a nail gun can be if used improperly.

The training and education of workers who use these tool are vitally important components to prevent serious injury, or worse, but what about the weekend handyman?

For you who fall into this category… think about what a nail gun is designed to do!  Nail guns are powerful tools that are able to drive pointy pieces of steel through the hardest surfaces, even concrete and steel.

It does not take too much of imagination to imagine the damage these devices can do to the soft tissue and bones of a your body!

 Todays Health Comments

Today accidents from nail guns are not that uncommon, with 36,000 being reported and I am sure there may be equally that amount not. Those who have no medical coverage and treat their foot or hands with their home care. Only those so serious such as a nail to the head grabs people’s attention…some might find that humorous, I find it disturbing that people have to have their lives endangered before attention is given. I seriously believe that the average person who is given a loaded gun might shoot themselves if they do not understand that it actually has a safety to prevent that and not carry a bullet in the chamber. There is little difference in the use of a Nail Gun, use it appropriately for the tool it is and treat it like a loaded gun, DO NOT POINT IT AT ANYONE, NOR YOURSELF AND UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR HAND. If you do this you certainly will lessen the odds of an accident!

Today Health Article

October 3rd, 2011

Todays advantages of herbal beverages, is that they rarely do any harm to the body. They are unlike the flavored sodas of today, which are loaded with sugar, calories, artificial flavors, and preservatives.  The herbal beverages come with health benefits along with healing properties.

 One of the most admired herbal beverages today is the green tea.Green tea is popular because of its antioxidant properties which are clinically proven to postpone aging and fight cancer. Green tea is recommended for diabetic patients too. It has a unique aroma and is very refreshing after a long day at work. Teas blended with herbs, seed, roots and dried flowers like basil, ginger, camomile and so on, herbal tea is considered to have therapeutic benefits. Though these are on a little higher side when compared with conventional black tea, the money spent on them is worthwhile for healthy living.

Amla juice

 Amla, the Indan Gooseberry, is another herbal beverage today that has attracted attention to many health conscious people. The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branches  are 10–20 cm long and are usually deciduous. The leaves are simple, and are closely set along  the branch, and are light green in color.

The flowers are greenish-yellow, with the fruit being nearly spherical, light greenish yellow in color. The fruit is also quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows.

The berries ripening in autumn, and are harvested by hand, after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous.

In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable.

Amla

This fresh-green berry is a remedy to scores of diseases and infections. It is claimed to also delay aging. Loaded with vitamin C, amla juice is recommend for skin, hairs and joints. If  drank regularly it boasts the immune system and the metabolic system, which fine tunes the body to be fit and healthy.

Finding this magical juice at your nearest store might be a remote possibility. You can still benefit from the amla juice concentrate by buying it over the Internet. It is normally suitable for consumption by people of all ages. You can have it as many times in a day and enjoy the renewed energy within you. It is recommended for premature hair greying. Amla juice is an effectual hair tonic. Mix the juice with water and use it for the last rinse on shampooed hairs. Leave to dry naturally for soft and tangle free hairs.

Aloe juice is next on the list of healthy beverages. A lot has been said about the wonderful qualities of aloe. From skin problems to cancer, aloe has been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of many life-threatening diseases. Aloe juice is recommended for relieving joint pain. Mixture of aloe and amla juice is an effective remedy for stomach related problems. Add it with water and have it at least once a day to keep health problems a bay.

Perhaps owing to its medicinal qualities, the Hindus, treat it as a very sacred tree and worship on ‘Akshaya Navami’. In the Kartik month (mid Oct. to mid Nov.) if one takes its dose regularly it provides complete protection against all the disorders due to cold. Amla is unique as it doesn’t leave its chemical ingredient even if it is heated. It is a tree whose no part is useless. It also has the atmosphere purifying qualities. Chemically, besides being the best source to get Vitamin C from, it also has gallic acid, tannic acid, sugar, albumen, calcium, protein, phosphorus, carbohydrates, irons etc.

Amla and Health Remedies Offered

  It seems that taking Amla and Black Til (black sesame seeds) in equal quantity with honey or ghee is linked to increasing mental and physical weaknesses. By taking a cupful of sugarless milk with the murraba of Amla, it helps to revitalize the brain. Some suggest taking every morning with water makes one’s resistant enough to fight off various ailments.

Also the suggestion of taking milk in the morning after licking one teaspoon of ground Amla powder mixed with honey imparts freshness and strength to the body.

