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Reduce High Blood Pressure Healthy Nutrition And Wellness Website Launched – Newswire

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Best Happy Fit announced that Blood Pressure Drop, a new website, is now available for people looking to discover the most effective natural ways to reduce high blood pressure.

Best Happy Fit announced the launch of Blood Pressure Drop, a new website specialized in helping people reduce high blood pressure. The website provides valuable information about reaching ones health and wellness goals.

More information can be found at https://bloodpressuredrop.com

The American Heart Association estimates that almost 78 million US adults have high blood pressure. The newly launched website Blood Pressure Drop aims to educate people on the numerous ways in which they can reduce high blood pressure.

Although high blood pressure is largely symptomless, it puts people at risk for several diseases, from heart problems and stroke to eye damage and blindness.

According to Blood Pressure Drop, one's lifestyle can play a very important role in treating high blood pressure. If people successfully control their blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, they might avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

One natural way to reduce high blood pressure is to exercise regularly. In addition, exercising helps lower one's stress levels, strengthen their heart and manage their weight. Ideally, one should attempt to do at least 75 to 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

Another excellent way to prevent and control high blood pressure is lowering one's sodium intake. The website recommends eating fewer salty snacks and processed foods like chips, salted nuts and pretzels and not adding table salt to one's food.

Blood Pressure Drop also explains that quitting smoking is highly beneficial. Smoking actually causes an instant raise in one's heart rate and blood pressure and can severely damage blood vessels, narrowing arteries and causing inflammation.

The new website further notes that a healthy eating plan can both reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and lower a blood pressure that is already too high.

Blood Pressure Drop states: "Hypertension affects a large proportion of the worlds population. While drugs are one way to control this dangerous condition, the natural remedies for high blood pressure in this article may help. Eat healthily, exercise more, and visit your doctor regularly for a checkup."

Interested parties can find more by visiting the above-mentioned website.

HIV and Your Overall Health – POZ

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

As people with HIV live longer thanks to effective antiretroviral treatmentnearly half are now 50 or olderthey are prone to a host of additional health problems, known as comorbidities.

Common comorbidities among people with HIV include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other metabolic conditions, liver and kidney problems, chronic lung disease, nonAIDS-related cancers, neurological conditions and frailty. HIV can also have a detrimental affect on mental health (see Your Mental Health).

People who have been living with HIV for many yearsespecially those who have experienced advanced immune suppression and those who have taken many antiretroviral medicationsare at greater risk for comorbidities. But these conditions also affect people with well-controlled HIV.

Some of these problems are associated with normal aging, but studies show that HIV-positive people tend to develop age-related conditions as much as a decade earlier than their HIV-negative counterparts.

Theres evidence that cardiovascular disease is more advanced in HIV patientssome estimates have said five to 10 years more advanced, says Steven Grinspoon, MD, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard. Frailty is associated with senescence and may increase vulnerability to aging-related processes, and reductions in physical function suggestive of early frailty seem to be very common in HIV patients.

Frailty is characterized by muscle and bone loss, weakness and decreased energy, and it can lead to reduced strength and endurance, heightened risk of fractures and progressive difficulty carrying out activities of daily life.

HIV and Inflammation

Chronic immune activation and inflammation appear to be a common thread tying together the various coexisting conditions seen in people living with HIV.

Even in people with sustained viral suppression and a near-normal CD4 T-cell count, chronic HIV infection triggers ongoing immune activation and persistent inflammation, which can take its toll throughout the body.

Even among patients with clinically well-controlled HIV, persistent virus in T-cell and macrophage reservoirs may lead to low-grade immune activation. Chronic immune activation may be associated with more generalized inflammation as well, Grinspoon says. Immune activation and inflammation may be appropriate mechanisms by which the immune system targets HIV, but these processes may cause collateral damage in multiple organs.

Persistently activated immune cells, including macrophages and monocytes, produce inflammatory cytokines, which can alter metabolism and blood vessel function and play a role in feedback loops that further increase inflammation.

Several comorbidities commonly seen in people with HIV are associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditionsinsulin resistance, abnormal blood lipid levels (dyslipidemia), high blood pressure (hypertension) and abdominal obesitythat raise the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Whats more, some HIV-positive people develop a form of abdominal fat accumulation known as lipohypertrophy, which involves the buildup of visceral fat inside the abdomen surrounding the internal organs. This fat is metabolically active tissue that produces cytokines and hormones of its own.

With central fat accumulation, you can get inflammatory cells like macrophages that reside in the fat and release excess cytokines, which can draw in further monocytes and macrophages that produce substances that cause insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, Grinspoon explains. So the inflammation begets metabolic problems, and those metabolic problems beget further inflammation. These processes are intimately intertwined.

Conversely, although much less common in the age of effective antiretroviral treatment, some people with HIV may still develop wasting, which involved the unintentional loss of both fat and lean body mass (see What About Wasting?).

Heart, Liver and Kidney Disease

Numerous studies over the course of the epidemic have shown that people with HIV have a 50% to 100% greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and its complications, including heart attacks and strokes.

Over time, plaquea combination of fat, cholesterol, calcium and immune cellscan build up on artery walls, a process known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. This narrows the vessels and restricts the flow of blood. Research suggests that plaque buildup happens at younger ages in people with HIV.

Whats more, bits of plaque can break off and lodge as clots in the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle, leading to a heart attack, or in small blood vessels in the brain, causing a stroke. Plaque associated with ongoing inflammation appears especially prone to rupture, according to Grinspoon.

Inflammation can also wreak havoc on the liver. As antiretroviral treatment has dramatically reduced AIDS-related mortality, liver disease has become a leading cause of death for people living with HIV. Now that hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine and hepatitis C can be easily cured, fatty liver disease is becoming a major driver of advanced liver disease in HIV-positive and HIV-negative people alike.

Fatty liver disease goes along with obesity and excess weight, and it is also seen among those with diabetes and insulin resistance, as well as those with poor diet, says Grinspoon.

Chronic hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, heavy alcohol use and other causes of liver injury can trigger liver inflammation followed by fibrosis, or the buildup of scar tissue, as the organ tries to repair itself. Over years or decades, this can lead to serious complications, including cirrhosis, liver cancer and the need for a liver transplant. Studies have shown that this process seems to occur faster in people with HIV.

The kidneys, too, are vulnerable to the effects of inflammation. HIV-positive people have a higher rate of chronic kidney disease than their HIV-negative peers, with African Americans having the greatest risk. Certain antiretroviral medicationsin particular the older form of tenofovircan cause kidney problems in susceptible individuals. But even people who dont use this drug have a higher likelihood of impaired kidney function. Diabetes and high blood pressure, two components of metabolic syndrome, are the leading causes of kidney disease; hepatitis C coinfection also raises the risk.

Optimizing Overall Health

Regardless of which comorbidities you may have, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to optimizing your overall health.

Beyond HIV and the resulting inflammation, traditional risk factorsincluding smoking, high cholesterol, obesity and family historyare major contributors to elevated rates of heart disease and other comorbidities among people living with HIV. One study found that such traditional factors account for about a quarter of the excess risk of cardiovascular disease in this population.

Fortunately, many of these risk factors are under your control. Smoking, in particular, substantially raises the risk of heart disease, chronic lung disease and several types of cancer.

I want to emphasize that traditional risk factors matter, says Grinspoon. Stopping smoking is the number one most important thing you can do. Its really important because smoking may interact with inflammation and cause particularly severe disease.

Grinspoon is the principal investigator for a large trial called REPRIEVE that aims to learn more about cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV. The primary goal is to see whether a statin medication can prevent heart disease in this population. Statins not only lower cholesterol but also have anti-inflammatory properties, so they may offer a two-for-one benefit for people with HIV. Sub-studies will look at the effects of the statin on frailty and kidney function.

With 7,700 participants from 12 countries, REPRIEVE also has the potential to shed ligh
t on many other questions about the health of people living, and aging, with HIV. The study is now fully enrolled, and the primary results are expected in 2023.

In the meantime, to minimize the risk of heart disease, liver disease and other comorbidities, Grinspoon recommends a healthy diet, weight management, exercise and using medications to control hypertension, blood glucose and lipids. He suggests a balanced diet that includes polyunsaturated fatsfor example a Mediterranean dietand one that is low in salt and fructose, as fructose contributes significantly to fatty liver disease.

Exercise is important in two ways, he continues. One, it helps reduce weight, and two, its anti-inflammatory. It will help your blood pressure and help your glucose. Getting some exercise every day would be great.

