“CivilizHYPERLINK “http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/z/zygmuntbau536832.html”ation, the orderly world in which we live, is frail. We are skating on thin ice. There is a fear of a collective disaster. Terrorism, genocide, flu, tsunamis.”

ZygmuntHYPERLINK “http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/z/zygmunt_bauman.html” Bauman (87 y/o and born 19 November 1925) is a Polish sociologist.  Since 1971, he has resided in England.

“Is it possible to have liver disease and not know about it? (Answer: Yes, the shocking fact is that about 75 percent of the population infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C is unaware they are even infected.”

The American Liver Foundation

“Osteo Arthritis (O.A.) versus Rheumatoid Arthritis are 2 completely different diseases in how they came about.  O.A. occurs in more than one joint.”

Karla Sullivan & Harvard Health

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. (Arthro=joint / itis = inflammation)

The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms are joint inflammation that comes from pain, warmth, and swelling. The inflammation is typically symmetrical that is occurring on both sides of the body at the same time (such as hands, wrists, or knees). Other signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis include joint stiffness that is particularly in the AM upon awakening or after periods of inactivity; ongoing fatigue, and low-grade fever. Signs and symptoms come about gradually over years but can come on rapidly for some other people.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is usually caused by normal wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Other types of arthritis can be caused by uric acid crystals, infections or even an underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus.

Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce signs or symptoms and improve quality of life through Occupational or Physical Therapy and/or through medications, the old way.

Things that make arthritis worse: 1.) conventional medicine through doctors ordering medications (see Dr. David Brownstein’s website for his Natural Way to Health (with his book) to overcome arthritis). Drugs rarely CURE things. We are trained to believe doctors have all the answers with medications or surgeries in resolving our health problem. NOT THE CASE ALWAYS. It’s unnatural with arthritis and many other diagnoses. Natural therapies and good foods are not taken seriously by enough people in America in regards to helping a condition, like arthritis, or even prevention (which should be your first intervention, don’t wait for the diagnosis).

2.)Infection – check if a bacterial infection started your arthritis. If that is the cause antibiotics, low dose some doctors have given to people in studies and have worked. You would think this would be used more often, at least in testing for before just prescribing anti-inflammatory or analgesics meds. If its infection you need to kill the bacteria and the only way to do that it is with an antibiotic which kills a bacterial infection.

3.)DIET – Too many sugars or chemical preservatives and sweeteners which is in the standard American diet. Processed Foods are BAD.  The same foods that cause obesity, diabetes and coronary artery disease can easily cause arthritis. Increase your fruits and nuts in your diet. Vitamin C and E are good for you. Pomegrante extract also.

4.) Dehydration- main causes of arthritis. Many simplify the problem. Your joints need water and if not enough it will cause an auto immune response=inflammation and get worse with processed foods.

5.) Heavy metal toxicity-Mercury, Arsenic and Nickel it includes. Not a fluke and mercury is one of the worst metals to have toxic in your body. Fish is the second worst source of heavy metal food. Few things you can do now, eat tuna occasionally. Silver malcum fillings have your dentist remove. Have your doctor do a heavy metal toxicity test on you if you never had one done and with arthritis.

6.) Low or imbalances of hormones=headache, faster aging, fatigue/lethargy, skin wrinkling sooner in life. Synthetic hormones don’t perform as well in your body and can lead to problems. Female hormones   can increase your chance to breast cancer for example.

ACT America and one way to do that is go to Dr. David Brownstein website and check out Reverse your Arthritis to deal with your arthritis naturally and reading his books with bonuses.

 Diet and bodyweight impact on arthritis

Experts say that eating a well-balanced diet is vital when you have arthritis. Not only will you be receiving critical nutrients, you will also be either maintaining or arriving more quickly at a healthy bodyweight. If you are overweight you will be adding extra pressure on weight-bearing joints. Many patients have found that losing just a few pounds made a significant difference to their quality of life. Doctors and nutritionists are more frequently advising arthritis patients to keep sugary and/or fatty foods to a minimum – such as red meat, cream and cheese. You should make sure you are eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grains. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are thought to relieve to some extent the symptoms of arthritis. A common source of Omega-3 fatty acids is oily fish, such as sardines, herring, trout, and salmon. Many of us tend to place large portions on our plate. If you reduce the size of the portions you may lose weight more effectively. Make sure that vegetables and fruit make up a large part of your portion.   Those who need a little help in knowing how to lose weight with knowing the 4 food groups including 3 subgroups to each food group telling you what is lean or leaner or the leanest to eat of that food group. You can get this through Dr. Anderson’s book “Dr A’s Habits of Health” and if you need a boost in showing you direction besides a book start with one of the company’s in the diet industry like medifast, Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers temporarily. If you’re interested in getting healthier and want to lose weight with knowing how the body works with food and in proportions than click on to medifest website by clicking onto healthyusa.tsfl.com and be a part of making yourself and America a healthier home by spreading the good news. Our people in this country need to go back in that direction to decrease disease/illness in percentage; join me and many others who have taken the step. So far I am making a move to stay healthy and not live in a sedentary lifestyle. The healthier our country gets the better our health care system will turn out for everyone

QUOTE FOR THE WEEKEND:

“Perimenopause is the few years before and after the final menstrual period. The symptoms related to perimenopause (such as hot flashes and night sweats) can occur even five years before your last period.”

