Strenuous exercise for just half an hour a day can reduce a person's risk of dying from cancer, says a new study.
Jogging, swimming, rowing and games like squash or football all lead to a lower risk of developing cancer and dying from it.
However, the study found people must exercise for at least 30 minutes a day to gain any benefit, reports The Daily Express.
The study`s boffins, from the universities of Kuopio and Oulu in Finland, believe that vigorous physical activity is best for lowering the risk of cancer, and particularly of lung and gastrointestinal cancers.
They say: `The intensity of leisure-time physical activity had a strong and independent association with cancer mortality.
`It should be at least moderate so the beneficial effect of physical activity for reducing overall cancer mortality can be achieved.`
To reach the conclusion, researchers followed 2,560 men aged from 42 to 61 from eastern Finland with no history of cancer and tested them to measure the intensity of their exercise.
The study has been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Allergy drugs may help reduce obesity and diabetes
Drugs commonly used to treat allergies have been found to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice, say Harvard researchers.
Lead researchers Guo-Ping Shi and Jian Liu focussed their study on inflammatory immune cells called mast cells, which facilitate healing in wounded tissue, primarily by increasing blood flow to the site.
In certain conditions, mast cells build up to levels far beyond what the body needs.
Thus the cells become unstable and eventually, like punctured trash bags, leak molecular "garbage" into the tissue. This can result in chronic inflammation that causes asthma and certain allergies.
The researchers also found that mast cells were far more abundant in fat tissue from obese and diabetic humans and mice than they were in normal weight fat tissue.
It prompted them to look at whether regulating mast cells could help control the symptoms.
For further analysis, Shi and colleagues took a group of obese and diabetic mice and, for a period of two months, treated them with over-the-counter allergy drugs ketotifen fumarate (also called Zaditor) or cromolyn.
"We knew from published research that both cromolyn and Zaditor help stabilize mast cells in people suffering from allergy or asthma," said Nature magazine quoted Shi as saying.
The mice involved the study were divided into four groups. The first was the control group; the second group was simply switched to a healthy diet; the third was given cromolyn or ketotifen fumarate; and the fourth was both given the drug and switched to a healthy diet.
The study showed that while symptoms of the second group improved moderately, the third group demonstrated dramatic improvements in both body weight and diabetes. The fourth group exhibited nearly 100 percent recovery in all areas.
The researchers then took a group of mice whose ability to produce mast cells was genetically impaired.
They found despite three months of a diet rich in sugar and fat, these mice neither became obese nor developed diabetes.
"The best thing about these drugs is that we know it's safe for people," said Shi.
However, the researchers tend to conduct more studies on the effect of cromolyn and ketotifen fumarate on obese and diabetic non-human primates.
Lead researchers Guo-Ping Shi and Jian Liu focussed their study on inflammatory immune cells called mast cells, which facilitate healing in wounded tissue, primarily by increasing blood flow to the site.
In certain conditions, mast cells build up to levels far beyond what the body needs.
Thus the cells become unstable and eventually, like punctured trash bags, leak molecular "garbage" into the tissue. This can result in chronic inflammation that causes asthma and certain allergies.
The researchers also found that mast cells were far more abundant in fat tissue from obese and diabetic humans and mice than they were in normal weight fat tissue.
It prompted them to look at whether regulating mast cells could help control the symptoms.
For further analysis, Shi and colleagues took a group of obese and diabetic mice and, for a period of two months, treated them with over-the-counter allergy drugs ketotifen fumarate (also called Zaditor) or cromolyn.
"We knew from published research that both cromolyn and Zaditor help stabilize mast cells in people suffering from allergy or asthma," said Nature magazine quoted Shi as saying.
The mice involved the study were divided into four groups. The first was the control group; the second group was simply switched to a healthy diet; the third was given cromolyn or ketotifen fumarate; and the fourth was both given the drug and switched to a healthy diet.
