Courtesy of R. James Koch, MD

Electric pulses used to remove wrinkles
BY TONYA CLAYTON

New medical school research revealed that an electrical treatment for sagging skin benefited patients like the one above. She is shown before the procedure (left), two months after and four months after.

When a Stanford facial plastic surgeon needed volunteers for his latest clinical trial, he didn't have to advertise. Patients flocked to him, he said, eager to help test the latest scalpel-free, toxin-free, laser-free approach to easing facial wrinkles and sags. The electrical treatment takes just minutes, and results often improve for months to come, as facial tissues gradually re-mold and wrinkles fade.

R. James Koch, MD, assistant professor of otolaryngology/facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, said he usually has all the study subjects he needs within hours of when the word hits the grapevine. He recently completed his second study of skin and soft-tissue tightening using the ThermaCool system, which works by radiofrequency heating of skin and under-skin tissue.
The take-home message from the latest trial, Koch said, is that the electrical device does tighten and lift facial tissue, especially along the jaw line. And outcomes are best, he said, when treatments are tailored to each individual's one-of-a-kind face.

Koch, whose earlier study explored ThermaCool's eyebrow-lifting potential, said the more recent trial was designed to test the notion of using low-energy electrical pulses. In the past, physicians delivered a single high-energy zap to each little patch of skin. "That was the 'no-pain, no-gain' type of approach," said Koch. The latest method uses lower energy and re-visits problem areas three or more times. The new results are "as good or better," Koch said, "and less painful and probably safer."

So how does it work? Nurses first apply and remove numbing cream, then temporarily tattoo little squares on the patient's face. A typical forehead gets about 80 squares, Koch said; a lower face, about 120, and an average neck, about 70. Next comes a layer of clear gel on the patient's face and a blue plastic pad on the patient's back, to help route the electricity.

Koch places the flat tip of a hand piece, reminiscent of a videogame controller, on the patient's skin. At each little inked-on square, he pulls a blue trigger, signaling the system to pre-cool the skin, emit an electrical pulse to heat under-skin tissue, then deliver a final cooling. The whole cycle takes about two seconds, he said. Each area--forehead, lower face and neck--takes about 20 to 30 minutes to cover.

The radiofrequency energy selectively heats fibrous connectors that attach muscle to the skin's underside, Koch said. In response, those connectors contract, and some patients see results immediately. Most patients, he said, see positive changes over the next several months as collagen heals and re-forms.

All of the 25 Stanford trial subjects showed "at least good improvement" four months after treatment, as measured by physician assessment, and about 90 percent maintained that level of improvement at the six-month mark, Koch said. Almost 70 percent of the patients were satisfied with the six-month outcome.

Investigators also monitored treatment effectiveness with a high-tech device that measured skin properties. "All the Stanford patients had an improvement in skin stiffness, energy absorption and laxity," said Koch of the measurements four months after treatment. "And 83 percent improved in elasticity." At the six-month mark, the numbers were 68 percent for improved skin stiffness, 84 percent for laxity and 76 percent for elasticity.

The most common side effects observed by the research team, which included Karen Kim, MD, and Roy Geronemus, MD, of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York, were temporary redness and swelling. About 40 percent of the multicenter trial's 50 patients, who ranged in age from 38 to 62, showed mild redness after treatment. About 20 percent experienced mild swelling.

Researchers found that individualizing each patient's treatment?by adjusting the energy level and number of pulses for each new face?contributed to better outcomes, Koch said, in terms of fewer complications, improved tissue properties and higher patient satisfaction. "This was the first study to really point that out," he noted.

Koch said many patients now come for yearly radiofrequency tune-ups. At this time, he said, each of the three facial areas costs about $1,500 to treat.

It's not clear yet who is the ideal patient. One would think, Koch said, it would be someone with not-too-severe wrinkles, a good amount of collagen, and the ability to mount a wound-healing response. "But," he added, "you get these surprises." About four-fifths of the time, he said, the outcome is predictable. But about 10 percent of his patients do worse than he would expect, and about 10 percent do better.

For dramatic results and predictability, "surgery is still the gold standard," said Koch, who also has expertise in wound healing and laser surgery. "If people expect a surgical result" from noninvasive methods, "they're not going to get it at this time."

Still, he said, the ThermaCool system offers a popular complement to surgery and other methods. Unlike botox injections, it does not paralyze muscles. And, unlike surgery, the half-hour radiofrequency technique requires no antibiotics and no two-week healing period. "It's nice to have," Koch said, "for people who want kind of a lunchtime procedure."

The trial was funded by Thermage Inc., the Hayward, Calif., company that developed the ThermaCool system. Koch is a member of Thermage's scientific advisory board. Co-author Kim presented the multicenter trial results at the March 2005 annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Myths About Aging Have Little Basis In Truth


One of the most common myths about aging may be in the saying that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. While a few may suffer from cognitive abilities, for the vast majority of middle age and elderly people, behavior therapy with cognitive abilities is being successfully used. Typically, when one elderly person suffers from a particular disease, mental or physical problem, it is often associated with many in the same age group. In some instances there may be a history of troubles for those of a certain age and beyond, but many myths about aging have proven to be unfounded, with minor exceptions.The belief that as a person ages, the chance of them suffering severe mental illness increase is one such myths about aging. With the exception of Alzheimer’s Disease, the chance of developing a serious mental disease actually decreases with age. While some form of dementia affects a large portion of the elderly population, there are less than 50 percent of those over 80 experiencing this ailment. Additionally, while the symptoms may show, there is actually a decline in clinical depression among the elderly.With a large percentage of the population over 60 growing every day, the prospect of aging is hitting many like a bat between the eyes. Witnessing the effects of aging on the preceding generation has sparked several myths about aging that have little basis in fact and the beliefs continue to be erroneously spread.Some Degeneration Exacerbate Aging Myths myths about agingOne of the widely held myths about aging is that as person ages their hearing fails along with their eyesight. Elderly persons day may suffer significant hearing loss, often associated with age when the reality is the degeneration of the their hearing probably started much sooner due to the work environment in which they thrived. Prior to laws government the use ear protection many of today’s elderly work in loud factories or with loud equipment causing a gradual loss of hearing.While it is true that many people develop problems with their vision as they age, by caring for their eyes and having regular checkups, most problems can be resolved or corrected while still under the age of 60. The myths about aging are being tempered by the use of lineless bifocals and contact lenses. However, there is some basis for the myth as many eye problems do develop later in life.Mostly, many of the myths about aging are carried on by the elderly as they laughingly refer to aches, pains and other facts of life to the fact that they are not as young as they used to be.

