tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62447489164860057062024-02-20T18:12:05.720-08:00HopeNet BlogHopeNet Blog offers the reader hope and encouragement for the whole person. These blogs are intended to challenge one's thinking as well as to inspire. However, they are not to take the place of instruction given to you by your counselor or physician.Chris Barkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224279297111307483noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-11610212542010330802015-04-07T11:35:00.002-07:002015-04-07T11:35:26.653-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE VEGAN DIET</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For some time now I have found that a vegan restaurant located not far from my home is not only convenient, but also healthful. But are there other reasons for choosing to go vegan in today's world? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to a recent federal report by a federal panel that helps to set federal dietary guidelines, eating less meat is also good for the environment. Needless to say, according to the article which appears in the April 5 online issue of The Hill, this has not made the nation's purveyors of beef, pork and poultry, happy! And of course they are fighting back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But does the federal panel have a point? The scientific evidence would appear to say emphatically "yes." In this day, when water is becoming ever more valuable and important, it does seem to be essential to understand that it takes about 1600 - 1900 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef! Compare this to the small amount of water it takes to raise beans (200 - 300 gallons) which may produce all the protein you body may need. And then there is the carbon footprint caused by cattle, pigs, and poultry. The UN report says the following: </span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;">The livestock sector is a major stressor on many ecosystems and on the planet as a whole. Globally it is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gasses and one of the leading causal factors in the loss of biodiversity, while in developed and emerging countries it is perhaps the leading source of water pollution.</span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">—</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_and_Agriculture_Organization" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" title="Food and Agriculture Organization">Food and Agriculture Organization</a><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">, </span><cite style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;"><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livestock%27s_Long_Shadow" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Livestock's Long Shadow">Livestock's Long Shadow</a></i></cite><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And compare that to the carbon footprint of raising veggies. Maybe that is why The Hill entitles its article: Federal Report: Vegan diet best for planet. Think about it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-- Wayne Young</span></div>
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Wayne Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909272799208891331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-9750913852564628632013-03-13T15:23:00.004-07:002013-03-13T15:23:53.162-07:00
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<b>IS PRAYER GOOD MEDICINE?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The May 1995 <i>Journal of the American Medical Association </i>contained an article
entitled, “Should Physicians Prescribe Prayer for Health?” In recent years several hundred studies
have been done concerning the relationship of prayer/religious lifestyle and
health. Dr. Larry Dossey, M.D.,
former chief of staff at Humana Medical City Dallas and former co-chair of the
Panel on Mind/Body Interventions, Office of Complementary and Alternative
Medicine, National Institutes of Health, in his book <b><i>Prayer is Good Medicine</i></b>,
shares some of the findings of surveys and research.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“When
we investigate prayer scientifically we can show only that it works, not how or
why it works. This means there is
a threshold beyond which science cannot pass. These limits are illustrated in the following interchange
between a science professor and the student-candidate he was examining: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><b> Examiner</b>: What is electricity?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Candidate</i></b><i>:
Oh, sir, I’m sure I have learn’t what it is – I’m sure I did know – but
I’ve forgotten.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>Examiner</i></b><i>: How very unfortunate. Only two persons have ever known what
electricity is, the Author of Nature and yourself. Now one of them has forgotten!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Science raises more questions about prayer than it answers. Science cannot measure the unmeasurable.” P. 20, 21<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>“Recent surveys show that 75 percent of patients believe their
physicians should address spiritual issues as part of medical care, and 50
percent want their doctor to pray not just for them but with them. . . ‘Statistically, God is good for you,’
says David B. Larson, M.D., of the National Institute for Healthcare Research
in Rockville, Maryland, which studies the relationship between spirituality and
health. Larson, a former senior
researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health, says, ‘I was told by
(medical school) professors that religion is harmful. Then I looked at the research, and religion is actually
highly beneficial. If you to to
church or pray regularly, it’s very beneficial in terms of preventing illness,
mental and physical, and you cope with illness much more effectively. If you look at the research, in area
after area, it’s 80 percent beneficial.
