Pfizer Recalls One Million Birth Control Packs

Pfizer Recalls One Million Birth Control Packs – States Risk of Unintended Pregnancies in Users

Lo-Ovral 28 Birth Control Recall 2012

Pfizer recalled about one million packs of it Lo-Ovral 28 tablet birth control product when it found out that the wrong pills were put into the packages.

These pills are marketed under the brand name Akrimax Pharmaceuticals. The product contains 21 active white pills and seven non-active, pink pills. Pfizer stated in the product being recalled the number of active pills may be incorrect or out of sequence. This could cause women to get too low a dose of the hormonal ingredients and increase the risk of unintentional pregnancy.

Pfizer advised that women who have used the recalled product should use a “non-hormonal form of birth control immediately.”

The Bottom Line on Drinking Coffee – Is it Healthy or Not?

Literally dozens of scientific papers studying the pros and cons of both coffee and caffeine have been published over the last decade. Some are positive and some are negative. Therefore, it is understandable that many coffee drinkers are confused about the safety of their coffee consumption.

This article will address the pros and cons of caffeinated coffee. Coffee has other compounds, (i.e. antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and melanoidins) besides caffeine that may contribute to its effects.

Pros:

• Significant amounts of antioxidants as much as some fruits

• May reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. van Dam RM, Willett WC, Manson JE, Hu FB. Coffee, caffeine, and risk of type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study in younger and middle-aged U.S. women. Diabetes Care. 2006 Feb;29(2):398-403. PubMed

• May reduce risk of Parkinsons’s Disease: Saaksjarvi K, Knekt P, Rissanen H, Laaksonen MA, Reunanen A, Mannisto S. Prospective study of coffee consumption and risk of Parkinson’s disease. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 May 16. PubMed

• May reduce risk of gallstones in women. Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Spiegelman D, Colditz GA, Giovannucci EL. Coffee intake is associated with lower risk of symptomatic gallstone disease in women. Gastroenterology. 2002 Dec;123(6):1823-30. PubMed

• May reduce risk of kidney stones in women. Curhan GC, Willett WC, Speizer FE, Stampfer MJ. Beverage use and risk for kidney stones in women. Ann Intern Med. 1998 Apr 1;128(7):534-40. PubMed

• May reduce risk of gout in men. Choi HK, Willett W, Curhan G. Coffee consumption and risk of incident gout in men: a prospective study. Arthritis Rheum. 2007 Jun;56(6):2049-55. PubMed

• May decrease risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Barranco Quintana JL, Allam MF, Serrano Del Castillo A, Ferna’ndez-Crehuet Navajas R. Alzheimer’s disease and coffee: a quantitative review. Neurol Res. 2007 Jan;29(1):91-5. PubMed

• May decrease risk of endometrial cancer. Nutrients. 2011 Nov;3(11):937-50. Epub 2011 Nov 2.

Cons:

• May increase risk of coronary heart disease. Lopez-Garcia E, van Dam RM, Willett WC, Rimm EB, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, Rexrode KM, Hu FB. Coffee consumption and coronary heart disease in men and women: a prospective cohort study. Circulation. 2006 May 2;113(17):2045-53. Epub 2006 Apr 24. PubMed

• May raise cholesterol. van Tol A, Urgert R, de Jong-Caesar R, van Gent T, Scheek LM, de Roos B, Katan MB. The cholesterol-raising diterpenes from coffee beans increase serum lipid transfer protein activity levels in humans. Atherosclerosis. 1997 Jul 25;132(2):251-4. PubMed

• May increase homocysteine levels. P, Pasman WJ, Van Vliet T, Urgert R, Katan MB. Contribution of caffeine to the homocysteine-raising effect of coffee: a randomized controlled trial in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Dec;76(6):1244-8. PubMed

• May contribute to hypertension. Klag MJ, Wang NY, Meoni LA, Brancati FL, Cooper LA, Liang KY, Young JH, Ford DE. Coffee intake and risk of hypertension: the Johns Hopkins precursors study. Arch Intern Med. 2002 Mar 25;162(6):657-62. PubMed

• May increase risk of bone fracture. Hallstrom H, Wolk A, Glynn A, Michaelsson K. Coffee, tea and caffeine consumption in relation to osteoporotic fracture risk in a cohort of Swedish women. Osteoporos Int. 2006;17(7):1055-64. Epub 2006 May 4. PubMed

• May increase risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis if unfiltered coffee is consumed. Heliovaara M, Aho K, Knekt P, Impivaara O, Reunanen A, Aromaa A. Coffee consumption, rheumatoid factor, and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2000 Aug;59(8):631-5. PubMed

The pro health benefits that are listed for coffee consumption do not need a lot of conversation. If it turns out these positive studies apply to most of the coffee consuming population, in general, they are clearly, desirable.

