Hatts

Even if you’re a hyper-conscientious dieter who tends to avoid fat like the plague, it’s still possible to enjoy the ancient miracle of curdled, cured milk and stay within healthy parameters. As in the case of any rich food, the key to enjoying cheese is moderation. The best strategy is to buy only the finest cheeses, consume them in small quantities and substitute them for foods with equivalent fat and protein counts. Four ounces of strip steak may conform to your Mediterranean-style pyramid diet but it isn’t a much of a gustatory revelation. The same amount of genuine — emphasis on genuine — artisan cheese is guaranteed to tickle your palate. For your weekly treat, instead of the steak, splurge on a 4-ounce chunk of authentic Roquefort and serve it alongside a big healthy salad.

Become a connoisseur and a choosy taster. Most of the world’s elite cheeses are stronger, richer, more profound — and, of course, more expensive — than your standard fare. We’re not talking about Cabot Cheddar, which you can probably find in your supermarket dairy case. Nothing against Cabot; it’s a perfectly respectable, well-made American version of a great English classic. But try a genuine raw-milk Montgomery’s Cheddar and your inevitable response will be: “Now that’s real cheese!”

As the renowned mâitre fromager (and, not coincidentally, my co-author of two popular cheese books) Max McCalman likes to say, “Cheese is a more perfect food than the incredible, edible egg.” Cheese supplies plenty of the nutrients needed to sustain a human being, except for fiber — and that’s where the salad or perhaps a good piece of whole-grain bread comes in. A 4-ounce piece of good Cheddar offers more than twice the protein of an egg as well as one-half to one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an average-sized adult. Yet there’s no denying the fact that it contains significant amounts of saturated fat from an animal source, the kind doctors recommend reducing to a minimum in order to control your cholesterol and weight.

Artisan cheesemakers avoid questionable industrial practices such as treating healthy animals with growth hormones or non-therapeutic antibiotics, or giving them animal-based feeds; therefore these substances won’t creep into your diet. Research suggests that milk from naturally grazing pasture-fed cows contains increased levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), both anti-cancer agents. For people who are lactose-intolerant, cheese is really the only dairy product they should consider since virtually all the milk sugar (lactose) is “pre-digested” by the action of beneficial bacteria and enzymes in the cheesemaking and aging processes.

Speaking of bacteria, you may hear a lot of fear-based, alarmist pronouncements from the medical establishment about the dangers of non-passteurized raw-milk cheeses. In fact, the safety net of pasteurization is illusory because its main effect is to eradicate completely the natural barrier of beneficial bacteria that protect an aging cheese. Historically, the infrequent incidents of sickness from cheese have almost all been blamed on raw-milk cheeses but turn out to be traceable to pasteurized ones. Responsible raw-milk producers test for bad bugs on a daily basis and will destroy any contaminated batch of milk or cheese immediately.

Article by Richard Jacobian of MedBook.md

For years, Hormone Replacement Therapy (or HRT) has been the standard front-line treatment prescribed for menopausal women – until recently, that is, when the largest longitudinal study to date of the effects of estrogen-plus-progestin and estrogen-alone therapies on menopausal women was swiftly halted because researchers were presented with many serious adverse health complications in women participating in the study. The trials, conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative, tracked 27,347 female subjects over the course of several years. Intended as a 15-year-long study, the estrogen-plus-progestin trial was stopped after only 5.6 years owing to a noticeable increased risk of breast cancer among participants, and because increased risks for heart attack, stroke, and blood clots were judged to far outweigh actual or potential benefits.

The plug was pulled on the estrogen-alone study after 6.8 years, because of increased risk of stroke and blood clots detected in female participants.

The dramatic and early end to these HRT trials has created a furor within the medical and scientific community and among women at large, especially women considering or already receiving HRT treatment for menopause.

With the National Institutes of Health’s April 2007 press release summarizing so-called “secondary analyses” by scientists who pored over the data gathered from the halted studies, it is unlikely that women’s confusion over the wisdom – or lack thereof – of HRT will be resolved any time soon. Experts involved in the secondary or retrospective analyses looked again at the data from the two halted HRT trials, this time with a focus on what the material tells us about how HRT affects women of different ages and with differing numbers of years since they hit menopause. The women who had participated in the now-halted HRT trials were divided into three age groups (50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79) and then into groups according to the number of years that had passed (less than 10, 10 to 19, 20 or more) between the time the participants hit menopause and when they started HRT.

