Pistachios - An extremely healthy snack.

Pistachios: all they're cracked up to be 

May 29, 2013 — A new research study, using an experimental model that mimics digestion, suggests that nearly all of the polyphenols in pistachios are released to the body during digestion. The new findings, when considered along with earlier research that suggests dietary fat may not be completely absorbed, is a win-win for those on the lookout for nutrient-rich snacks they can feel good about as part of an overall healthy diet.

The new study appears in the January issue of the Journal of Nutrition and was conducted by the Model Gut Group at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) in the United Kingdom in association with the University of Messina, Italy.1
The study specifically looked at polyphenols and antioxidants, such as gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E), found in pistachios. The study found that these polyphenols and antioxidants, which are also found in fruits and vegetables, are released during digestion, making them available to the body.

This study may be interesting because it suggests that the body may be able to absorb the polyphenols and antioxidants found in pistachios, which may be significant because nutrients aren't always readily accessible by the body. As an example, iron in spinach is naturally harder for the human body to absorb. However, the iron can be made more readily absorbed by the body when combined with vitamin C.

Pistachios: antioxidants you can see

Pistachios are the colorful nut, owing their green, yellow, and purple-red colors to the antioxidants and polyphenols found in the kernels and skins. It's easy to spot the good nutrition provided by pistachios: their true colors shine through in their green and yellow kernels, and their purple and red skins.
Fat in pistachios may not be completely absorbed2

A preliminary study published in the January 2012 issue of British Journal of Nutrition suggests that the fat in pistachios may not be completely absorbed by the body. The small, randomized controlled-feeding study, which is the first-of-its-kind research with nuts, suggests we may consume less calories per serving than originally thought.

Conducted by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the study suggests that pistachios provide 160 calories per 30 gram serving (approximately 1 ounce).

The research measured the energy value of pistachios by feeding 16 healthy adults the nuts as part of a controlled diet and calculating the energy value from differences in energy excretion during the dietary treatment timeframe. The resulting energy value of one 30-gram serving of pistachios was 5-percent less than previous calculations.

The snacking bottom line

Pistachios are a great-tasting, fun, and healthy snack with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. A naturally cholesterol-free food, 90-percent of the fat in pistachios is the healthy unsaturated type. A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts, which is more nuts per serving than any other snack nut. Be sure to color your plate with pistachios.

Source: PistachioHealthInstitute.org

Reprinted from:  http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/14186/54/pistachios-%20all%20they-re%20cracked%20up%20to%20be/


References
1Mandalari, et al. Bioaccessibility of pistachio polyphenols, xanthophylls, and tocopherols during simulated human digestion. J Nutr. 2013; 29:338-344.
2Baer DJ, Gebauer SK, Novotny JA. Measured energy value of pistachios in the human diet. Br J Nutr. 2012; 107(1):120-5.

Controlling Blood Sugar Without Drugs

If you or a family member or friend have difficulty controlling blood sugars and aren't thrilled about the prospect of a lifetime on glucose reduction meds here is an article from natural news with some great recommendations.

(NaturalNews) Nearly one-third of all Americans today are either diabetic or pre-diabetic, which basically means their bodies have lost the ability to properly process sugar. As a result, excess sugar molecules, typically from junk foods, accumulate in the blood and vital organs leading to chronic illness and eventually premature death. But if you are one of the millions of people that struggles with blood sugar issues, or even full-blown diabetes, you do not have to go the pharmaceutical drug route to find relief or a cure.

Like most other types of chronic illness, diabetes and pre-diabetes are more often than not the direct result of poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and nutrient deficiency. Almost all chronic disease, in fact, is the long-term consequence of one or more of these dietary and lifestyle failures, which means correcting them also has the potential to fully cure disease, in many cases. Here are some helpful tips for overcoming your blood sugar woes, which in turn may help eradicate disease and restore your health: 

1) Cut out the sugar, grains, and omega-6 fatty acids. The standard American diet, commonly referred to as "SAD," is jam-packed with simple carbohydrates like refined sugar, processed flour, and vegetables oil, all of which spike insulin levels and cause inflammation. Carbohydrates in general are toxic to the body, particularly when not enough energy is being expended, as whatever carbohydrates are not used are sugar.