I was shocked.’” P. 2,3<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>“A recent survey by Dr. David B. Larson and his colleagues at the
National Institute for Healthcare Research in Rockville, Maryland, found that
43 percent of American physicians pray for their patients.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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For better health, why not try
praying to the Creator God who knows all about us?</div>
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-- Wayne Young</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Wayne Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909272799208891331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-4078276678820052782013-01-03T13:07:00.000-08:002013-01-03T13:12:48.744-08:00<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Vitamin D -"The Sunshine Vitamin"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vitamin D is important for bone health and for preventing cancers -especially breast and prostate cancer. Vitamin D helps maintain healthy levels of calcium in the blood. It increases calcium absorption in the small intestine and decreases calcium excretion in the urine. A deficiency of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">vitamin D can can cause increased demineralization of bone, leading to weak and soft bones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low levels of vitamin D have also been associated with weight gain and increased risk for dementia and Parkinson's disease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the status of most Americans? Most Americans are below the optimal vitamin D levels of 35-50ng/ml, and half are below 20ng/ml which may be dangerously low.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the RDI for vitamin D? It is 400IU/day. However, most persons taking only this amount of vitamin D (which is the amount in most multivitamins) will be deficient in vitamin D. For most people to achieve adequate levels of vitamin D they need to take between 1500-2500IU of vitamin D per day. (I usually take a multivitamin + 2000 IUdaily).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you know how much you should take? You need to get your levels checked. Dr Joel Fuhrman (Eat to Live) states that he believes this test is as important as checking your cholesterol. Before I took extra vitamin D (in addition to my multivitamin) my levels of vitamin D were low in the winter especially.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which brings up another question. Can't I get enough vitamin D from sunshine. If you live in northern latitudes the sun is not at a sufficient angle between mid-September to mid-March to get enough vitamin D produced from your skin. Also sun blocks decrease vitamin D production from the skin and also persons with dark skin tend to not make as much vitamin D from sun exposure. If you spend most of your working hours indoors you may not even get enough vitamin D in the summer months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are some of the risks of deficiency? One study showed a 75% increased risk for all-cause mortality (death) in those whose intake was in the lowest quartile. Another study showed a 50% decrease risk of breast cancer in just 4 years in those who had adequate levels from supplementation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This brings up another question-can I take too much vitamin D? In the study on breast cancer the lowest risk was found in the persons whose levels were between 35-50ng/ml and as levels went above 50 then cancer risk also increased again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Joel Fuhrman had an interesting patient who was having repetitive vomiting for 3 years (and was eating a healthy vegetarian diet). He had been to 3 separate GI specialists who had each recommended different types of treatment. He then came to see Dr Fuhrman and he checked the patient's vitamin D level and it was only 7ng/ml. He started supplementation and all his vomiting went away in just a few weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the bottom line is get your vitamin D level checked. If you are low then consider supplementing with 1500-2500IU/day and then check your levels again to make sure they are in the optimal range.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Jerry Fessler</span></div>
Wayne Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909272799208891331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-54033300073002086072012-10-25T10:31:00.001-07:002012-10-25T10:31:16.367-07:00
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Religious Faith and Coping with Depression<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Depression
is a major public health problem.
Based on a joint study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health
and WHO, depression was the leading cause of disability in the world (measured
by years of life lived with disability) in 1990 and, in 2020, is expected to be
the world’s second leading cause of disability, surpassed only by
cardiovascular disease. See the following website at Duke University to view
the ongoing study of religious versus conventional psychotherapy methods being
used in treating depression: <a href="http://www.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu/resources/pdfs/Psychotherapy%20paper.pdf">http://www.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu/resources/pdfs/Psychotherapy%20paper.pdf</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This
article of ongoing research in this field strongly suggests that since recent
polls have shown that some 65% of the United States’ population indicates that
religion is very important to them, and since some 80% of those suffering from
depression would like for their therapists to use religious approaches in
helping them to deal with their depression, that it is important for therapists
to include such methodologies in treating depression in person’s of faith. Former studies have already shown that
one’s religious beliefs may be a real help in coping with depression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In
a book by Dr. Koenig of Duke University, he says the following: “Most of the
adult population of the US experiences personal or emotional problems at some
point or another during the course of a year. . . In any given month of the
year, about 10-15 percent of the population suffers from depression or anxiety
severe enough to warrant some form of treatment. Is there a relationship
between these emotional problems and religion? Does religion help people to cope better?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Between
1987 and 1989, our research group examined the relationship between the use of
religion as a coping behavior and depression in a sample of almost 1,000
hospitalized medically ill men. . . . People who used religion as a coping
behavior were then compared with those who said they coped in other ways
(staying busy, visiting friends or family, and so forth). Patients who depended heavily on their
religious faith to cope were significantly less depressed than those who did
not. . . . The only characteristic that predicted lower rates of depression was
not the level of support from family or friends, not physical health status,
and not even income or education level.