The conclusions? Far from conclusive. To quote the NIH, the secondary analysis findings “suggest [these and all other italics within the NIH quote are my own] that women who begin hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause may have less risk of coronary heart [CHD] disease due to hormone therapy than women farther from menopause … [and that] the further a woman was from the onset of menopause when she began hormone therapy, the greater the risk of CHD due to hormone therapy appeared to be.” The NIH added that “these findings do not meet statistical significance” but merely “suggest that the health consequences of hormone therapy may vary by time from menopause.” (The foregoing and all further quotes are from the NIH’s April 3, 2007, press release entitled “Additional Analyses from the Women’s Health Initiative.”) Careful readers will note that the NIH’s use of such words and phrases as “may,” “suggest,” “appeared to be,” and, most crucially, “do not meet statistical significance” render these secondary analysis findings far from definitive.

Other results of the secondary analyses of the combined HRT trials released by the NIH include:

• “Confirmation that hormone therapy increases the risk of stroke, and this risk does not appear to be influenced by age or time since menopause.”

• “Even in women within 10 years of menopause, there appears to be an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking estrogen with a progestin.”

• “There was a trend (not statistically significant) towards reduced risk for death associated with hormone use in younger compared to older women.”

[Though not explicitly phrased this way by the NIH, logic would dictate that the latter sentence could be flipped and rephrased as: “There was a trend (not statistically significant) toward increased risk for death associated with hormone use in older compared to younger women.” At least that’s the way this author reads it.]

Perhaps in a nod toward the ambiguous and often frightening results of the combined HRT studies, the NIH press release announcing these findings notes that the project’s lead author, Jacques Rossouw, M.D., “is available for comment on the implications of the new study for women considering hormone therapy at different ages.” Interested parties can call the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Communications Office at (301) 496-4236 and/or email nhlbi_news@nhlbi.nih.gov.

Needless to say, any woman on HRT or considering it should, in the light of the recent studies, discuss the pros and cons thoroughly with her doctor, and if possible also become acquainted with some of the recent literature and news coverage (much is available on the Web). The full April 3, 2007, NIH press release on the secondary-analysis findings (entitled “Effect of Hormone Therapy on Risk of Heart Disease May Vary by Age and Year of Menopause”) can be found at www.nih.gov/news/pr/apr2007/nhlbi-03.htm.

Certainly that headline ought to bring a smile to the face of even the most dour of pessimists. And no, I didn’t make it up just for this issue. According to government figures, the life expectancy of the average American is nearly 78 years, the highest ever in U.S. history. The federal life- expectancy report, released by the National Center for Health Statistics this past September, analyzes 99 percent of the death records of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for 2005, the most recent year for which such data is available. This nearly 78-year life expectancy (77.9 to be precise) eclipses the previous high of 77.8, set in the Center’s analysis of 2004 death records. Contrast this with 1995, when U.S. life expectancy was logged at 75.8, or with 1955, when the average American lived till just 69, and it becomes more plainly evident just how sharp this rise is.

Interestingly, this longer life span seems — at least to this reporter — to be somewhat if not wholly attributable to, or related to. the rise in life expectancy among African-Americans. While researchers found that life expectancy for white Americans in 2005 was 78.3, the same as the year before, African-American life expectancy rose from 73.1 in 2004 to 73.2 in 2005 (which is, however, still troublingly nearly five years shorter than the average figure for white Americans. (Disturbingly, African-American life expectancy has consistently lagged behind that of whites ever since the government began compiling this data.)

On another consistent track, the life expectancy of American women continues to be five years greater than that of men, a fact that no doubt will provide fodder for endless debate and speculation at cocktail parties or other social gatherings should one manage to ever-so-casually drop it into conversation.

There is even more good news from this data: Deaths from strokes and heart disease — two of the nation’s leading killers — dropped in 2005. In 2004 there were 217 fatalities from heart failure per 100,000 population, but only 210 such deaths per 100,000 in 2005. The stroke rate fell from 50 per 100,000 to about 46.5, and the actual number of stroke deaths decreased from 150,000 in 2004 to 143,500 in 2005. “If death rates from certain leading causes of death continue to decline,” statistician Hsiang-Ching Kung wrote in a statement accompanying the report and quoted by CNN, “we should continue to see improvements in life expectancy.”

So amidst the ever-rising price of prescription drugs, Medicare premiums, and the contentious, perhaps never to be settled, debate over national health care, there is cause for celebration after all.