"Any form of carbohydrate is eventually broken down by the body into glucose, a simple form of sugar," explains the Wellness Mama blog. "While the body can use glucose for fuel, levels that exceed what is needed are toxic to the body ... when the body senses glucose in the bloodstream, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin to signal the body to store the glucose as glycogen."

Once the body's glycogen receptors become "full," however, glucose continues to cycle through the body's bloodstream, triggering the production of even more insulin. Not only does all this excess insulin damage the glycogen receptors, but it also ends up overburdening the pancreas, which of course produces insulin, and storing the excess glucose as fat inside the body. Carbohydrates, in other words, are primarily responsible for making people fat, and not actually fat itself.

So rather than continue gorging on corn chips, cookies, snack crackers, breads, and other heavy-carbohydrate foods, switch to low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed meat and butter, pastured eggs, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and raw, full-fat dairy products. As long as you are not allergic to any of these foods, you should be able to get your blood sugar and insulin levels under control, and avoid creating a toxic environment within your body where disease is able to thrive.

2) Reduce stress levels and recharge your adrenal glands. For many people, excess stress leads to the production of too many stress hormones, which can severely damage the endocrine system. And when the endocrine system is out of whack, and hormones are not being produced and regulated as they should, the body loses its ability to properly metabolize nutrients, including sugar. The end result, of course, is a propensity for high blood sugar and eventually diabetes.

"When stress occurs, whatever the source, the hypothalamus signals the adrenals to release cortisol (and adrenaline)," adds Wellness Mama. "Excess cortisol can contribute to hormone imbalance in the body since the body uses hormones like progesterone to manufacture cortisol. Excess cortisol ... can also interfere with the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, reduce fat burning ability, raise insulin, suppress thyroid function and cause gain in belly fat."

To avoid over-stressing your body, be sure to get plenty of rest every night, preferably going to bed before 10:30pm in order to allow your adrenal glands a chance to "recharge." You can also de-stress nutritionally by mixing one inch of fresh, minced ginger together with a one-half teaspoon of ground black seeds, also known as black cumin (Nigella sativa), and eating it. This natural remedy is just one example of a practical way you can promote relaxation.

3) Exercise regularly, repair your gut, and eat plenty of "good" fats. One of the most effective ways to remedy insulin resistance is simply to engage in more physical activity. Exercise, it turns out, has been

To go along with this, make sure to avoid foods that may be damaging your intestinal lining and causing
eventually broken down and turned into
"cortisol belly." Such foods include wheat- and gluten-based products, grains in general, excess sugar, genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), and lack of beneficial bacteria. Correcting gut problems may require supplementation with probiotic bacteria, zinc L-carnosine, and the amino acid L-glutamine, as well as consumption of healthy saturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids.
shown in numerous studies to have a powerful blood sugar-correcting effect, especially smaller amounts of high-intensity exercise. Pushing your muscles on a regular basis will also help increase their ability to utilize insulin, which can effectively correct insulin problems over time.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040240_blood_sugar_regulation_diet_and_exercise.html#ixzz2Su6r20sf

For your better health,

Dr. Heller

Military Recognizes Chiropractic for Back Pain

Patients with acute low back pain receiving a combination of chiropractic manipulative therapy and standard medical care experienced a statistically and clinically significant reduction in their back pain and improved physical functioning when compared to those receiving standard medical care alone, reports an article in the April 15 issue of Spine (CLICK HERE to access the online version).

The study followed 91 active-duty military personnel between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.

The study found:

• Disability scores were significantly improved in the standard medical care plus chiropractic manipulative therapy group than in the standard medical care only group at both week two and week four of the study.
• Pain Rating scores were significantly improved in the group that received chiropractic manipulative therapy when compared to standard medical care alone at both week two and week four.
• Overall improvement rating by participants as "pain completely gone, much better or moderately better", was 17 percent in the standard medical care only group compared to 73 percent of respondents when chiropractic manipulative therapy was included as part of their care.

