Magnetic products for health have been around for a very long time.  Personally, I have used them for over ten years with great success.  The article below is intriguing since anyone who suffers from migraines knows they can be difficult to treat.  I am not sure which device they are using, but the information is useful:

A hand held device that delivers a magnetic pulse to the head may offer relief for some migraine sufferers, researchers report.

The findings, which apply to migraine sufferers who experience “aura,” expand on previous research by using a device that could work at home instead of only at the doctor’s office.

It’s unclear, however, how expensive the treatment will be and how it should be administered for optimal effectiveness.  And some patients didn’t see to benefit from the treatment.

At stake are patients who suffer from migraine with aura, meaning they experience visual disruptions, tingling, numbness and weakness before a headache begins.

The device uses single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation which is thought to prevent aura by disrupting the brain’s electrical system.

In the new study, Richard B. Lipton of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and colleagues randomly assigned 201 patients to take home a fake stimulation device or a real one.

Those who used the real device had less pain and recurring headaches and were less likely to need medication

HealthDay

Vitamin D is a really important ingredient for good health and more information is becoming available as to why that is and why we should be taking it.  Below is another article I found from Reuters.

Reuters

updated 10:31 a.m. ET, Mon., March. 8, 2010

LONDON – Vitamin D is vital in activating human defenses and low levels suffered by around half the world’s population may mean their immune systems’ killer T cells are poor at fighting infection, scientists said.

The findings by Danish researchers could help the fight against infectious diseases and global epidemics, they said Sunday, and could be particularly useful in the search for new vaccines.

The researchers found that immune systems’ killer cells, known as T cells, rely on vitamin D to become active and remain dormant and unaware of the possibility of threat from an infection or pathogen if vitamin D is lacking in the blood.

“When a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signaling device or ‘antenna’ known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D,” said Carsten Geisler of Copenhagen University’s department of international health, immunology and microbiology, who led the study.

“This means the T cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize.”

Scientists have known for a long time that vitamin D is important for calcium absorption, and that there is a link between levels of the vitamin and diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.

“What we didn’t realize is how crucial vitamin D is for actually activating the immune system — which we know now,” Geisler wrote in the study in the journal Nature Immunology.

Most Vitamin D is made by the body as a natural by-product of the skin’s exposure to sunlight. It can also be found in fish liver oil, eggs and fatty fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel, or taken as a supplement.

Almost half of the world’s population has lower than optimal levels of vitamin D and scientists say the problem is getting worse as people spend more time indoors.

Geisler and his research team said the findings offered much needed information about the immune system and would be of particular use when developing new vaccines.

“This is important not only in fighting disease but also in dealing with anti-immune reactions of the body and the rejection of transplanted organs,” they wrote.

Active T cells multiply at an explosive rate and as well as fighting infection, can also mistakenly attack the body itself.

After an organ transplant, for example, T cells can attack the new organ as a “foreign invader,” and in autoimmune disease, hypersensitive T cells mistake parts of the body’s own cells as threats, prompting the body to attack itself.

Geisler said there were no definitive studies on the optimal daily vitamin D dose but experts recommend 25 to 50 micrograms.

Like many people my age, I suffer from osteoarthritis.  My knees, hands and neck are affected and while it does not prevent me from most activities – running up and down stairs is a challenge.  Some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it, and is relieved by rest, grating of the joint, joint swelling, limited movement and muscle weakness.  All of these symptoms can get worse over time.

Treatments can include over the counter drugs, and if they do not work your doctor can prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug.  However; long term use of these drugs can cause stomach problems such as ulcers and bleeding.  These drugs may also increase the risk for heart attacks and stroke and increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes.  We all remember the drug Vioxx and why it was taken off the market.

What I have done to manage the arthritis is exercise, such as walking and lifting weights.  I also use a product called Joint which helps manage my symptoms.  This is a natural product and I feel much better taking it than I would a drug.  There is no cure for osteoarthritis and no one knows exactly what causes it, but the research is promising.  The study listed below shows that it may be caused by bacteria:

A new study from scientists and the Netherlands claim that bacteria may be a cause of arthritis. Specifically, researchers showed evidence to support that a specific gene called NOD2 triggers arthritis or make it worse when leftover remnants of bacteria cell walls (i.e., muramyl dipeptide or MDP) are present. The new discovery offers a beginning step toward new treatments to lessen the symptoms or even prevent inflammatory arthritis.