Last but not least, its essential to start or stay on effective antiretroviral therapy to keep viral loadand the resulting inflammationas low as possible, he advises. I think thats the state of the art right now.

Tips for Your Overall Health

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During the Covid 19 Pandemic, Canadians Who Maintain a Healthy Body Weight Enjoy Better Physical and Mental Health – Canada NewsWire

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

MONTREAL, Sept. 15, 2020 /CNW/ - During the Covid 19 pandemic, 30% of Canadians have reported gaining weight during just the first few months. This is worrisome since obesity has been shown to be associated with more serious Covid 19 infections. In addition, new data fromCanadians who participated in a web-based health promotion program also demonstrated that during the pandemic adults with an ideal body weight, (Body Mass Index, or BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) suffered less from mental health issues including poor sleep, increased stress, and symptoms of depression. They were also up to three times more physically active than heavier individuals.

To help Canadian adults lose their "Covid 19 pounds" the MissionVAV Health Program will launch the Drop 5 Mission on September 21. This on-line weight management program, proven to help participants lose 5% of their weight and keep it off,is funded by Veterans Affairs Canada (#). It is designedto help individuals learn strategies that are essential for long-term weight management. The program combines education, digital tracking, social support and personalized health coaching.Given social isolation, health coaching will be provided by medical student volunteers from McGill University.

Dr Steven Grover, a Professor of Medicine at McGill, and one of the leaders of this program noted: "Health promotion and disease prevention are skills that most doctors struggle with. This is a win/win as medical students develop the skills to help their future patients adopt healthy lifestyle habits while teaching Drop 5 participants to manage the challenges associated with maintaining a healthy weight.

The Mission launches on Monday, Sept 21. Veterans and other Canadians who want to learn how to drop pounds (or inches) are welcome to joinand it's free.www.missionvav.com

#Grover S, Lowensteyn I, Marchand S, Dancausse S, Soussan E, Remple P, et al. The Evaluation of a Web-Based Weight Loss Program Among Military Personnel at CFB Halifax. Can J Diabetes. 2014;38(5): S38.

#Knuper B, Shireen H, Carrire K, Frayn M, Ivanova E, Xu Z, et al. The effects of if-then plans on weight loss: results of the 24-month follow-up of the McGill CHIP Healthy Weight Program randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2020; 21: 40.

#Barbels Studies

DND Abstract

SOURCE McGill Comprehensive Health Improvement Program (CHIP)

For further information: Dr Steven Grover, [emailprotected], 514-791-5688

Coffee Capsule Market Forecast to 2027 – COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product, Application and Distribution Channel, and Geography -…

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

New York, Oct. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Coffee Capsule Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product, Application and Distribution Channel, and Geography" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05978061/?utm_source=GNW Coffee capsule is a single serve vacuum packed capsule that requires a compatible machine.The benefit of consuming coffee capsule is that the vacuum packing ensures the hygiene and prevents external agents, such as oxygen, humidity, and heat, from entering inside.

Coffee capsule is simple to use as it involves placing the capsule in the coffee machine and pushing the button.The coffee in capsule stays fresher for longer period and does not require the use of coffee grinders.

The coffee capsules manufacturers are focusing on producing recyclable and eco-friendly coffee capsule packaging.The compostable coffee capsules and plantable coffee containers that are fully biodegradable also aim to reduce the environmental impact of non-recyclable packaging options.

Other eco-friendly coffee packaging innovations are boxed cold brew blends that are ready to serve to a large group and artisanal coffee bags that ensure freshness while creating a minimal impact on the environment. Nespresso launched first coffee capsule on the market, which is made by using 80% recycled aluminium. Many manufacturers use aluminium for capsules because it is one of the most widely recycled materials in the world, and it optimally protects the freshness and aromas of high-quality coffee, providing a perfect barrier against oxygen, light, and humidity.

Based on product type, the coffee capsule market is further segmented into open source system and close source system.In 2019, the close source system segment dominated the market.

In the capsule coffee system, the coffee is shrink-wrapped in a capsule instead of filter paper.There are a variety of capsules and pods, with 710 grams of coffee content.

A coffee capsule is used for an array of products, not just ground coffee.A closed-source system is a combination of a particular machine with a specific capsule.

Closed-source systems were the first to be introduced in the market, and hence, the segment accounts for the larger share of the global coffee capsule market. The open-source system is easy to use and convenient compared to closed-source system machines, which further, drives the demand of open-source systems in the market. The open-source system segment is projected to exhibit a higher CAGR during the forecast period. Capsule machines simplify the whole coffee making process, cutting out the grinding, pressing, and storing the coffee. Additionally, increasing consumption of coffee in both developed and developing countries, further driving the demand for open source coffee machines. All these factors have led to a significant rise in the demand for coffee capsules.

In terms of geography, the coffee capsule market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South America (SAM), and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).Europe held the largest share of the global coffee capsule market in 2019, followed by North America and Asia Pacific.

The demand for coffee capsule is expected to increase in the region due to the transforming lifestyles and rising disposable income of the consumers.Growing awareness of the high antioxidant activity and chemical composition associated with coffee capsule drives the market for coffee capsule across Europe.

Consumers in the US and Canada are moving toward a healthy lifestyle and prefer products that provide health benefits.Therefore, increasing health concerns among consumers drive the growth of the coffee capsule market in North America.

Also, coffee beans processing and coffee capsule making companies in North America are continuously enhancing their product portfolio to meet the customers demand. The rapid growth in the consumption of coffee capsule in North America is primarily attributed to the rise in the number of coffee outlets and cafes. Growing urban population, busy lifestyles of consumers, and the need for convenient beverages drive the demand for coffee capsule. The coffee culture and the expertise of farmers in coffee plantation support the coffee capsule market in Asia Pacific.

COVID-19 outbreak started in Wuhan (China) in December 2019 and has rapidly spread around the globe.The US, India, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Mexico, and Argentina are among the most affected nations in terms of COVID-19 confirmed cases and pronounced deaths, as of September 2020.

COVID-19 has affected economies and undertakings due to lockdowns, travel bans, and business shutdowns.The global food & beverages industry is one of the major businesses enduring genuine agitating impacts.

These segments have unimaginably affected the worldwide coffee capsule market.

VERO Coffee, Vittoria Food and Beverage, Belmoca Belgium (Belmio), Nestle Nespresso S.A, Coind Group, Jacobs Douwe Egberts BV, Gloria Jeans Gourmet Coffee, Luigi Lavazza S.p.A, Dualit Limited, and illycaff S.p.A. are a few major players operating in the global coffee capsule market.

Overall size of the global coffee capsule market size has been derived in accordance with both primary and secondary sources.To begin the research process begins exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market.

Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data as well as to gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants typically involved in the process include industry experts, such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, along with external consultants, such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specialized in the coffee capsule market.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05978061/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Coffee Capsule Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product, Application and Distribution Channel, and Geography -...

Actress and Comedian Tiffany Haddish joins vitafusion Gummy Vitamins as Brand Ambassador – Marketscreener.com

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

vitafusion, Americas #1 gummy vitamin brand, announces today that Emmy-Award winning actress, comedian and author, Tiffany Haddish, will be joining the vitafusion team as a brand ambassador. Haddish will join vitafusion in highlighting both the importance of holistic wellness and a happy, healthy lifestyle and the significance of equal access to nutritious food choices for underserved communities.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200914005680/en/

Actress and Comedian Tiffany Haddish joins vitafusion Gummy Vitamins as Brand Ambassador (Photo: Business Wire)

Tiffany Haddish has a long-term dedication and passion for creating positive change in communities and her undeniable wit complements vitafusions values perfectly. We are thrilled to work with someone who uses her personality and platform to educate and help others, shares Michael Vercelletto, Marketing Director for vitafusion. Our mission extends beyond offering great tasting vitaminswe are excited that Tiffany is joining us to encourage people to take a healthier step towards a happier tomorrow.

Haddish will be participating in vitafusions Fruit Tree Project, an eco-initiative which began in 2017 alongside the Fruit Tree Foundation to plant orchards which will provide nutrient-rich fresh fruit to underserved communities with limited or no access to fresh produce all with added benefits for the environment. In addition, Haddish will work on special projects for the remainder of the year increasing public awareness on the value of good nutrition as well as the importance of access to healthy, sustainable food.

What people eat and what they do can have a huge impact on their overall health. I'm excited to work with vitafusion to educate people about their health and remind them that not every child has equal access to healthy food which together we can help change, adds Tiffany Haddish.