"It is critical that we explore drug-less approaches to reduce pain," said Wayne B. Jonas, M.D., President and CEO of Samueli Institute. "Chiropractic manipulation is an important option to consider for musculoskeletal disorders, which is the most prevalent pain complaint in the military."

So even if your medical doctor is caring for your low back complaint, explore chiropractic.  You can vastly improve your odds and speed of recovery.  And maybe the best part.....no medication side effects.

For your better health,

Dr. Heller

All Sodas Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Online health news, Medscape reported on Febuary 14, 2013 that a new study from France suggests that women who drink large amounts of diet soda are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

The study followed  66,118 women in France exploring links between diet and cancer.  What they found was that there were 1369 new cases of type 2 diabetes diagnosed during the follow-up period from 1993 to 2007.

In self-reported dietary consumption of soft drinks, the average intake of regular sodas was 328 mL/week, while for diet sodas it was higher, at 568 mL/week.   The study considers this high consumption.  For those of us here in the States let me convert that for you.  328 mL = about 11 oz. or slightly less than one can of regular soda/WEEK.  568 mL = 19 oz of diet soda/WEEK.  I'm guessing many of us know friends, family, co-workers or ourselves that consume more than this amount through the week.

The risk for type 2 diabetes was elevated among the women by about 30% with consumption of regular soda greater than 11 oz./week and more than doubled with consumption of diet soda greater than 19 oz./week.  These are risk factors after adjusting for other influencing variables.

Moral of the story?  Don't be fooled into thinking that diet means that it is better for you and that there are no health consequences with its consumption.

What the body needs and what most of us don't get enough of is water.  Try replacing soda consumption with water consumption.  Carry a water bottle with you, keep one on your desk at work if possible, get frequent drinks during any breaks through the day, whatever it may take.  Many common health complaints from mental fog, to muscle aches to back pain to fainting have been related to dehydration (lack of water).

In the interest of your better health,

Dr. Heller




Photo Credit: © Pkruger | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

Do you have a Farmacy?

 Choose well which you trust for your well-being!

Pharmaceutical companies do not cure diseases, they make customers. 
Farmacies have sustained mankind for millenia allowing him to thrive.

The Centers for Disease Control report that the majority of chronic diseases which plague our society today are due to dietary and lifestyle choices.

Help yourself and you family by making healthy, intelligent choices for yourself.

 

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food"
- Hippocrates  

The choices can really be quite simple.

Wishing for you and your family the best of health.

Dr. Heller

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Don't Mistake "Common" For Normal

I see it every day in my office.  I ask patients if they have pain or tenderness in a certain area.

Their reply: "No more than normal!"  To which I reply, "Pain is not normal.  Pain is an indicator of a problem."  Pain is most commonly due to some sort of damage to the underlying tissues.  That damage may only be irritation or stressing stretch but it is damage none the less.  You might think of pain or problem as that light on the dashboard of your car that comes on  when there is an abnormal situation with the vehicle.   Do we continue down the road and ignore it?  Do we put a piece of tape over it so we don't notice it?  Do we reach under the dash and pull the wire off the indicator light?  These actions are similar to what we do when we ignore a painful body area, put muscle rub over it or disconnect the brain from the pain with medications.

Unfortunately, due to the failure of modern medicine to address these non lethal complaints they have come to be labeled "normal".   Our bodies were created healthy and designed to stay healthy with proper care and maintenance, much like our vehicles.  Bad for us, our modern lifestyle doesn't always allow or encourage us to get the appropriate care we need to keep our bodies functioning well.

Chiropractic works with your body to help it stay healthy and correct postural and mechanical problems that can lead to many of the symptoms below.

I came across a blog site that addressed this same subject.  I wanted to share it with you as food for thought.  The blog deals with children's health and yes children can be in need of chiropractic help also, the complaints and conditions could apply to adults as well.

Remember that just because something is common or typical does not mean that it is normal.