 Intellect gets sharpened if one takes the pulp of fresh Amla or Amla juice with honey or ghee every morning and evening.

Other Remedy Facts to Consider

• As an eye tonic and cure of eye ailments
• For curing relief in  heart ailment
• Relieves Pain of Migraine.
• Curing involuntary nocturnal emission
•  Remedies for Sexual Impotence
•  Problems connected with uro generative system
• Acidity and digestive problems
• Female ailments
• Blood impurities
• Diabetes
• Piles
• Stone-problem
• Constipations
• Cold and cough
• Skin troubles
• Baldness and other allied problems
• Gives relief in Jaundice
• Gout
• Removing the spots left by measels, chicken pox, small-pox etc.
• Boils in mouth
• Lice in hair
• Amla as the beautifying agent
• Checking menstrual disorder
• Insect-bite

What you might find so amazing is this gooseberry has  so many benefits regarding our health, and so many remedies, I believe one could write a book on this very subject. Some have studied this berry with great interest and have found what the Hindu’s may have already learned, that this gooseberry is perhaps very key to our longevity  and good health.

Todays Health Comments

This article today made believe I should run out and buy some Amla juice, but knowing we just do not have these trees growing in our backyard, the health food stores or the Internet is the most probable resource to purchase. Although we actually grew native gooseberries, I had no idea that their were others with such health benefits, so I will have to check out our local gooseberries as well. There is numerous health remedies which have included this juice or other parts of the plant, which have aided in our health.

Further Reading

 Yokozawa T, Kim HY, Kim HJ, et al. (Sep 2007). “Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) attenuates age-related renal dysfunction by oxidative stress”. J Agric Food Chem. 55 (19): 7744–52. doi:10.1021/jf072105s. PMID 17715896.

• ^ Rao TP, Sakaguchi N, Juneja LR, Wada E, Yokozawa T (2005). “Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) extracts reduce oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats”. J Med Food 8 (3): 362–8. doi:10.1089/jmf.2005.8.362. PMID 16176148.
• ^ Jacob A, Pandey M, Kapoor S, Saroja R (Nov 1988). “Effect of the Indian gooseberry (amla) on serum cholesterol levels in men aged 35-55 years”. Eur J Clin Nutr 42 (11): 939–44. PMID 3250870.
• ^ Qureshi SA, Asad W, Sultana V (Jan 2009). “The Effect of Phyllantus emblica Linn on Type — II Diabetes, Triglycerides and Liver — Specific Enzyme”. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 8 (2): 125–128. doi:10.3923/pjn.2009.125.128. http://www.pjbs.org/pjnonline/fin991.pdf.
• ^ Tarwadi K, Agte V (Aug 2007). “Antioxidant and micronutrient potential of common fruits available in the Indian subcontinent”. Int J Food Sci Nutr 58 (5): 341–9. doi:10.1080/09637480701243905. PMID 17558726.
• ^ ^{a b c d} Dharmananda S. Emblic Myrobalans: Amla, Institute of Traditional Medicine [2]
• ^ Habib-ur-Rehman, Yasin KA, Choudhary MA, et al. (Jul 2007). “Studies on the chemical constituents of Phyllanthus emblica”. Nat. Prod. Res. 21 (9): 775–81. doi:10.1080/14786410601124664. PMID 17763100.

Todays Health Article

August 30th, 2011

Today we have defined and redefined our emotions to a point of exhaustion.Yet today, it does seem to many, Anger is becoming more prevalent in our society. You should ask yourself… Is Anger an Expression, or Simply Crying out for Help! Why is our society becoming more prompted to strike out, are anger rages or displays of anger an expression of our emotions, or is just one of the many symptoms displayed for crying out for help. Our health may actually be seriously affected by these releases or actions, leading to fatal results. Some may say these actions release… are healthy! But do these releases simply become cries for help? This article is not intended to be the answer but to prompt you, to perhaps, to understand certain symptoms regarding anger and our health.

Definition of Anger

Anger is an automatic response to the way a person indicates he or she will not tolerate certain types of behavior. It is a feedback mechanism in which an unpleasant stimulus is met with an unpleasant response. Anger has been part of our evolutionary emotions which related to one’s psychological interpretation of having been offended, wronged or denied and a tendency to undo that by retaliation.

Anger  may be considered  to be a normal emotion that simply involves a strong uncomfortable and emotional response to a perceived provocation.