Rather, it was the extent to which patients relied on their religious
faith to cope. This was the only
factor that predicted significantly better mental health six months later. These findings were later published in
the <i>American Journal of Psychiatry </i>and
in <i>Psychosomatics.” <b>Is Religion Good for Your Health?
</b></i>(Harold G. Koenig, MD, Duke University Medical Center)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To
what extent do you depend upon your faith to cope with physical or mental
illness? More and more studies are
indicating that one’s religious faith may play a vital role in such coping. Yours for a happier and healthier
tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">-- Wayne Young</span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Wayne Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909272799208891331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-69753058507997307762012-10-07T09:47:00.001-07:002012-10-07T09:47:38.952-07:00<br />
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<b>Religion and Your Health</b></div>
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Over the past couple of decades there have been many studies showing that religion has a positive benefit for those desiring better health. The following two paragraphs are quoted from the January 2010 issue of Vibrant Life online edition which may be found at http://www.vibrantlife.com/?p=218 for those who would like to read the entire article.</div>
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"One of the first studies to examine the specific pathways by which religion affects health was done by Dr. Harold Koenig, a researcher at Duke University Medical Center. In a study of 1,718 older adults in North Carolina who attended church at least once a week, he found they were only half as likely as nonattendees to have elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an immune system protein involved in a wide variety of age-related diseases. It was hypothesized that if religious commitment could reduce stress, it would keep down the production of substances that impair the body’s ability to fight disease. One such substance was to be determined IL-6. Dr. Koenig’s findings were reported in a 1997 article in the Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine.</div>
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Koenig says he has run the numbers and found that religious people spend less time in the hospital, are healthier, recover faster, have fewer heart attacks, and generally handle life’s ups and downs in more positive ways. Other studies report that religious people tend to live 30 percent longer and experience better physical and mental health. They also have better marriages, use addictive substances less, and have stronger support systems. Even the skeptics, he says, should pay attention to his latest findings because of the practical results in terms of savings for insurance companies and hospitals. He advises that doctors need to factor in the patient’s religious beliefs and use their faith to help them recover."<br />
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Yours for better health!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-- Wayne Young</div>
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Wayne Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909272799208891331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-2461427871194172222012-08-13T15:52:00.001-07:002012-08-13T15:52:23.163-07:00
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Social Relationships and Health<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">An
article which was recently published in the Journal of Health and Social
Behavior (<a href="http://hsb.sagepub.com/content/51/1_suppl/S54.full">http://hsb.sagepub.com/content/51/1_suppl/S54.full</a>)
entitled, “Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy,
points clearly to the importance of social relationships for good health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It
has been shown that social relationships – marriage, religious meetings,
volunteer agencies, etc. – both quantity and quality – “affect mental health,
health behavior, physical health, and mortality risk.” It goes on to say that
“Adults who are more socially connected are healthier and live longer than
their more isolated peers.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
results of the studies that have been done over the last few decades indicate
clearly the benefits for those who have social connections. For Christians who attend a fellowship
regularly and develop many good and wholesome relationships, this should be
good news! You might even find
that your health will improve and you will live longer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">-
Wayne Young<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Wayne Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909272799208891331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-42990714071758219072012-07-04T12:29:00.000-07:002012-07-04T12:29:16.056-07:00<br />
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<b>How to keep your Eyes Young<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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Your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body.<span> </span>Blindness is the most scary condition humans fear short of cancer.<u></u><u></u></div>
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The eyes act as little video cameras that are constantly taking pictures of our world around us. The film of the eye (camera) is a layer of tissues called the retina, composed of rods and cones. The retina converts light energy into electrical impulses that travel in the 1 million strands of the two optic nerves to the area in the brain at the back of the head. A person “sees” with his brain. A stroke in the brain can cause blindness.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span> </span>In order for the cells in our eyes to be healthy they must receive sufficient oxygen, water, nutrients and antioxidants to counter oxidative damage(ageing and degeneration).<u></u><u></u></div>
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Lets look at two diseases associated with ageing of the eyes that can be prevented or progress slowed by lifestyle change. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract (cloudy lens).<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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The area in the center of the retina is called the macula lutea.<span> </span>The lens in your eye focuses the image on this central focal point just as when using a magnifying glass (in fact one can burn paper and even start a fire with the magnifying glass and sunlight- right boy scouts?) The macula is where we see color and the area we use for reading. The maculae cells have the highest rate of metabolism in the body. More oxygen free radicals (damage) occurs here than anywhere else in the body.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Macular degeneration occurs in two forms: either a dry (cells die) or wet (new blood vessels develop that leak). The wet form causes the most severe visual loss.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the western world.<u></u><u></u></div>
