New Research Shows That Saunas Can Protect You From Diseases

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CTV News reports that the researchers conducted a study involving 2,300 men. The subjects were monitored for more than two decades. The participants who used saunas frequently had a significant decrease in their health risk for heart diseases. Approximately, it lowered the risk of the subjects by at least 63%. As for dementia and Alzheimer’s, there was a 66% reduction.

The University of Eastern Finland initiated the study and they discovered that frequency plays a huge part. It emphasizes the protective properties of this practice. The research team also saw some consistent improvements in blood pressure, blood flow and heart function. This was done over four sauna sessions every week within a two-month period.

Jari Laukkanen, the study’s lead author, says that brain and heart conditions share some risk factors. That may explain why sauna bathing is effective in improving your defenses against these two groups of diseases.

Studies Show Saunas Can Protect Against Heart, Brain Diseases

Since ancient times, saunas have been used for relaxation and wellness. Now, multiple studies are suggesting that enjoying a good sweat can also help to stave off heart disease, stroke and even dementia. Read more…

iTechPost says that sitting in a sauna at least 4-7 times a week lowers your risk in an incredible rate. Men will be less likely to be diagnosed. The research went on for 20 years and it was called the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. It analyzed the effects of sauna bathing on other forms of dementia.

Scientists from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study associated dementia with the frequency of sessions. The  subjects were divided into three groups: a group taking a sweat session once a week, another one at 2-3 times a week, and those who go at least 4-7 times a week.

At this point, it’s not yet clear how this will aid prevention but the results show that men who usually get into sweat sauna sessions are less likely to develop such conditions later in life.

Study Shows That Frequent Sauna Can Protect Us From Dementia And Alzheimer’s Diseases

The study, called the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study, examined the effects of sauna bathing on the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in more than 2,000 middle-aged men in eastern Finland. Read more…

Canada Journal talks about how this common practice in Finland protects men from various diseases. The effects of this practice in relation to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia conditions were studied in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD). It involved around 2,000 middle-aged men located in the eastern part of the country. They were monitored for their bathing habits.

The researchers found significant results in the reduction of risks involving cardiac death, coronary artery disease, and overall mortality rate. Professor Jari Laukkanen discusses further that the practice protects the heart and memory to a certain level but the mechanisms involved in that area are still not widely explored.

Frequent Sauna Bathing Protects Men Against Dementia, Finds New Research

In a 20-year follow-up, men taking a sauna 4–7 times a week were 66% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those taking a sauna once a week. The association between sauna bathing and dementia risk has not been previously investigated. Read more…

Though more research is needed, it might be helpful to alleviate these conditions. Bring on the sweat session this weekend! After all, what have you got to lose?

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Cancer Researchers Find Genetic Fingerprint Which Alerts Prostate Cancer Growth

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The Canadian researchers revealed the genetic fingerprint that leads to a deeper understanding as to why there are 30 percent of men with curable localized prostate cancer that end up with the aggressive disease post radiotherapy or surgery.

These results prove to be important as these could potentially lead to other targeted therapies. Medical practitioners can customize the form of treatment for their patients. This can have a positive and effective outcome from the moment of diagnosis. This is according to co-principal investigator Robert Bristow, a Professor in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto.

The research team comprised of Dr. Bristow, co-principal investigator Dr. Paul Boutros from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, lead author Dr. Michael Fraser, and collaborators at Laval University in Quebec City, examined the tumors of 500 Canadian men from the general population. They have localized and non-inherited prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Researchers Find Genetic Fingerprint Identifying How, When Disease Spreads

Canadian prostate cancer researchers have discovered the genetic fingerprint that explains why up to 30 per cent of men with potentially curable localized prostate cancer develop aggressive disease that spreads following radiotherapy or surgery. Read more…

The selected men were treated with surgery or radiation. The team analyzed the genetic make-up of their tumors to check if there was a connection between the men who had good results from treatment and those who did not.

Metro News Canada highlights the reason why this discovery is quite vital in cancer research: it means that doctors have a higher chance of discovering the disease in the early stages.  Dr. Bristow said that they utilized special DNA sequencing techniques in order to identify the genetics of prostate cancers. This enables them to understand the differences between one man’s disease to another.

The fingerprints have a higher accuracy in determining men who respond well to surgery or radiotherapy as well as those who have had the disease metastasize outside of the prostate gland. The information leads to clues how clinicians can treat one set of men versus the other to increase cure rates in general.

