Daily Archives: March 23, 2022

We know health and wellness are more important than ever, maybe especially for women and moms. Its not only your own health, but that of your children and families that you need to look out for.

We also know you are busy and dont always have time to seek out new information on health-related topics. We want to help. On the Minds of Moms has curated some Health Fusion tidbits from columnist and podcast host, Viv Williams. Viv is passionate about boosting people's health and happiness by helping them access credible, reliable and research-based health information. She is based in Rochester, Minn., where she has access to some of the top experts and sources at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.

Encouraging teens to turn down the volume

Between video conference meetings, watching videos and listening to tunes, people spend a lot of time using headphones and earbuds. Does all of that listening put your hearing at risk?

Dr. Karin Ross , an Olmsted (Minn.) Medical Center audiologist, says she's seeing more teenagers with hearing loss that's likely due to cranking up the volume on listening devices. Her recommendation is for everyone to pay attention to volume. "We have the ability to turn the volume up pretty loud on most devices," Ross says.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website notes that 120 decibels is what you'd hear standing next to a blaring siren and it's enough to cause ear injury and pain. Ross said her kid's smartphone can put out 130 decibels at top volume, which is as loud as some military jets at takeoff.

"Turning down that volume to about half way, cuts that sound in half," says Ross. "So you're looking at about 65 decibels, which is plenty loud and causing no damage to your ears."

How does loud sound hurt your hearing? Ross says your inner ear, the cochlea, is shaped like a snail and contains hair-like cilia and fluid. Sound enters in the inner ear in waves. If the sound is really loud, the waves are strong and can bend or break the cilia, damaging hearing temporarily or permanently.

Ross has tips for keeping your hearing safe.

Is that sink full of dishes actually good for your health?

Maybe it's time to reconsider that kitchen sink full of dirty dishes. Washing and drying them may not be at the top of your list of fun things to do. But, that chore might just be good for heart health.

A new study shows simply being "up and about" doing normal, daily things can significantly benefit cardiovascular health. Yes, running or brisk walking is good for your heart health, but so are activities such as housework, gardening, cooking and even showering.

The study was done by a multi-center team led by researchers at the School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego. The researchers looked at the activity of more than 5,000 women between the ages of 63 and 97. They found that compared to women with less than 2 hours of daily routine activities, women with at least 4 hours had a 43% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, a 43% lower risk of coronary heart disease, a 30% lower risk of stroke and a 62% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death.

The study demonstrates that all movement counts toward disease prevention, said first author Dr. Steve Nguyen, a postdoctoral scholar at the School of Public Health. Spending more time in daily life movement, which includes a wide range of activities we all do while on our feet and out of our chairs, resulted in a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

The researchers say that much of our daily lives are spent doing routine activities. And it's time to consider what that type of movement does for our health. The study is published in the online edition of the Journal of the American Heart Association .

Nappuccino: What every mom needs

A study in the British Medical Journal, General psychiatry, shows napping may improve your cognitive function your mental prowess.

Dr. Chad Asplund , a Sports Medicine expert who specializes in sleep and athletics, told me that he thinks naps are underrated. He says for many people, a quick 20-minute power nap can help boost energy for the rest of the day without disrupting your sleep at night.

Asplund mentioned another type of nap that I find to be very intriguing. He calls it the "nappuccino."

"We do this with special ops in the military and with our drone pilots in the Air Force," says Asplund. "We give them a caffeine supplement or small cup of coffee, then they take a power nap."

Asplund says it takes 30 minutes for the caffeine to come on board, so when you wake up after the power nap, you experience the effects of both the caffeine and the nap. The "nappuccino" is for healthy adults who can handle the caffeine.

Time to plan that warm-weather vacation

Recently, I was lucky enough to have a short vacation in the sun. While digging my toes into the sand on the beach (after having slathered sufficient amounts of sunscreen, of course), I began to wonder about whether the sun hitting my skin would boost vitamin D levels. That thought prompted me to then dig into the recommendations and some of the research that's been published about vitamin D.

And, wow, is it confusing! Vitamin D levels seem to differ among groups of people, and depend on where you live, what you eat, the medical conditions you have and how old you are.

The Mayo Clinic News Network notes that Vitamin D boosts bone health by helping you absorb calcium and phosphorous. Too little vitamin D increases an adult's risk of osteoporosis and potentially other medical issues. And if kids don't get enough they're at increased risk of rickets.