Haddish, a New York Times Best Selling author and comedian, is best known for her roles in Girls Trip, Like a Boss, Night School and more. Haddishs journey and life experiences have inspired her comedy and sense of humor both on and off the stage.

About vitafusion:

vitafusion, Americas #1 Gummy Vitamin Brand, is the only gummy vitamin brand with a fusion of natural fruit flavors and ChefsBest award winning taste1 for select products.

For over 12 years, vitafusion has been supporting a happy and healthy lifestyle with our gummy vitamins and supplements. With more than 30 types of gummy vitamins available, vitafusion has been advancing the dietary supplement industry with two simple words: Vitamin Better.

[1] The ChefsBest Excellence Award is awarded to brands that surpass quality standards established by independent professional chefs.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200914005680/en/

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Actress and Comedian Tiffany Haddish joins vitafusion Gummy Vitamins as Brand Ambassador - Marketscreener.com

A healthy lifestyle can help you live longer even if you have chronic conditions, study suggests – CNN

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

While a healthy lifestyle has long been linked to a longer life span, there's been very little research to date on how lifestyle factors affect people with "multimorbidity" -- living with two or more long-term mental or physical health conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), asthma, cancer, depression, migraine, diabetes and angina.

To find out, a team of UK researchers tracked 93,736 middle-aged adults who had two or more of 36 chronic conditions, for up to nine years. The team assessed four lifestyle factors: leisure-time physical activity, smoking, diet and alcohol consumption.

A very healthy lifestyle, the researchers found, is associated with up to 6.3 years longer life for men and 7.6 years for women, regardless of the presence of multiple chronic conditions, compared with those given the lowest lifestyle score.

"More individuals are living with multiple chronic conditions, impacting their health and daily lives," said Yogini Chudasama, an epidemiologist and statistician at the Leicester Real World Evidence Unit at the University of Leicester's Diabetes Research Centre.

"We found a healthy lifestyle, in particular abstinence from smoking, increased life expectancy by as much as 7 years. Our study has important implications for the public's health, as we hope our findings have shown that it's never too late to make vital lifestyle changes," she said in a press statement.

For women with at least two chronic conditions, even an "unhealthy" score on the four lifestyle factors was associated with living 3.5 years longer when compared to people who were given a "very unhealthy" score. A "healthy" score was linked to a gain of 6.4 years and "very healthy" score was linked to a gain of 7.6 years.

For men, the corresponding estimates were 1.5 years, 4.5 years and 6.3 years. However, the gain for those classed as "unhealthy" wasn't considered statistically significant by the researchers.

In their analysis, the researchers said they accounted for individual factors like socioeconomic status, ethnicity and employment status.

The study had some limitations, the researchers said: More than 95% of participants were white and they were more affluent than the general population in the United Kingdom. It was an observational study and, as such, can only establish a link rather than cause.

The most common conditions for men were hypertension, asthma, cancer, diabetes and angina, while for women they were hypertension, asthma, cancer, depression and migraine.

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A healthy lifestyle can help you live longer even if you have chronic conditions, study suggests - CNN

Raising awareness on World Heart Day – FIFA.com

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Every year, 29 September is dedicated to the human heart.

Twenty years ago, World Heart Day was established by the World Heart Federation (WHF), an association of cardiological societies and heart foundations from more than 100 countries, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO). On this day, the focus is on heart health, and campaigns are organised to raise awareness of what individual people can do to prevent risks of cardiovascular disease and strokes.

A large number of events and campaigns are intended to make people aware that almost 80 per cent of deaths from heart attacks and strokes could be prevented with a heart-healthy lifestyle.

In 2020, the slogan 'Use Heart' will focus on what individuals can do to prevent the risks of cardiovascular disease and strokes.

...the head

...influence

...compassion

According to the WHF, over 17 million people worldwide die each year from cardiovascular diseases. Sudden cardiac death is particularly alarming and every year, in Germany alone, it affects around 65,000 apparently healthy young and old people. In takes the form of a rapid and unexpected cardiac arrest, which is preceded by severe cardiac arrhythmia, a so-called ventricular fibrillation.

Many of these deaths could be prevented if help could be quickly provided at the scene. According to the WHF, about 80 per cent of these deaths could be avoided through leading a healthy lifestyle.

Following the tragic death of Cameroonian footballer Marc-Vivien Foe, who collapsed on the pitch without any outside influence during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2003 and died shortly afterwards, FIFA launched various initiatives to prevent and raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest among footballers. In 2006, it introduced the pre-competition medical examination (PCMA) to detect cardiovascular abnormalities at an early stage

FIFA also offers medical seminars at FIFA tournaments, among others, to provide training on sudden cardiac arrest for referees, sports scientists, players and FIFA employees. In 2016, FIFA launched the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine. This free online course allows professionals to exchange ideas, learn, research and engage in prevention. Sudden cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) each have their own dedicated module.

In 2018, FIFA began a campaign to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest by using posters, presentations and seminars. Through football, FIFA is raising awareness of this important issue and helping to save lives on and off the pitch.

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Raising awareness on World Heart Day - FIFA.com

How a new way of parsing COVID-19 data began to show the breadth of health gaps between Blacks and whites – The Conversation US

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Physicians and public health experts know that older adults are more susceptible to the flu than those in other age groups. We also know the health of Black Americans is worse than that of almost all other groups for not only flu, but for chronic conditions and cancer. These are two examples of health disparities, or health gaps when demographic groups show differences in disease severity.

As we analyze the latest data from the COVID-19 pandemic, a more complete picture on infections, hospitalizations and death rates has emerged, along with new conversations about health disparities. The COVID data underscore what social scientists, epidemiologists and other public health researchers have long said: It is not enough to look at a lump sum of data about any health issue, including COVID-19, and think we have the full picture.

By disaggregating the data that is, breaking the data down into subgroups, like age and race we can learn how to make the most of our limited resources. Do that, and we can better strive for a more equitable society and increased entry to a healthy lifestyle for all Americans.

As a practitioner and scholar at Mississippi State University (sometimes we call ourselves pracademics), I am driven by compassion and science. Now, with the recent advent of faster and faster access to more and more data, collecting and analyzing disaggregated information data about gender, ethnicity, disability and neighborhoods, along with age and race has become one of the biggest components of public health practice.

Early in the pandemic, as the virus reached Mississippi, its state Department of Health began reporting numbers each day. To be able to assess case and mortality rates, I linked data with the census reports of Mississippis population.

I quickly found this: The percentage of African Americans who got COVID-19 was higher than that for whites; the percentage of African Americans who died from it was also higher than that for whites. But among all people, whites were more likely to die from COVID-19 if they got it.

I was curious the rates would change direction between races. Because I was examining total population data not data disaggregated by setting I thought there might be something about a particular setting or subpopulation that was driving that odd finding. Maybe it was a specific part of the state or a certain sector of the workforce? Maybe it had something to do with long-term care facilities? That last question would be an important one.

After breaking down the data across settings, and looking at just the rates for people living in the community versus those living in a long-term care or nursing home facility, it all began to make sense. I found the unusual change in the datas direction resulted from the long-term care populations being overwhelmed with cases. In Mississippi, our long-term care residents are more likely to be white. The relationship between race and COVID-19 mortality is different between the community and long-term care facilities.

From a statistical perspective, disaggregation is important. It gives us the backing we need to demonstrate the complexity of the relationship between factors like race and COVID-19 infection and mortality rates.

The case in Mississippi tells us that if we dont disaggregate the data, we would have an incorrect picture of whats happening with COVID-19. We would have probably patted ourselves on the back for not having such bad racial disparities after all. But a deeper dive into the data shows that racial disparities persist. And when we look at long-term care facilities, we find problems of a different sort.

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My experience in exploring COVID-19 cases is specific to Mississippi. We need to replicate this nationally, and with other subpopulations, including K-12, college and university settings, residential care facilities and prisons. We must also bring representatives from these populations to the table and engage them in the decision-making process. Furthermore, the data should drive our advocacy for resources at the local, state and federal levels. More than ever before, we must rely on science to guide us in responding to COVID-19 and future public health crises.

As society eventually recuperates from COVID-19, we must not lose sight of the lessons it has taught us. Our data must be granular enough so we can know how each subpopulation is handling not just COVID-19, but chronic disease, cancer, injuries and gun violence. Then, and only then, can we improve our decision-making on health issues and make sure access to public health services and clinical care is available for everyone.

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How a new way of parsing COVID-19 data began to show the breadth of health gaps between Blacks and whites - The Conversation US

The different types of insulin and how to use them for diabetes treatment – Insider – INSIDER

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Insulin is a naturally-occurring hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar, or blood glucose.