Researchers Discover Genetic Fingerprint Identifying How Prostate Cancer Spreads

The discovery means doctors may be able to predict at an early stage whether a prostate tumour will become aggressive and potentially deadly, allowing for more personalized treatment from the moment a man is diagnosed, said co-principal investigator Dr. Robert Bristow, a clinician-scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. Read more…

Calgary Herald talks about why these patients can’t simply have radiotherapy or surgery alone. The patients should also have some sort of chemo or hormonal therapy because the cancer cells had spread throughout the body.

In Canada, this type of cancer is the most common among men. It is also the third leading cause of male cancer death after lung and colorectal cancers. Around 21,600 Canadian men were diagnosed with prostate CA in 2016, and 4,000 died because of the disease.

The Toronto team collaborated with Monash University in Melbourne, Australia on a related study. The analysis showed that prostate tumors are related to the inherited BRCA2 gene mutation. It gets lethal: kills about half of patients within five years of diagnosis.

Researchers Discover Genetic Fingerprint Identifying How Prostate Cancer Spreads

In a related study published Monday in Nature Communications, the Toronto researchers and collaborators at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, were able to show through genetic analysis why prostate tumours linked to the inherited BRCA2 gene mutation turn lethal, killing half of affected patients within five years of diagnosis. Read more…

Every year, more and more people fall into the hands of this disease. If the team can procure a great outcome for future techniques related to genetic fingerprinting, this would truly be beneficial in the field of Oncology.

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Breaking News: Tooth Repair Drug May Be A Good Alternative For Fillings

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BBC.com reports that teeth can be encouraged to self-repair. This is according to a report from scientists at King’s College London. It appears that there’s a chemical that can support cells in the dental pulp to heal small holes in mice teeth.

They made use of a biodegradable sponge. It was then soaked in the drug and then put inside the cavity. The study was released in Science Reports. “It led to a complete and effective natural repair.

Teeth only have little regenerative abilities. They release a thin band of dentine, the layer just below the enamel. If the inner dental pulp gets exposed, it does not have the capacity to repair a large cavity. To repair tooth decay, dentists need to make use of a filling made of metal amalgam or a composite of powdered glass and ceramic.

But in this case, this could be a brand new way for dental repair:

Tooth Repair Drug’ May Replace Fillings

They discovered that a drug called Tideglusib heightened the activity of stem cells in the dental pulp so they could repair 0.13mm holes in the teeth of mice. A drug-soaked sponge was placed in the hole and then a protective coating was applied over the top. As the sponge broke down it was replaced by dentine, healing the tooth. Read more…

The drug, Tideglusib, was originally developed to manage Alzheimer’s disease. However, as the research shows, it is quite effective when it comes to treating tooth decay. Medical Daily discusses that the drug is approved for use in Alzheimer’s cases, hence, there will be less need to test its safety.

The study was released in Scientific Reports. Tideglusib facilitated dentine production in the tooth. Because the process is so simple, it is very ideal as a dental product. As it exhibits pulp protection and dentine restoration, it may be produced for the treatment of large cavities. This is according to study author Paul Sharpe.

Moreover, what’s really good is that in cases of tooth decay, the approach speeds up the generation of stem cells and the damage will not progress. This also means it would eliminate the need for fillings.

Tooth Decay Eliminated With Alzheimer’s Drug? Treatment Speeds Up Tooth Repair, May Replace Fillings

Every so often we come across a drug developed to treat one condition that unexpectedly does wonders for an unrelated problem; a new and prime example is the drug Tideglusib. Although originally developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests that it could actually do wonders for tooth decay, perhaps making the dreaded root canal a barbaric procedure of the past. Read more…

The Telegraph UK explains that fillings could no longer be needed because of the main function of this drug. Scientists were able to show that aside from triggering the production of dentine, it also repairs the damage in just six weeks. The little sponges are also convenient because they’re made out of collagen: these melt away over time.

Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation says that this approach promises a good outcome for dental health. For the process to be initiated into clinical application would mean that it is a progressive step towards the treatment of dental issues.

This is a more natural way of solving dental problems. It presents a less invasive option for patients. While dental phobia is as real as it gets, this technique can prove to be comforting for the public.