For your better health,
Dr. Heller

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 Common Does Not Equal Normal

It may be COMMON for children to be constipated in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to have reflux in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to have chronic ear infections requiring tubes in today’s world…
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to have “toddler diarrhea” in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to have trouble sleeping through the night (after infancy), in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to be allergic to peanuts, and milk, and soy, and fish, and wheat in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to be hyperactive and have attention deficits in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to have asthma  in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to have recurrent strep throat and sinus infections in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to have eczema and other skin conditions (psoriasis and cradle cap)  in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to head-bang, tantrum, and exhibit aggressive behavior beyond the toddler years, in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to toe-walk and arm flap in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to exhibit OCD behaviors (repetitive, hoarding) in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to be failure to thrive or obese in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON  for children to have developmental delays or learning disabilities in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

It may be COMMON for children to have seizures in today’s world….
but it is NOT NORMAL

Many will tell you that all these things are NORMAL and people may even tell you that, as a parent, you are worrying about your child too much, or that they will outgrow these things, or that it is just a phase…or, or, or…
Some others may tell you that your child’s collection of symptoms are being caused by a “mysterious syndrome” or “rare disease” or “disorder”, but when you dissect the list of symptoms the child has and look at them singularly, these symptoms are not RARE, they are COMMON, but they still are not NORMAL.

You are told these things because

“SICK” is the NEW NORMAL,

in today’s world.

All these COMMON  ”childhood” ailments are the BODY’s way of saying something is OUT OF BALANCE, NOT NORMAL, needs TWEAKING, ADJUSTING, and ATTENTION…

Continue to THINK, Continue to QUESTION, Continue to ASK WHY? and Continue to LOOK FOR ANSWERS and ADVOCATE for your child… because
NO ONE ELSE WILL EVER DO AS GOOD OF A JOB OF IT, THAN YOU WILL!

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Are Vaccinations Healthy?

Many reports in the media are focusing on the number of children behind on their "scheduled" vaccinations or unvaccinated all together and the "potential dangers" posed to society.

JAMA Pediatrics published a new study looking at vaccination rates. They found that children who were undervaccinated because of parental choice had significantly lower utilization rates of the ED (emergency department visits) and outpatient settings—both overall and for specific acute illnesses—than children who were vaccinated on time.

The study indicates that many vaccinations are foregone due to parental concerns about vaccine linked autism and goes on to down play any possible connection. What the study does fail to site is the fact that the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has already awarded millions of dollars to families of children with autism where the court has verified that they were harmed by vaccines.

Once again I cannot stress strong enough, if you are truly concerned about health; know what you are putting into your and your children's bodies and potential effects.  Being healthy involves living a lifestyle of eating right, exercise, rest, proper spinal mechanics and mental relaxation, it does not come from a pill or a needle.

Just because it is backed by the Federal government, the Health Department and the pharmaceutical company does not mean it is safe or good for you. It seems that these entities may be the dangers to our society.

Yours for better health,
Dr. Heller

Chiropractic Care During the Cold and Flu Season

Health authorities have declared 2012-2013 to be one of the worst flu seasons on modern record.  Even though they encourage everyone to get flu shots, news reports indicate that the vaccines are less than 2% effective.  So, what does that leave a person to do to ward off the flu?  

Well, of course we all know about washing our hands regularly, Vitamin C and other nutrients to help the immune system along with adequate rest.  Have you considered chiropractic care to support your health and fortify your immune system?  

 According to a previous press release from the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA):

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Spinal adjustments can have a positive effect on immune function, citing a growing number of researchers who are exploring the common denominators in disease processes, and the role of the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems in development of immune related illnesses.

Chiropractic corrects spinal abnormalities called vertebral subluxations that result in interference of the nervous system by placing pressure on nerves. Since the nervous system controls all functions of the body -- including the immune system -- chiropractic care can have a positive effect on immune function, WCA officials note.

