Thursday, June 30, 2011

this drug make the broken heart heal itself



Damage to heart muscle caused by a heart attack have long been regarded as something that will happen permanently. However, the scientists managed to create a drug that can make your own repair heart damage.

Drugs that awaited the newly tested on mice in the laboratory and successfully. Drugs called thymosin beta 4 by the British Heart Foundation is considered a miracle in heart disease research. Nevertheless, it still needed a few more years before the drug can be used humans.

The team of scientists from University College London, England, doing research on groups of cells capable of transforming themselves into the type of cardiac tissue in the embryo. However, in adults, epicardium-derived progenitor cells become inactive or asleep. Scientists then use chemicals thymosin beta 4 for the wake of these cells.

"Cells epicardial which fortifies the heart muscle can be activated and form new heart muscle. We see the improvement and the ability of the heart to pump blood up 25 percent," said Professor Paul Riley of University College London.

As is known, heart attack will make the muscle tissue deprived of oxygen and damaged or dead. If blood flow can be restored, the heart damage can be limited.

"The more blood that is pumped, scar tissue in the heart can be reduced and the heart wall becomes thicker," he explained.

If the drug is also effective in humans later, millions of lives could be saved heart attack patients. The drug is still investigational and an estimated 10 years away can be tried in humans.

 source: BBC

Vitamins to Strengthen Memory


Most of us have experienced difficult circumstances to remember or memorize. But not infrequently the situation is regarded as a common or normal. In fact, if left unchecked can result in bad condition.

Our brains, with all the complexity and sensitivity, need food to maintain normal function. Over time, toxins will accumulate in our bodies. Toxins can come from pollution, smoking and alcohol consumption can inhibit the process of blood circulation.

This led to the availability of essential vitamins and nutrients to the brain slowly dwindling. This condition affects the ability of normal brain function. When the brain fails to function properly, you may be facing some serious health problems including memory loss.

Several types of vitamins are essential to stimulate the brain to be more effective and can in turn affect the consciousness of memory, mental concentration and to some extent. Here is a vitamin and food sources that can improve memory or your memory:

1.     Vitamin B
Research shows B vitamins improve memory by creating a protective shield for neurons in the brain. Vitamin B is important for memory, including B6, B12 and folic acid (B9).

* Vitamin B6: Research has proven the effectiveness of this vitamin as memory retention and contribute to the promotion of brain health. Food sources of vitamin B6 include legumes, meat, cereals, fish, poultry, bananas, soybeans, avocados, peanut butter, potatoes, spinach, cheese, wheat, beans, cereals, milk and eggs. However please note, vitamin B6 is very sensitive to ultraviolet light and heat, so a large amount of these nutrients can be lost during the cooking process.

* Folic acid (vitamin B9): folic acid can reduce homocysteine ​​levels in the blood. High homocysteine ​​can be harmful to brain cells, causing memory loss. The most important food sources of folic acid are green leafy vegetables and beans. In addition, folic acid can also encourage the production of red blood cells and improve mental.

* Vitamin B12: It helps to generate red blood cells that carries oxygen to the brain. It also helps in the repair of nerve fibers in the brain. The source of this vitamin are meat and other animal products like eggs and cheese. In addition, some cereals are fortified with vitamin B12.

2.     Vitamin D
Parents are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency and this can affect cognitive function and mental health. Hypovitaminosis D, which is caused by deficiency of vitamin D, commonly found in those aged quite advanced.

A study published in the "American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry" involving 80 volunteers and 40 of them have Alzheimer's. This study aimed to study the relationship between vitamin D, with a mood, physical performance and cognitive function. The study shows, due to deficiency of vitamin D, proved something to do with interference on cognitive performance.

3.     Choline and Thiamine
Choline is an essential nutrient that is included in the category of vitamins. The human body synthesizes some of choline. It is essential for the formation of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. The reaction of choline in the brain was able to prevent memory loss and improve brain function. These nutrients are present in many foods, especially in peanuts, milk and eggs. While thiamine is a type of B vitamins, which are also important in the production of acetylcholine. Food sources of this vitamin are whole grains, pumpkin seeds, pork, beans, enriched breads and cereals and dried beans.