Healthy individuals produce all the insulin they need. But people with type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin, so they need to take insulin injections.

People with type 2 diabetes produce some insulin, but their body is not always able to use it effectively. Because of that, some people with type 2 diabetes also need to take insulin injections.

Here's what you need to know about the different types of insulin and which might be best for you.

Insulin controls the amount of sugar in your blood by regulating the conversion of glucose into energy, or storage in the liver for future use.

When you eat, your body takes in glucose from food, and your blood sugar levels rise. This triggers the release of insulin in healthy individuals. The insulin signals your cells to absorb glucose and use it as energy, which reduces your blood sugar.

An insulin injection helps facilitate this process for people with diabetes. Overall, roughly 24% of people with diabetes are treated using insulin.

However, there are several different types of insulin that you can take. This depends on how well each person's body utilizes insulin, as well as their diets.

"Patients who are more resistant to the effects of insulin or consume excessive amounts of carbohydrate, particularly simple sugars, require higher doses of insulin," says Joseph Barrera, MD, an endocrinologist with Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California.

The types of insulin vary in the following ways:

A standard strength insulin in the United States is U-100, which has 100 units of insulin per milliliter of fluid. Here are the most common types of insulin:

Most insulin-dependent diabetics need to use both a short-acting and long-acting insulin to control their diabetes.

"The long-acting insulin is injected once a day to provide a 'ceiling' of insulin coverage to prevent blood sugars from escalating and the short-acting insulin is injected prior to meals to cover the carbohydrate consumed at each meal," Barrera says.

Intermediate insulin and inhaled insulin are not as commonly used, because they don't provide flexibility in dosing, Barrera says, and they can be more difficult to precisely control.

People with diabetes who are dependent on insulin will need to inject it, usually multiple times a day. However, if you dislike injecting insulin, you can talk to your doctor about getting an insulin pump, which delivers insulin continuously through a catheter. These can be paired with a continuous glucose monitor to deliver the correct dose of insulin.

"Ultimately, a physician, physicians' assistant, or nurse practitioner often in combination with a dietitian are most qualified to determine which type of insulin and insulin delivery device is best for each patient," Barrera says.

Insulin is highly effective at treating diabetes, especially if you have type 1. But for most people with type 2 diabetes, it's best to regulate your blood sugar levels through healthy lifestyle changes, so that you do not need insulin, Barrera says.

"Type 1 diabetics must be treated with insulin, as their pancreas do not produce insulin," Barrera says. "However, type 2 diabetics, which comprise 90% of the diabetic population, can either avoid insulin or discontinue insulin altogether if they are able to achieve an ideal body weight through diet and exercise under the care of an experienced health care team."

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Hartleben to oversee Solid Waste Authority, Recreation Commission – Parkersburg News

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

PARKERSBURG The Wood County Solid Waste Authority and the Wood County Recreation Commission will soon he headed by a co-director to oversee both agencies.

Andy Hartleben will be taking on that role, starting Oct. 5, officials announced. Hartleben has been chief deputy for the Wood County Assessor and has served 18 years total in the office.

Hartleben is looking forward to getting started. He is excited about the possibility of leading two organizations.

He has served five years as a member of the Solid Waste Authority board, but he did not have any experience with the recreation commission.

However, he said he understands its mission about creating healthy opportunities for people, especially young people.

Hartleben previously served on the board of the Parkersburg Boys and Girls Club. He knows there are many youth in this area who live in a single-parent home while others are being raised by their grandparents or other family members.

He feels he can help provide opportunities to those people to help create healthy lifestyle choices as well as have activities they can do after school.

This is the right time to breathe new life into that organization, Hartleben said. I want to create those opportunities and make Wood County/Parkersburg a better place.

In a press release issued by John Reed, director of the Solid Waste Authority, the recreation commission was encountering financial difficulties that could not allow it to employ a full-time recreation commissioner while the Solid Waste Authority has been in a strong financial position over the past several years.

County Commission President Blair Couch, who also is on the board of the Solid Waste Authority, recommended that rather than seeking additional tax dollars to fund the recreation commissioner, the two agencies join forces to employ a co-director.

Reed, who also is Parkersburg City Councilman, was planning to retire as of Jan. 1. The board requested and Reed accepted to stay on part-time after retirement to handle only the compliance complaints.

This would allow the new director time to co-direct both agencies, Reed said. I will be working as needed.

The Solid Waste Authority presented the offer to Sean Andrews, president of the recreation commission, in July, and both boards agreed to terms which would share in the cost of operation and administration.

I believe the arrangement will be good for both organizations due to finances, Andrews said.

With the pandemic and schools and other organizations shutting down, the recreation commission was unable to offer many of its programs.

We lost a lot of programs, Andrews said, adding that impacted the commissions finances.

The arrangement will end up saving money as both organizations will share the expenses of a director.

Andrews believes Hartleben will be good for everyone involved.

Andy will be a good director for both organizations, Andrews said. It is a good situation.

Couch said the recreation commission, established in the 1940s, was a worthwhile organization worth saving as it provides youth sports.

Having the two together can help teach the rec kids about recycling, Couch said. Wood County Rec has touched so many lives, but it has been on the decline in recent years. This will be a chance for it to get built back up.

As the country is still dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Couch wasnt sure if the recreation commission could offer basketball and track programs. He expects it will be in 2021 before youth sports programs can return.

During this time, Andy will be able to find out which programs are working, Couch said.

He felt bringing the two groups under one director was a wonderful idea. He thanked Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce and City Attorney Joe Santer in reviewing everything to make sure it could be done.

It is a wonderful idea, Couch said. We are thankful to everyone for being able to work it out.

A memorandum of understanding has been worked out between the organizations which will spell out the duties of the director. Hartleben will have the time to find what needs to be done and how to approach handling the challenges of both organizations, Couch said.

This is going to be a work in progress over the next year, he said.

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Hartleben to oversee Solid Waste Authority, Recreation Commission - Parkersburg News

Weight Loss: 8 Healthy habits every weight watcher should have – PINKVILLA

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Even after doing intense workout and strict diet control, we often tend to gain more weight. This happens generally due to bad lifestyle habits. So, stop them and instead adopt the new and healthy ones.

Weight loss is not only possible with diet control and intense workout but we also need to change our entire lifestyle and include healthy habits in our daily life to lose and manage weight. Often it has been seen that people after doing diet control and workout, tend to gain weight.

It happens because certain bad habits contribute to weight gain. As a result, no matter how much we reduce our calorie intake, we tend to put on weight. Hence, we need to eliminate those bad habits and practise new ones to stay healthy.

Daily habits to practise for weight loss:

1.Stop having diet sodas. They are packed with artificial sweeteners that affect metabolism, spike insulin levels and prevent the fat-burning process. Research has also seen that people who drink two to three diet sodas in a day tend to increase weight.

2.Snacking between meals is another bad habit that needs to be stopped. Three balanced meals are the best way to control your weight.

3.Include walnuts in your diet plan. Its polyunsaturated fat reduces fat storage and improves insulin metabolism.

4.Instead of doing high-intensity interval training three days a week, do traditional aerobic exercises for 45 minutes three days a week. It is more effective for losing abdominal fat.

5.Include whole grains in your diet like wheat, quinoa, oats, brown rice, etc. and eliminate refined carbs like bread, rice pasta to reduce more weight.

6.Have black pepper in your meals. Piperine, found in black pepper, helps to ease inflammation and tummy troubles.

7.Coconut oil is a great option to opt for weight loss. So, replace your cooking oils with this to lead a healthy lifestyle. It regulates your cholesterol levels.

8.Instead of having normal chocolates, have dark chocolates as they have flavonoids which have important antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Also Read:9 Smart ways to maintain a fast metabolism as you age

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Long-Term Effects Of Diabetes To Your Body – Emagazine.com – E/The Environmental Magazine

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that can make you susceptible to illnesses and diseases and is caused when a persons blood sugar levels become too high. Diabetes and pre-diabetes are conditions said to affect up to fifty percent of the population of the United States. Diabetes can hinder the quality of a persons life massively. It is critical that in order to live a long, healthy life, you do not consume sugary foods all of the time, otherwise, you may end up with diabetes, which during this current global pandemic, is contributing to high mortality rates. Diabetes must not be allowed to take over your life.

Diabetes is a condition with two main types. There is type one diabetes, which is when the bodys immune system begins to attack and destroy the cells that produce insulin type one diabetes is the most dangerous and the one that can cause the most amount of problems. Type two diabetes is when your body does not produce enough insulin and the bodys cells do not react to insulin. Type two diabetes is the most commonly found type of diabetes throughout the world, with over ninety percent of cases in the United Kingdom being attributed to type two diabetes.