The study showed that while symptoms of the second group improved moderately, the third group demonstrated dramatic improvements in both body weight and diabetes. The fourth group exhibited nearly 100 percent recovery in all areas.
The researchers then took a group of mice whose ability to produce mast cells was genetically impaired.
They found despite three months of a diet rich in sugar and fat, these mice neither became obese nor developed diabetes.
"The best thing about these drugs is that we know it's safe for people," said Shi.
However, the researchers tend to conduct more studies on the effect of cromolyn and ketotifen fumarate on obese and diabetic non-human primates.
Iced coffees can be bad for your health
some iced coffees contain as many calories as a hot dinner. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) conducted a survey of iced coffees sold by some popular chains in Britain including Starbucks, Caffe Nero and Costa Coffee to gauge the calories as studies increasingly link obesity with cancer.
A venti dark berry mocha frappuccino from Starbucks had 561 calories. Other iced coffee contained more than 450 calories and the majority had in excess of 200.
Health experts advise that the average woman should consume about 2,000 calories a day and a man about 2,500 calories to maintain a healthy weight. Dieters aim for 1,000 to 1,500 calories a day.
The WCRF has estimated that 19,000 cancers a year in Britain could be prevented if people lost their excess weight with growing evidence that excess body fat increases the risk of various cancers.
Having an iced coffee as an occasional treat was fine but it was best to opt for an unsweetened coffee with skimmed or semi skimmed milk -- and steer clear of the cream or sugary fruit syrups.
Having them regularly will increase the chances of becoming overweight, which in turn increases risk of developing cancer, as well as other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
The WCRF, which identified the drinks' calories, did note that healthier versions of iced coffees were available at all the stores.
Starbucks in 2007 changed its default milk used in beverages like lattes to 2 percent from whole milk and is this year testing a frappuccino formula that mirrors its bid to cut calories in its food items to offer healthier choices.
Costa Coffee on its website gives full details of the contents of its drinks and food items, stressing that drinks can be made as asked with skimmed, full fat or soya milk.
Caffe Nero also publishes the calorie contents of all its drinks and food on its website.
A venti dark berry mocha frappuccino from Starbucks had 561 calories. Other iced coffee contained more than 450 calories and the majority had in excess of 200.
Health experts advise that the average woman should consume about 2,000 calories a day and a man about 2,500 calories to maintain a healthy weight. Dieters aim for 1,000 to 1,500 calories a day.
The WCRF has estimated that 19,000 cancers a year in Britain could be prevented if people lost their excess weight with growing evidence that excess body fat increases the risk of various cancers.
Having an iced coffee as an occasional treat was fine but it was best to opt for an unsweetened coffee with skimmed or semi skimmed milk -- and steer clear of the cream or sugary fruit syrups.
Having them regularly will increase the chances of becoming overweight, which in turn increases risk of developing cancer, as well as other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
The WCRF, which identified the drinks' calories, did note that healthier versions of iced coffees were available at all the stores.
Starbucks in 2007 changed its default milk used in beverages like lattes to 2 percent from whole milk and is this year testing a frappuccino formula that mirrors its bid to cut calories in its food items to offer healthier choices.
Costa Coffee on its website gives full details of the contents of its drinks and food items, stressing that drinks can be made as asked with skimmed, full fat or soya milk.
Caffe Nero also publishes the calorie contents of all its drinks and food on its website.
High blood lead levels linked to heart deaths
Researchers followed 533 women aged 65 to 87 years old for roughly 12 years. Those with lead concentrations above 8 micrograms per deciliter of blood were 59 percent more likely to die of any cause, and three times more likely to die of heart disease, than women with lower blood lead levels.
"Despite declines in blood lead concentrations during the past 30 years, environmental lead exposure continues to be a public health concern," Dr. Naila Khalil of University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and colleagues wrote in BioMed Central's online journal Environmental Health.
"Lead is a toxic metal, and our results add to the existing evidence of adverse affects of lead on health as seen in an older cohort who experienced greater historic environmental lead exposure," Khalil added in a written statement.