Sunlight ultraviolet rays hitting your skin is the main source. You can get small amounts of vitamin D from foods, such as egg yolks, cheese and fatty fish. And vitamin D exists in fortified foods, such as milk, orange juice and cereal. Or you can take vitamin D supplements. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get 600 international units of vitamin D each day, with people over 70 getting 800 units.

So for those of us living in a northern climate, will a few days at a southern beach raise your vitamin D levels? A 2016 study from Edinburgh University published in the journal Plos One revealed that people who took regular vacations in the sun had higher vitamin D levels than those who didn't. They also found that farmers, who tend to work outside, also had higher levels.

Plus, at a recent visit to my healthcare provider for a regular exam, I learned that you need about 30 minutes of sun exposure a day to get enough vitamin D. But because I always wear sunscreen, which reduces the amount of ultraviolet rays that hit my skin, 30 minutes might not be enough.

Sun exposure does increase your risk of skin cancer. So if you are in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen and sun protective clothing. And limit your time in the sun.

Viv Williams hosts the NewsMD podcast and writes the "Health Fusion" column. She is an award-winning health and medical reporter whose stories have run on TV, digital and newspaper outlets nationwide. Follow the Health Fusion podcast on Apple , Spotify and Google podcasts. For comments or other podcast episode ideas, email Viv Williams at vwilliams@newsmd.com . Or on Twitter/Instagram/FB @vivwilliamstv.

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Boosting your health and happiness - INFORUM

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., March 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --LifeNet Health LifeSciences, a leader in all-human biomedical research solutions, will showcase a unique new triculture system during the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting and ToxExpo in San Diego, March 27-31. The triculture system is the first all-human liver model to offer unparalleled human relevance, along with a new level of reproducibility and predictability.

LifeNet Health LifeSciences will also offer a live exhibitor-hosted session and four poster presentations at SOT in addition to showcasing a full portfolio of human-based cell, biospecimen, and cell-model solutions, including primary human hepatocytes and liver non-parenchymal cells; snap frozen and FFPE block liver tissue samples; healthy and diseased tissues for comparative studies; and a prospective research biospecimen program.

"Increasingly, use of human cells and tissues is a must-have during every stage of the drug discovery pipeline," said Louis Dias, General Manager of LifeNet Health LifeSciences. "Our unique innovations bring new levels of precision and consistency to in vitro biology, to accelerate development of safer, more effective treatments."

SOT attendees can learn more by visiting the LifeNet Health LifeSciences subject matter experts at booth #2204. Additional activities during the meeting include:

Get the latest SOT news and announcements by visiting LNHLifeSciences.org/SOT.

About LifeNet Health LifeSciencesLifeNet Health LifeSciences is an innovative leader, trusted collaborator, and reliable solutions provider with a commitment to providing game-changing innovations in human in vitro biology. Discover more at LNHLifeSciences.org.

SOURCE LifeNet Health

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LifeNet Health LifeSciences will showcase innovative all-human research solutions at SOT ToxExpo - PR Newswire

By Kelly Evans-Hullinger, M.D.

Life expectancy is a measure commonly considered when it comes to the overall health of a population. In this day and age, when most of us think about which medical interventions are most important to increase life expectancy, we probably think about things like treatment of cancer, interventions to treat heart attacks, or surgeries for life threatening illnesses. While those things are all important, their overall impact on a populations life expectancy pales in comparison to the prevention of infectious disease.

Average life expectancy around the world has doubled in the last two hundred years, from about 40 years to 80 years, with the bulk of that change occurring long before we had effective cancer treatment or cardiac catheterization. Before the 20th century, infant and childhood death was extremely common due to infections spread by contaminated water and food. It is estimated that through most of human history nearly half of children died before adulthood, almost entirely due to infections.

Armed with the new knowledge of germ theory, societies in the late 1800s began instituting early public health interventions such as sewage management, water treatment, milk pasteurization, and garbage collection, which resulted in rapid decreases in death from food and water borne infections, and thus increased population wide life expectancy.

Later, widespread use of vaccines for many fatal diseases led to enormous improvements in the health and longevity of populations across the globe. Try to imagine a world in which almost everyone is affected by the death of children due to polio, measles, smallpox, tetanus, the list goes on. That these deaths are now extremely rare or eliminated al together is nothing short of a modern miracle, and we ought not take it for granted.