Juice Fasting
Combining the force of living juices and the body's healing ability!
by Ron Lagerquist

Juice Fasting vs Water FastingUnless you have a slow metabolism fasting on water has become a near impossible exercise for a body that has been fed on the modern diet. It’s hard to tell this to someone who believes juice fasting is a compromise, cheating, not real fasting. But I can tell you juice fasting is as rigorous today as water fasting was in Christ’s day. The reason for this is not obvious unless you have an understanding of what goes on in the body during fasting.
Cells are like tiny sponges; they absorb what you breathe, eat, drink and apply to your skin. Over the years of poor eating and exposure to environmental toxins, there is a buildup within the body. During water fasting, these toxins are released at a rapid rate creating great discomfort. Water fasting becomes a hellish experience where more time is spent gagging on toxins than enjoying deepened fellowship with God. The juice of fruits and vegetables are filled with healing and cleansing properties that allow the body to gently and safely detoxify. Juice fasting can become an effective stepping-stone to water fasting.
I tread lightly here because I do believe in a God of miracles. If you are clear that God has called you to a water fast then He will give you the strength to get through. But I also believe in a God of wisdom. After one has cleansed years of toxins through juice fasting the wonder of water fasting will then be within reach.
Juice Fasting and HealingJuice fasting has a greater ability to encourage healing compared to fasting on water. Juice fasting cleanses the body while supplying a remarkable increase in vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Cancer cells, toxins, built-up chemicals, excess body fat, transformed fatty acids, impacted mucus in the bowel, sickness and disease are all dramatically impacted. This is evident in the countless healing testimonies Freedomyou has received. Living fruit and vegetable juices are radiating with healing properties. Antioxidants attache themselves to toxins, effectively removing them from the body. A living fuel that takes no digestive energies, allowing the body's entire focus to be on healing and rejuvenation. Packed with vitamins, minerals, living enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, yet low enough in calories to force the body to cannibalize on its filthy waste, propelling you to vigorous physical health and clarity of mind. There will be periods of toxic crisis, but once you learn not to fear them they can bring an exciting anticipation that your body is going through a deep cleansing. You can increase your vitality whether you are a 21-year-old athlete or a 71-year-old getting ready for a honeymoon!

All the essential nutrients in fruit and vegetables are locked within their fibers. A juice extractor frees these essential nutrients so they can be absorbed and used directly, requiring a minimum amount of digestive effort. Therefore the metabolic energy can be used 100% for cleansing mucoid matter from the lymph and toxins from the cellular tissue. What you need to increase the quantity of enzymes, vitamins and minerals absorbed into the body is a juice extractor! A good juice extractor is a valuable tool in achieving vitality.

Fruit and vegetable juices are the cleansers, energizers, builders, and regenerators of the human system. A combination of either fresh raw fruit or vegetable juices will supply all the enzymes, vitamins, minerals, protein, and fats critical to increased vitality! Adding live juices to one's diet as a daily routine, many have experienced a rejuvenating effect and healing of various illnesses such as cancer, leukemia, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, skin infections, liver disorders, alcoholism, and smoking. Supplying the body with easily absorbed nutrients, while the body is cleansing itself in the fasting state, avoids the dangers of total abstinence associated with water fasting. Be confident this method is both safe and beneficial. Juice Recipes
To a healthy clean body, fasting comes as natural as eating. During water or juice fasting, the protein levels of the blood remain constant. Although protein is being used, a person fasting 40 days on water will not suffer a deficiency of protein, vitamins, minerals or fatty acids. In the breakdown of dying and diseased cells, all essential substances are available while fasting for reuse within the body. These are utilized and conserved in a most extraordinary manner.
For most health conditions, juice fasting is the best method to transform health. Through juice fasting, thousands of individuals have been freed from serious diseases such as cancer, leukemia, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, skin infections, liver disorders, alcoholism and even smoking. Because juice fasting removes toxins and excess fatty tissue while supplying a full spectrum of nutrients, it has an advantage over any weight-loss program. I have been spellbound by the joy and happiness that radiate from those who lost from 20 to 100 lbs. of excess fatty tissue on a juice fast.

Juice fasting works because it does two things:

Removes Toxins–Eliminates life-robbing toxins that hinder the body's God-given recuperative abilities.
Increases Nutrients–Floods the body with nutrients that energize the body's natural regenerative abilities.

Modified Juice FastingYou may consider modifying the fast by including quarter slices of avocado or banana to slow the cleansing process. Modified juice fasting is good for those with health restrictions such as diabetes or hypoglycaemia. Bananas and avocados are slow to digest and maintain a stable blood sugar level. Their high calorie content slows the intensity of the fast and, because they are easy to digest, the body still devotes energy to cleansing.
The natural healing ability of juices reinforces the compassion that God has for supplying our physical needs.
Juice fasting can include fresh juice, herbal teas, sweetened with honey or Sucanat, vegetable broth, Barley Green, wheatgrass juice, and supplements helpful to your specific condition. You can even have home made frozen juice popsicles.
If using the enema kit, I recommend it once on the first day and once per day for the first week. Following this once every two or three days is sufficient. The enema kit should be used in a cleansing crisis or for a cleansing reaction. If you choose not to use the enema kit, two teaspoons of powdered phylum husk per day will help move the toxins out of the colon. Prune juice or senna tea also may be beneficial.
How much juice can I drink while juice fasting? I have been asked this question so may times I decided to answer here twice. Drink to your heart’s content! On a busy day I have consumed a gallon of carrot/apple juice and the juice of two large cantaloupes. Fresh, strained juices will not encourage hunger or pull you out of the fasting state. Other days, like on weekends, I may naturally slip into water fasting, forcing a slowdown, deepening my prayer and solitude with God.
There are times the body will desire a greater intake of juice. Increased physical activity or entering into detoxification state can trigger increased juice consumption. I have found I drink more juice at the beginning of my fast, and as the fast progresses, my need for juice diminishes. This is not so with everyone.
Try to stay away from dead, bottled juices, for some unknown reason they can cause hunger and are far less sustaining. Remember V8 is not juice but a blended food, containing tomato paste and tons of salt. If you treat yourself to this easy food you will experience hunger afterward indicating an awakened digestion, the last thing you want when fasting.
Be careful not to drink too much acidic juice in the morning. Melon or vegetable juices are best if drinking large amounts. Acidic juice early in the morning may cause stomach cramps for some.
If you have decided to water fast I find it a real challenge to drink the daily 8-10 glasses recommended. It’s the experience of many to lose their thirst altogether. Nonetheless, force yourself to drink as much water as you can. Water will help clean the body of toxins through the kidneys. In our toxic environment, maintaining a fresh supply of water going into the system will force the flushing out of toxins instead of a build-up, causing discomfort.