Before moving onto the long-term effects that diabetes can have on your body, it is first important to mention the use of oral medication in the treatment of diabetes. Oral medication can be very successful in treating cases of diabetes and is the most commonly used method of treatment. When oral medication is used in combination with exercise and a healthy lifestyle, it can be very effective. One such medication, Dulaglutide, which is sold under the Trulicity brand name, is commonly used around the world to treat type 2 diabetes and helps to keep your blood sugar in check. However, the reason that online medication specifically has been mentioned, is that in some cases it may be counterproductive and illegal. You should only order online medication for your diabetes if your doctor has recommended it to you. You must not treat yourself, as self-treatment without medical intervention can have serious consequences on your health. You will likely not be a doctor, and no matter how many blog posts or forums you have read you do not know enough to treat yourself. Self-treatment can be a detriment to your recovery and can actually hinder it.

As diabetes increases your blood sugar and makes it higher than it should be, it can cause, after many years, serious problems in your body. Diabetes can harm your eyes, your kidneys, your nerves, your heart, your skin, your blood vessels, and many other parts of your body. The long-term effects of untreated diabetes can be very damaging and cause significant side-effects that can massively hinder your quality of life and in some cases leave you paralyzed. Below you will find the long-term effects of diabetes if left untreated. Always treat your diabetes never allow it to come to what is below:

Diabetes can cause significant eye problems and can directly contribute to blindness. The first sign that diabetes is causing you problems with your eyes is that you have trouble seeing during night time and your eyes become sensitive to light if you have never experienced these before, you may be suffering from diabetes. It can also lead to blindness and is very common among untreated diabetes patients.

Those who suffer from diabetes may go on to develop nasty sores, infections, and illnesses if the sores and infections go on for too long and are not treated, you may have to have the parts affected amputated. Infection also causes pus oozing, pain, and itching, as well as inflammation.

Having diabetes means you may not be able to control your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels. This can mean you may be more susceptible to a heart attack, angina, stroke, and other heart-related conditions it can also make the blood flow from your heart to your legs and feet much more difficult, which in some cases, can result in further amputation.

The nerves within your body can become very damaged as a consequence of untreated diabetes and you can begin to feel sensations such as tingling and loss of feeling. Nerve damage in male diabetes patients can also make it harder to grow and maintain an erection. If the nerve damage goes on and becomes too severe, you may become paralyzed in the parts of your body experiencing the nerve damage.

Food digestion can be hindered when you suffer from diabetes, and you may have trouble and weakness in your bowel movements. Diabetes can be very harmful to your digestive system and can wreak absolute havoc on it. Diabetes can be a big problem when it comes to digestion.

Kidney damage is another problem commonly associated with high levels of blood sugar. Your kidneys may not work as well as they once might have and could even stop working altogether. This could result in dialysis or a kidney transplant, both of which can hinder your quality of life massively and leave you in severe pain for the rest of it.

Mental health problems have been linked to diabetes patients through studies and research. Depression and anxiety have been said to be heavily linked to diabetes and it is even said that the two conditions go hand in hand. Patients who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than those who do not. Mental health problems, in combination with the previously mentioned conditions, can absolutely ruin your life and leave you a shadow of your former self. Rather than allowing diabetes to get this bad and completely ruin your life, seek treatment. Treatment for diabetes can consist of some simple lifestyle changes and some medication. Seek treatment and your symptoms will be reduced and you may be able to fight off diabetes.

Now, with the help of this page, you know everything that there is to know about the long-term effects of diabetes. Treatment is essential and you mustnt suffer silently with the condition as if you do you can do yourself more harm than you could possibly imagine.

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Long-Term Effects Of Diabetes To Your Body - Emagazine.com - E/The Environmental Magazine

Insights on the Global Health and Wellness Market | COVID-19 Impact and Analysis of Related Markets Drivers, Opportunities and Threats | Technavio -…

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Technavio predicts the global health and wellness market to grow steadily at a CAGR of over 6% during 2020-2024. One of the primary drivers of the market is the increased emphasis on effective health and wellness products. Consumers across the world are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, improvements in the economic condition of the lower and middle-class consumers have further led to an increase in spending on health and wellness products. These factors are expected to fuel the growth of the global health and wellness market during the forecast period. Download Free Sample Report with COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The global health and wellness market is categorized as a part of the global soft drinks market. The global soft drinks market includes manufacturers of carbonated beverages, juices and juice concentrates, bottled water, functional beverages, sports drinks, and others (includes plant-based beverages, prebiotic and probiotic drinks, soy-based drinks, dairy-based drinks, and specialty drinks). Our research reports provide a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors

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Technavios reports are aimed at providing key insights on health and wellness markets by identifying the key drivers, trends, and, challenges that are impacting the overall soft drinks market. The research analyses the impact on these factors on the health and wellness markets, for the present market scenario and over the forecast period. Technavios reports provide a comprehensive analysis on the vendors and their offerings, major growth strategies adopted by stakeholders, and the key happenings in the market.

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free.

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Soft Drinks Market: Segmentation

Soft drinks, the parent market, includes the global health and wellness market within its scope and it is further segmented into multiple sub-segments. Technavios reports identify the high growth areas and opportunities for vendors operating in each sub-segment of the soft drinks market. The market is segmented as follows:

Product type

Packaging type

Distribution channels

Geography

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Soft Drinks Market: Geographic Segmentation

The global soft drinks market has been analyzed across key geographical regions to identify region level market dynamics, developments, and the key growth countries for the forecast period. The regional level analysis identifies the market shares, growth momentum, and key leading countries in the market, which include (but are not limited to) the following:

Vendor Landscape

Technavios industry coverage utilizes multiple sources and tools to gather information about multiple stakeholders and their offerings towards the market. Sources such as company websites, annual reports, whitepapers, subscription & in-house databases, industry journals, publications, and magazines are used in addition to other relevant sources. The vendor landscape provides a framework to estimate the health care supplies market, while also categorizing the vendors into pure-play, category-focused, or diversified based on their offerings. All market reports provide the key and contributing players across the value chain based on in-house influence index, developed using multiple industry and market parameters.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavios report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavios comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Insights on the Global Health and Wellness Market | COVID-19 Impact and Analysis of Related Markets Drivers, Opportunities and Threats | Technavio -...

The new virtual normal: Is face-to-face care delivery a thing of the past? – MedCity News

Posted on August 29, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated what would have been years (or even decades) of change into arguably some of the most transformational six months the industry has ever seen. The many challenges facing the healthcare industry pre-pandemic gaps in access, provider shortages, interoperability obstacles are undeniable. The pandemic has served to exacerbate these challenges and even bring to the fore new ones. Consumers are grappling with increased difficulties in managing their personal health extreme loneliness prompting a decline in mental health while also facing added barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With 70% of consumers having deferred or canceled treatment, both the healthy and chronically ill are overdue for care. In addition to access challenges, unemployment has left many consumers alone in navigating the confusing search for replacement health insurance.

Consumer sentiment has also shifted dramatically. Individuals are concerned about visiting physical healthcare facilities with 42% of consumers feeling uncomfortable going to a hospital and 45% not wanting to visit urgent care or walk-in clinics. As a result, people are looking for alternative channels to access care. These healthcare consumers are increasingly willing to engage with digital health solutions that serve as a lifeline for continuing care and provide a new level of convenience.

Other key healthcare stakeholders have depended on and supported this shift. Providers are rapidly activating virtual health programs, payers are instituting major regulatory changes, and employers are developing new partnerships with digital health solutions to support their workforce. Together, these shifts represent a non-trivial wave of opportunity for the world of digital health.

Is there a place for face-to-face care in a post-Covid-19 world?Virtual care is not just a temporary stopgap much of the digital shift is expected to stick. Half of consumers are already accessing care from their home via digital means and 37% are very likely to use it in the future, a drastic increase from the 8% that used telehealth in 2019. Consumers are reporting overwhelmingly positive experiences attributable to quicker, more personalized responses and greater convenience. While in-person outpatient visits have started to rebound in May, they remain roughly one third lower than pre-pandemic.

Consumers who have tried telehealth during the pandemic are likely to re-engage for a wider range of needs. New use cases such as virtual primary care, peri-surgical consultations, behavioral health, pediatrics, and dermatology will be explored. Funding in digital health for specialty areas such as musculoskeletal, womens health, and digital therapeutics has skyrocketed, with companies benefitting from huge adoption surges during the pandemic and some even providing clinically-validated care from home.