Dr. JoAnn Manson  (born 1953 a physician & Professor best known for public leadership & advocacy of women’s health at Harvard Medical University.

What is Menopause? Menopause is when the ovaries naturally stop producing 2 hormones called estrogen and progesterone.  Your ovaries are similar to what a car does in that over years it wears down, well so does the mechanism that regulates your hormones which is the ovaries. You go 12 consecutive months without having a period with no reasons to be explained for its occurrence, both biological or physical with it never returning.   If both ovaries are removed surgically the menopause kicks in immediately.   Menopause has signs and symptoms (s/s) that kick in which have varying intensities (it depends on the individual). You may experience mild to severe s/s.   Those s/s can be : 1- Hot Flashes 2-Irregular Periods 3- Breast Pains 4- Night Sweats 5- Mood Swings 6- Loss of Labido 7- Vaginal Dryness 8-Brittle Nails 9-Bloating 10-Irritability 11-Depression 12- Weight Gain 13- Osteoporosis-one of the worst symptoms of menopause.

According to U.S. Census data from 2000, there are about 37.5 million women reaching or currently at menopause (ages 40 to 59).

As women near menopause, they may have symptoms too from the changes their body is making. Some women may not have any other symptoms at all. Symptoms that some women experience near menopause include symptoms close to the actual menopause symptoms are like the hot flashes (getting warm in the face, neck, or chest), night sweats or sleeping problems that led to feeling tired, stressed or tense, vaginal changes (the vagina may become dry and thin and sex may be painful) and thinning of bones, which may lead to loss of height and bone breaks. If a woman would like to treat her symptoms, she should talk to her health care provider to discuss treatment options.

Did you know over 60% of adult Americans are considered obese or overweight?

Weight gain happens when a person increases their body mass, whether it is a result of fat deposits, additional muscle tissue, or excess fluid. However, weight gain associated with menopause typically involves increased amounts of fat around the abdomen. One of the most accurate ways to see if you are obese is to measure your body mass index which is free online, check out the internet. I do every so often.

Go to Free BMI Calculator – AICR.org‎

www.aicr.org/bmi calculator‎.

On average, a women gains about 12 to 15 pounds between the ages of 45 and 55, this is usually when menopause typically occurs. This extra weight generally does not evenly distribute itself throughout a woman’s body. The weight tends to accumulate around the abdomen instead and women often notice the shape of their bodies slowly losing their hour-glass figure.

What can resolve this issue? As years progress the metabolism slows down; setting the physiological stage for weight gain. As a woman’s hormones fluctuate prior to menopause and preparing for a permanently reduced hormonal level, it is likely to experience weight gain. I’m over 45 y/o and in menopause. I have found a way not effective for me to stay in my BMI therapeutically by increasing my metabolism and keeping it at a steady rate without any heavy workout at this time. If you too are experiencing this problem and would like guidance in how to fix this naturally with not being put on drugs than just eat vegetables and fruits with will power to staying it for 3 months. You should see a decrease in weight. Now if you can’t than go to healthyusa.tsfl.com. and learn how to use medifast (which I attempted but didn’t work for me due to GERD since its all high in protein but with the acid build up it killed my esophagus and throat.). If you don’t have GERD it may be a temporary idea for you. You could try Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers.    They all will show you how to increase your metabolism with you making the choices of what foods you want in your body. You will be able to treat yourself to foods high in fats or carbohydrates or sugars occasionally when you reach your therapeutic ratio of your body mass index. If you join Medifast you will also be able to get Dr. Anderson with his book “Dr. A’s healthy habits” and health coaches assisting you in doing what you need to know in understanding how the body works with foods and what foods (out of the 4 food groups is good for the body on a regular daily basis). I hope if you join any diet program company it works for you. Many people like myself who did found we were so happy with ourselves with the results, how it financially stayed within our budget or cheaper, and how it all paid off but remember you need to understand the concept of small meals not big 3 or 3 small meals a day. They both decrease your metabolism but if you reach your weight you need to follow with proper dieting and exercise if not everyday than at least every other day.   If you feel you can’t give that commitment than do 3 times a week doing a good workout or two times working yourself up to 3 or 4 hour workouts which is not the ideal way or recommended since I use to do this type of workout and was good in keeping my weight great. I recommend you go to your doctor and get the best workout for you recommended by him or her. Not one plan fits everybody so you have to put time into finding that plan. I have been a RN over a quarter of a century and have seen disease from cancer units to cardiac units to all types of med surg. & could go on with my experience. I have worked from sea to shining sea, NY to California. I saw what unhealthy habits have done to peoples bodies of all ages in the US and will try every attempt not to end up like that. I will try to be healthier in living my life with staying out of medical facilities. Come aboard in helping yourselves with others making a healthier USA we take that responsibility on as a citizen in America and to those around us (particularly the young; they should start early life so they don’t have to adapt to workout or dieting after 45 when pre-menopause or over 50 when menopause definitely starts). Having a healthy diet with occasional junk food or treats like ice cream joints for a sundae or shake are ideal.