Antibiotic use has exploded since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, and the proper use of antibiotics continues to help us prevent early death due to infections that might have been fatal left untreated. Modern science has led to effective treatments for even the most challenging infections such as tuberculosis and HIV.

Modern medicine uses abundant, wonderful technologies and treatments which help us extend lives and reduce suffering of our individual patients. But statistically, no fancy new development is likely to have the quantitative impact on human society that compares to those early public health measures. As a society, we would be careless to forget the worth of our public health institutions which have helped us thrive and double our average life expectancy. Kelly Evans-Hullinger, M.D. is part of The Prairie Doc team of physicians and currently practices internal medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. Follow The Prairie Doc at http://www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring

On Call with the Prairie Doc a medical Q&A show celebrating its twentieth season of truthful, tested, and timely medical information streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

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Prairie Doc Perspectives: Historic Impact of Public Health The Kansan - Newton Kansan

The pursuit of a healthy lifestyle can sometimes divert attention away from what is most important: having fun. Its a reminder from the worlds oldest living person, Kane Tanaka, a vivacious 119-year-old woman residing in Fukuoka, Japan.

The caption reads: Tanaka did not mention a regular fitness routine or a precise food plan when questioned about the key to her longevity. Tanaka has consumed so much Coke throughout her life that the Coca-Cola company surprised her on her 119th birthday with two personalized bottles of her favorite beverage, which her great-granddaughter Junko Tanaka shared on Twitter.

So, what has kept Tanaka enthused and motivated even after he has reached the age of 100? It is not concentrating on the past, but rather focusing on the present moment, according to her grandson, Eiji Tanaka. I dont recall her discussing the past much, he told CNN. Shes really forward-thinkingshe loves living in the moment. Her family has also stated that she keeps her mind and body active by performing arithmetic, calligraphy, and staying curious. She did, in fact, work at her familys store until she was 103 years old.

The connection between health, meaning, and happiness is well-established. In fact, four of the nine longevity pillars (qualities shared by residents in Blue Zones, where people regularly live to be 100) have nothing to do with diet or exercise. Longevity is bestowed to individuals who find meaning in their lives, handle stress, participate in their communities, and stay close to their families.

Purpose leads to happiness, and happiness leads to greater health than unhappiness or indifference, says Richard Honaker, MD, chief medical advisor at Your Doctors Online. Tanakas life has long been full of meaningand she continues to learn, spend time with individuals she cares about, and develop her own mental power and curiosity on a daily basis.

All of this corresponds with information from The Human Longevity Project, a nine-part documentary series showcasing residents of the worlds longest-living and healthiest populations, as well as specialists, healers, and doctors. Working hard, creating meaningful connections, and reducing stress are all connected to living a long, healthy life, according to some of the primary conclusions from this project.

Another scientifically proven method for bringing happiness: companionship. According to one study, having good friends contributes to the link between health and happiness. You dont need a large number of friends, but rather a few dependable people who make you happy.

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Happiness and health Ingredients to living a long life - Kemi Filani News

Dr. Charles Gant MD shares his optimistic outlook on the planet's prospects in "An Earthly Chance."

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized as a leading medical authority in the field of integrative medicine, Dr. Charles Gant has extended his expertise to climate change in his eighth book, "An Earthly Chance."

"As a doctor, I care about the health and well-being of my patients and our planet. The time has come to assert our political resolve to saving the earth's ecosystems through the intelligent application of sound agricultural and geoengineering principles," Gant says. "Without solving our carbon problem, our planet and humankind's health is not sustainable."

After completingresidency training in Family Practice and Psychiatry, Gant integrated his psychology, addiction medicine, meditation other healing methods into his practice. He pioneered the concept of "causal medicine."

For the last five decades, Gant has expanded eclectic healing approaches for the mind, body and spirit. He defines causal medicine as "an innovative approach to disease prevention and treatment that takes into account individual differences in biochemistry, immunology, endocrinology, toxicology and environmental stressors in order to optimize genetic expression and wellness."

Exploring the root causes and possible solutions for climate change was Gant's next logical subject to tackle head-on in "An Earthly Chance,"since the quality of our environment, our air, food and water, greatly impact such genetic expression and wellness.

"Sequestrating carbon into the topsoil through regenerative agriculture, and thus removing a trillion tons of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, is a critical way to begin to markedly enhance the quality of food and reverse our epidemics of chronic disease, thus increasing our health, enhancing longevity, and averting ecological disaster," Gant says.