Results of the most recent US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2002) indicate that average blood lead levels have declined sharply -- relative to earlier surveys -- to 1.45 micrograms per deciliter.
However, the women studied by Khalil's group were part of an earlier study conducted between 1986 and 1988, and were therefore alive while lead was still used in paints, water systems and gasoline. Their average blood concentrations were 5.3 micrograms per deciliter, with some women showing levels as high as 21 micrograms per deciliter.
During the 12 years these women were followed, 123 died and these women had slightly higher average blood lead concentrations than survivors (5.56 versus 5.17 micrograms per deciliter.
Multiple factors contribute to the development of heart disease, and the current study shows that lead exposure may be one of them, the investigators say.
"While the damage may already have been done for some older people," they say, "it is important that we recognize the harm that environmental exposure to lead can cause. We must remain vigilant and ensure that lead pollution is minimized for the sake of future generations' health," the researchers conclude.
"Despite declines in blood lead concentrations during the past 30 years, environmental lead exposure continues to be a public health concern," Dr. Naila Khalil of University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and colleagues wrote in BioMed Central's online journal Environmental Health.
"Lead is a toxic metal, and our results add to the existing evidence of adverse affects of lead on health as seen in an older cohort who experienced greater historic environmental lead exposure," Khalil added in a written statement.
Results of the most recent US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2002) indicate that average blood lead levels have declined sharply -- relative to earlier surveys -- to 1.45 micrograms per deciliter.
However, the women studied by Khalil's group were part of an earlier study conducted between 1986 and 1988, and were therefore alive while lead was still used in paints, water systems and gasoline. Their average blood concentrations were 5.3 micrograms per deciliter, with some women showing levels as high as 21 micrograms per deciliter.
During the 12 years these women were followed, 123 died and these women had slightly higher average blood lead concentrations than survivors (5.56 versus 5.17 micrograms per deciliter.
Multiple factors contribute to the development of heart disease, and the current study shows that lead exposure may be one of them, the investigators say.
"While the damage may already have been done for some older people," they say, "it is important that we recognize the harm that environmental exposure to lead can cause. We must remain vigilant and ensure that lead pollution is minimized for the sake of future generations' health," the researchers conclude.
Link between blood sugar level and heart attacks
Cambridge University researchers found evidence linking intensive blood sugar level (or glucose) control with fewer heart attacks.
The research, funded by the British Heart Foundation, pointed to a 17 percent reduction in heart attacks and a 15 percent reduction in coronary disease.
However, the study found a more modest trend towards reduction in strokes with intensive control of glucose levels compared to standard care.
Conversely, there were no adverse effects on deaths from any cause, as suggested by previous smaller studies.
Diabetics are known to be at increased risk of heart disease. Even though patients can reduce their risk by maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and cholesterol reduction, the risk remains high, said a Cambridge University release.
The five trials involved more than 33,000 individuals, including 1,497 heart attack cases, 2,318 cases of coronary heart disease, and 1,227 stroke victims.
The research, funded by the British Heart Foundation, pointed to a 17 percent reduction in heart attacks and a 15 percent reduction in coronary disease.
However, the study found a more modest trend towards reduction in strokes with intensive control of glucose levels compared to standard care.
Conversely, there were no adverse effects on deaths from any cause, as suggested by previous smaller studies.
Diabetics are known to be at increased risk of heart disease. Even though patients can reduce their risk by maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and cholesterol reduction, the risk remains high, said a Cambridge University release.
The five trials involved more than 33,000 individuals, including 1,497 heart attack cases, 2,318 cases of coronary heart disease, and 1,227 stroke victims.
Pregnant women should avoid over eating
Washington, May 23 : Pregnant women should avoid 'eating for two' since too much weight gain is linked with complications at birth, according to a new study of 1,300 women.
Alison Stuebe, assistant professor of gynaecology at the Chapel Hill School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina (UNC), found that those who consumed extra calories as well as fried foods and dairy products were more likely gain as much as 35 pounds.