Health Exercise 'can reverse ageing'

The ageing process is inevitable - but can be delayed
Regular exercise can turn back the ageing process, scientists have claimed. A team of US researchers from the University of Texas says that walking, weightlifting, flexibility training and other forms of exercise can help older people avoid the disabilities normally associated with ageing - and even reverse the ageing process itself.
The researchers, writing in the journal Behavioural Medicine, argue that some decline in physical activity is an inevitable result of normal ageing.
But they warn that physical inactivity can hasten this decline and lead to the rapid onset of muscle wastage, decreased endurance and loss of flexibility and balance.
Older people, they argue, can slow down ageing and prevent chronic conditions by taking regular exercise.
The researchers cite several studies that demonstrate the benefits of exercise on the ageing process. These include:
A walking programme for people in their seventies that reversed 22 years of declining lung capacity in 22 weeks; A 12-week weights programme that more than doubled the leg muscle strength of some women aged 64 years and over; A study in which people who exercised by walking several days a week decreased their risk of disability and improved their ability to climb stairs, stoop, crouch and kneel.
Exercise can keep you young The researchers warn that of all lifestyle factors, inactivity is most likely to lead to coronary artery disease.
They cite a study in which patients who already had coronary artery disease reduced their risk of fatal heart complications by 20-25% through exercise.
A sedentary lifestyle, they warn, also increases the risk of hip fractures. In one study women who spent less than four hours a day on their feet had nearly twice the risk of hip fractures than their more active counterparts.
Alison Rose, a spokesperson for Help the Aged, said: "We do know a small amount of exercise is good for you at all ages, particularly as you get older.
"However, you ought to be starting in middle age and need to be careful about doing anything too strenuous.".

Source : BBC News

Tai Chi for Seniors

By Jack G Gordon

Tai Chi is a ancient meditative form of exercise and is recognized by its slow captivating movements.Tai Chi is practiced by millions of people around the world to improve and maintain their health.Tai Chi helps people of all ages meet the day to day challenges with energy while remaining calm and relaxed.

Stress being one of the biggest causes to health related issues it only makes since to take a look at the many benefits that are directly related to Tai Chi.The delight of Tai Chi is that anyone can practice it,any time anywhere and in almost any state of health.There is no age limit.

Here are some of the many reasons and benefits of practicing Tai Chi.
• improve health
• reduce stress levels
• increase your energy
• improve heart and lung function
• strengthen bones,muscles, and joints
• increase flexibility
• prevent age related ill health

One of the main benefits to the elderly is that it improves balance and strength, preventing injury from falls. Many seniors begin Tai Chi as their primary focus to help aid in their recovery after an injury or ill health.

I hope this helps you to undertake a safe, health-improving exercise program. These ancient Chinese exercises are fun and low impact and help to alleviate the pains of arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other "senior" diseases.

Tai Chi for Enlightenment .

The form is so magical that almost anyone who does it - including rank beginners here in the West - has profound feelings of deep soul centering and expanded awareness.These can best be described as enlightenment experiences. More incredible, it doesn't go away, but gets better with practice. Repeat practice of the form deepens the blissful sense of peace, the feeling of returning to your true inner self. Seniors are also at a time in their life when they seek completion, and this form helps to achieve a sense of internal completion. . Both the sick and weak as well as healthy and strong benefit from it.

This form is amazingly easy to learn. It is so simple to practice you literally don't even have to think. This "not thinking" state is also one of the pre-requisites to allowing your own Enlightenment process to naturally unfold!

At some point, each of us arrives at the realization that we are ageing. The conventional view of ageing has been that these changes are a downhill slide that includes loss of reproductive functions, a decline in cardiac capacity and a loss of muscle and bone strength. New research however, is challenging every belief that we have held about ageing. Many researchers believe that most of what we attribute to ageing results from disuse or misuse of the body and mind.

3 rules that will help

Never hurry through life. Always keep a quiet heart (Mind)
Avoid extreme outbursts of emotions - it drains energy from the body and disrupts the function of our organs
Practice daily breathing and exercises (Tai Chi)

Jack is a 64 yr old retired business owner,who was forced into retirement early when he was the victim of a violent crime.Jack found the online world so he could work from home. Its been a long strange trip for Jack, but after a lot of time and attending the school of hard knox, he has become successful.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_G_Gordon

Egyptian Anti-Wrinkle Secrets

By Sharon A Bell
Platinum Quality Author

Since ancient times, men and women have searched for ways to look young. Eye and face cosmetics were used by the ancient Egyptians, the most famous of whom is Cleopatra. She used lactic acid to peel her skin to look beautiful. Archaeologists have found formulas, written on papyrus, of facials made from plants and honey that early women used. Many of these products, including anti-wrinkle creams, also contained aloe that was commonly used in ancient Egypt.

The Egyptian fascination with wrinkle creams and other beauty products was prevalent regardless of one's class or status. Records indicate, for example, that even unskilled lower class workers were given, as part of their wages, anti-wrinkle and moisturizing products like body oil for daily use. Skin care and cosmetics were important to Egyptians the same way we value our appearance today.

Egyptian anti-wrinkle and body care concerns were important to both men and women. Under the hot and arid climate, men as well as women needed protection for their skin. Men and women both used body oils as well as cosmetic products.

The standard anti-wrinkle cream recipe in ancient Egypt included a teaspoon of sweet almond oil and two drops of frankincense oil. This was gently massaged into freshly cleansed skin each night.

Almonds were also popular cosmetic ingredients. The Egyptians mostly used oil that was extracted from bitter or sweet almonds. It had a mild scent and a light texture so it was quickly absorbed by the skin.

While some of us think that wrinkles add character to the face, most people don't want to have them. They want to look as young as they feel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Bell

Colon Cleasing: An Essential Ingredient for Optimal Health

Colon cleansing has been done since 1500 BC by the Egyptians. It is both safe and effective for everyone of all ages, children and the elderly alike. Colon cleansing is essential to your well-being and for elimination of waste products and toxins. Doing a cleansing program is preventative healthcare; there is no better place to begin to rid your body of toxins and contamination. Colon cleansing can provide relief from maladies such as colds & flu, constipation, diarrhea, breath and body odors, headaches, sinusitis, allergies, hemorrhoids, weight problems, digestive difficulties, back and muscle aches, knee pain, poor eyesight, poor memory, stress, and the list goes on and on.

Body

Learn how to activate your body's innate healing energies and restore a state of balance to your health and consequently to your emotions and life. The detoxification processes of a colon cleanser treatment are so important to maintaining a healthy balance in your body that many doctors consider it to be a key to personal wellness. Your body will function at its very best leading to a vast improvement in how you feel and, in turn, you can look forward to increased energy and vitality. Don't put off having better health and allow your body to function at its optimal level now.

Toxins

Toxins, especially drugs, can damage or destroy beneficial bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to take over producing by-products like ammonia, purines and ethionine, which can cause cancer. Toxins are more prevalent today than they have ever been before in our history. Toxins and waste build up in your colon just like they do in the pipes of your home. Proponents believe colon cleansing provides health benefits — by removing these toxins from their bodies, and boosting their energy and their immune systems. If you don't purge yourself of these toxins on a regular basis, toxemia gets worse and worse, until the body cannot stand it any longer and either purges itself spontaneously in form of diarrhea, acne, pimples, boils, 'liver spots', foul perspiration, body odor, bad breath, and so forth, or else it simply gives up the battle and succumbs to cancer, tuberculosis, heart disease and other fatal conditions.