“The most notable differences between sea salt and table salt are in their taste, texture and processing.”

MAYO CLINC

The most notable differences between sea salt and table salt are in their taste, texture and processing

Sea salt is produced through evaporation of ocean water or water from saltwater lakes, usually with little processing. Depending on the water source, this leaves behind certain trace minerals and elements. The minerals add flavor and color to sea salt, which also comes in a variety of coarseness levels.

Table salt is typically mined from underground salt deposits. Table salt is more heavily processed to eliminate minerals and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping. Most table salt also has added iodine, an essential nutrient that helps maintain a healthy thyroid.

Sea salt and table salt have the same basic nutritional value, despite the fact that sea salt is often promoted as being healthier. Sea salt and table salt contain comparable amounts of sodium by weight.

Whichever type of salt you enjoy, do so in moderation. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams a day — or 1,500 milligrams if you’re age 51 or older, or if you are black, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease Sea salt has boomed in popularity in restaurants and supermarket aisles. Many gourmet chefs say they prefer it over table salt for its coarse, crunchy texture and stronger flavor. Manufacturers are using it in potato chips and other snacks because it’s “all natural,” and less processed than table salt. And some health-conscious consumers choose it because it contains minerals like magnesium.

Each of the above-mentioned characteristics may set sea salt apart from table salt, but in one other very important respect there’s usually little difference between the two: sodium content.

How does the amount of sodium in sea salt compare to table salt?

In a survey conducted by the American Heart Association, 61 percent of respondents incorrectly agreed that sea salt is a low-sodium alternative to table salt. Table salt and most sea salts contain about 40 percent sodium by weight. Kosher salt and some sea salts may have larger crystal sizes than table salt, so they may have less sodium by volume (e.g., by teaspoon or tablespoon). A teaspoon of table salt has about 2,300 mg of sodium, but a teaspoon of sea salt or kosher salt may have less sodium because fewer crystals fit into the spoon.

Some varieties of sea salt may claim to have less sodium than table salt. You can check the Nutrition Facts label to compare how a given sea salt compares to table salt, which has about 575 mg sodium per ¼ teaspoon.

“It’s very important for people to be aware that sea salt often has as much sodium as table salt,” said Rachel K. Johnson, Ph.D., R.D., an American Heart Association spokeswoman and the Bickford Professor of Nutrition at the University of Vermont.

“One of the keys to maintaining a heart-healthy diet is to control your sodium intake,” she said. “If you’re consuming more sea salt than you otherwise would because you think it has less sodium, then you may be placing yourself at higher risk of developing high blood pressure, which raises your risk of heart disease.”

Lets review what’s the difference between the way sea salt and table salt are made.

Sea salt is obtained directly through the evaporation of seawater. It is usually not processed, or undergoes minimal processing, and therefore retains trace levels of minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and other nutrients.

Table salt, on the other hand, is mined from salt deposits and then processed to give it a fine texture so it’s easier to mix and use in recipes. Processing strips table salt of any minerals it may have contained, and additives are also usually added to prevent clumping or caking.

While these attributes may make sea salt more attractive from a marketing standpoint, Johnson says there are no real health advantages of most sea salts.

“The minute amounts of trace minerals found in sea salt are easily obtained from other healthy foods,” Johnson said. “Sea salt also generally contains less iodine than table salt. Iodine has been added to table salt since the 1920s to prevent the iodine-deficiency disease goiter.”

First off, sea salt is produced by evaporating water from the ocean or saltwater lakes, whereas table salt is usually mined from underground salt deposits. While the exact body of water or deposit can influence the concentration of certain minerals, it doesn’t affect sodium. However, the larger the salt crystals, the fewer that fit in a given volume—be it a pinch, teaspoon, or your entire salt cellar—which could influence how much you end up dishing out.

The next time you find yourself choosing between kosher salt, sea salt and table salt, remember that it’s probably mostly a matter of letting your taste buds decide.  But whichever option you choose, keep in mind that both usually contain the same amount of sodium.

As far as health goes, salt has a notoriously bad reputation. But is sea salt any better (or at least less bad) than run-of-the-mill table salt?

The expert: Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, nutritionist at Elements Behavioral Health and author of The Hunger Fix

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The verdict: The answer isn’t as cut-and-dry as most chefs might like, but that’s because the path every salt (even if it’s the same “kind”) takes to reach your shaker varies.

Whether it’s mined from the earth or evaporated from the sea, unrefined salt is always the best option in terms of both flavor and health. However, since boxes nowadays tend to make everything look like a health food, read through the ingredients. If the only thing listed is sodium chloride, you know that the so-called healthy natural salt is just as refined as the table-side variety. (For help decoding those mystifying food labels, look no further.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic
2. American Heart Association
3. FOX News

“Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that causes the gradual loss of sight due to blurring or loss of central vision. This is often as a result of a deterioration of the macula, a yellow pigmented structure at the back of the eye that is responsible for our detailed color vision.”

FightingBlindness.com