Stuebe found that eating an extra 500 calories daily increased the odds of gaining weight by 10 percent.
Gaining too much weight is linked with complications at birth, such as pre-eclampsia, a set of symptoms that indicate a basic disorder with the placenta, as well as higher odds that both mother and child will be obese later in life.
However, the study found that several eating habits reduced moms' risk of gaining too much. Women with vegetarian diets in early pregnancy were half as likely to gain an unhealthy amount of weight.
Researchers also found that consuming more monounsaturated fat, found in olive oil and nuts, was linked with a lower risk of excessive weight gain. Stuebe did the research while at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said an UNC release.
These results were published online in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Alison Stuebe, assistant professor of gynaecology at the Chapel Hill School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina (UNC), found that those who consumed extra calories as well as fried foods and dairy products were more likely gain as much as 35 pounds.
Stuebe found that eating an extra 500 calories daily increased the odds of gaining weight by 10 percent.
Gaining too much weight is linked with complications at birth, such as pre-eclampsia, a set of symptoms that indicate a basic disorder with the placenta, as well as higher odds that both mother and child will be obese later in life.
However, the study found that several eating habits reduced moms' risk of gaining too much. Women with vegetarian diets in early pregnancy were half as likely to gain an unhealthy amount of weight.
Researchers also found that consuming more monounsaturated fat, found in olive oil and nuts, was linked with a lower risk of excessive weight gain. Stuebe did the research while at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said an UNC release.
These results were published online in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Benchmark Lending
For over a decade, Benchmark Lending has been helping home buyers and owners realize their dreams. As a primary lending institution, Benchmark is uniquely positioned to assist both refinancing and new mortgage customers. They take the time to understand you and your financial goals. They tailor loans that take into account your cash flow, payment timeframe, equity plans and investment opportunities. You will get a loan that won't break your budget and provides you the flexibility and resources to get the most out of your property investments.Their loan process is in one word easy, easy to understand, easy to complete and most of all easy to manage, because we handle all the hard work. Your personal Loan Officer will manage the application process, work with you through any and all credit issues and help ensure that every I is dotted and every T is crossed. They will carefully explain every detail of your mortgage so there are no surprises on your monthly bill. Our sole aim is to make the experience of financing a new or existing home absolutely painless. They will guarantee that you have a loan tailored to your specific financial needs
Hair Removal
Before removing hair, it helps to know about the different types of hair on our bodies. All hair is made of keratin, a hard protein that's also found in your fingernails and toenails. Hair growth begins beneath the surface of your skin at a hair root inside a hair follicle, a small tube in the skin.
You have two types of hair on your body. Vellus hair is soft, fine, and short. Most women have vellus hair on their chest, back, and face. It can be darker and more noticeable in some women than others, especially those with darker complexions. Vellus hair helps the body maintain a steady temperature by providing some insulation.
Terminal hair is coarser, darker, and longer than vellus hair. It's the type of hair that grows on your head. Around puberty, terminal hair starts to grow in the armpits and pubic region. On guys, terminal hair begins to grow on the face and other parts of the body such as the chest, legs, and back. Terminal hair is there to provide cushioning and protection.
In some cases, excess hair growth, called hirsutism (pronounced: hur-soo-tih-zum), may be the result of certain medical conditions. In girls, polycystic ovary syndrome and other hormonal disorders can cause dark, coarse hair to grow on the face, especially the upper lip and chin, as well as on the chest, belly, and back. Some medications, like anabolic steroids, also can cause hirsutism.
adverse credit mortgage
These are mortgages specifically designed for people who do not qualify for a mainstream mortgage from lenders. They may be suitable in a variety of situations – for example, if you have had credit problems in the past or have difficulty proving a regular or reliable income. Such situations are unfortunately increasingly common. Life-changing events such as divorce, unemployment and sickness can sometimes cause you to miss making payments on your mortgage or other financial commitments. These things happen to many people at some stage in their lives, but once such problems are behind you, they should not stop you applying for a mortgage.