“Contemporary research is beginning to shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms which may explain the outstanding clinical results chiropractors have experienced when managing patients with viral and infectious diseases,” stated Dr. Christopher Kent, WCA Vice President.
Dr. Kent explained: “A comprehensive review of the research literature reveals the current understanding that the brain and immune system are the two major adaptive systems in the body. During an immune response, the brain and the immune system 'talk to each other' and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body."

Since its inception, chiropractic has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system.

Chiropractors are also aware of the importance of positive health life style practices (rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper food choices, use of high potency multivitamins and minerals, and stress reduction approaches) that can also positively influence the nervous system and immune response. According to a large study of the chiropractic profession recently conducted by the Institute for Social Research, Ohio Northern University (McDonald et al., 2003), chiropractors also customarily advise their patients as to the benefits of these other modalities in optimizing overall body function.

Chiropractors helping patients battle the flu is not a new occurrence either. During the 1917-18 influenza epidemic, which brought death and fear to many Americans, it has been estimated that 20 million people died throughout the world, including about 500,000 Americans. It was chiropractic’s success in caring for flu victims that led to the profession’s licensure in many states.

Researchers reported that in Davenport, Iowa, out of the 93,590 patients treated by medical doctors, there were 6,116 deaths -- a loss of one patient out of every 15. Chiropractors at the Palmer School of Chiropractic adjusted 1,635 cases, with only one death. Outside Davenport, chiropractors in Iowa cared for 4,735 cases with only six deaths -- one out of 866. During the same epidemic, in Oklahoma, out of 3,490 flu patients under chiropractic care, there were only seven deaths. Furthermore, chiropractors were called in 233 cases given up as lost after medical treatment, and reportedly saved all but 25. In another report covering 4,193 cases by 213 chiropractors 4,104 showed complete recovery. 

“These results are not so surprising given what we now know about the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, WCA Board member and Editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. “Through research we know that chiropractic has beneficial effects on immunoglobulins, B-lymphocytes (white blood cells), pulmonary function and other immune system processes.”

One such study, conducted by Patricia Brennan Ph.D and her team, found that when a chiropractic “manipulation” was applied to the middle back, the response of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (white blood cells) taken from blood collected 15 minutes after the manipulation was significantly higher than blood collected 15 minutes before and 30 and 45 minutes after the chiropractic procedure. This research demonstrated an “enhanced respiratory burst” following the chiropractic adjustment. This “burst” is needed for our immune cells to destroy invading viruses and bacteria.

Another small study of HIV positive patients was conducted to study the effects of specific chiropractic adjustments to correct vertebral subluxations in the upper neck on the immune systems of HIV positive individuals. Over the six-month period of the study, the group that did not receive chiropractic care experienced a 7.96% decrease in CD4 cell counts, while the adjusted group experienced a 48% increase in CD4 cell counts over the same period.
A large retrospective study conducted by Dr. Robert Blanks and colleagues studied 2,818 individuals undergoing chiropractic care - these individuals reported an average overall improvement, ranging from 7-28%, in a battery of physical symptoms including stiffness/lack of flexibility in the spine, physical pain, fatigue, incidence of colds and flu, headaches, menstrual discomfort, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, dizziness and falls (Blanks et al., 1997, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research).

More importantly, the incidence of colds and flu was reduced by an average of 15% in this large population who were undergoing regular chiropractic care.

According to Dr. Terry Rondberg, president of the World Chiropractic Alliance, “While we would love to say we (chiropractors) figured this out, the truth is we didn’t. We simply take advantage of it to help our patients.”

He added that, “In many ways this is old news since the relationship between the nervous system and the immune system was reported by the New York Times in 1993. According to that article ‘Scientists have found the first evidence of an anatomical connection between the nervous system and the immune system. Nerve cell endings in the skin and white blood cells of the immune system are in intimate contact, and chemicals secreted by the nerves can shut down immune system cells nearby.’ Our health care system needs to catch up with the research.”

“I would recommend to any person concerned about the upcoming flu season to add chiropractic to their list of things to do to remove interference to their nervous system, enhance their immune function and give their body every extra bit of security it needs” stated Dr. Rondberg.