"Only by empowering consumers, can we take responsibility to reverse and solve climate change and bring all these positive benefits to humanity. This book explains precisely how we can do this!"

Available now in Kindle format through Amazon, "An Earthly Chance," will be published soon in both hard and soft copies https://www.amazon.com/Earthly-Chance-Charles-Gant-PhD-ebook/dp/B09TS6KXVS/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1647278565&refinements=p_27%3ACharles+Gant&s=books&sr=1-4

Getting to the root of a problem is inherent in Gant's DNA: "Climate change is primarily caused by excess carbon in the air. This occurs by burning fossil fuels and modern agricultural methods. Climate change can be solved, lifespans markedly improved and all life on our precious planet can be saved," he explained.

"We are expected to sacrifice the burning of carbon, which is the only inexpensive, plentiful, and indispensable fuel that provides for the feeding of our planet and brings us abundance and prosperity.

"Without solving our carbon problem our planet and humankind's health is not sustainable, but most countries will not jeopardize their militaries and their ability to grow, harvest and provide food because agriculture and military security totally depends on the energy derived from fossil fuels."

Gant remains optimistic that climate change is possible, "but we must recognize that restrictions in the burning of fossil fuels is a hoax. Instead we can solve Climate Change by taking excess carbon out of the atmosphere and sequestering it into our soils and plants to markedly improve health and longevity."

"It's not too late," the doctor, teacher and author says in the introduction to "An Earthly Chance." "The only sane climate change solution possible is science-based, economically responsible and depends on healing human beings and our environment."

About Dr. Charles GantDr. Charles Gant is the author of eight books, a teacher and a medical practitioner. He holds both a doctor of medicine (M.D.) and a doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees.

As a physician, Gant has practiced functional and integrative medicine and mindfulness-based cognitive psychotherapy for nearly five decades. He has incorporated Causal Medicine into his practice in the last decade. Precision medicine is an innovative approach to disease prevention and treatment that considers each individual's differences in genomics, environmental stressors, biochemistry, and lifestyles. https://www.nihadc.com/practitioners/dr-chas-gant-md-ph-d.html

He holds a B.S. in chemistry from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, an M.D. from the University of Virginia Medical School and postgraduate training in Family Practice, Psychiatry and Psychology(Ph.D.)

Media Contact: Dr. Charles GantPhone: (240) 800-4955

SOURCE Dr. Charles Gant, MD

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Noted Alternative Medical Guru Takes on Climate Change in his 8th Book - PR Newswire

Ruthie Charlton has been named the February 2022 Outer Banks Hotline Volunteer of the Month. She is a long-time crisis line volunteer and was nominated for the recognition by crisis line volunteer coordinator Marian William.

Ruthie was born and resided in New Jersey until her move to the Outer Banks in 1985. Soon after her move, she began volunteering with Britthaven, now known as Peak Nursing Home, until 2005, stated William. She also volunteered with Outer Banks Hospice until 2010. She has been a volunteer with Outer Banks Hotline for over 25 years and volunteers answering our crisis line calls. She is a valued volunteer. Her longevity with the Outer Banks Hotline is appreciated by the all the staff at the Safehouse and Administration.

Besides all of the volunteering Ruthie has done, she still has had the opportunity to enjoy some hobbies, such as cooking, entertaining, singing in the Outer Banks Chorus (until Covid showed up), knitting prayer shawls from her church, and reading books, William continued. Her best buddy is her cat Opi who loves to eat sushi, when he can convince Ruthie to share it.

The Outer Banks Hotline press release about the recognition states Ruthie personifies the kindness and generosity of the volunteer spirit!

Outer Banks Hotlines mission is to promote a safe and compassionate community. We are a private, non-profit human services organization that provides crisis intervention, safe house, information and referrals, advocacy, and prevention education services to residents of and visitors to the Outer Banks, stated the press release.

Hotlines volunteers and staff provide the community with crisis intervention in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault response, prevention education, support groups and community outreach. A 24-hour crisis line (252-473-3366) connects a distressed caller to a volunteer trained to listen and make referrals. Topics include suicide, family problems, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.

For more information, visit obhotline.org or call 252-473-5121. Those interested in volunteering should call or stop by a Hotline store.

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Ruthie Charlton recognized for Outer Banks Hotline volunteer work - The Coastland Times | The Coastland Times - The Coastland Times