The idea behind a colon cleanse system is to eliminate the toxins which have built up in your digestive system. British and American research last year also concluded that detox diets do no more than the body's own natural system to get rid of toxins. Eliminating toxins is foundational to our survival. Colon cleansing or bowel irrigation promotes optimum food absorption and improved peristaltic action by removing old mucoid accumulation and toxins. Colon cleansing is preventative healthcare; there is no better place to begin to rid your body of toxins and contamination that may cause cancer, colitis, digestive disorders, fatigue, obesity, and so much more.

Benefits

I believe the benefit of colon cleansing are many, not only in terms of health, but also as it relates to appearance: the skin looks vibrant; cellulite, water retention, and blemishes disappear; and the whites of the eyes regain a youthful clearness. Some of the other potential benefits of a colon cleansing may include a decrease in gas or bloating, more radiant skin and hair, and an overall trimmer appearance. Other benefits typically cited by users are cessation of menstrual pain, migraines, and joint pain, fewer colds, resolution of lifelong sinus congestion, skin problems, and breast cysts, weight loss, and improved concentration, among many others. If you have already been diagnosed with any of these problems, it would be foolish not to proceed with some type of cleansing program because the benefits far exceed the risks. Colon cleansers can help restore our bodies to their optimum function, thus increasing the nutritional benefits we get from the calories we do ingest, increasing our metabolism so that we burn calories more efficiently, and increasing our energy levels so that we are more motivated to exercise and lose weight.

Colon cleansing is preventative healthcare; there is no better place to begin to rid your body of toxins and contamination that may cause cancer, colitis, digestive disorders, fatigue, obesity, and so much more. Cleansing the colon is a safe, alternative method to treat many of our symptoms and problems. It must be done regularly and often since we are constantly taking in more food which leads to additional build up of toxic waste in the colon. A healthy colon is essential to good health, which makes colon cleansing a must. Unlike many natural therapies, colon cleansing makes a lot of sense. A great time to start colon cleansing is always.

Until Next Time, Good Health and Well-Being!

Dave Kettner

Yoga: The Breath Of Life

Yoga is a 6000-year-old form of exercise which not only disciplines the body but conditions the mind as well.

While the various asanas or exercises are the basic building blocks of the practice of yoga, the breath is its very essence of it. Some go so far as to say, "If you can breathe, you can do yoga." One of the main reasons for this is that one of the main goals of yoga is to teach you to still and quiet your mind through the use of your breath.

By practicing yoga on a regular basis, you get to know your breath intimately. Not only will you learn about proper breathing , which will soothe and relax you, but you will to bring your postures to life through the use of your breath.

As human beings, our minds tend to wander into thoughts of the past and the future. However, our bodies exist only in the present. By practicing yoga, you will learn through your breath how to draw your mind back to your body and abandon all of your worries.

One of the refreshing aspects about yoga is that, even if only for a minute, you are able to focus and concentrate on the present, and you are learning to let go of the cares and concerns that can bring tension and disease to your body.

By practicing yoga, you will learn conscious breathing during yoga poses which will keep your mind alert and ever aware of your practice. You will learn how to draw your mind to the present moment - allowing you to leave off all other thoughts.

While there are a number of breathing exercises associated with yoga which will teach you how to release tension and balance your mind, as a start, try the following exercise.

1. Lie or sit comfortably and become aware of your normal state of breathing.

2. Continue by being aware of your breath but make your inhalations and your exhalations 4 counts each for several rounds.

3. Now, increase your inhalation and exhalations to 5 counts each.

4. Next, increase your inhalations and exhalations to 6 counts each. This time try to become aware of your body – making sure you are not tensed.

5. Continue increasing your inhalations and exhalations all the way up to 9 counts. If you feel that this is causing you any stress, drop the count back down to a number that is comfortable for you.

6. Keep bringing your mind back to your body to check to see if there is any tension anywhere. If there is, try to relax that part of your body.

7. Whatever your final number of breaths is, continue breathing with long breaths for several rounds, then drop the counting and breathe naturally for 10 rounds.

What you should discover from this exercise, as well as with many of yoga’s other breathing exercises, is the ability to relax your thoughts and to still your mind so that you are present in your body. In time, you will eventually gain mastery over your breath so that you will be able to call on your breath to still your mind in times of stress and tension.

Until next time, good health and well-being!

Dave Kettner
All Holistic Health

DRUGS FOR TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF SPECIFIC DISEASES OF AGING

DEPRESSION Prozac is prescribed for the treatment of depression--that is, a continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms of major depression often include changes in appetite, sleep habits, and mind/body coordination; decreased sex drive; increased fatigue; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; difficulty concentrating; slowed thinking; and suicidal thoughts. Prozac is also prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. An obsession is a thought that won't go away; a compulsion is an action done over and over to relieve anxiety. The drug is also used in the treatment of bulimia (binge-eating followed by deliberate vomiting). It has also been used to treat other eating disorders and obesity. Under the brand name Sarafem, the active ingredient in Prozac is also prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), formerly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMDD include mood problems such as anxiety, depression, irritability or persistent anger, mood swings, and tension. Physical problems that accompany PMDD include bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and joint and muscle pain. Symptoms typically begin 1 to 2 weeks before a woman's menstrual period and are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities and relationships. Prozac is a member of the family of drugs called "selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors." Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Prozac slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain. You can find an extensive list of recent scientific research abstracts about PROZAC here

ZOLOFT (generic name: SERTRALINE)

Sertraline (brand name Zoloft) is used to treat depression (a persistently low mood that interferes with everyday living. Symptoms may include loss of interest in your usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, constant fidgeting or lethargic movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide), obsessiveor counting, panic disorder (unexpected attacks of overwhelming anxiety, accompanied by fear of their return), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), (re-experiencing a dangerous or life-threatening event through intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and intense psychological distress) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Sertraline is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic or anxiety, obsessive or compulsive symptoms, or other psychiatric symptoms. You can find an extensive list of recent scientific research abstracts about ZOLOFT here

PAXIL (generic name: Paroxetine hydrochloride)

You can find an extensive list of recent scientific research abstracts about PAXIL here