End Of Fillings In Sight As Scientists Find Alzheimer’s Drug Makes Teeth Grow Back

Researchers at King’s College London found that the drug Tideglusib stimulates the stem cells contained in the pulp of teeth so that they generate new dentine – the mineralised material under the enamel. Read more…

Though this discovery gives us hope about a better form of treatment, don’t cancel your appointments to the dentist just yet. It remains to be seen whether this is going to be available for the public. Further investigations are needed. In the meantime, prioritize proper mouth hygiene, tooth care, and regular visits to your dentist.

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New Research Shows That High-Traffic Roads Raises Dementia Risk

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CBC Canada says that living close to a major road might be linked to a small increase in the risk for developing dementia. The new Canadian study may give insights on the different factors contributing to this brain condition. The collaboration between researchers at Public Health Ontario and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences paved way to examining data involving 6.5 million people aging between 20-85 years old.

They tried to look for any links between the places where these people lived and the occurrence of dementia, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Ray Copes and his team said that there’s higher incidence of dementia for those living close to heavy traffic. The study did not show any associations with Parkinson’s or MS.

Moreover, it appears that the fine particles from vehicle pollution gets absorbed into the lungs and is greatly connected with inflammation that’s related to cardiac and respiratory diseases. It is possible that the pollutants may affect the central nervous system and cause dementia. This hypothesis hasn’t been proven.

Dementia Risk Linked To Living Close To High-Traffic Roads

Living within half a city block of a major road may be associated with a small increased risk of dementia, suggests a new Canadian study that could help shed light on factors contributing to the brain disorder. Read more…

The Star emphasizes on the location of the Ontario residents. Those who lived within 50 meters of major roads increased their likelihood of developing the condition by at least seven per cent. Those who lived more than 200 meters away exhibited no increase in the risk. People who extended their stay close to these routes had the risk increased by 12 per cent.

The team went back five years (1996) and they traced the proximity of each participant to the major roadways using the postal codes. The Ontario Health card renewal records allowed the team to monitor how long each subject stayed in a certain area.

Nineteen per cent of Ontario’s population lives within close proximity of a major roadway. Under half live within 200 meters and when you factor in high-density cities like Toronto that percentage would increase.

Researchers Suggest Air Pollution From Vehicles May Be A Factor In The Development Of Dementia.

That increased risk dropped to four per cent for those who lived 50 to 100 metres from major traffic, and to two per cent if they lived between 100 and 200 metres. At more than 200 metres there was no elevated risk of dementia, the study found. Read more…

CBS News covers study author Hong Chen’s explanation: the results imply that busy routes like these could be a possible source of environmental factors that may give a rise in the numbers where dementia is concerned.

Dr. Paul Wright, chair of neurology at North Shore University Hospital Manhasset, N.Y. says that the results makes us consider the importance of this health concern. There might be a need for it to be investigated further as the rates of the said condition is still on the rise. It becomes a significant public health concern and the people need to know about the outcome of this study.

Dementia Risk Linked To Living Near Busy Roads

However, “our study suggests that busy roads could be a source of environmental stressors that could give rise to the onset of dementia,” study author Hong Chen, with Public Health Ontario, said in a journal news release. Read more…

The study presents the need for us to take action. If the cause and effect of the study can be proven, it will definitely put the people and the government on guard. This can potentially create preventive measures in protecting our brain health.

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Sugar: The World’s Most Popular Drug

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WB News says that this is something that can intoxicate us, give us enough energy to last for a while, and the best part is that we can take it by mouth. The taste is pleasurable. It doesn’t have to be taken in any other way. You don’t have to inject, smoke or snort it for you to experience its wonderful effects. This feeling is even better when we mix it with food and drinks. It gives children the feeling of intense pleasure that it may become the best source of energy for them.

Why is it that sugar presents such feeling of intoxication? Is it possible that sugar is an intoxicant? A drug? Overconsumption does not have any short-term effects like dizziness, slurring of speech, passing out, or respiratory distress. What is it with sugar? When given to kids, the effects can only be characterized by hyperactivity, or the natural emotional behaviors exhibited during childhood.

Is Sugar The World’s Most Popular Drug?

Imagine a drug that can intoxicate us, can infuse us with energy and can be taken by mouth. It doesn’t have to be injected, smoked, or snorted for us to experience its sublime and soothing effects. Imagine that it mixes well with virtually every food and particularly liquids, and that when given to infants it provokes a feeling of pleasure so profound and intense that its pursuit becomes a driving force throughout their lives. Read more…

The Guardian talks about the how it gets addicting for kids. We can all agree that it’s got some kind of an effect to children. It makes them happy, eases pain, focuses their attention and leaves them active. The only thing that gets parents worried is that children might ask for more, or even demand it on a daily basis.