Let’s discuss the seriousness (or lack thereof) of the listed Cons against coffee consumption:

1- Does it really increase the risk of coronary heart disease? The data is very contradictory and if it turns out it does, the magnitude of such an effect seems to be small. An analysis of the studies reported that if could find NO correlation between coffee consumption and coronary heart disease.

2- Does it really raise cholesterol? Closer examination of the studies indicates if it does the effect is small.

3- If it does raise homocysteine… (which is a controversial marker for heart disease) a B-complex vitamin reduces that risk significantly.

4- Does it really raise blood pressure very much? The studies show that it does but again the effect is small and probably transient.

5- Does it increase risk of bone fractures in any significant way? Probably nothing that 2000 IU a day of vitamin D and 100 mcg of vitamin K-2 couldn’t deal with.

6- Studies are contradictory. One study showed no risk of rheumatoid arthritis and coffee in women. Diets of fish and vegetables decrease risk of RA.

The Bottom Line: In Moderation, Coffee is safe!

To get the health benefits of caffeinated coffee and minimize whatever health risks (if any), limit consumption to 2-4 cups a day. In addition, it is possible that drinking roasted, organic, filtered coffee products is a good way to go to eliminate the cons.*

*People with gastritis should be careful consuming coffee and discuss it with their physicians

**Though caffeine can be stimulating to a fetus, and therefore if possible, you may want to stop coffee consumption during pregnancy. But if you just can’t quit, rest assured that NO study we could find, has shown any harm in consuming 1-2 cups a day of caffeinated coffee during pregnancy.

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

Flaxseeds… One of the Healthiest Foods You Can Add To Your Diet

FLAXSEEDS….ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST FOODS YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR DIET!

Flaxseed is a superfood that has been consumed worldwide for over 6,000 years. Today, flaxseed is available in the form of seeds, oils, powder, tablets, capsules, and flour. The nutrients in flaxseed include lignans, antioxidants, fiber, protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), or omega-3. Consuming these nutrients is believed to help lower the risk of various conditions. Anti-inflammatory Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is necessary for a wide range of functions in the body and lignans are antioxidant substances that promote hormonal balance in addition to other benefits.

Benefits of Flaxseed

Flaxseed improves:

Improves digestion, skin, and cardiovascular health
Promotes cholesterol and hormone balance
Fights cancer
Curbs sugar cravings
…and more!

One tablespoon of ground flax seeds contains the following (1):

Calories: 37
Protein: 1.3 grams
Carbs: 2 grams
Fiber: 1.9 grams
Total fat: 3 grams
Saturated fat: 0.3 grams
Monounsaturated fat: 0.5 grams
Polyunsaturated fat: 2.0 grams
Omega-3 fatty acids: 1,597 mg
Vitamin B1: 8% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 2% of the RDI
Folate: 2% of the RDI
Calcium: 2% of the RDI
Iron: 2% of the RDI
Magnesium: 7% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 4% of the RDI
Potassium: 2% of the RDI

I have been adding flaxseeds to my morning protein shake for years, not only do they taste quite good, (sort of nutty) but take a look at the documented health benefits of flaxseeds.

CHECK OUT THE HEALTH BENEFITS THAT HAVE BEEN DEMONSTRATED IN HUMAN CLINICAL STUDIES

Consumption of flaxseed reduces appetite and food intake – Study 2012 Journal APPETITE, Jan.5
Flaxseed has therapeutic value in type 2 diabetes – Study PMID: 26561065
Flaxseed improves symptoms of enlarged prostate in men Study PMID: 23566060
Flaxseed improves symptoms of enlarged prostate in men Study PMID: 11911282
Flaxseed reduces tumor growth in patients with breast cancer Study J Clin Cancer Res. 2005
Flaxseed lowers blood pressure in people with high cholesterol Study Eur J Clin Nutr -2007
Flaxseed lowers circulating total and LDL cholesterol Study PMID: 19515737
Flaxseed reduces prostate growth and PSA (a prostate cancer marker) Study J Urology -2008
Flaxseed reduces prostate cancer proliferation pre-surgery in men. Study J Cancer Epidem Biomarkers -2008
Flaxseed helps control hot flashes in women, not on hormone therapy. Study PMID: 17761129
Plant lignans (like those in flaxseed) reduced the risk of developing estrogen and progesterone positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women Study J Nat Cancer Inst.