4.     Antioxidants
Some of the vitamins showed anti-oxidation properties of very good and they have the ability to protect brain tissue from harmful free radicals. Such as vitamins C, E and beta carotene (vitamin A) which implies having the ability for it.

Antioxidant and memory are interrelated because free radicals can disrupt the function of brain neurons. Like the B vitamins, antioxidants also provides protection to the brain structures from the threat of damage, caused by free radicals, which can cause memory loss from time to time. Consuming foods that contain antioxidants such as berries and citrus fruits, and vegetables such as peppers, broccoli and spinach are very useful. Cereals, pulses, vegetable oil and beans are examples of foods rich in Vitamin E.

Routine household consumption of all kinds of vitamins can help combat the problem of short-term memory loss that may occur in the future. These vitamins will work better on our memory, if supported by a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, proper diet, good sleep habits, proper stress management, quit smoking and not drinking alcohol will definitely help you in improving memory.


Choosing The Right Sports Bra

What do we do when sports is actually as important as the clothing worn. Use of the wrong clothes can actually interfere with your movement activity during exercise, and could result in the possibility of injury. Similarly, a special sports bra. The right bra can support the breast well and prevent slack.

What is a sports bra?

Sports bra is a bra specifically for the sport that has been designed in such a way as to give maximum support to the breasts and minimize the occurrence of oscillation. Whatever the size of your breasts, sports bras still needed so that you can fully focus exercise.

Why Sport Bra is needed?

* Prevent breast reduction.

Breast consists mostly of fatty tissue that is not elastic. As long as you exercise, the movement of the breast will force the ligaments to stretch. As a result, the breasts will be sagging. This is why sports bras are needed, because it serves to continue to support your breasts remain in position and avoid any slack.

* Overcoming the pain

Breast movement in which high intensity can cause pain in the breast, as well as problems upper back and shoulders.

* Maintain humidity

Sports bras can absorb moisture from the skin and throw it away, so it stays dry and provide comfort to you.

* Minimize the pressure of the breast

Every movement is less support such as running, can cause three-dimensional movement of the top-down, inside out, and sideways. This will ultimately result in discomfort and tension in the breast. With a sports bra, it can at least be reduced.

Type Sport Bra?

Sports bras come in different shapes and sizes. But generally the use of sports bras are classified depending on the type of exercise you do.

* Compression Bra, as the name suggests, this bra breast pressing function of the chest wall to limit movement. This type is suitable for those who use the cups A and B.

* Encapsulation bras. This type has a cup that surrounds and supports both breasts separately. Ideal is for D and DD cup sizes.

* Compression / Encapsulation bras. This type is commonly referred to as the 'bra combination'. Because of this bra uses a combination of two techniques to support your breasts. This type of bra is suitable for those who have cup sizes C and D.

Selecting Sport bra

There are several basic factors to keep in mind when choosing a sports bra:

* Each bra that specifies the support that is different. To minimize movement of the breast, you need to choose a bra that provides maximum support. Sure, bigger breasts requires stronger support.

* Materials bra. To prevent blisters, you should pay attention to the humidity of the bra material. Stay away from the bra with cotton 100%, because once you start sweating, they will forever wet.

* Check the Straps. Make sure the straps are wide enough and not elastic. Narrow straps are also not recommended because it will make you uncomfortable

Sport bra is like running shoes, which need to be considered usage period. If you wear them three or more times a week, should you have to replace it with a new one every six months.


Prevent E Coli, Sprouts should be cooked


Agency food safety and disease prevention European Union recommends that sprouts or sprouts that will be consumed cooked first. This appeal followed outbreaks of Escherichia coli (E coli) in Germany and France.

In addition to avoiding raw foods, the food safety agency also recommends that consumers do not grow sprouts for own consumption and only eat the sprouts are cooked.
A report issued by the European Food Safety Authority in Italy and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in Sweden said, sprouts are often sold in combination and vegetables during the repackaging is possible contamination.

Before the outbreaks of E coli, sprouts are classified into a healthy food for salad mix.

Although the Indonesian people in general prefer cooked foods, but according to Dr. Anis Karuniawati Sp.MK, Chairman, Department of Microbiology Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, vigilance is still necessary to avoid the E coli bacteria.

To prevent the possibility of dangerous bacterial infection, said Anis, there are at least three steps can be taken. First, avoid eating raw foods and wash vegetables with boiled water to reduce the number of bacteria. Second, cook food / drinks properly, until cooked through. Third, wash your hands with soap and water before eating (or with a hand sanitizer).