It may be best described  or recognized  by three phases of anger: cognitive , somatic-affective and behavioral.

Anger  can be  compared to a pressure cooker; suggesting we can only withstand a certain amount pressure against our anger, holding for a certain amount of time, then we  explodes.

Anger May Have Physical Effects

• Anger may activate an increase in blood pressure and heart rate,  by the levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline^.  Is anger as part of the brain response  where we decide to flee or to fight because of the perception of being harmed.
• Anger becomes the predominant feeling behaviorally, cognitively, and physiologically when a person makes the conscious choice to take action to immediately stop the threatening behavior of another outside force.
•  Anger can have many physical and mental consequences.

The External Expression of Anger

It can be found in facial expressions,  our body language, physiological responses, and some times in public, acts of aggression may be seen. Humans and animals commonly make loud sounds,  even attempt to look physically larger, they may bare their teeth, and stare intensely. This behavior, associated with anger, is designed to warn aggressors to stop their threatening behavior.

It is uncommon for physical altercation occur, without the prior expression of anger, by at least one of the participants.While most of those who experience anger, explain it’s an arousal, as a result of “what has happened to them.”

Psychologists view anger

Psychologists point out that… “An angry person,” can be very well mistaken, because anger causes a loss in self-monitoring capacity and objective observability.

Anger is a primary, natural, and mature emotion experienced by virtually all humans. At times,  has functional value for survival. It can mobilize psychological resources for corrective action.

However uncontrolled anger can,  negatively affect personal or social well-being. While many philosophers and writers have warned against the spontaneous and uncontrolled fits of anger, there has been disagreement over the intrinsic value of anger.Dealing with anger has been addressed in the writings of the earliest philosophers up to modern times.

Modern psychologists, in contrast to the earlier writers, have also pointed out the possible harmful effects of suppression of anger.

Crying Out

Today society seems to be less happy and more perhaps on the angry side. Perhaps expressing their anger more often. Many times you might hear a common statement… “That person needs some Anger Management classes,” and certainly that may be beneficial to understand what triggers or sets you off. This is not always the case…may be deeper. Most of us are not qualified here where many are crying out and anger is only one of the emotions that seems to kick in. If not identified, others as well as you may be at health risk.

Todays Health Comments

Have you ever recognized today, that some people just seemed to be Mellow while others are just flare up at the smallest comment, like they never have had a happy bone in their body. They are living on the edge of Anger all the time, like a time bomb just waiting to happen. Some express, that after releasing their anger, feel relieved, almost like the load had been lightened in their life. I have witnessed extreme anger, triggered by high levels of adrenaline and it is extremely terrifying that someone could reach such levels. Some people obtain this level with Alzheimer’s Disease. Needless to say Anger can be just a form of expression, or at the same time crying out for help.

Todays Health Article

August 28th, 2011

Today, with the summer upon us, we do seem to think more about our appearance, as we have shed the layers of clothes. The need for fitting into last years swimming attire or finding the summers activities just a little more difficult from the added weight. We all know that we are being constantly reminded, that today about 64% of all us, are in the over weight category. That perhaps is not a good sign, for our future health. Now recognizing these facts, the word diet is probably discussed more times a day than we even want to know about. Our emotions that are attached to this four letter word, “DIET”, simply is, we are preyed upon by marketing experts,  to not only be disappointed but lighten your wallets.

Marketing

The vastness of  marketing anything with the word diet can be seen and heard every moment of the day, all the media we are exposed to, and greatly on the Net, and social media. You can find such lines:

1. Hot- Need to lose 30 pounds
2. America’s Top 10 -Diets
3. Hottest Diet for the Summer
4. Diet Pills That Work
5. Hottest Diet Program in America
6. Flat Belly Diet
7. Lean and Hot Diet Pills

It is so amazing that  these lines not only entice us but encourage to take some form of action. Mostly we become so intrigued with these statements, we lose site of what is really needed to actually lose weight, and not to be disappointed with the results of our actions. If we were to actually find a diet that may work or actually be beneficial to our health needs, all would be settled. As we all know there has been no such thing, though claims that are made contrary to this statement.