Now that you know how the nutrients in flaxseeds can help fight many diseases, be sure to add them to your diet. They can be eaten in many ways but simply add one or two heaping tablespoons of ground flaxseeds to shakes, or salads, or cereals to get the impressive health benefits described. You can also add the seeds or ground powder as an ingredient when baking muffins. Enjoy and stay well!

To the Best of Health,

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

WHAT KINDS OF MEDICAL STUDIES ARE WORTH PAYING ATTENTION TO?

All too often many companies that sell dietary supplements quote published studies saying that their product was shown to demonstrate a certain health benefit in a study published in some scientific-sounding journal.

To be an informed consumer (and not waste your money), it is important to understand when the quoted study is credible and actually increases the odds of the particular product helping you.

Studies that, all though interesting, cannot be relied upon, are:

Studies that were done on animals and not humans. Unfortunately, many ingredients that demonstrate a therapeutic benefit in rats, mice or rabbits, don’t show benefits in humans
In-vitro studies are studies done outside of a living organism, in a test tube or petri dish. These studies offer zero comfort that the product will work for you.
Even human studies cannot always be relied upon. Sometimes the number of people tested is so small that the results may not be reproducible. Sometimes the study reports positive benefits, but the magnitude of the benefits is so small that the product is not worth buying. For example, a product that reports weight loss, but the weight loss is one-half pound per month, might not be acceptable to many purchasers. The study didn’t compare the product to a placebo (known as a sugar-pill, but really any pill that has no active ingredients in it) or other product proven to work. Especially when it comes to measuring things that are subjective like pain, comfort, pleasure, etc. just believing that the pill will work causes some people to report positive results even though they took the placebo (which is known to do nothing).

So look for studies that:

1. Are placebo-controlled studies in humans that report P-Values of .05 or smaller (P-values represent the odds that the reported benefit of the product was a matter of chance or luck.) .05 means that that there was a 5% chance of the results occurring due to chance and not the therapeutic efficacy of the product. The lower the P-Value the more likely it is that the product works!

2. Look for studies that are published in peer-reviewed journals. This means that before the study is published experts in the field review the article to make sure that the science was done and reported correctly. You can go on the internet and check whether any given journal is peer-reviewed.

To the Best of Health,

Curt Hendirx, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

Sunlight, Vitamin-D and Protection Against Cancers

SUNLIGHT, VITAMIN-D AND PROTECTION AGAINST CERTAIN TYPES OF CANCERS

GreenMedInfo is an excellent database for people interested in learning about natural medicines. Their article below about a meta-analysis of dozens of studies measuring the cancer protective benefits of sunlight exposure and the subsequent amounts of vitamin D that it generates, is important reading.

Of course, some of you may be worried about the cancer causing effects of sunlight exposure, but it takes only 10 minutes or less of sunlight to generate significant amounts of vitamin D and getting exposure once a week, is all that is necessary.

GreenMed Info:

“Indeed, a groundbreaking new meta-analysis on the sunlight-vitamin D connection published in the journal Anticancer Research and based on data from over 100 countries, found “strong inverse correlations with solar UVB for 15 types of cancer,” with weaker, though still significant evidence.

The relevant cancers were: bladder, breast, cervical, colon, endometrial, esophageal, gastric, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, rectal, renal, and vulvar cancer; and Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Weaker evidence exists for nine other types of cancer: brain, gallbladder, laryngeal, oral/pharyngeal, prostate and thyroid cancer; leukemia; melanoma; and multiple myeloma.

Sunlight exposure, after all, is essential for health from the moment we are born. Without it, for instance, infants are prone to developing neonatal jaundice. The very variation in human skin color from African, melanin-saturated dark skin, to the relatively melanin de-pigmented, Caucasian lighter-skin, is a byproduct of the offspring of our last common ancestor from Africa (as determined by mitochondrial DNA) migrating towards sunlight-impoverished higher latitudes, which began approximately 60,000 years ago.