From Europe reported, at least 48 people in Germany died from the outbreak of new strains of E coli bacteria that caused by sprouts. Meanwhile, in France the cause of the outbreak is also suspected since the sprouts and left 10 people ill.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Salivary Gland Cancer


Definition

Salivary Gland Cancer or salivary gland cancer is cancer that begins in the salivary glands. This cancer can occur anywhere in the salivary glands, as in the mouth, neck or throat.

Salivary glands produce saliva, which helps digestion and keep the mouth clean. There are three major ludar glands under and behind the jaw - parotid, sublingual and submandibular. As well as some minor salivary glands in the lips, behind the cheeks and inside the mouth and throat.

Salivary gland cancer is most common in the parotid gland in front of the ear area. Treatment for salivary gland cancer may include surgery or radiation therapy is and chemotherapy.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancer include:

• lump or swelling in the jaw, neck or mouth
• Stiffness in the face
• Muscle weakness on one side of the face
• Pain in the area of ​​salivary gland
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficult to open mouth wide

Causes & Risk Factors
Cause

It is unclear what causes salivary gland cancer. Doctors believe the cancer occurs when there is a genetic mutation in salivary gland cells that cause it continues to grow and multiply themselves when normal cells should die. Accumulation of these cells then form a tumor and can spread to other body areas.

Many types of salivary gland cancer include:

• Acinic cell carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma
• adenoid cystic carcinoma
• Clear cell carcinoma
• Malignant mixed tumor
• Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
• Oncocytic carcinoma
• Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma
• salivary duct carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
Risk factors
Factors that may increase the risk of salivary gland cancer include:
• Although the salivary gland cancer can occur at any age, but many cases occur in the elderly
• Exposure to radiation used to treat head and neck cancer • Working in an environment contaminated with certain substances, such as nickel and silica dust.

too much sugar is not diabetes cause


The world is facing an explosion of people with diabetes. The most recent data says the figure reached 350 million people worldwide, far exceeding the predictions of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) which projected the year 2010 there are 285 million people worldwide who will become victims of diseases that can be claimed eyesight, and even death.

Although diabetes experts agree is the biggest health problem in the 21st century, in fact there are still many people who shrugged when asked about the possibility of suffering from this disease. In addition because the symptoms are not visible, not a few who still think the disease is caused by too much sweet food intake.

In fact, according to dr.Budiman Darmowidjojo, Sp.PD, mellitus diabetes  is not related to overeating sugar. A person diagnosed with diabetes when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly there. "Not true if the disease is caused by overeating sugary foods," he said.

Factors causing the high number of sufferers is due to changes in a high-fat diet and physical inactivity. The linkage of this disease with sugar may stem from the fact diabetics must limit their sugar intake.

"That should actually be limited not just sugar, but the total calories because most of what we eat for energy will be converted into glucose. In diabetics, diet is not controlled glucose levels will increase," said a doctor from the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism Department of Science Internal Medicine Faculty of medicine / RSCM Jakarta.

In a healthy person, glucose is automatically absorbed by the cells. Body to use insulin produced by pancreatic B cell receptor to open the cells so glucose can enter. However, in people who suffer from diabetes, insulin resistance occurs so that blood sugar can not enter.

Excess sugar is accumulated in the bloodstream and in the long term can cause complications. "Actually that's not dangerous high blood sugar, but the complications it brings," he added.

Complication

Diabetes is a disease that strikes silently but it will eventually be a disaster. Increasingly common disease that annually kills three million people around the world.

According dr.Budiman, cause of death in diabetic patients is not because the disease itself but its complications. "Nearly 40 percent died of heart disease, the remainder due to kidney failure, stroke, or cancer," explained the chairman of the Jakarta Diabetes Meeting to be held this coming November 2011.


Complications that may result from diabetes there is an acute, such as hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (blood sugar is too high), or chronic complications.


"Complications of chronic own there that affect large blood vessels such as coronary heart disease or stroke, or which affects the small blood vessels so that patients suffering from neurological disorders, kidney, impotence, or blindness," he explained.