RHODIOLA ROSEA

Promising "second-generation" adaptogen Rhodiola Rosea (Russian Rhodiola) is a perennial plant with red, pink, or yellowish flowers. It has no biological relation to the "common" rose, but due to its similar fragrance it has been used as a substitute for Attar of Roses. One of the greatest things Rhodiola does is enhance mental and physical performance. It has been widely used by Russian athletes and cosmonauts to increase energy. Rhodiola is cardio-protective, normalizing the heart rate immediately after intense exercise. It improves the nervous system and mental functions such as memory, by increasing blood-supply to the muscles and brain, and it also increases protein synthesis (1,2,3). Rhodiola Rosea has extraordinary pharmacological properties as an anti-mutagen and anti-depressive agent. In this respect Rhodiola Rosea is much more powerful than other adaptogens. In one study done by O.M. Duhan and colleagues (4), the anti-mutagenic activities of Panax Ginseng and of Rhodiola Rosea were compared. It became clear that the extracts of Rhodiola Rosea had a higher capacity to counteract gene mutations induced by various mutagens (up to about 90% inhibition in some cases). The anti-depressive and anti-stress activity of Golden root is higher than that of St. John's Wort, Ginkgo biloba and Panax Ginseng. Furthermore, Rhodiola Rosea is five times less toxic than Panax ginseng. In an experiment on rats with Pliss lymphosarcoma (PLS) it was shown (5) that partial hepatectomy, a course application of Rhodiola Rosea extract or combined effects inhibit the growth of tumors by 37%, 39% and 59%, respectively, and that of metastases by 42%, 50% and 75%. In one human study (6) oral administration of Rhodiola Rosea extract to 12 patents with superficial bladder carcinoma (T1G1-2) improved the characteristics of the urothelial tissue integration, parameters of leukocyte integrins and T-cell immunity. The average frequency of relapses for these patients was found to fall twice. In another clinical trial 150 individuals suffering from depression took Rhodiola Rosea extracts for a period of one month. At the end of that period two-thirds of them had full remission of clinical manifestations of depression, and had become more active and more sociable. Daytime weakness and general weakness disappeared. Rhodiola rosea extracts reduce significantly the yield of cells with the chromosome aberrations in vivo and inhibit unscheduled DNA synthesis induced by N-nitroso-N-methylurea in vitro (7). It is emphasized that Rhodiola Rosea extracts have rejuvenative properties due to their ability to raise the efficiency of the intracell DNA repair mechanisms.

Hair Loss Treatments for Women

Numerous hair loss treatments for women are readily available, but this analysis helps you decide what form of treatment best meets your own, unique needs.

If you are reading this then it is probably safe to assume you have real concerns about the rate of your hair loss. Being a woman, you have to recognize that the cause may not be so simple to determine as in the case of most men.

Many women do indeed suffer from male pattern type baldness, but many others endure hair loss induced by other factors including hormonal imbalances, alopecia areata and stress-related alopecia.

Unfortunately the industry that has developed around the issue of hair loss is largely unregulated and more than a little unscrupulous. What then can you do to assure yourself that you will choose the best treatment from the midst of a maelstrom of conflicting claims and counter claims, most of them focusing on the needs of men.

Hopefully you will have carried out research both here and elsewhere to arm yourself with facts. Other pages on this site provide extensive coverage of both the causes of and solutions to premature hair loss. Here, we will pull all of these strands together to weave a logical and appropriate plan of action that will allow you to tackle your hair loss problems successfully.

By truthfully following the guidelines suggested in these pages you will put yourself in a position to finally seek a solution that not only works, but also fits in with both your lifestyle and your personal preferences.

To achieve a successful outcome each of us must truthfully answer a series of simple questions:

1. What is the true cause of my hair loss?

2. How far has it progressed?

3. What hair loss treatment options am I prepared to try?

4. Do I have enough patience and determination to succeed?

5. How can I prepare a realistic Action Plan?

Let’s now take a closer look at each of these questions in turn.

What is the true cause of my hair loss?

We have already examined each of the common causes in detail in Hair Loss Causes but the main options may be summarized as follows:

Androgenetic Alopecia – this is the most common cause of hair loss for men and is caused by hormonal changes, usually genetic in origin. Many women also suffer from this form of hair loss, although to a lesser extent than men.

Alopecia Areata – this occurs in various guises and is thought to be caused by autoimmune disorders.

Telogen Effluvium – this is characterized by massive shedding and can usually be linked to a recent traumatic event involving stress or serious illness.

Anagen Effluvium – this is commonly associated with hair loss caused by drug therapy such as chemotherapy.

To be completely certain either consult with your physician or arrange your own Hair Analysis and Hormone Test to rule out other factors. This is especially important for women as factors such as abnormal thyroid functioning, elevated androgens or suppressed estrogens may often cause hair loss.



How far has it progressed?

It is important to understand that the sooner you start treating hair loss the greater your chance of success – this is especially true in the case of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia}. It is also important that you clearly identify the pattern of your hair loss as this will help to establish both the cause and most suitable treatment option.



What hair loss treatment options am I prepared to try?

The answer to this question will draw on a number of factors:

-Type of hair loss

-Extent of hair loss

-Previous treatment

-Personal preferences regarding use of medications, natural remedies, lifestyle, surgical intervention etc.

-Amount you are prepared to pay



Do I have enough patience and determination to succeed?

There really are no miracle cures to premature hair loss. Equally, there ARE several treatments that will halt and even reverse this condition – but none of them will work miracles overnight. The net is awash with forums where contributors criticize many of the available hair loss ‘treatments’. Sometimes this is justified, but more often the contributor’s exasperation is the result of not giving a particular treatment regime sufficient time to work.

Hair loss forums can be entertaining and sometimes informative, but please understand that there is no such thing as a hair loss treatment that suits everyone – all the more reason to follow the guidance offered in this site!



How do I prepare a realistic Action Plan?

When you have given serious thought to these questions you will be in a better position to select the hair loss treatment regime that is most appropriate to your needs and wants. If you’re still not sure, please discuss matters with your physician or conduct further research – but be clear on one point, the longer you delay, the more difficult will be your path to hair regrowth.

The suggested hair loss treatments listed here are not designed to offer definitive cures to your hair loss condition – they are merely regimes that other sufferers have found useful, taking into account their own requirements and preferences. In other words, they are examples of potential solutions that many patients have chosen after honestly answering the questions listed above.

Traditional Hair Loss Remedies

Ancient literature and folklore tell us that they certainly went to great lengths to find solutions to graying and falling hair.

Although each culture had its own approach, influenced by local flora and cultural considerations, there would appear to have been many areas of common practice. Nettles, for example, formed an important component of traditional hair loss remedies in many cultures throughout the world.

It is not my intention to outline the more outlandish traditional hair remedies on record. Rather we will focus on those that have a stronger scientific basis. Many of the remedies outlined here have been sourced from the very informative book Hair Loss Prevention Through Natural Remedies by Peters et al.

Rosemary Solution
Apple Cider Vinegar
Essential Oils
Cayenne Pepper Hair Tonic

Rosemary Solution - this herb is frequently mentioned in herbal texts for its ability to cleanse the scalp and stimulate the hair root. Two recipes that utilize rosemary as the core ingredient are suggested.