Article submitted by Alex Saroyan of Buddah Lounge.

The American Medical Women’s Association is now recommending that people over 50 take 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D daily, up from the 400 to 600 units recommended by the Institute of Medicine.

Vitamin D is produced naturally through exposure to ultraviolet-B rays from the sun, but older people are apt to miss this conduit because of sunscreens, covering up outdoors, and staying indoors more. The essential vitamin is also abundant in fatty fish and fortified milk and juice, but physicians say it’s better to get it through a supplement.

Recent studies credit vitamin D with contributing to bone strength in conjunction with calcium and exercise. It may also prevent some cancers and multiple sclerosis, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Millions of people have to deal with pain every day in their muscles, joints, and nerves. If you are one of them, you know how debilitating constant pain can be. It can stop you from leading the life you used to know. What are you missing out on because of your pain?

But, thanks to the LG-TEC Dual Combo TENS Unit and Muscle Stimulator, you don’t have to sit on the sidelines and watch your life go by. This machine offers the same relief you get at the doctor physical therapist’s office, but it’s portable – meaning that you can alleviate your pain anytime, anywhere.

TENS units and muscle stimulators use electrode pads to gently pulsate your muscles, joints, and nerves with currents of electricity. As the machine starts to work, your pain starts to diminish. However, these machines do not offer a permanent cure. Unfortunately, your pain will eventually return. That’s why you have to go to the doctor so frequently – to stimulate the area again.

But, thanks to the new LG-TEC Dual Combo TENS Unit and Muscle Stimulator, you don’t have to sit around and wait for your next doctor’s appointment. This machine runs on batteries and is completely portable. Some versions of it fit right in your pocket!

How great would it be to head out and enjoy the things you love, without worrying about being in pain? With one of these small machines, you can go anywhere and stay pain-free!

Although my job mostly keeps me in my own city, I work a lot with people from other places. They mostly visit our home office here or communicate with me via e-mail about whatever we’re working on at the time. We also talk on the phone some, which tends to be more conversational and we feel like friends a lot of times because we talk so often. I was asking how one guy Rick was doing and he told me about how he recently bought some hearing aids in MIAMI where he lives and works. I asked him how they were and it made me book an appointment at miracle ear Columbus because I had been putting it off for a while.

Later that day I talked to another co-worker of mine and the phone, Mike, and he told me that he was just bought some hearing aids in SACRAMENTO, which I thought was a funny coincidence.

I have my appointment in a few days and hope my experience is as positive as theirs.

Rates of admissions for people 50 and older for heroin, cocaine, marijuana and prescription drugs have risen dramatically since 1992.

The American population is currently getting older as the “Baby Boomer” generation is now entering the retirement age. This trend can be seen in all walks of life — including in drug treatment. New research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that there has been a significant increase in the numbers of middle-aged Americans seeking treatment in drug and alcohol rehab centers.

Research announced in June showed that drug addiction treatment for people 50 and older doubled from 1992 to 2008. The percentage of older Americans seeking treatment for drug problems relating to heroin, cocaine, marijuana or prescription drugs spiked from 6.6 percent to 12 percent during that timeframe. In addition, the number of older people who reported having addictions to multiple substances tripled during the time frame studied.

Ironically, the increase in treatment of older Americans in drug rehab comes at a time when less older Americans are dealing with alcohol addiction. The SAMHSA report showed that while the vast majority of all addiction center treatments for people 50 and older were for alcohol addiction, those numbers are decreasing dramatically. 84.6 percent of all addiction center admissions in 1992 by people 50 and older were for alcohol abuse; that number fell to 59.9 percent in 2008.

Admissions into an addiction treatment program were up across the board for people 50 and older for a variety of different illicit substances. Rates of heroin abuse went up from 7.2 percent to 16 percent; cocaine abuse rates went from 2.9 percent to 11.4 percent; prescription drug abuse rates rose from 0.7 percent to 3.5 percent; and marijuana abuse increased from 0.6 percent to 2.9 percent.

“These findings show the changing scope of substance abuse problems in America.” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde in a press release announcing the findings.  “The graying of drug users in America is an issue for any programs and communities providing health or social services for seniors.”

There are many factors which are important when deciding on which addiction treatment center to choose. Here are several important considerations to keep in mind.

Making the decision to deal with a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the most difficult choices that a person can make. Many people simply cannot admit to themselves that they have an addiction problem or fully understand the depths of their addiction. Breaking through this pattern of denial and seeking help is the most important step in getting clean and sober.