Blood sugar levels are high, bright Budiman, would also disrupt the hormonal system so that the increased levels of certain hormones that lead to increased blood pressure. "Approximately 60-80 percent of diabetic patients suffer from hypertension," he said.

That's why it is important to check blood sugar levels rise to wary blood sugar, especially if the family history of anyone suffering from this disease, your age exceeds 40 years, suffering from obesity or showing symptoms of the disease.


Fix your diet

One way to avoid diabetes is to maintain body weight remained normal, exercising regularly, and improve your diet. This means eating a healthy diet that focuses on fruits and vegetables.

Research shows for every extra 40 grams of fat you eat in a day, the risk for diabetes has tripled. And if you already have diabetes, you are most likely to experience complications.


"This happens because body fat makes the cells resist insulin," said Frank Q. Nittal, MD, in a report published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Meanwhile, people with diabetes are advised to eat every four or five hours in small portions. "The important thing is to set the total calories," said Budiman. Nevertheless diabetics are still advised to be cautious in consuming sugar. The need for sweet foods that can be satisfied with low-calorie artificial sweetener.



Currently there are no drugs to treat diabetes. That's why care about yourself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, rest and avoid stress. In people with diabetes had a healthy lifestyle can keep the blood sugar remains stable so that the disease can be controlled.


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Eat Bananas at Night Can Make Sleeping Beauty




Not a few people who have trouble sleeping at night, when adequate sleep is needed for the recovery of the body. Eat banana at night can help you get to sleep soundly.

Rarely do adults who have slept soundly. Because it is up to 44 percent of older adults experience problems sleeping. Sleeping less than 6-7 hours per day has become a bad habit of many people.

If you belong to one of the people who have trouble sleeping, try to eat a banana at night to help you sleep more soundly.

Research from the University of Wisconsin that have been published in the Journal of Neuroscience in 2007 showed that the genes that control the flow of potassium (potassium) into the cells needed to maintain normal sleep, told Huffingtonpost, Thursday (24/02/2011).

Banana is one of many examples of fruits that contain potassium or potassium. In the banana found that high potassium content of 400 mg equivalent of a glass of orange juice or steamed potatoes.

Although the study was conducted on fruit flies, but researchers say that there is a strong implication between humans and fruit flies, because it has the same genes controlling potassium.

Not only makes you sleep better, other studies have shown that eating bananas at night can help treat the disorder sleep apnea (difficulty breathing disorders during sleep).

People who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may experience choking throat repeatedly when suddenly closed during sleep. Sleep disorders can also be life threatening.

Researchers from the University of New England in New South Wales says the banana can help overcome the disorder. The results of initial studies showed that the phospholipids (fatty acids in bananas) can remain active in the mouth for six hours, which is tantamount to a satisfactory period of sleep).

Phospholipids are known to keep the throat open so as to avoid choking during sleep and help OSA patients get quality sleep.

"Our initial findings show that bananas can offer an alternative that is relatively inexpensive and delicious as part of treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea," explains Dr. Tom van der Touw, one of the researchers.

Most Suitable Bananas Eaten When Stress


Various benefits can be obtained from eating bananas, ranging from launching a bowel movement to protect cells from damage. There is also little-known benefits of bananas, which can relieve stress while being troubled mood.

Bananas can relieve stress because it contains two compounds that can calm the mind namely dopamine and serotonin. Quoted from FoxNews, Thursday (17/03/2011), both compounds controlling mood or mood which is also produced naturally in the brain.

Dopamine is a compound that is quite dominant role in the brain called the reward center or control center complacency. When a person feels happy and satisfied, then the taste is actually an effect of dopamine work.

Apart from giving pleasure dopamine also protects brain neurons from Parkinson's disease that is triggered by nerve damage due to the aging process.  Sufficient levels of dopamine will also protect the heart function of the various disorders of blood circulation.

Meanwhile Serotonin is a compound that regulates mood, make someone feel happy and eliminate negative emotions. Deficiency in brain serotonin levels may lead someone to be sensitive, easily offended and like to get angry.

Because the critical mood, serotonin is the target of therapy in some antidepressants. The drugs given to patients with depression, to increase the release of serotonin in the brain so that the stress level is reduced.

In addition to controlling mood, bananas also benefit the general body metabolism because it contains many important minerals namely potassium and potassium. As a source of antioxidants, bananas are also rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, B6 and A.