In order to compensate for the lower availability of sunlight, the body rapidly adjusted, essentially requiring the removal of the natural “sunscreen” melanin from the skin, which interferes with vitamin D production. While a life-saving adaptation, the loss of melanin likely has adverse health effects, which include losing the ability to convert sunlight into metabolic energy, increased prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease (which involves de-melanization of the substantia nigra), and other effects, which we will discuss in detail in a future article. For now, it is important to point out that within the span of only 60,000 years (a nanosecond in biological time), many of the skin “color” differences among the world’s human inhabitants reflect how heavily genetically-conserved was the ability of the human body to produce vitamin D.

It should also be pointed out that vitamin D is to sunlight, what ascorbic acid is to the vitamin C activity in food. In other words, sunlight likely provides a greater spectrum of therapeutic activity (when carefully meted out, preferably during solar noon) than supplemental vitamin D3.” (This may or may not be true, but everyone should be supplementing a minimum of 1000 IU/day of vitamin D-3).

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Other Types of Chocolate

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DARK CHOCOLATE AND OTHER TYPES OF CHOCOLATE ARE THE REASONS FOR THEIR HEALTHY BENEFITS

Recent studies published in well-respected science journals state that moderate consumption of dark chocolate, but not other kinds of chocolates like milk chocolate or white chocolate, can yield some important health benefits.

“Dark chocolate”, also called “plain chocolate” or “black chocolate”, is chocolate produced with either zero or much less milk than milk chocolate, to which sugar and fat are added.

Dark chocolate is synonymous with semisweet and extra-dark, which contains even higher levels of cocoa, is also referred to as bittersweet.

The percentage of cocoa, in dark and extra-dark chocolate, is significantly higher than the cocoa levels in milk chocolate.

This is significant for at least 2 reasons:

1 – Milk is thought to interfere with the absorption into our bodies of the healthy and naturally occurring antioxidants, called polyphenols, which are found in the cocoa derived from the cocoa bean. Cocoa levels in dark chocolate can get as high as 90% or more. Levels in milk chocolate can be significantly less than 35%. Antioxidants are important for your body because they protect you from disease-causing free radicals.

2 – The higher % of cocoa in dark chocolate results in higher levels of antioxidants which are thought to yield some of the health benefits of dark chocolate that will be discussed below.

The fatty acid profile of cocoa and dark chocolate is also excellent. The fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturated fat.

Dark chocolate also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine but is unlikely to keep you awake at night as the amount of caffeine is very small compared to coffee.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Lowers Blood Pressure
An article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that dark chocolate lowers blood pressure.

Improves Vascular Function
Another study revealed the cocoa flavanols can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide (NO). One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.

Contains High Antioxidant Activity
A study published by Italy’s National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research, showed that the antioxidants in dark chocolate consume destructive free radicals that are associated with heart disease and other chronic degenerative diseases. This research also showed that milk either in the chocolate or consumed with the chocolate, will interfere with the absorption of the antioxidants in the dark chocolate and reduce or eliminate their potential benefits.

Another study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, flavanols and polyphenols than other fruits tested, including acai berries and blueberries.

So remember, not all chocolate is created equal and dark chocolate is always the healthier choice. Enjoy it in small amounts as part of your balanced healthy diet.

To the Best of Health,

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

DIET SODA – A Serious Drinking Problem?

Not only does diet soda not help you to lose weight, it can harm brain cells. And if that’s not scary enough, it can increase the risk of heart attack, vascular disease and stroke.

There is NO benefit to drinking diet soda.

A ten year study at the University of Texas, found that women who drank diet soda, gained instead of lost weight, and the weight gained tended to occur in the stomach area.

The researchers proposed that the artificial sweeteners used in diet soda might actually increase cravings for real sweets. The waistline of those who consumed 2 cans or more of diet soda grew 70 times faster than those who drank other beverages. Another study on mice suggested that Equal (aspartame) damaged the pancreas in the same way that happens in diabetics.

Well known neurosurgeon, Russell Blaylock M.D. an on-going researcher demonstrates that the chemical in the artificial sweetener, Equal (aspartame), actually are toxic and kill brain cells.

And most recently, a study at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that diet soda drinkers had a 61% higher risk of vascular events.

Try replacing your diet soda with sparkling water. You still get the carbonation, but without the dangerous chemicals.

If you want a sweeter taste, find those drinks in the supermarket that are sweetened with erythritol or stevia. These are healthy, natural sweeteners with little or no calories.
Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

DOES ALCOHOL AFFECT WOMEN DIFFERENTLY THAN MEN?