Why Diets Disappoint

There are numerous reasons diets disappoint… Why, because we are not clones or machines that all function in the same manner, so the most studied, laboratory tested, calorie calculated, and nutrition and exercise added in, is going to have the same health effects on all those who chose to take on any particular diet. Other words what work for one may not work for another, so this brings us to the real truth, why there are hundreds and hundreds of diets created. Lastly, but equally important today, is FAST RESULTS and GREAT EXPECTATIONS are apparently the marketing key that seem to be over rated, leaving disappointments, and an excuse to explore another diet as we are talking.

Diets and Lighter Wallets

Some may find their diet program a one time shot at the wallet…purchasing some book or e-book on line, this may not have broke you, and may have had some educational value even if the diet did not work. However, some of the programs have several steps over a period of time and they are marketing their own products, so they trap you in buying a monthly nutrition program. I am not saying these do not work, just saying some can be costly, and when do you quit.

Others just seem to be compulsive to purchasing the latest diet, like collecting the latest fad, habit forming, and are now compulsive buyers of many many diets, not giving any of them even a half chance, but more into purchasing the latest and coolest diet.

Solution or Resolution

 What Diets maybe part of the solution to our over weight problem, certainly eating properly, educating ourselves regarding the foods which can enhance our health, and getting the proper exercise, may all be learned through proper diets. Now, that sounds so simple, but it is not what people want to hear today… because it is just plain hard mentally and physically some days to swallow.

The resolution may be what works for others may not work for you, and the sooner this is recognized, the better you may be health wise and the less stress you may have put on your health. Many of these diets do not take into consideration the shock you put your body through just to temporarily lose weight.

Todays Health Comments

Today it seems anyone can create a diet. Our wallets become lighter, and our health is second best and the results are disappointing because they do not add up to all the hype. All the shows that promote healthy alternatives, are followed in about the same manner as the yearly check up to the doctor, your glad its out of the way, and you are going live your life the way you want to anyway. Unfortunately, that’s why “Diets” are Very Big Business today! Until we get smart and figure out that money spent on Diet programs is much more important to some than our health, they will continue to market them.

Todays Health  Article

August 20th, 2011

Today, with our great need to meet the rising demand for food production, controversy seems to continually to follow. The demand, has so become, to provide chemicals that either enhance growth or fight against diseases, that diminishes or harms the quality of the food supply.

An unpredicted action was taken recently… some food safety groups call  their action illegal, but  a short time ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the planting and sale of genetically engineered, also known as GE, GMO, and Roundup Ready, sugar beets.

This agency’s announcement  has allowed  this past springtime planting of GE sugar beets in a way that’s never been done before, without a completed environmental impact study (EIS).

“They’re going by the seat of their pants. They’ve never, ever done this with a plant,” says Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the Center for Food Safety, an environmental watchdog group that’s been involved in litigation blocking GE crops, including past lawsuits challenging the approval of GE sugar beets, for years.

Sugar Beets Past…

The Sugar beet was first identified as a source of sugar in 1747. No doubt the vested interests in the cane sugar plantations made sure that it stayed as no more than a curiosity, a situation that prevailed until the Napoleonic wars at the start of the 19^th century when Britain blockaded sugar imports to continental Europe. By 1880 sugar beet had replaced sugar cane as the main source of sugar on continental Europe. Those same vested interests probably delayed the introduction of beet sugar to England until the First World War when Britain’s sugar imports were threatened.

Until the 20th century the production of sugar beets was labor intensive. The management of weed control was handled by densely planting and then manually thinning 2 or 3 times by a hoe. During this growing season many workers may be required as well as harvesting the sugar beet by hand.

Today’s Modern Sugar Industry

Annual consumption is now running at about 120 million tons and is expanding at a rate of about 2 million tons per annum. The European Union, Brazil and India are the top three producers and together account for some 40% of the annual production. However most sugar is consumed within the country of production and only approximately 25% is traded internationally.

Strong Opposition

• The strong opposition is growing. Why, GM opposition sugar beets presents a number of factors.  mainly it’s impact on human health and the environment.
• Concerns over it’s impact on our environmental  changes and the possibility that it can cause harm to other organisms. BT toxins are believed to be harmful on other species and it could easily spread during the process of pollination.
• Another notable environmental danger is the development of immunity of insects on pesticides, which would render it ineffective and thus bring harm on organic and even GMO crops.
• To our health, the concern has becomes more prevalent and the the fear from the spread of genetically modified plants.
• Allergic reactions are one of the leading health concerns raised from exposure to GM plants, particularly with children. Many of those that were exposed to genetically modified sugar beets and other crops in the US and Europe developed life-threatening allergies.
•  Various countries in South America, such as Brazil,have  to ban genetic engineering of crops altogether.
• Just recently, there were GMO sugar beets that were uncovered in Oregon in the US and concern over possible contamination of the soil quickly rises within the area. This concern affected not just the sugar beet industry, but also those that were growing non-GMO plants within the area.
• It is not just the environmental activists that have shown opposition against GM sugar beets but also public interest groups, religious organizations, and professional associations. The governments, particularly in the US, are also taking the blame because of lack of proper regulation by enforcing adequate regulatory measures on GM foods.