Recipe 1 - boil rosemary, sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock in water. Strain and use to wash hair daily.

Recipe 2 - steep one ounce of ground rosemary, two ounces of ground sage and half an ounce of ground nettles in one pint of ethyl alcohol for a week. Strain, and add one ounce of olive oil, one ounce of castor oil and one ounce of water. Shake before using as a hair lotion before bed.


Apple Cider Vinegar - this is frequently mentioned in folk remedies for hair loss. It is thought to have a normalizing effect on the scalp's oil glands and pH level as well as having a strong cleansing effect.

Method - Part hair into sections. Apply two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar directly to the scalp with a moistened cotton ball. Allow between fifteen minutes and three hours before shampooing.


Essential Oils - essential oils distilled from plants have long been recognized for their ability to increase circulation to the scalp and encourage cell generation. Amongst the most popular are cedarwood, clary sage, lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary.

Method - ten drops of essential oil should be mixed with one ounce of carrier oil such as jojoba or olive oil. Massage into the scalp for a minimum of fifteen minutes before shampooing.


Cayenne Pepper Hair Tonic - the usefulness of cayenne pepper to irritate the skin, increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate cell division is well documented.

Recipe - mix four ounces of cayenne pepper with one pint of one hundred proof vodka or pure alcohol diluted with twenty percent distilled water. Let it stand for two weeks, shaking the mixture once each day. Strain through several layers of fine cloth or a nylon stocking until the mixture is free of pepper. Once or twice a day, rub a small amount onto the thinning areas of the scalp

Hopefully you'll have found something of interest and may be tempted to try one of the traditional hair loss remedies outlined here.

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies That Offer Hope

Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they support the body's natural healing mechanisms to target the cause of the problem, as opposed to merely tackling the symptoms. It would be wrong to present herbal hair loss remedies as a miracle solution for all sufferers - there is however growing evidence to support the view that some herbal remedies offer real hope to many people.

Let's examine the case for some of the more popular remedies to determine if they're worth trying.

Ginkyo biloba - this popular herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. Herbalists believe that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting hair regrowth. The recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses.

Green tea (Camellia sinesis) - it is thought that catechins found in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. It is therefore believed to be effective in preventing and treating male pattern type baldness. You should drink several cups of green tea each day or take it in capsule form as instructed by the manufacturer.

He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) - also known as Fo-Ti, this Chinese herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss. It is found in many commercial preparations, or in tea and capsule form.

Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) - derived from the bark of an evergreen, it works in a similar way to green tea. It is widely used to treat prostate problems and male pattern baldness. Users should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.

Saw palmetto (Seranoa repens) - this is the current treatment of choice for many men due to its ability to protect the prostate, slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. It forms the core element of many commercially prepared hair loss treatments but can easily be obtained in its pure form. The recommended dose is a 160mg capsule twice each day, but make sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.

Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia) - this has long been favored as a means of preventing hair loss due to its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be taken in pill or capsule form with an optimum dose of 50-100mg per day. It is particularly effective when combined with pygeum and saw palmetto.

NUTRITION PER SERVING OF ONIONS

Onions for Your Health

Onions not only provide flavor; they also provide health-promoting phytochemicals as well as nutrients.

Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid (one category of antioxidant compounds). Antioxidants are compounds that help delay or slow the oxidative damage to cells and tissue of the body. Studies have indicated that quercetin helps to eliminate free radicals in the body, to inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation (an important reaction in the atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease), to protect and regenerate vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant) and to inactivate the harmful effects of chelate metal ions.

Major dietary sources of quercetin include tea, onions and apples. Recent studies at Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands, showed that the absorption of quercetin from onions is twice that from tea and more than three times that from apples. Based on studies conducted at The Queen's University at Belfast, Ireland and Wageningen Agricultural University, the content of quercetin in onions is estimated to be between 22.40 mg and 51.82 mg per medium-sized onion (100 gram). Further research at the Agricultural University on Wageningen showed that daily consumption of onions may result in increased accumulation of quercetin in the blood. Studies are in progress to determine whether the increased quercetin accumulation from eating onions translates into significant antioxidant benefit.

Other studies have shown that consumption of onions may be beneficial for reduced risk of certain diseases. Consumption of onions may prevent gastric ulcers by scavenging free radicals and by preventing growth of the ulcer-forming microorganism, Heliobacter pylori. University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that the more pungent onions exhibit strong anti-platelet activity. Platelet aggregation is associated with atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. A study in progress at the University of Wisconsin is determining the extent to which onion consumption and specific onion compounds affect the in vivo aggregation of blood platelets. "Using an in vivo model, we are beginning to investigate and, in some cases, confirm the potency of the onion as a blood thinner and platelet inhibitor. Onions may be among the vegetables that will be prized not only for their addition to our cuisine, but for their value-added health characteristics," said Irwin Goldman, Associate Professor of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A recent study at the University of Bern in Switzerland showed that consumption of 1 g dry onion per day for 4 weeks increased bone mineral content in rats by more than 17% and mineral density by more than 13% compared to animals fed a control diet. This data suggests onion consumption has the potential to decrease the incidences of osteoporosis.

Several studies have shown quercetin to have beneficial effects against many diseases and disorders including cataracts, cardiovascular disease as well as cancer of the breast, colon, ovarian, gastric, lung and bladder.

In addition to quercetin, onions contain the phytochemicals known as disulfides, trisulfides, cepaene, and vinyl dithiins. These compounds have a variety of health-functional properties, including anticancer and antimicrobial activities.

Onions are also a source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. They also contain calcium, iron and have a high protein quality (ratio of mg amino acid/gram protein). Onions are low in sodium and contain no fat.

Effectively Managing Stress

The top three ways that are as follows:

1. Talking to a friend or counsellor who has an attitude of non-judgment, acceptance and wants the very best for the person who is experiencing high stress and challenge.

2. Taking self- responsibility for your own thoughts and feelings, followed by choosing proactive and loving resolutions to the stressful situation.
3. Taking action to connect with other people in loving and happy ways through group settings. Most people find that smiling and laughing have a profoundly positive effect in dealing easily with stress.

The happiest people I have ever seen are people who are the most grateful.

Wu-Long Tea – Helps Reverse the Signs of Aging

As we grow older, the effect of free radicals takes its toll on the body mainly in the form of aging. Actually in the past 50 years, free radical research has strongly concluded that free radicals are a major factor in aging and the visible signs that go along with it. Other diseases related to aging and caused in whole or part by free radical damage are cancer, Alzheimer’s dementia, arthritis and inflammatory disease and heart/artery disease.

These free radicals are produced by stress, pollution, eating processed foods, chemical additives in many of the foods we eat etc..

Many of the visible signs of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkling of the skin, have been strongly linked to increased levels of free radicals invading our body... day in - day out. The damaging process is certainly a gradual one.