While promising, digital adoption does not equate to the full retirement of face-to-face care. Physical interaction between a patient and their provider is at times critical; this is particularly true for highly complex patients with multiple comorbidities, or for specialties where physical examination can be a critical input. As such, virtual care cannot be simply viewed as a replacement for existing models of care the nature of face-to-face care must evolve to adequately integrate technology into a cohesive system that embraces both tech and touch.

Health care facilities will become hubs for the highest acuity patients, those unable to receive in-home care, and those in need of specialized clinical equipment. For other consumer segments, facility-based providers will develop new models that increasingly leverage enabling technology and shift care outside of the walls of the clinic.

There are three areas in particular in which face-to-face care will play a role yet will benefit from digital health. First, elder care will continue to depend on the physical presence of caregivers. However, with over 50% of caregivers more likely to choose home care for their loved ones than they were pre-Covid-19, aging consumers will move away from costly, infection-prone long term care facilities into safer, more cost effective, and more comfortable home-based settings. Care teams will increasingly rely on remote monitoring and telehealth technology that enables always-on patient monitoring and efficient use of resources.

Second, the need for inpatient hospital care for high acuity patients will persist. High-risk patient cases and trauma cases, for example, will remain in the hospital. Importantly, though, the traditional definition of inpatient-level acuity will evolve; consumers who were previously considered inpatient candidates, such as those recovering from pneumonia, will be presented with new options to receive hospital at home care. Partnerships such as that of Mayo Clinic and Medically Home or Intermountain and Castellwill serve to make such care options more widely available.

Lastly, physical healthcare facilities will continue to enable care access for vulnerable populations. Urgent care facilities, community health centers, and retail clinics serve as a key point of entry for many without access to other care facilities or telehealth. Barriers such as digital literacy and unreliable internet access disproportionately affect individuals of color and those with low socioeconomic status. In rural areas, nearly 20% of community health centers do not have adequate broadband services to provide virtual care. Until disparities in access to virtual care are remedied, these physical sites of care will serve as a main access point.

Is our system equipped to support this shift to virtual?Our system was inherently designed to support the provision of face-to-face care. Providers have made massive investments in state-of-the-art facilities and have trained staff on the techniques and procedures of in-person care. Payers have built reimbursement policies around facility-based care delivery. Employers have developed health plans centered around in-person benefits and 80% of large employers offer on-site healthcare clinics.

Partnerships between the healthcare incumbents, digital health companies, and other stakeholders will be critical to enabling the shift to virtual care. Technology platforms such as the newly merged Livongo-Teladoc (Livongo is a 7wireVentures portfolio company) will arm payers, providers, and employers with the extensions of care needed to reach consumers where they are. Both payers and employers will need to rethink benefit design to make virtual care front and center.

Clinician training will be another critical dependency in the success of virtual care. With the increasing availability and adoption of remote monitoring and virtual communication tools, providers will have access to an overwhelming volume of patient data. Care teams will need to establish workflow procedures for data monitoring and escalation of patient cases for intervention. Further, providers will need to adapt new communication skills that allow for effective assessment and treatment of their patients virtually.

Finally, the continued shift to value-based payments along with lasting reimbursement changes will be essential. With the major success of virtual care delivery during the pandemic, CMS and Congress will be encouraged to enact long-term changes that enable continued access. Further, the continued advancement of value-based agreements between payers and providers will provide necessary incentive for investment in new models that improve cost efficiency while enabling a better patient experience.

The pandemic has shined a spotlight on the promise of digital health in reinventing the world of care delivery. While we believe there will always be a place for face-to-face care, the shift to virtual will drive a more intentional and cost-effective use of it.

Photo: Hero Images, Getty Images

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The new virtual normal: Is face-to-face care delivery a thing of the past? - MedCity News

Herbal Detoxes: Myths, Facts, and What to Know – Healthline

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Herbal detoxes are one of the most controversial health remedies.

Many natural health advocates claim that they rid the body of toxins and promote weight loss. Meanwhile, medical experts are skeptical of their purported benefits and point to the potential harm they may cause.

This article tells you all you need to know about herbal detoxes, whether they work, and any potential risks.

Herbal detoxes are usually beverages or teas containing various herbs. Despite a lack of evidence, theyre used to promote weight loss and eliminate toxins from the body.

While the durations of these detoxes vary, most are used short term, usually 314 days. Still, some detox drinks are recommended as daily support for your body on an ongoing basis.

Most herbal detox products contain natural ingredients that promise to promote weight loss and liver health, improve blood sugar levels, and remove toxins from the body.

The most popular ingredients include valerian root, licorice, cilantro, coriander, chlorella, milk thistle, dandelion root, skullcap root, rhubarb root, ginger, juniper berry, and burdock root.

While some limited animal research has suggested that these ingredients have chelating properties, meaning theyre able to bind to metals, theres no evidence these ingredients detox your body (1).

Herbal detoxes have many health claims, such as ridding your body of toxins, promoting weight loss, and aiding blood sugar management. Usually, detoxes last 314 days, but theyre sometimes used on an ongoing basis.

Although herbal detoxes are a popular health trend, most of their claims are overblown and have little scientific backing.

Most detox product labels feature long lists of natural ingredients. Yet, they fail to mention which toxins will be removed from the body or provide any proof of their effectiveness.

Your body is already equipped with a natural detoxification system. Your liver, kidneys, intestines, and skin work nonstop to remove waste from your body via feces, urine, and to a minor extent, sweat (2, 3, 4, 5).

To date, no clinical studies have shown healthy individuals have a buildup of toxins in the body, nor that herbal detoxes increase your bodys ability to perform its regular duties.

Although people claim to feel better after a detox, its likely due to other healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as limiting processed food and focusing on more nutrient-dense, whole foods.

Though you may experience some weight loss, you will likely regain the weight once you stop the detox. This is because most herbal detoxes contain diuretic ingredients that cause your body to expel water through urine and feces, leading to a rapid drop in water weight (6, 7).

This type of weight cycling can lead to disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, as you may feel discouraged when you regain weight once the detox is over (7).

However, the prolonged use of herbal detoxes may lead to muscle and fat loss. Due to an increase in bowel movements, your body expels nutrients faster than its absorbing them. This is very unsafe and should be avoided (7).

Rather than relying on a detox to lose weight, opt for healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing your stress levels, and getting enough sleep each night (8, 9).

Many herbal detox products boast a variety of claims, such as that they regulate blood sugar levels, decrease bloating and acne, and increase energy levels.

However, no research supports these claims. If you have diabetes or another medical condition, its important to speak to your healthcare provider first.

Theres no evidence that herbal detoxes rid your body of toxins or promote weight loss. Your body already has a natural detoxification system to remove waste through your urine, feces, and sweat.

Before you try an herbal detox, its important to know their potential risks.

Most herbal detoxes are not regulated and may contain ingredients that are either not listed on the package or present in significantly higher quantities than indicated. This can lead to you to overdose on certain ingredients, which may result in serious side effects or even death (10).

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken action on many herbal detox products for their false claims, content of harmful ingredients, and improper labeling (10).

Though many products claim to be natural, this does not mean theyre safe or should be taken in large amounts.

Herbal detoxes that contain diuretics can increase your risk of becoming dehydrated and experiencing low electrolyte levels, which can be life threatening (1, 11).

For example, a 67-year-old man reported nausea, trembling, and weakness after taking an herbal detox beverage containing uva ursi leaves, juniper berries, and many other ingredients for 5 days. He was treated at an intensive care unit for severely low electrolyte levels (12).

In 2017, a 60-year-old woman died from liver failure after taking a Yogi brand detox tea 3 times per day for 14 days. The tea contained 18 herbs that were believed to be responsible for the decline in her liver function (13).

In another case, a 50-year-old woman died from multiple organ failure after ingesting an herbal Epsom salt detox, resulting in manganese toxicity (14).

Whats more, regularly using herbal detoxes can lead to severe weight loss and nutrient deficiencies, as your body isnt given enough time to absorb the calories, vitamins, and minerals in your diet (1, 11).

While herbal detoxes are generally not recommended, certain at-risk populations should particularly avoid them, including:

Before trying an herbal detox, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.

Many herbs interfere with medication clearance in the liver, potentially decreasing or increasing the effects of your medications and posing serious health risks (15, 16, 17, 18).

Due to the large variety of ingredients used in herbal detoxes, its essential that you talk to your healthcare provider before starting an herbal detox if you are taking any medications (15, 16, 17, 18).