WHAT IT MEANS:

According to Michael Hansen, PhD, chief scientist at Consumer Union, 54 percent of U.S. sugar comes from sugar beets, and the rest from sugar cane. He says that 90 percent of the sugar beets out there are already GE, and the new approval, if not held back by litigation, will greatly increase GE sugar in the American food chain. (Because of strict U.S. import tariffs on imported sugar, 85 percent of the sugar on the U.S. market is domestic.) Like other food scientists, Hansen thinks this decision is premature. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he says. “The USDA will clearly have to deal with the problem of increased use of herbicide, even more so than with alfalfa,” because sugar beets are related to weeds that could easily become herbicide resistant. Sugar beets are wind-pollinated crops, and they contaminate other crops, including weeds, by wind pollination. Their wild, weedy relatives could be contaminated by Roundup Ready genes, and yet another superweed would evolve.

Todays Health Comments

Today food production, no matter how we perceive the challenge, it is not without controversy. Chemicals no longer can be ignored for  their benefits nor their health issues. With their environmental impact, will short cuts be taken towards production and our health issues become  more prevalent. It definitely seems that a clash of the health watch dogs, sugar lobbyists and government agencies are definetly headed  for a butting of heads…and hopefully they will do the right thing, CONSIDER OUR HEALTH!

Todays Health Article

June 1st, 2011

Today this question is presented to all whom have experienced the use of any medication and it’s “Side Affects”. Why would those ill or annoying effects somehow become branded with the name “Side Effects” that seem to come  along with any medicine ever made for human consumption! Seems that no longer can we  be relieved or cured from what is ailling us, without the multiple pages of  ”What If”s”, if we choose to take any medicine prescribed or otherwise. The  label space occupied on any medical container, used for our benefits or it;s purpose, and or directions, is so little compared to  the disclosure of  all the Side Effects that seem to follow every medicine ever created.

More about Side Effects

A side effect is  mostly regarded as an undesirable secondary effect which may occur in addition to the desired therapeutic effect of a drug or medication.  Now there is no knowing if such a  Side effects may actually occur to you… as they vary for each individual depending on the person’s health or medical state, age, weight, gender, and  your ethnicity.

Side effects can occur…

• Either when commencing, decreasing/increasing dosages, or ending a drug or medication regimen.
• Side effects may also lead to non-compliance with prescribed treatment.

• SEVERE side effects of a drug or medication are  experienced, the dosage may be adjusted or a second medication may be prescribed.
•  Lifestyle or dietary changes may also help to minimize side effects.

Todays  Health Article

May 21st, 2011

TODAY  health is just as important as when the day you born, we are rejoicing as a healthly baby and  through the years of living a healthy life, we all know at sometime we are going to face some health issues along the way. Some people face the challenges of health at early ages and  yet others seemed to get by til they are in the upper ages. Never the less when health issues strike, they not only can be emotional but may face desperate decisions  prompted sometimes by the medical needs.

Now the month of May, actually the 3rd of May, means nothing to most people, but to I and my wife, it was the beginning of a new life and the ending of  a past medical way of life, up to this date. She had received a Gift of Life from her brother and now would no longer have to be on Kidney Dialysis, which for six years she was attached emotionally to this way of life. Now do not get me wrong… “It is Life Saving”…the miracle of these machines and technical advancement of today, but the desperation of how we arrived there was definitely emotional.

This article was prompted by the story of  the Ohio man whose wife has been diagnosed with sciorosis and will eventially need to have a transplant. They are now facing some of the very same decisions that we were faced with.

Your Medical Coverage

Medical coverage, regarding transplants, is as technical as the surgery within itself. In fact most of the folks (the Transplant Doctors were more easily understood) than the  fine print and the interpretation of the medical coverage. Any time you are in need of a transplant, your life is being threatened, it is just a time element of When! However, your medical coverage just does not take it that way nor does it take it personally!