It seems to be clear from multiple studies that women are more vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol consumption.

Because women have less water in their bodies than men, they accumulate higher levels of alcohol in their blood when drinking the same amount as men. This happens even if the woman weighs the same amount.

Therefore, women are more susceptible and are at higher risk for liver, heart and brain damage, from alcohol consumption.

The long talked about effect of alcohol consumption on breast cancer risk, is not as clear as it was thought to be. Recent information indicates that up to a drink a day does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Though a larger percentage of men drink consistently and are more likely to become alcohol dependent, drinking is most common for women in their 20’s and 30’s and increases with stress, divorce, separation and living with a partner who drinks.

What Exactly Is A Drink?

Any of the amounts below constitutes ONE drink:

A bottle of beer (12 ounces)

A wine cooler (12 ounces)

1.5 ounces of 80 proof alcohol

5 ounces of wine

Though most women realized the risk of drinking while pregnant, studies show that over 50% of pregnant women drink at least through the first trimester.

One study reported that 58% drank while pregnant, while 65% drank during the first trimester and 56% and 54% during the 2^nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most common and preventable cause of mental impairment and birth defects in newborn babies. Simply put, pregnant women SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOL!

The bottom line is that except when pregnant, a drink a day is OK for women and may even be beneficial. Averaging more than a drink a day for women makes any benefits disappear and introduces increased health risks as discussed above.

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

Women Are 3X More Likely to Be Constipated Than Men?

Natural Options For Treatment

Though not a topic many people like to discuss, constipation, especially in women, is quite common. If it occurs just occasionally, that is relatively normal and not a major health concern. But if your constipation is chronic, it can lead to other health issues.

All sort of reasons are offered as to why women are much more likely to be constipated than men. Anatomical differences, hormonal differences, more stress, are all mentioned as factors, but the truth is that medical science really doesn’t know why.

You are diagnosed with constipation if you have experienced 2 or more of the following for at least 3 months:

Less than 3 bowel movements a week
Hard stools 25% of the time or more
The need to strain to complete a bowel movement 25% of the time, or more
Inability to completely evacuate during a movement, 25% of the time, or more
Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain

The following list, provided by WebMD is fairly comprehensive in listing the potential causes of constipation:

Inadequate water intake
Inadequate fiber in the diet
A disruption of regular diet or routine: traveling
Inadequate activity or exercise
Eating large amounts of dairy products
Stress
Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement because of painful hemorrhoids or being in a public place
Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, overtime weaken the bowel muscles
Hypothyroidism
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants or iron pills
Depression
Eating disorders
Pregnancy
Colon cancer

There are several types of laxatives which have different mechanisms of action:

Bulk-forming laxatives – These laxatives are fiber sources that absorb water and form soft, bulk stools that encourage normal contraction of the intestinal muscles. Psyllium (Metamucil), Benefiber, Citrucel, Fiber Choice are all examples. These laxatives are considered to be the safest and gentlest. One has to be sure to consume plenty of water when using these bulk laxatives. If not, they can have the opposite effect.
Saline laxatives – These laxatives draw water into the colon from nearby tissues. Examples are: Milk of Magnesia, Miralax
Lubricants
Stool softeners – Ducolax, Correctol, Colace, Kaopectate
Oral Stimulant laxatives – Ex-Lax, Senokot *
Rectal Stimulants – Bisacodyl*
Combination laxatives

*Stimulant laxatives are the harshest because they cause the intestine to squeeze and contract to expel the stool.

Getting Regular Naturally

Being dependent upon any kind of laxative for other than a few days is not desirable or healthy. The goal is to get your digestive system to work efficiently and consistently on its own.

Here are some natural ways to get your system back on track without relying on drugs:

Changes To Your Diet – Fiber, especially insoluble fiber is key to intestinal and digestive health. For dealing with bouts of constipation the use of psyllium fiber (i.e. Metamucil) along with plenty of water is a good place to start. (Remember not taking enough water when on fiber supplements can worsen your constipations). 5-7 grams of psyllium 2-3 times a day is recommended.

Make fiber a part of your diet

The fiber attracts water into the stool allowing it to pass more easily. Vegetables are especially good sources of fiber as are beans and whole grains. A major source of constipation in infants is cow milk. Removal of this from their diet often brings complete relief of constipation.