Herbal detoxes are not regulated and may contain unsafe ingredients that can lead to serious side effects and, in rare cases, even death. If youre looking to try an herbal detox, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first.

Herbal detoxes are popular due to their long lists of health claims, although they remain unproven.

Though it may be tempting to try an herbal detox, no evidence suggests that it will help clear toxins from your body or support long-term weight loss.

If youre looking to improve your health, youre better off adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a nutritious diet and regularly exercising, rather than trying a potentially dangerous detox.

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Herbal Detoxes: Myths, Facts, and What to Know - Healthline

Adverse Effect Of Stress On Thyroid Function: Here’s What You Need To Know – NDTV

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Stress can negatively affect your health in several ways

Stress can affect your health negatively in several ways. From weight gain to higher risk of heart disease, stress is harmful to your health in several ways. Several factors can contribute to day to stress but uncontrolled and prolonged stress is more harmful than you think. But many are not aware of the bad effect of stress of thyroid function. Thyroid is an important gland of the human body responsible for secretion of vital hormones. Several diseases can affect the functioning of this gland. In this article Dr. Dhreej Kapoor, head of Department of Endocrinology at Artemis Hospital explains how stress can affect the functioning thyroid function.

Dr. Kapoor explains, "Stress is a part of everyday life these days which not only impacts your mental wellbeing but also disrupts physical health. While, stress alone won't be a cause for thyroid disorder but may contribute to worsening of symptoms. The thyroid works in synchrony with the adrenal glands which release the flight and fight hormones and can, therefore, handle small amounts of stress."

"Thyroid in addition also plays an important role in the metabolism and regulation of vital body functions. Under stress, the body releases cortisol, a hormone from the adrenal; the excess of which can interfere with thyroid hormone production," Dr. Kapoor adds.

Also read: Everything About Hypothyroidism

Stress can lead to hormonal imbalancePhoto Credit: iStock

The impact of stress may result in slowing down the body's metabolism which also reflects the interconnection of stress and weight gain. Besides, high cortisol levels in stress impact the hypothyroid or euthyroid conditions by lowering T3 (triiodothyronine).

During stress, the active T3 level decreases, and the production of reverse T3 increases which may contribute to hypothyroidism, as well as weight gain, fatigue, and anxiety. In fact, it is not at all uncommon to find low T3 levels in chronically ill patients.

Also read:Too Stressed? These Habits Might Be Stressing You Out

It has also been observed that excess stress leads to a decrease in optimal immune system function, possibly as a result of increased cortisol level. Thus, it is important to have an apt balance between stress hormones and thyroxine for proper thyroid function.

A healthy diet and lifestyle can help in controlling stressPhoto Credit: iStock

While most thyroid conditions can be controlled or treated with medication, but unfortunately, stress requires lifestyle changes. To maintain optimal thyroid balance with medications or otherwise and to keep other health problems at bay, one needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle with mind-body therapy like yoga or meditation. Healthy eating habits along with exercise can go a long way in keeping these hormone levels in check, explains Dr. Kapoor.

Also read:5 Causes Of Hypothyroidism You Should Know

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Adverse Effect Of Stress On Thyroid Function: Here's What You Need To Know - NDTV

Holistic living is the key to inner peace and happiness: Know how to achieve this – TheHealthSite

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

In recent years, many people have been leaning more towards a holistic way of life. This is nothing but living a life free of the many pollutants that come with modern lifestyle. Natural remedies play a big role in holistic living. Nothing is seen as a single entity. Once you attune yourself to this way of living, you learn to look at the whole picture. One example that we can take here is sickness. If you fall sick, you dont just look at the sickness, but the reasons why you are sick too. You take into account even the emotional or psychological causes that may be behind your illness. Also Read - 5 healthy lifestyle habits to learn from Bollywood celebs amidst the COVID-19 lockdown

Holistic living is not only a healthier way to live life but also a path to real happiness and inner peace. By adopting this lifestyle, you will soon notice many subtle changes in your mental and physical health. You will become a healthier and fitter person. But you may not be able to suddenly delve into this lifestyle after years of being conditioned to live a so-called modern life. But with a little practice and discipline, you can easily slip into this new way of living. Also Read - Work from home: Healthy ways to be more productive

So, how do you take the step towards holistic living. Here are a few tips. Also Read - New Year resolutions you cannot afford to break in 2020

Learn to live in the moment. The past does not exist, and nobody has seen the future yet. So, living in the present is important. If you can achieve this, you will be able to give hundred per cent to each moment of your life. It will help you be more objective and less judgmental. You will gain mental clarity and be able to focus better on the job at hand. It improves your cognitive abilities too.

Your body is the vehicle that will stay with you throughout your life. To lead a fulfilling life, you need to ensure that this vehicle is in top condition. Love your body and learn the powers hidden within. Meditate, take up yoga, do breathing exercises. This will relax you and help you feel more connected with the rest of the world.

The basic tenet of holistic living is to live a less polluted and chemical-free life. Eat healthy foods that are grown organically. Instead of going out for dinner, cook and eat at home. Have as much fresh foods as you can. Makes fresh fruits and vegetables the main part of all your meals. This will make a huge difference to your overall health and help you live happily to a ripe old age.

Stress is a part and parcel of modern life. This is also the main cause of many chronic ailments like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. One big reason for stress in your life is the presence of too much negativity. Being around negative people and a toxic environment can take a serious toll on your health. This goes for situations, relations and all areas of your life. Get rid of all negativity and you will be surprised at the difference it makes to your life.

Published : August 6, 2020 9:59 am

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Holistic living is the key to inner peace and happiness: Know how to achieve this - TheHealthSite

IV Drips Don’t Cure COVID, but That Hasn’t Stopped People Flocking to Them – ELLE.com

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

In mid-March, Hoang Vi Fessenden, a stylish stay-at-home mom and lifestyle blogger living in Charleston, South Carolina, posted a smiling photo of herself on Instagram, her arm hooked up to an IV. Fessenden shared with her then-more than 14,000 followers that she was worried about the rise of COVID-19 and had just received IV infusion therapy from Vida-Flo Charleston, a wellness IV spa, to boost her immunity and energy. Are you prepared for this? she asked.

Fessenden, 27, first went to an IV clinic years ago, she tells ELLE.com in an email, and she says she now goes once every two months. She has tried a number of infusions with hydrating fluids, such as saline and electrolytes, as well as B vitamins and Vitamin C. She receives free treatments from Vida-Flo Charleston in exchange for posting about them, but an introductory package at the clinic starts at $69. There are also add-ons, including a Super Boost Vitamin C for $500 (or $250 with a half-off members discount). I feel like my overall well being and health is boosted, Fessenden says. Not to say that I can't get COVID because I had [an IV] treatment, but I think it lessens the chances of me falling ill for a long period of time and helps my body to be able to recover if I were to get it.

Nycole Hutchens, a glowing 33-year-old wellness blogger from Houston, also posted a photo of herself on Instagram in late April with an IV, wearing a mask. In her caption, she noted she was glad she could fight off viruses and colds with IV drip therapy. She received a hydration dripa mix of fluids and electrolytesat the clinic that day, along with a vitamin C booster shot. Hutchens says she believes taking care of yourself on the inside along with a healthy diet is beneficial during the pandemic. She typically pays $100 to $250 for a treatment a couple times a yearshe mostly gets hydration dripsand would go more often, she says, if they were less expensive. (The hydration drip is priced at $90 for members and $150 for walk-ins.)

"We found almost immediately that there was a segment of the wellness industry that was exploiting this pandemicCOVID-19for their own monetary gain."

At present, there is no vaccine for COVID-19 and no products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat or prevent the virus. But Fessenden believes a healthy lifestyle can help and sees IV drips as a supplement to other measures she takes to avoid COVID-19, like washing her hands and wearing a mask.

Unlike those measures, however, many wellness treatments come with big promises and not enough science. We found almost immediately that there was a segment of the wellness industry that was exploiting this pandemicCOVID-19for their own monetary gain, says Bonnie Patten, executive director of the nonprofit Truth in Advertising (TINA.org). IV therapies jumped out as one of those industries, she adds.

TINA.org scoured ads for IV therapies on social media and identified more than 40 clinics they said employed deceptive COVID-19 claims, with some marketing specifically to first responders.

IV centers have attracted attention in recent years for offering hangover cures, but treatments span the entire wellness gamut, with infusions intended for everything from chronic illnesses to glowing skin. You can pay less than a hundred dollars for one visit if you get a deal, but treatments also often run higher. Celebrities have espoused IV drips in the past, with Chrissy Teigen and Cara Delevingne appearing on social media with hooked-up arms.