They deal with massive data and technical data that has been given a price tag! IT IS OVERWELMING EMOTIONALLY, that this price tag now hitting the $500,000 range, for most people, that is not an amount that is easily found in some miscellaneous fund. Medical coverage may be and is usually looked upon as the answer, only to find out that other than kidney transplants, others are considered to be selected surgeries. Who knows where that came from? There is NO Logic or medical justification, as you can live a long period of time without a kidney,of which was just mentioned, providing you meet the criteria, all coverages usually cover. But if in need of a heart or liver transplant, it is another matter.

 If you check out most coverages, like the people from Ohio who have now discovered, like many people before them, that their medical coverage was updated most likely to reduce cost and so were their benefits. Many people who are in this same situation, before the transplant actually occurs, or in fact does not, racked up huge medical bills, like ourselves.  This data now has prompted limitations on medical coverages to be reached and now you  have become a liability to the insurance company. I can explain that at a later date. Therefore under these conditions… a transplant may never occur.

Desperate Actions Prompted

I was not surprised by the viewing of the Ohio couple regarding the social worker’s suggestion of Divorce as a consideration, after all we had heard the very same suggestion. Like the couple from Ohio, after many years of happily being married, that it was coming down to getting divorced because we could no longer afford the medical care… ours was the exorbitantly high Cobra provisions from my past medical plan. Why would it come down to this….Marriage to some people is a covenant between a man and woman, and God, how dare our medical coverage put us between choosing an action that would violate that covenant. Yet, many are having to do so for the sake of loved ones health needs and turning their medical costs over to the State.  Now I wonder why our States are in such financial crisis.

Others choose to leave our medical bureaucracy and seek  care outside of our country do to the more affordable health care found else wheres. Now some have found this to be desperation and also not without its strings attached and risks that could endanger your life or if they should fail, perhaps limit your options later in life.

If you are unable to provide medical coverage,  Medicare, Medicaid, Personal Financial Resources, you may actually die due the lack of financial means to have this medical transplant perform. This actually happens everyday…this site provided the facts of this alarming data at”: http://todayshealthsite.com/why-these-keyw…save-your-life.html ”

Before Your Options Run Out!

This can actually happen, health care along with medical complications can quickly erase the option of a transplant. Timing may become your worse enemy along with your age. The need for and lack of organ donors, may be time sensitive, and even if you have the financial means, does not insure you will have will receive a transplant. This is where emotions again play or prompt desperate emotional decisions. You must inform all medical professionals that you are a candidate for a transplant, as their treatment may differ for your treated needs.

Todays Health Comments

Today the health needs have prompted desperate emotional decisions due to the health coverages lack of insuring the individuals health needs when their life may be threatened. We are faced with millions of individuals who have no coverage at all, and many more millions that are unemployed as well, what happens to these people when faced with this life threatening need. Now many of the State programs may cover some or all, but they have criteria too, and divorce may become a solution for some, though not may be popular. For our love ones we may due whats necessary for Life. The family is the first place to look at for donors and it was a Gift of Life for my wife.

Todays Health Article

May15 th, 2011

Today, another year has past by, and long hours, a great deal of research, and thousands of comments read, many articles written, and many new looks on the website have taken place. It has been not only rewarding that http://todayshealtsite.comhas been filling a niche that many of you have been seeking, but I have been overwhelmed by the many sincere comments and requests.

Todays Health Issues are more widely discussed on the Internet, and access is readily available for those seeking the latest  regarding general health issues, latest diets and whats the latest scoop with our health. Though we are a simple in tasks of being informative…I believe this site can play a part in translating good health to everyone who wishes to be a part.

Todayshealthsite is about being a community as well and has added its forum page as well, though many of the visitors have been using the comment section for this purpose, now you can shoot comments to the forum which I will address personally. Please take advantage of this and I ask you be friendly with the language as this site has tender ears. http://todayshealthsite.com/todays-health-chat

Todayshealthsite has added many new options regarding the Social Media, Stumble Upon, Twitter, and Facebook Fan Page, and a Selection of others under each article posted.

Todayshealthsite with its continued growth, has recognized the need for translation, due to our global visitors, so now 5o languages are on site translation along with Google.

Where the Site is Going?

A newsletter has been in the works, and hoping midsummer, to be available. There has been many requests for a Newsletter. When I started this site. I was unaware of the needs this site could provide, now trying to fulfill that in a capacity that will have added value to your health.