Fortunately you can take action to reduce the amount of these nasty, damaging substances in your body by increasing the antioxidant level in your body without drugs. Antioxidants are the best defense against free radicals.

One of the best and enjoyable methods is to drink Wu-long tea (oolong).

Wu Long tea is rich in these 3 substances: catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins. These substances act as antioxidants, which destroy free radicals and are completely natural. Be advised, grocery store versions of Wulong or any teas have much lower levels of these antioxidants because the leaves have been extremely processed. The oxidation process reduces the catachin level. To get maximum potency and value of Wu Long tea I suggest you find a good online tea store and not waste your money on pre-packaged name brand type wu-long tea.

Also it’s nice to know there are no side effects to drinking Wu-long tea; it tastes great and is good for your soul! You are doing yourself a favor every time you drink a cup….slowly undoing the effects of aging.

http://www.wulongtea-info.com is packed with more information on Wu–Long tea - including details regarding other health benefits , tea preperation and more: please visit:wu-long tea Find the top online tea outlets selling the best wu-long teas: How to buy wu long online Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_Mott

NATURAL ANTI AGING HERBS THAT WILL HELP YOU STAY YOUTHFUL.

Left to Right : Blueberry, Bilberry, Soy, Ginko Biloba, Red clover

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Herbs have been used for many years to treat many health problems. Recently, they are gaining great revival as an alternative to drug therapy for a wide variety of illnesses, including alleviating the symptoms of aging. These are three anti aging herbs that show genuine promise in helping you feel younger and protect you from age-related illness

Anti Aging Herbs 1. Ginkgo Biloba

Gingko trees were almost extinct at one point in time. The ice age destroyed their natural habitats and it was thought that there were no more such trees in China until the late 18th century. A discovery was made in a remote monastery where gingko trees had been cultivated by generations of monks

Numerous studies have shown that the “fans-shaped” leaf of this ancient tree appears to alleviate some age-related memory loss. Hailing from the days of the dinosaurs, the herb was proved beneficial in a French study conducted in the 80s. The study showed that women given 600 mg of Ginkgo had been able to improve their short-term memory.

It is also said to improve blood circulation. In a German study, when patients suffering from painful circulatory leg problems were given 40 mg of the herb three times a day for three months, the patients were able to walk significantly farther and with less pain compared to a control group.

Also known as “duck foot tree”, the herb had also showed promise in treating certain other age related conditions such as loss of sight, diabetes and hearing loss. A word of caution: People taking aspirins or other blood thinners are advised to avoid gingko. If you are in this situation, it could do you more harms that good.

Anti Aging Herbs 2. Bilberry and Blueberry

This is the herb that will help you with your eyesight. In World War 2, British Royal Air Force pilots were encouraged to eat bilberry preserves before their night missions to improve their eyesight.

Bilberry appears to be able to combat the free radical damage that occurs in the eyes. Free radical, like its name is actually molecules produced during metabolism that injures our cell

Researches are still being conducted to see whether the antioxidant in the herbs could prevent age-related eye diseases and muscular degeneration as we get older.

Not only that, these berries are also said to help our brains young. Chief of the phytochemical laboratory in the US Dept of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University said “Because the brain consumes and processes so much oxygen, it produces a lot of free radicals, and is most susceptible to oxidative damage”. The antioxidants in blueberries may help reduce the effect.

Apart from that, the herbs are also said to reduce inflammation, hypertension and allergies. They are also helpful in fighting microbes and destroying harmful oxidants in our body.

Anti Aging Herbs 3.Soy and Red clover

These herbs contain phytoestrogen, the compound that mimics the body’s own estrogen. Like our natural hormones, phytoestrogen seem to protect us from many age-related diseases and lessen our problems with menopause.

Soy has always been a delicacy for people living in Japan and China and they are reaping great benefits from their infatuation with the herb. In one research published in the Annals of Medicine, people in Japan who consumed large quantities of plants containing phytoestrogen (like soy) has lower chance of heart attack than people in United States. These people also have lower occurrence of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. So, increase the intake of soymilk, miso, tofu, lentils or flaxseeds today to enjoy healthier body.

Now, let's turn to red clover. In a study at New York Medical Center, patients who suffered from hot flashes and night sweats said that the occurrence of such attacks were reduced by more than half when they took red clover capsules. The added benefit is unlike synthetic estrogen; it does not increase the risk of cancer.

NATURAL ANTI AGING SUPPLEMENT

Supplements have always been considered to be beneficial, but the controversy surrounding the use of supplements has made it very difficult to decide the efficacy of each supplement.
Although it has been proved that many of these supplements help avert many conditions associated with old age, it cannot be categorically stated that they are without any side effects when used to counter old age or ward off the effects of aging. Antioxidants have been long regarded as agents that prevent the formation of free radicals. Vitamin E has long been considered to be the most important agent to counter the free radicals but must be taken in the proper dosage.


The fatty cell membranes in the body are protected from the free radicals when vitamin E is taken in the proper dosage. As it used as a supplement to improve and moisturize dry skin, it forms the basic substance in many beauty lotions and anti wrinkle creams. It is widely available in many of the fruits and vegetables and research has indicated that it has positive effects.


Vitamin C also helps to flush out the free radicals but in some cases it does the reverse. Hence it must be taken in combination with vitamin E. Lipoic Acid has been known to increase performance with reference to certain age related conditions. A high intake of fruits and vegetables and a lowering of the amount of fatty substances consumed will help to counter the effects of old age.

Flavonoids, which are present in red and blue pigments of fruits and vegetables, also have strong antioxidant properties.


Carotenes, especially beta-carotene present in orange and red vegetables have strong antioxidant properties and highly useful in getting rid of the free radicals. The B-vitamins help to combat stress and hence may indirectly act as an anti aging natural supplement. Folic acid deficiency has indicated that the incidence of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease could increase. In fact it may well affect many organ systems during the process of aging. An adequate amount of folic acid should be taken as a supplement.

Green Tea Extract has tremendous potency for research has indicated that the catechins and flavonols present in it act as powerful antioxidants. In fact it is much more powerful than vitamin c and vitamin e put together. Any damage caused to the body due to oxidation can be countered by green tea extract. The Indian medical science of ayurveda, which deals with the natural elements of water, fire energy and air, has many natural formulas to retard the aging process. Anti aging natural supplements are gaining ground and is headed for a gigantic leap forwards. How far these supplements are actually effective differs from individual to individual but that does not stop either their being produced or sold. ~ author Mini Swami.

Color your diet: Fresh fruit 10 ways

With little effort, you can transform fresh fruit into interesting and delicious creations. Here are 10 ways to reinvent these sweet options.

Nature offers many sweet choices for eating well: juicy red cherries, plump purple plums, and orange, luscious tangerines, just to name a few. In fact, all fruits fit into a colorful and healthy diet.