Scientists in the study went on to say that despite recent advances in the treatment of arthritis, the cause of arthritis is still a mystery to experts. Working with MDP and NOD2 is an important step toward understanding the underlying cause of arthritis. Learning this may one day help scientists to prevent arthritis altogether. The research on MDP and NOD2 was done by experimenting with two groups of mice. One group was normal while the other was genetically modified so that their NOD2 gene was deactivated. Next, scientists administered MDP to the joints of each mice within each group.  Results showed that mice with the deactivated NOD2 gene did not experience signs of arthritis. This finding may also be an important factor in the understanding and treatment of blau syndrome, which is a rare genetic disease characterized by granulomatous arthritis (arthritis caused by bacteria). Scientists then pointed out the next step in unsolving this puzzle. They explained that the next step is to find treatments that either rid the body of this inflammatory signal or mask it. Either way, scientists are very close to preventing this terrible disease that affects over 40 million Americans.

(Source:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090331101111.htm)

People who are enthusiastic and content are less likely to develop heart disease than less happy people, researchers from Columbia University report.

In this study of the relationship between happiness and heart disease, researchers concluded that if everyone did more of the things that made them happy they could significantly reduce their risk of heart attack and angina.

“We were excited to discover in a large population-based sample of adults that the tendency to express positive emotion predicted fewer heart attacks across a period of 10 years,” said lead researcher Karina Davidson, director of Columbia’s Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health.  “The study suggest that those people who are happier have heart protective outcomes.”

By Joseph Alban

There was recently a great article on Well, a NYTimes Healthblog.  It is about 11 foods people should be eating,  but don’t often.  Most of them are easy to eat, delicious, and in season now.   You can get almost everything on this list from the Greenmarkets.

Here are some ways I like to prepare the local ingredients from that list.

Beets are great roasted or boiled.  Serve with a little goat cheese.  Last week, we sliced them thinly and put them on our homemade pizza.

Pumpkin is also eay to cook.  Just chop it up and roast for 1 hour with some olive oil.  Also tastes great with cheese.  Or add it to chicken or vegetable broth and blend it into a soup.  Don’t forget to dry and then toast the pumpkin seeds.   Makes a healthy snack or garnish.

Of course cabbage is too often overlooked.  It is very affordable, and extremely healthy.  Cutting it up from some homemade coleslaw is always delicious.  For an Asian style, use sesame oil, a dash of soy sauce, and sesame seeds.  Or you can saute the cabbage and add some hot pepper.  I remember this is how they cooked it in Hunan, where I studied Chinese medicine.

And remember, Think Globally, Eat Locally!

Perhaps the most well known use for Thermograms is the early detection of Breast Cancer. When used with other procedures the best possible evaluation of breast health is made. This non-invasive test is a valuable procedure for alerting your Doctor to the possibility of underlying breast disease.

Areas of the body where tumors are growing are undergoing angioneogenesis or the growth of new blood vessels, to feed a growing tumor. This extra blood flow will show up as warm spot on the image with certain typical features. Typically these warm spots will show up as much as 18 months before either a manual exam or a mammogram will detect an abnormality. The faster a malignant tumor grows, the more Infrared radiation it generates. For younger women in particular, results from Thermographic screening can lead to earlier detection and ultimately, longer life.

In the instance where a breast abnormality is detected, it is still considered medically appropriate to obtain a mammogram as well and if something is found to take all appropriate traditional care up to and including surgery. But, in the instance where Thermography detects something and a physical exam and Mammography is negative the patient has been given a valuable head start to go forward with a vigorous detoxification and Integrative treatment program to stop processes that will result in a malignancy later on. A negative Thermogram in the absence of detectable physical findings while not a

100% certainty (nothing in medicine is 100% certain) can give a woman at risk a strong degree of reassurance that things are going very well.

Doctors do not yet know how to prevent breast cancer. However, you can increase your chances of detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages by understanding the need for, and participating in, an early detection program.

Current Early Detection Guidelines

There may ultimately be a single method for the early detection of breast cancer but until then, using a combination of methods will increase your chances of detecting cancer in an early stage. These methods include:

• Mammography for all women who are aged 40 or older
• Regular Thermographic screening for women of all ages
• A regular breast examination by a health professional
• Monthly breast self-examination
• Personal awareness for changes in the breasts
• Readiness to discuss quickly any such changes with a doctor
• These guidelines should be considered along with your background and medical history.
• Breast cancers tend to grow significantly faster in younger women under 50:

AVERAGE AGE and TUMOR DOUBLING TIME
Under 50 80 days
Age 50-70   157 days
Over Age 70   188 days

Source: Cancer 71:3547-3551, 1993

Only about 20% of biopsied breast lumps are cancerous. If cancer is found early, there are choices for treatment. With prompt treatment, the outlook is good.