This imaginary drug has influenced our daily lifestyle. It is deemed as necessary to alleviate discomfort, distract attention and prevent unhappiness. This is even used in special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and the rest of the celebrations.

The way we consume sweets even from early childhood to adulthood affects how we view sugar consumption. When you have kids, you’ll understand that raising them will be easier if sugar was not an option on the table. Monitoring children’s intake is also a big part of parental responsibilities. Rationing is very important in this part.

Is Sugar The World’s Most Popular Drug?

And once the drug became identified with pleasure, how long before it was used to celebrate birthdays, a football game, good grades at school? How long before no gathering of family and friends was complete without it, before major holidays and celebrations were defined in part by the use of this drug to assure pleasure? How long would it be before the underprivileged of the world would happily spend what little money they had on this drug rather than on nutritious meals for their families? Read more…

Even Healthline experts agree that the substance in sweet foods is as addictive as cocaine.  We give it to children to initiate a reward system, and we were even taught about this practice when we were young. We celebrate after a stressful day, or if there’s a birthday. We just love the sweet things in life and we enjoy it too much.

We put it in our coffee, add it to our favorite treats, and include it in our meals. How can we tell though if we’re addicted to it? As of this time, there is an increasing body of research that tells us sugar has some addictive properties that can be similar to street drugs and how it affects our brain.

Alan Greene, M.D., a children’s health and wellness expert, says that addiction is a strong word. In medical practice, “addiction” refers to a situation where someone’s brain chemistry has been disrupted in a way that compels them to repeat a substance or activity despite of harmful consequences. That’s why, it’s a cause for concern. Evidence is piling up – too much added sugar may lead to true addiction.

Experts Agree: Sugar Might Be as Addictive as Cocaine

We reward children with it, over the holidays or for a job well done in school. And we reward ourselves with it — after a particularly stressful day or to celebrate a birthday or a special success. We add sugar to our coffee, bake it into our favorite treats, and spoon it over our breakfast. We love the sweet stuff. We crave it. But, are we addicted to it? Read more…

We know that we can’t completely quit sugar. We must start on our end – pick sugars that produce a short blood sugar response. These help in fullness and appetite. Remember, take less of refined sugars. 

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Include This In Your New Year’s Resolution: Clean Dieting For 2017

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Muscle and Strength discusses the differences between the vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian diet plans. First, the vegan diet is strongly focused on the health properties of food as well as the moral implications of the diet. It does not include any animal-based foods and products. All meat from fish chicken, shellfish, dairy, eggs are excluded.

The Vegetarian diet is aa bit more loose on the consumption of animal products. Though animal foods aren’t allowed in vegan meals, vegetarians can consume dairy products like milk and eggs. This is something that makes a big difference because dairy can help prevent nutritional deficiencies in a vegan diet.

The Pescatarian diet is somehow next to being almost a carnivore. This is like a modified version of vegetarianism. It has a similar approach in terms of food philosophy and diet. However, there’s one distinction: it allows the consumption of fish and other shellfish.

The Vegan, Vegetarian, & Pescatarian Diet Plan Guide

The idea of not eating animals has been around for centuries; primarily due to religious reasons. For example, Buddhist Vegetarianism can be dated back to between the 6th and 4th Century BC. Veganism as it is currently practiced can be credited to Donald Watson. He co-founded the Vegan Society in England and his initial prescription of veganism was what is now described as non-dairy vegetarianism. Read more…  

PopSugar explains that eating clean can be within your reach if you just have the right ingredients ready. This is quite achievable. You just need to get the appropriate eating guide. This two-week plan is going to pave way to get you to your goals. These include easy-to-make recipes, shopping lists, and a good breakdown on what to prepare.

This plan was initiated by expert dietitians, Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh of C&J Nutrition. It emphasizes eating whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. The routine includes three meals, a snack, and a treat. It doesn’t have to be a boring routine right? You don’t have to deny yourself of the foods you love.

It involves going alcohol-free as well. You can have your daily cup of joe but no cream since the practice includes being dairy-free. 