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 Include chiropractic care in your efforts to keep you and your family healthy.   You could be surprised and I'm confident you'll be pleased.

Yours for better health,
Dr. Heller

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Friends for Life = Friends for Health

It is pretty self-evident that spending time with those close to us, that we can share with, laugh with and just spend time with make us feel better about ourselves and our lives.  Evidence is now coming out that the benefits are not only emotional they are truly physical.

Most of us have heard that pets and deep friendships with others can extend life and improve quality of life.  A recent study appearing in the from Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at Ohio State University presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology annual meeting in New Orleans has found why.

Researchers found people who were more lonely showed signs of elevated latent herpes virus reactivation and produced more inflammation-related proteins in response to acute stress than people who felt more socially connected. 

It seems that loneliness boosts inflammation.  Inflammation is linked to coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and most other chronic disorders.  Inflammation can lead to

tissue damage throughout the body accelerating aging and predisposing you to other disease processes.  Currently these chronic conditions are typically addressed with anti-inflammatory drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s).  Listening to the news and the disclaimers on advertising we should understand that this approach is not without significant risks.

It is clear from previous research that poor-quality relationships are linked to a number of health problems, including premature mortality and all sorts of other very serious health conditions. And people who are lonely clearly feel like they are in poor-quality relationships," stated the lead author.

So as you are taking steps in the New Year to keep yourself healthy, make sure you include time with friends, family and other companions in your daily or at least weekly schedule to improve your well-being.  

Yours for Better Health,

Dr. Heller 

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Good News For Your Exercise Resolution!

For those of you who have made resolutions to get into better shape good news comes from the American Journal of Health Promotion.  One of the biggest deterrents to individuals successfully keeping their New Year's resolutions to exercise and be healthier is that they don't have the time to commit to 30-60 work out sessions.  A new study found that several 10 minute bouts of moderate to intense activity gave similar results as longer workouts.

"Regular exercise not only benefits a person’s health, it can improve their overall quality of life. But one of the biggest barriers to getting people moving is their attitude about exercise."

“A person’s attitude or beliefs can hold them back from being active,” said Loprinzi.  “Our findings are particularly informative as an individual who perceives him or herself to be too busy to be active may still be able to enhance their healthy by adopting an active lifestyle approach.”

"Despite the importance of physical activity, many people feel they don’t have enough time to exercise. An active lifestyle that includes engaging in physical activity for less than 10 minutes multiple times a day can have the same health benefits as more structured exercise."

“There were little differences in levels of health outcomes between those who received moderate to intense levels of physical activity in 10 minute bouts or longer compared to those who were physically active in shorter bouts of activity,” said lead author Paul D. Loprinzi, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of exercise science at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. “This suggests that shorter bouts of about activity of 150 minutes a week may be just as beneficial as engaging in fewer bouts of longer duration.” 

"Multiple bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity lasting less than 10 consecutive minutes had similar improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and other health measures as people who engaged in structured exercise for longer periods."

Source:

Combating Colds and Flu

The "Hair of the Dog"

This season of holiday parties makes it easy to overindulge, especially during New Year's eve.  Many of us have heard numerous "old wives remedies" and "the hair of the dog that bit you", for those morning afters when imbibing may have gotten out of hand.  Some have even found a tried and true one for themselves.  While I can't advocate over indulgence and intoxification I know it can happen. 

Firstly if it does happen, be responsible and don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle.  It can be a quick, sad end to a festive evening.  Have a friend drive you or call a cab if available.

Secondly, if you are worried about waking up with a "crushing" hangover there are a few dos and don'ts from NewsMax Health to help tame the hangover beast.

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Beating Holiday Stress

It's a stressful time of year. In addition to performing the duties associated with all of your other responsibilities, you have added responsibilities that the holidays require. Where are we celebrating? Who will be there? What do I have to do/bring? Is my shopping done? Do I have enough money for gifts? Will the children be happy? This time of year can really pack on the stress!


How do you deal with that kind of stress? Well...you should put some of the focus on yourself and do something you really enjoy this time of year.

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