However, deciding to get help is only one part of the process. Deciding which addiction treatment program to enroll in is another choice that a person seeking treatment needs to make. It can also be one of the most difficult choices to make: each treatment center touts its own benefits, success rates and reasons why they are the right choice with patients looking to make a major change in their life.

Not all rehab centers are the same. While every rehab center will market itself aggressively, the actual results they get can vary from place to place. In addition, different treatment centers will utilize different approaches to treatment and what works for some people might not be the right choice for your particular, unique needs.

It’s important for potential patients to research a facility before committing to drug rehabilitation. Along with making sure that they have the proper licensing and accreditation, a person should ask to speak with a staff member before committing to treatment. Any reputable treatment program should be happy to answer any questions you have ahead of treatment.

It’s important to understand exactly what kind of treatment methods might be pursued before heading into drug and alcohol rehab. This includes finding out what kind of aftercare programs they have for patients once they leave the in-patient treatment. It’s also important to know what services the treatment center has for patients who go through a relapse — while you hope that you can get clean and sober without a relapse, the chance of a relapse when dealing with alcoholism or drug addiction is strong.

Making the choice to get help is a critical first step in getting clean and sober, but it’s up to you to do the research and make sure that you are in a treatment program that gives you the best chance at being successful.

It’s important for family members who are dealing with loved ones who have serious drug and alcohol problems to get help as well. A list of important resources for family members of addicts is below.

Entering into an addiction treatment program can be a scary time for a person dealing with a serious drug or alcohol addiction. However, it can be just as hard on the family members they leave behind. Often times, the family members of addicts have to deal with the messes that their loved one has made in their life. They also frequently have to undertake the heartbreaking and frustrating task of staging an intervention to convince their family member that they need to get help for their problem.

While drug addicts get to have their emotional needs taken care of in drug addiction programs, many times the family members left behind feel like they are left alone. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of resources for family members of addicts to help them cope with the emotional pain they have felt due to the struggles of their loved one and to give them tools to help their loved one when they return from a rehab center.

If you are trying to convince a loved one to enter drug rehab, you might not know where to find a reputable treatment facility in your area. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a Web site (www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov) that includes listings for licensed residential, outpatient, and hospital inpatient treatment programs throughout the United States.

Many people struggling with addiction problems also have severe mental health issues that need to be addressed. Along with finding the right addiction program, their families will also want to consider finding them psychological help that will be critical in their continuing care once they return from treatment. Physician locator tools can be found through both the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (www.aaap.org) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (www.aaap.org).

While it’s important for families of addicts to find resources for getting their loved one into an addiction center, it’s also important for them to have an outlet to share their hopes, fears and frustrations with the situation. This is where group programs can be so important. Al-Anon (www.al-anon.alateen.org) offers weekly, anonymous support meetings across the country for family members dealing with an alcoholic parent, child or sibling. Families dealing with drug addiction can find similar meetings through Narcotics Anonymous (www.na.org).

Many people think of drug treatment as something needed by people who are abusing substances, legal or illegal, in an effort to get high. The fact is that there are a wide range of reasons why people end up dependant on drugs. It’s possible that the perception of drug abuse as a problem that only affects certain types of people is what keeps some from seeking out prescription drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Many people simply don’t believe that they have a problem.

One substance that is seeing a lot of abuse these days, particularly among college students, is the prescription medication Adderall. Adderall is a psychostimulant that is intended to be used to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Why do people end up needing the assistance of a rehab program for a medication that treats a disorder that they don’t even have?

Students are actually taking this medication to help improve their performance in school. Plenty of kids have known someone who had a prescription for Adderall at some point in their lives, which leads them to underestimate how dangerous the substance is. Addiction and drug rehab centers are the furthest thing from their minds.

Students from previous generations might recall taking a NoDoz or two in order to stay awake for a grueling all-nighter. The caffeine pills were a must-have for many students facing a term paper or final exam. Adderall, designed to help ADHD patients focus for longer periods of time by stimulating dopamine production, might seem like today’s version of NoDoz. However, abusing the substance can lead to a stint in an addiction program, as well as very harmful side effects such as psychosis. Like all prescription drugs, it needs to be taken with a doctor’s supervision.

It can be hard watching your children head off to college, particularly when so many of their peers’ experimentation ends with drug and alcohol treatment. It’s important to make sure that your son or daughter understands the risk that they face by taking these substances — a risk that isn’t worth it in the end.