Also had many requests for guests posting articles and that may become a reality as to the volume of information that could be provided and am considering exchanging articles as well for those that may find my writing of value.

Todayshealthsite has had also many requests for Add space and I Have chose not to do so, not bombarding my visitors with those distractions, before or after getting to the real reason you were there for…to read a selected article. However, my time is becoming more and more dedicated to the sites visitors, so like everyone else… may have to be compensated for my time. I actually prefer the choice of DONATION FOR THE AUTHOR if you find the article of value….allowing me not to clutter up this site.

A world of  Thanks and Thank You!

THIS SITE WOULD NOT HAVE GROWN …WITHOUT YOU!

THANKS to ALL and great appreciation to all who have commented and have been viewing for the last couple of years. ALTHOUGH this site is a youngin compared to most health sites, you the viewers are what keeps this site going. For those all over the world, 132 countries roughly visit this site every month now…I thank you.  This site just had its first 10,000 plus visits a day, and I am looking forward to the six figure visit. BEST OF HEALTH TO ALL WHO SEEK …and may this net year provide even great rewards to those who choose to use http://healthsite.com 

 Dj

Todays Health  Article

May 8th, 2011

Today looking around us…we are appealing, or just pleasing to the many facets of our life, and our health is no exception to the rule.We subjected to the many comments everyday regarding health issues, such as we should drink more of this or that,or that food may not be so good for you, and you should eat more of this kind!  Then we all have the government’s suggested guidelines and the Health Watch Dogs. They are handing out criticism and guidlines  for our health, and they are hoping we all jump on their pleasing wagon, so they might be pleased as well. This article is not anyway saying that all these guidelines, comments and pokes are not good for our health, but it may be just to wide a concept for most us to please. Pleasing others, can sometimes, just be too confusing  for our health.

Why Exercise  this Action?

Well most people actually do want to take some action, or responsibility for their health, and please those around them. It just seems to be human nature. Your best friend tells you …You should lose weight and that friend is trying some new diet, you most likely will try it too! We seem to be all following like sheep, what ever pleases others and makes them happy we will take some action for a moment or a few days, that’s about how long most diets work anyway, and you will be  on some new adventure regarding pleasing  some one else. You know,  I seem to remember, it’s been awhile, but eating the vegetables at our house, got you to the dessert or treat that came afterwards. Again as I recall, seems to be just a little self defeating eating the vegetables, for the sweet stuff. Parents are asking children to do  this everyday!

Instead of Pleasing Others

Please yourself …you know whats good for you and what is not by now… we have been beaten up by the media and all who write articles, why do we even care! Well sometimes we need to hear it one more time for it to sink in, and for the others who are letting their health just get out of hand. After all 60 out 100 people are now pleasingly plump according to the status reports.Source: excerpt from Understanding Adult Obesity: NIDDK) So pleasing our selves may be just what we are actually doing more of and listening less to those whom are requesting to be pleased. Perhaps that we have actually rebelled against those asking to be pleased, and now we are facing the consequences.

Perhaps this is just… Too wide a Concept

For many this may just be to hard, or to difficult to grasp. If your are influence by the fact that pleasing is just your nature, you may become overwhelmed, disappointed, frustrated, and frankly your health will be influenced by some tactics that may be taken to please others. Many of these come along with the people who are closest to us or family members. Many have fallen into the diet scheme, others have become chemically dependent, chasing the fact that pleasing others may have some health benefit. Other have walked a dangerous path to please others.

Becoming Healthy is Not always about Pleasing.

 Pleasing the masses or the individuals that may have an influence on your eating habits, healthy does not always come along with pleasing. My old adage to success, was to follow those individuals who were just a little  on the 180 degree of everyone else, or simply opposite of what every one else was doing. Now that not totally true but if most would follow that simple concept, 60% would be skinny and only 40% would be overweight. Thus only 40% would be pleasing others and we as a Healthy Concept would be much better off.

Todays Health Comments

Today we are more  like sheep ( followers)  and are not taking into consideration, our health may be influenced by our actions. We are so busy pleasing all who surround us, that we may take desperate measures, to correct our health problems that may have adverse actions. We must please ourselves to feel the significance of accomplishment of greater health, but the pleasing to be for the right path to a healthier body. The formula always comes down to seeking professional help if need be, eating for proper nutrition and getting enough exercise to burn those calories.