This means that they have to follow comprehensive rules on how mortgage advice and information is provided. This also gives you important protection as a customer, including access to an independent redress scheme (the Financial Ombudsman Service) if you have a valid complaint about how your mortgage is sold or administered.
This means that they have to follow comprehensive rules on how mortgage advice and information is provided. This also gives you important protection as a customer, including access to an independent redress scheme (the Financial Ombudsman Service) if you have a valid complaint about how your mortgage is sold or administered.
A number of lenders offer adverse credit mortgages. You can find information on the internet, in
the personal finance pages of a newspaper or through mortgage magazines sold in newsagents. Some lenders only offer adverse credit mortgages through a mortgage intermediary or mortgage broker. As there are lots of different mortgages designed to suit individual circumstances, you may wish to use a mortgage broker who gives advice and who will be able to recommend a suitable product for you.
the personal finance pages of a newspaper or through mortgage magazines sold in newsagents. Some lenders only offer adverse credit mortgages through a mortgage intermediary or mortgage broker. As there are lots of different mortgages designed to suit individual circumstances, you may wish to use a mortgage broker who gives advice and who will be able to recommend a suitable product for you.
Botox can poison your body
Using botox to ward off wrinkles? Don't waste your money as a new research has found that contrary to popular belief, the toxin can spread in the body, potentially putting patients' health at risk.
Botox is made from a toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum, one of the deadliest germs known to man, researchers informed.
The study said the toxin causes botulism, a severe and often fatal condition whereby the muscles become progressively paralysed, the heart and breathing muscles stop, causing death.
It was this ability to temporarily paralyse muscles which had been harnessed by the medical profession. Tiny amounts injected into the face blocked nerve signals and caused paralysis, thus relaxing the muscles and smoothing out wrinkles.
It had been widely assumed that Botox stayed in the muscle and was therefore safe but new research contradicted this fact.
In the study, conducted at the University of Calgary, in Canada, and published in the Journal of Biomechanics, it was found that the product was not as easy to control as previously thought.
The research was led by scientist Dr Walter Herzog, who received the American Society of Biomechanists' highest honour for his work last year.
''What we found was that the toxin passed easily into the surrounding muscles and weakened all the muscles in the area. The results support other research that has already shown that botulinum can pass through muscle fascia (the packing tissue around muscles),'' said Dr Walter Herzog, lead researcher.
''Our research showed that the toxin can also affect the working of the neighbouring muscles,'' the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.
''While I see the benefits of it as a therapeutic tool, its applications in humans are increasing and it is important we understand more about this product, which is a toxin,'' he added.
Botox is made from a toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum, one of the deadliest germs known to man, researchers informed.
The study said the toxin causes botulism, a severe and often fatal condition whereby the muscles become progressively paralysed, the heart and breathing muscles stop, causing death.
It was this ability to temporarily paralyse muscles which had been harnessed by the medical profession. Tiny amounts injected into the face blocked nerve signals and caused paralysis, thus relaxing the muscles and smoothing out wrinkles.
It had been widely assumed that Botox stayed in the muscle and was therefore safe but new research contradicted this fact.
In the study, conducted at the University of Calgary, in Canada, and published in the Journal of Biomechanics, it was found that the product was not as easy to control as previously thought.
The research was led by scientist Dr Walter Herzog, who received the American Society of Biomechanists' highest honour for his work last year.
''What we found was that the toxin passed easily into the surrounding muscles and weakened all the muscles in the area. The results support other research that has already shown that botulinum can pass through muscle fascia (the packing tissue around muscles),'' said Dr Walter Herzog, lead researcher.
''Our research showed that the toxin can also affect the working of the neighbouring muscles,'' the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.
''While I see the benefits of it as a therapeutic tool, its applications in humans are increasing and it is important we understand more about this product, which is a toxin,'' he added.
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