You can enjoy fresh fruits as they come: whole or perhaps sliced. But with minimal work, you can transform fresh fruit into lively snacks, side dishes, desserts and meals. Here are 10 ways to reinvent and rediscover these sweet options.

• Grilled fruit slices. Cut apples, pears or peaches into chunks, brush lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place on skewers or wrap in foil. Grill on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Peach honey spread. In a bowl, add 1 sliced peach, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mash with a fork until the mixture is the consistency of chunky applesauce. Serve as a topping for pancakes or French toast, or serve it over roast chicken or pork.
• Lemon-lime fruit dip. Mix together 1/2 cup low-fat, sugar-free lemon yogurt, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Serve with pineapple chunks, strawberries, diced kiwi, sliced bananas and grapes.
• Frozen fruity pops. In a blender, add sliced strawberries and bananas, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 3/4 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt. Blend until smooth. Pour into 2- to 3-ounce molds or paper cups with sticks placed in the centers. Freeze for 3 hours or until completely frozen.
• Romaine and fresh strawberry salad. Combine 2 cups romaine lettuce and 1/2 cup sliced strawberries in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons raspberry vinaigrette dressing and toss well. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cashews.
• Blueberry-banana smoothie. In a blender, add 2 fresh or frozen bananas, 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, and 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth.
• Plum salsa. Mix together 1 cup chopped plum, 1 teaspoon dried cilantro, 2 tablespoons chopped onion, 2 teaspoons cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Serve with roasted or grilled chicken breasts.
• Broiled fruit kebabs. Place cubed fruit, such as cantaloupe, pineapple, mango or honeydew, onto skewers. Place skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil until slightly bubbly, about 2 minutes on each side.
• Berries a la mode. Place 2 cup berries, such as raspberries, blueberries or strawberries, in a baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/3 cup low-fat granola. Bake at 350 F until fruit is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Top each serving with 1/2 cup fat-free vanilla ice cream.
• Mango salsa pizza. Mix together 1 cup chopped red or green bell peppers, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped mango, 1/2 cup chopped pineapple, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro. Spread over a 12-inch prepared pizza crust. Bake at 425 F until the toppings are hot and the crust is browned, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Chronic Marginal Vitamin A Status Reduces Natural Killer Cell Number and Function in Aging Lewis Rats1

Biochemical and Molecular Action of Nutrients

Harry D. Dawson^*,2, Nan-Qian Li, Kathleen L. DeCicco^*, Julie A. Nibert and A. Catharine Ross³

Department of Nutrition and ^* Graduate Program in Nutrition, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

³To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Natural killer (NK) cells function in the regulation of immune responses and in the surveillance of malignant or other abnormal cells. Little is known of the effects of chronic marginal vitamin A (VA) status or VA supplementation, or their interaction with age, on NK cell number and cytolytic activity. We have conducted a two-factor (diet, age) study in which male Lewis rats were fed AIN-93M diet, modified to contain either 0.3 (designated marginal), 4.0 (control) or 50 (supplemented) mg retinol equivalents (RE)/kg diet, from the time of weaning until the ages of 2.5 mo (young), 8–10 mo (middle-aged) or 18–20 mo (old). Natural killer cells were identified and quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and spleen with the use of flow cytometry, and NK cell cytotoxicity was assayed. The number and percentage of PBMC NK cells increased with age (P <> ANOVA). For all age groups, values were lowest in rats with marginal VA status (P <> activity also declined with age (P = 0.0003). As a result, NK cell lytic efficiency (lytic activity per NK cell) decreased markedly with age (P <> age or VA status, PBMC NK cell cytotoxicity doubled (100 ± 25% increase) after exposure to interferon- (5 x 10⁵ U/L for 1 h before assay), indicating that IFN-stimulated lytic activity was related directly to basal NK cell activity. If the relationships observed in this animal model can be applied to humans, these data suggest that elderly people consuming diets chronically low in VA may be at increased risk for infectious or neoplastic diseases.

Scientists Have Found the Gene That Decides How Long We Live

Scientists have come a step closer to understanding the secret of a long, healthy life with the discovery of a gene that plays a central role in the ageing process.
The gene appears to be critical in extending the lifespan of animals that are subjected to a calorie-restricted diet -- when they are slightly starved of high-calorie food but are given all the other nutrients they need.
It is well established that calorie-restricted diets lead to longer maximum lifespans in practically every animal in which they have been studied, although the evidence it not as strong for humans.
The latest study focused on a gene common to nematode worms, mice and humans. When the gene was blocked in the worms, the benefits of a calorie-restricted diet were lost and the worms lived shorter lives. Similarly, when the scientists were able to stimulate the gene they found that they could enhance the longevity of the worms so that their extended lifespans came close to matching those worms on a calorie-restricted diet.
Scientists believe that the findings could unlock a genetic treasure-chest of potential pharmacological targets for developing drugs that can extend the human lifespan without having to follow a rigorous and difficult diet.
"After 72 years of not knowing how calorie restriction works, we finally have genetic evidence to unravel the underlying molecular programme required for increased longevity in response to calorie restriction," said Andrew Dillin, of the Salk Institute in San Diego, California. "It's likely to play a role in the human condition, although we still don't know whether calorie restriction really works in humans. Studies in primates suggest it does."
The first experiments in calorie-restricted diets go back to the 1930s. Laboratory rats and mice fed a severely calorie-restricted diet, but with normal levels of vitamins and minerals, lived almost twice as long as rodents with unrestricted access to food. Experiments with other creatures found that the phenomenon appeared to be ubiquitous in the animal kingdom. Some scientists suggested it was an evolutionary adaptation to surviving hard times until enough food became available.
The longevity-associated gene identified by Dr Dillin and his colleagues is known as PHA-4 -- the name of the protein for which the gene is responsible. The same gene also exists in mice and humans and is known as the Foxa family of genes. Both PHA-4 and Foxa are involved in the complex process of glucose metabolism. In mammals, the gene is linked with a hormone called glucagon which increases levels of glucose in the bloodstream to maintain the body's energy balance especially during fasting.
Scientists from Louisiana State University are monitoring a group of 48 overweight men and women aged between 25 and 50. The study found that those who were able to cut down on their calorie intake improved in terms of metabolic markers that are linked to longer living.
The accepted view among scientists is that there is probably an absolute upper limit to human lifespan of no more than about 125 years -- the oldest person with an authenticated birth record was a Frenchwoman called Jeanne Calment, who died aged 122 years, five months and 14 days. People in the West are living longer, but the extra years are not necessarily healthy ones -- an ageing population is leading to a dramatic rise in senile dementia.
There has been a dramatic increase in longevity over the past couple of centuries due to improvements in housing and sanitation, nutrition and health.
Some 60 per cent of boys and 70 per cent of girls born in 1981 are expected to survive to celebrate their 75th birthday in 2056. In 1881, only a third of girls and just one in five boys reached the same age.