Another excellent fiber source for treating constipation is glucomannan. It works as a bulk forming laxative and 3-4 grams usually brings relief in a day or so. Yet another very healthy fiber source is ground flax seed taken in similar amounts.

The chart below provided by the Gut Foundation is helpful in identifying good food sources containing healthy fiber.

The minimum recommended fiber for normal bowel movements for adults is 30 grams a day (for children the Digestive Health Foundation recommends adding your child’s age plus five grams, for an eight-year-old that is 8 + 5 = 13 grams).

Food	Serving size	Amount of fiber
High-fiber mixed-grain bread	1 slice	1.6 – 3g
Muesli	50g	6g
Whole grain pasta	1 cup cooked	9g
Brown rice	1 cup cooked	2.8g
Kidney beans (canned)	100g	6.5g
Broccoli	100g	4g
Spinach	100g	4.5g
Lentils	100g	7g
Apple	1	3.3g
Pear	1	3.5g
Banana	1	4g
Dried figs	50g	9g
Dried apricots	50g	4.5g
Almonds	50g	7.5g
Pumpkin seeds	50g	12.5g
Source: The Gut Foundation

The herb senna is a stimulant laxative and can be tried if the more gentle fiber options don’t work for you. Some people find that the herb, cascara sagrada another stimulant laxative is gentler than senna.

If after a week or two your constipation does not resolve with changes in your diet and using these natural alternatives, or if you every experience blood in your stool, it is important to visit your physician to determine if something more serious is causing your constipation.

Best of Health,
Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

[Study] Better Posture Increases Attractiveness

A group of men and women were asked to examine photographs of two different women who were the same age and height. One of the women weighed 105 lbs. and the other woman weight 120 lbs.

When questioned which women looked thinner and younger, the group of men and women examining the photos, consistently said the 120 lb. woman looked thinner and younger.

Interestingly enough, when the group was showed just the faces of the two women in the photos, they thought both women were of similar age.

So why would the heavier of the two women look younger and thinner in a full length photo?

Believe it or not, the factor that made the heavier woman look both younger and thinner was her POSTURE!

It’s not surprising that between hunching over computers, watching TV, picking up kids and packages, poor mattresses, standing in line and stress, (tightening our shoulders, neck and back muscles) that our posture suffers.

When it suffers, your gut looks wider and can actually create a pot-belly look. This clearly affects others perception of you. It is very important to remember that poor posture during sitting is of crucial importance because it can eventually negatively affect your standing posture.

Posture expert, Jane Novak, suggests that the worst culprit is the constant hunching we do when working on computers. She says that negative permanent structural change in our vertebrae and back pain can occur if we don’t do something about it.

How is your posture?

What I have found to be the fastest and easiest way to correct both sitting and standing posture and instantly make you look 10-15 pounds thinner, taller and appear, generally more attractive, is a quick adjustment that Novak recommends and I call it a “sternum lift”.

The “sternum lift” will immediately begin to realign your joints, muscles and bones to keep you upright and prevent your ribcage from pushing down on your mid-section, preventing you from looking fatter and pot-bellied.

The “sternum lift” literally takes just a few seconds and you should remind yourself to do it many times during the day when sitting or standing.

The sternum is the bone in the middle part of your chest. By raising it up an inch or two, it prevents your rib-cage from collapsing on your abdomen which prevents it from bulging and looking wider, while at the same time prevents rounding out of your lower back.

By lifting your sternum upwards, you will make your waist and belly look many inches smaller and create a longer, leaner and more youthful looking figure.

Now that you are aware of it, notice how many times during the day your sternum is lowered, your shoulders are hunched forward, your lower back is rounded and your rib-cage is pressing or resting on your stomach.

The “sternum lift” is simply the fastest, easiest and most effective adjustment you can make to dramatically improve your posture and look thinner, healthier, more attractive and younger.

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

HIV/Aids Information and Education for Women

December 1st is World AIDS Day. Women comprise 25% of all HIV and AIDS diagnoses in the U.S.

Despite attempts at awareness and prevention, over 11,000 women were infected with HIV in 2009.

Education and awareness of risk reducing options are of vital importance. The FDA Office of Women’s Health is offering free “Women and HIV fact sheets.”

To get these fact sheets for yourself and your community, please go to:
http://promotions.usa.gov/worldaidsday.html

REMOVAL OF OVARIES DOES NOT AFFECT LIFE EXPECTANCY