Welcome to Your Clean-Eating Plan For 2017

Eating clean is easy when you have all the ingredients on hand. Our 2-Week Clean-Eating Plan sets you up for success with easy-to-make and delicious recipes, printable shopping lists, and a weekly rundown of what to prep, make, and save. The plan, created by the registered dietitians Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh of C&J Nutrition, focuses on whole foods — fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. You’ll eat three meals, a snack, and a treat daily. Read more…

Today.com has a different approach when it comes to being healthy for 2017. These are six simple ways to get you to adapt to a cleaner eating habit. While other people’s list include saving money and building relationships, there are those who want to prioritize their health this year. The transition from old habits to new and better ones give us hope that we can do simple changes.

Focusing on health this year doesn’t mean changing your entire game. It’s all about the small but meaningful moves that can bring about the big and effective results. You can absolutely reap the healthy benefits at the end of the year.

Just make a note though: these are small steps that you can do one at a time. There’s no need to rush. It’s a starting point. If the first one does not work out for you, move on to the next one.

6 Simple Ways To Get Healthy For 2017

We’re counting down to the New Year, when a lot of folks put their health front and center on their resolution lists. But being healthier for 2017 doesn’t have to mean revamping your entire routine. Sometimes, all it takes are a few simple changes. It’s all about the small moves you make that reap huge health benefits down the road. Read more…

Check out these additional dieting tips from Gravity Training Zone – Fat Loss Experts:

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The Hardest Resolution For 2017

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CNN says that the hardest New Year’s resolution has something to do with developing a healthy habit. While we do our best to enjoy the New Year, a lot of us would evaluate our choices, especially on breaking the chain of vices. We set goals for the entire year just to make sure we meet a healthier and happier life.

With 1 billion smokers around the world, there are people in this population who want to get rid of this habit. It’s a good start, especially if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle this year. Not to discourage you or anything but the United Kingdom’s Royal Society of Public Health released data that this goal is the most difficult one to achieve. Three out of five people in the UK who initiated the goal end up taking the habit again at the end of the month.

Quitting Smoking Is The Hardest Resolution To Keep

But this goal is the most difficult of all resolutions to keep, with three in five people in the United Kingdom who resolved to quit taking the habit up again by the end of January, according to new data released by the Royal Society of Public Health in the UK. Read more…

Eurasia Diary talks about why it’s so hard to keep. Duncan Stephenson, director of external affairs at the Royal Society of Public Health explains that the major challenge here is chemical addiction. It is something that’s going to push you to your limits, when it comes to willpower.

He said that findings aren’t at all surprising. This serves as an important note that people aren’t supposed to give up on hope. They can always make use of support services available in their area. There are quitting aids in the form of nicotine, replacement therapy, or e-cigarettes. At the very least, it can help them improve their chance of success.

He says that the most effective way of pushing through with your goals is to start with small changes in your approach. Unrealistic goals might be your downfall. People want to reinvent themselves dramatically, but that doesn’t have to mean that you’ll set yourself for failure.

Goal for 2017: Smoking is Hardest One To Keep

Stephenson was unsurprised by the findings. They’re an important reminder that people should not to give up after the first hurdle or slip-up. They can use support services or quitting aids, such as nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes, to improve their chances of success, he said. Read more…

KTVZ.com reports that Stephenson made it clear by pointing out the similarity between quitting smoking and going on a diet with unrealistic goals. Let’s take Christmas as an example. It’s one of the biggest holidays of the year, and that means celebrations are focused on food. If you go on a crash diet, you’re likely not to succeed. 95 percent of diets fail after the holidays.

When it comes to resolution success, dieting came in second from the last. The results of the survey showed that 65 percent of people lasted for a month, but only 16% made it the entire year. Based on John Norcross, addictive behaviors like smoking and dieting are the most difficult resolutions to keep. Norcross is a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of Scranton. The easiest were realistic ones that can be accomplished permanently in about three or four weeks.

These involve improving relationships and a better work-life balance. It seems that success can be achieved easily with these two resolutions.

Quitting Smoking Is The Hardest Resolution To Keep

More than 80 percent of people who resolved to improve relationships reported doing so by the end of January, with 58 percent having stuck with it to the end of the year. A better work-life balance came in second, with 75 percent keeping this resolution for one month and 43 percent still feeling they were doing this at the end of the year. Read more…

Success in resolutions is more related to how realistic your goals are. It says “improve” and not “fix” – this makes the biggest difference. Moreover, if you’ve just been through a slip-up, treat it as a challenge to get better. If you can make small changes, then you can be on your way to a higher success rate. 

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