What originally evoked partied-out Coachella girls might be more likely now to suggest clean-living. Or a pandemic: On March 13, Marla Maples, a wellness advocate and a former wife of President Donald Trump, shared a video of herself on Instagram saying that vitamin C drips are even more important during COVID-19.

anna_isanGetty Images

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a government agency that seeks to protect consumers, is concerned that some businesses are marketing therapies without adequate scientific evidence. Over the last few months, the agency has sent a number of warning letters to businesses that offer IV therapy from San Francisco to Miami for unlawfully advertising that their products treat or prevent COVID-19. (A warning letter means a company has a chance to stop making the claims and avoid further action.)

Many of those centers were touting the benefits of vitamin C, particularly in high doses, according to the FTC letters. Just a few of our beautiful Superwomen IV guests, one clinic captioned an Instagram post in March, according to a letter. They received our Super-C vitamin cocktail blend and reinforced their immune defense shieldsCOVID-19 is no match for these Superwomen!

Not only can IV vitamin therapies come with a significant financial expense, but we're also concerned that people may get a false sense of security and not take the appropriate preventative measures, says Rich Cleland, assistant director of the Division of Advertising Practices at the FTC.

Weighing in on whether clinics should be making these kinds of claims about COVID-19, Fessenden, the lifestyle blogger, says they shouldn't, because I think anyone can catch it.

One of the businesses that received a FTC letter was Liquivida Lounge, a medical spa founded in 2014 by a former firefighter, which has locations across Florida and other states. The FTC warned the company in April about its marketing of vitamin C, including that IV therapy could help in the battle against COVID-19. Liquivida Lounge has since revised its messaging to emphasize that Vitamin C helps the body fight against infections (in general) and to reassure the public that no one has a cure for Coronavirus, says Emmanuel Trenche, a spokesman for the company.

Trenche views vitamin infusions as a proactive step to keep ones immune system strong during the pandemic, along with measures such as eating a healthy diet. Their stores have seen more interest in Vitamin IV therapy recently, he notes, as have doctors who buy their infusion kits.

"If you don't wash your hands...and you don't wear a maskyou think this is going to save you?"

Getting enough vitamin C, which naturally occurs in foods such as fruit, to bolster your immune defenses is not a new ideaand it has some science behind it. And a number of studies on how certain vitamins, including vitamin C, might help with COVID-19 are in progress. But as USA Today notes, clinical trials with vitamin C could take years before reaching conclusions. And right now, there's no data to support that taking high doses of any vitamin treats or prevents COVID-19, says Dr. Caroline Apovian, the director of the Nutrition and Weight Management Center at Boston Medical Center.

With water soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, whatever your body doesn't need is expelled through urine, she says. IVs are also not without risk, such as infection, and there's no reason for people who are generally healthy to be taking that risk at all, she tells ELLE.com, especially while paying hundreds of dollars. (Dr. Christopher Davis, the Chief Medical Officer of Liquivida Lounge, acknowledges a risk of bleeding and infection, but notes it is inordinately small.)

IV clinics are selling snake oil to people, Apovian says, arguing that there is no comparison to preventative measures that have scientific backing. "If you don't wash your hands, and you don't practice social distancing, and you don't wear a maskand you think this is going to save you? You're wrong.

Supporters say doing everything you can to stay healthy now is common sense. We strongly believe in our productsI strongly believe in the role of vitamin C and the immune system, Davis says. But we have to be careful not to instill this false sense of hope.

With people anxious about staying safe, anything to help your body absorb the best vitamins and nutrients [is] going to ease your worries, says Fessenden. Like many though, she is concerned people are still not taking COVID-19 seriously
. Masks play a huge role, she says, along with actually social distancing.

Want to be a superwoman? Put on a mask.

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IV Drips Don't Cure COVID, but That Hasn't Stopped People Flocking to Them - ELLE.com

From living a healthy lifestyle to loving his wife here are five stories to remember Bob Mabena by – TimesLIVE

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

The sudden death of radio legend Bob Mabena has left South Africans and entertainment industry colleagues reeling in shock and sharing fond memories of the star.

Over the years, he has opened up about wanting to lead a healthy lifestyle, wanting to own a restaurant by the beach and his love for his wife.

Here are five must-read Bob Mabena stories:

Healthy lifestyle

In 2017, Bob told TshisaLIVE that dying from a lifestyle-related disease was one of his biggest fears. He said he had buried a number of his friends who had died from diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

I have recently lost too many friends to such diseases and I don't want to fall victim to them too. That is why I need to lead a life that is as healthy as can be, he said.

At the time he said he would go back to gym where he also hoped to tackle the growing pot belly.

The rest is here:
From living a healthy lifestyle to loving his wife here are five stories to remember Bob Mabena by - TimesLIVE

See Steve Harvey’s Daughter Brandi’s Inspirational Fitness Message Which She Shared with Workout Clips – AmoMama

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Prof Baldwin

Veteran talk show host Steve Harveys 38-year-old daughter, Brandi Harveyshares an inspiring post on her Instagram to encourage fans to be focused and successful.

Late in June, television show host Steve Harveys daughter, Brandi Harveyshared an inspirational post about her healthy lifestyle on her Instagram. Detailing her exerciseand fitness journey up until the present, Brandiwrote:

Ive been working out since I was 19 years old and working with trainers on and off since I was 23...There is no perfect time, only a perfect WILL to WIN. Go get whats yours.

Brandi confessed that all through her journey, she succeeded in losing weight but also experienced off-the-wagon moments when she gained it all back again.

With those challengesbehind her, Brandi knew for sure that no matter where she was on the journey, she could always start all over again from scratch. People got to choose how long they stayed down and out, and when they wanted more.

View this post on Instagram

If you havent had a chance, click the link in my bio and listen to my latest @beyondher.co Podcast Episode More Space. Here is an excerpt from what I wrote in this weeks newsletter: Back up and give people space to grieve, to breathe, and to believe again. One of the most important aspects of healing ourselves is finding time to rest. You owe it to yourself to step back, step away, and relax your mind. All of our experiences are not the same, but they make our collective experience more vibrant and more in-depth. This week, I want you to know its okay if you dont know what to say or what to do at this moment. All of our protests will not be made on Instagram, nor will they be made in the streets. For many of us, our cries of resistance will be made in educating and equipping, teaching and healing, funding movements, and casting votes. Our self-care will never be self-indulgent; it will always be an act of political warfare. Our WELLNESS IS THE REVOLUTION, so be kind to yourself. You deserve it. BH

A post shared by Brandi Harvey (@iambrandiharvey) on Jun 5, 2020 at 12:01pm PDT

She concluded by cheering her followers on to go ahead and work hard for whatever they desire, assuring them that they are enough and deserving of success.

The inspirational caption accompanied a video and photo of Brandi working hard and focused in the gym, practicing what she preached.

As Brandi said in her motivational post, she is living the driven and purpose-centric life that she willed for herself through hard work and determination.

Brandi, who is a twin and one of seven children of Steve Harvey,hasproven herselfto be a brilliant and goal-driven woman. The 38-year-old founded Beyond Her, an establishment aimed at raising awareness for women of color through healthy food, lifestlye, and fitness.

The lifestyle-enthusiast also added motivational speaking to her ever-growing list of talents. In October 2019, she released her book, Breakthrough Sold Separately. The book chronicled her path to success which she further explained in aRollingstone interview:

I open my book by talking about getting fired. So often we get stuck being in places because of what others expectations are from us.

Although the news of being fired was jarring at first, Brandi told Rolling Stone that she realized that point in her life was the springboard that launched her into success. She described being fired as a release into her destiny.

The 38-year-old did not fail to own up to the many mistakes that she made while working for her father. She admitted that she began to slack off, planning girls trips while at work and using peoples computers for personal purposes.

Brandi knew that it was time to leave her fathers umbrella and step out on her own but did not know how to. Getting fired from her fathers foundation was only the beginning for this tough winner, and truly, she went on to do marvelous things.

Together with her twin sister, Brandi runs the female empowerment organization, YOUNG, FIT, and FLY, which aims to help underprivileged women take control of their lives, careers, bodies, and finances.

As Brandi said in her motivational post, she is living the driven and purpose-centric life that she willed for herself through hard work and determination. Career, health, and happiness are all aspects that this boss has conquered and continues to conquer every day.

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See Steve Harvey's Daughter Brandi's Inspirational Fitness Message Which She Shared with Workout Clips - AmoMama

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