I found this article in Homeopathy Arizona and Thermography certainly seems like a good choice, particularly for women over 50 who are concerned about the advice we have received so far – mammograms every year which exposes us to a high degree of radiation from the x-rays and a high rate of false positive findings.

Fiona

As a person who has a sweet tooth and likes a little “something” with my tea, I know how difficult it is do without sugar.  I really believe that it is addictive.  A holistic practitioner that I know and respect, once told me that it is like putting poison in your body and is the single worst thing for your body.  I find this article from Dr. Oz very compelling and I hope you will too – this is important information.

Dr. Oz’s Article:

I want to introduce you to a brave woman at the hospital where I work. Her name is Laureen. At 34 years old, she was an active nurse — vibrant, full of life and a volunteer EMT. But now, 10 years later, she spends three days a week tethered to a dialysis machine to rid her blood of impurities that her failed kidneys can no longer process. She has lost parts of both her legs. Her body is slowly turning on itself and each and every day revolves around managing the disease that ravages and scrapes away at her insides: diabetes.

Laureen was on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” last Thursday, courageously sharing her story. Even though it’s very personal, Laureen told her story because she doesn’t want others to go through what she has gone through. And there are almost 60 million potential diabetics who can watch and benefit from her experience — though it doesn’t have to be this way. One of the most painful things about her situation is that it could have been prevented. That’s right — Laureen’s disease trajectory could have been slowed, stopped or even reversed through lifestyle and diet choices.

As a surgeon I have operated on thousands of people whose hearts were destroyed by diabetes – about 25 percent of all the patients I see are diabetic. Most of them could have prevented their fate.

But as the tragedy of this news sinks in, the alarm bells are ringing. Here are the statistics: there are 24 million diabetics in this country and about six million of them don’t even know it yet. These are people whose blood sugar is over 125. They will most likely find out when other complications arise such as impaired kidney function, vision problems and, of course, heart disease. Even scarier is that there are 57 million pre-diabetics who are at a crucial fork in the road. Their blood sugar is between 100 and 125 and they stand at a juncture where some simple lifestyle changes and mindful diet choices will lengthen their lives and save them a world of suffering. Nearly half of Hispanic and African American children born this decade are projected to get diabetes. The CDC estimates one third of all Americans will develop diabetes and live 15 years less while losing immeasurable quality of life.

No public health problem compares in scale.

Diabetes will bankrupt our healthcare budget if left unchecked. It costs us $175 billion now to treat this killer and its complications, and that’s expected to double in 25 years. Despite the best devised policy plans to manage the economics of healthcare, all solutions will fail unless we address the root causes and engage in widespread awareness and prevention. It starts with education — you must know what this disease is, who is at risk and how to prevent it.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is also called juvenile diabetes and you are born with it. It can’t be reversed but it can be managed. Only 10 percent of diabetics are Type 1.

Type 2 is the culprit in 90 percent of those 24 million cases and 57 million pre diabetics in danger of slipping into full blown disease.

Type 2 takes root when fat stored in the abdomen — belly fat called omentum — poisons the pancreas and causes it to stop producing insulin or the insulin in your blood cannot deliver glucose into your cells. Without insulin you cannot process sugar and without glucose your cells have no power supply. Belly fat is a huge problem in America, with 60 percent of our population overweight. Any casual stroll down the street will reveal the prevalence of omentum in our society. The reason for the drastic increase is a perfect storm of poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. Our ancestors usually had little food and had to work very hard to catch or kill what food they could. As a result our bodies are designed to survive scarcity and famine. Now with food available virtually unrestricted our biology is outpaced by this abundance, and overeating creates disease. It happened incredibly fast.

Why is diabetes so destructive? Quite simply in both Type 1 and 2 your body can’t metabolize sugar, leaving it to float in your bloodstream. Sugar in your blood is like shards of glass scraping the inner lining of your arteries. The scrapes heal with scar tissue and cause blockages. Smaller blood vessels in your feet close completely and cut off circulation, resulting in amputation as the tissue dies and becomes infected. The coronary arteries scar and cause heart attacks and stroke. These sugar shards damage kidneys so severely they shrivel and die and patents often wind up on dialysis.

Here’s the catch: The symptoms are reversible.

Right now the average American eats 140 pounds of sugar per year, which is 40 pounds more than when Oprah and I were born 50 years ago. Sugar is hidden all kinds of places that you least expect — condiments such as salad dressing and ketchup, peanut butter, and of course juice and soda. To be competitive and make things taste better, food companies have added more and more sugar. The intention wasn’t to hurt anyone, it was just to get you to like their food. We have slipped into a cultural acceptance of “a little sugar” – a little in our coffee, a little on our cereal, and it all adds up. The consequence of all that sweetness is obesity and rampant diabetes.

But back to the good news: 90 percent of diabetes is preventable and the symptoms are reversible. Let’s go through a few risk factors and action steps:

First, the warning signs are constant thirst, frequency in urination, feeling tired, frequent infections, tingling in the toes, and vision problems. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.

Risk factors are a big belly which blocks insulin, a sedentary lifestyle and a family history. When we refer to a “big belly” we mean one that measures more than half your height. If you are five foot 10 inches, (70 inches) your waist should measure no more than 35 inches at your belly button. Another rule of thumb is a woman of average height should weigh less than 150 pounds for optimum health.

Can we change our biology or our genes? No. But we can nudge it in the right direction. Avoid “white” foods — those with enriched flours, pasta, obvious sugar and rich starches like potatoes. Avoid high fructose corn syrup, which is found in everything from condiments to bread. You can just read the label to see what’s in a food item. Exercise – a lot! Start by walking and set a goal of 30 minutes three times a week of vigorous walking, then move gradually into an exercise program.

Also, know your numbers. Speak with your physician about your risk factors and a screening – just about anyone can get tested for free. This is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health and your children’s health. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones. It’s not just a little sugar!

A good article by Dr. Maoshing Ni on aging and good health:

Although 50% of the population in the United States will be over 65 by the year 2025, aging does not have to mean lower productivity and quality of life. In order to stay healthier longer, many people are seeking out the time-tested wisdom of Chinese Longevity Medicine. AGING MAY BE INEVITABLE, BUT POOR HEALTH IS NOT!

By the age of 40, people usually begin to experience a myriad of aging maladies such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, obesity, arthritis, stroke, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Others may simply feel tired, out of shape, anxious, depressed and unfulfilled. While modern medicine has neglected to address the effects of aging in any meaningful and fundamental way, Chinese Longevity Medicine has been making qualitative differences in improving the undesirable effects of aging in patients for centuries. Treatments range from acupuncture, tonic herbs and bodywork to dietary supplements, detoxification and psycho-spiritual guidance. By activating circulation, nourishing hormones, removing toxins and calming the nervous system, treatments promote regeneration and restore vitality.

You can begin to rejuvenate yourself right away. Here are five areas of self-renewal activities:

What You Eat: It is no surprise that diet is crucial to health and longevity. A diet that historically promotes longevity is high in fish and vegetables as well as mushrooms, seaweed, corn and buckwheat. It is low in animal products like meat and poultry.

What You Do: Tai chi practitioners live longer and remain healthier. Besides being enjoyable, tai chi makes you stronger. Recent studies have found that it increases energy, boosts immunity against viruses, lowers blood pressure and improves cognitive function among other benefits.

How You Heal: “First do no harm.” This simple yet profound ancient wisdom still holds true today. How can healing be effective if harm is created alongside the cure? Prevention is the key to maintaining good health. If healing is required, seek natural remedies that “first do no harm.”

Who You Are: Understanding your inherited and genetic vulnerabilities and the need for prevention gives you a head start on anti-aging. Chinese Longevity Medicine promotes self-responsibility and awareness-of yourself, your relationships and your health.

Where You Are: With environmental factors causing ever more damage to our well-being, it is important to know what to look out for. You can avoid chemical compounds if you buy organic foods and use glass and recycled paper products. It is also important to undergo periodic detoxification of your body.

Many years ago, I was in a car crash that severely injured my neck.  After trying several treatment modalities, the only thing that has worked in the long term is Chiropractic adjustments and some magnetic products that I use.

Chiropractic treatment  returns the body to balance through adjustments of the spine and joints, normalizing joint motion, reducing nerve interference, relieving stress and restoring normal body function. Whenever there is a system containing many movable parts, a complex balance is necessary between those parts. Chiropractors influence the body’s nervous system and natural defense mechanisms in order to alleviate pain and improve general health.

Because of its effectiveness in treating back problems, headaches and other injuries and traumas, chiropractic has become the second largest primary health care field in the world.

It has helped me a great deal in this aging process – from keeping my joints limber to keeping my muscles relaxed and free of spasms.  I like the fact that this treatment is non invasive and I am not taking medication to control the pain when I overwork my joints and muscles.