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If you have AMD, your eye doctor may prescribe for you a vitamin-antioxidant pill to prevent progression of moderate dry macular degeneration or if you have the wet form, advise laser or injections of medication into the eye.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Cataract (cloudy lens)</b> occur when sunlight or other insults damage the proteins in the lens. Not protecting your eyes from the sun and smoking clearly increase your risk.<span> </span>Dark green leafy veggies and a variety of whole foods, eaten whole, decrease the risk of cataracts.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>How can I protect the cells in my eyes from degenerative damage?<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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1.<span> </span>Get sufficient oxygen. Exercise increases oxygen in the body, smoking<u></u><u></u></div>
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decreases it.</div>
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2.<span> </span>Whole plant foods eaten whole (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts),</div>
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They are abundant in energy nutrients as well as loaded with vitamins,<span> </span>minerals, phytochemicals (plant chemicals) and antioxidants (prevents oxidative damage)<u></u><u></u></div>
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The following are a few studies that have shown the undeniable connection between a proper diet and exercise with a lower incidence of AMD and cataract.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS)</b>, an ancillary study of the Women’s Health Initiative showed that the women who ate diets highest in fruits and vegetables and lowest in fat demonstrated 37% fewer cataracts and a 46% reduction in odds for AMD than those with diets low in fruits and veggies and high fat.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b><span> </span></b>And those who exercised the most demonstrated a twofold decrease in risk of AMD<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>Beaver Dam Eye Study, </b>participants that consumed the most lutein, an antioxidant, (kale, spinach, Swiss chard, etc.) demonstrated nearly 50% less cataract compared to those who ate the least.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Also there is a 50% decreased incidence of AMD in high dark green leafy veggie consumers.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Smoking is the principal known, preventable risk factor associated with any form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The risk is two to three times higher in current-smokers compared with never smokers.<u></u><u></u></div>
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A paper published in the Arch Ophthalmol 2003 by Seddon, et al “Progression of AMD Assoc with Body Mass Index, Waist circumference, and Waist-Hip Ratio” reported that individuals who are overweight face double the risk of developing AMD compared to those with normal body weight, and those who performed vigorous physical activities at least three times a week reduce their chances of developing AMD compared to those with a sedentary lifestyle.<u></u><u></u></div>
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The same lifestyle that prevents and reverses hardening of the arteries, coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, etc. is the same lifestyle that will keep your eyes young and healthy.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>The Lifestyle is:<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Do not smoke.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>Eat</b> a large variety of whole foods, foods as grown. <b>5 to 9 servings a day of fruits and vegetables,</b> especially <b>dark leafy greens.<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>Avoid </b>refined and concentrated foods that come in “crinkly bags and or cans. (soda pops, chips, pastries, ice cream).<b><u></u><u></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Limit<b> carbs </b>that raise blood sugar quickly (sugars, potatoes, white bread).<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>Eat low fat </b>(reduce or eliminate meat, dairy products and oils).<b><u></u><u></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Eat Omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week (especially <b>fatty fish</b> like salmon or ground <b>flax seed or chia seeds</b>).<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Lose (or don’t gain) excess <b>weight.<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Do moderate <b>exercise</b> ½ hour<span> </span>5-6 days/week<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Wear blue blocking U-V sunglasses – especially at high exposure situations: mid-day, and (high altitude, snow, water).<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Normalize – Blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids(cholesterol, triglycerides) preferably through lifestyle or by medications if needed.<u></u><u></u></div>
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George D Chen, MD, MPH<u></u><u></u></div>
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Ophthalmologist</div>Wayne Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909272799208891331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-60533395712199099872012-06-14T13:37:00.000-07:002012-06-14T13:37:04.591-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 16.000000pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">“Interesting!
God Gave the Principle
a Long Time Ago!"</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">A recent headline caught my attention: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-weight: bold;">Denmark introduces fat
tax to curb unhealthy
habits, improve life
expectancy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">. This article from the Associated Press of October 2, 2011 said that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px;"> Denmark, which already has higher
fees on sugar, chocolates, and soft
drinks, is now imposing a tax on
products that have saturated fat!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Jakob Axel Nielsen, the health
minister, said, “Higher fees on sugar,
fat and tobacco is an important step
on the way toward a higher average
life expectancy in Denmark,”
because he went on to say, “saturated
fats can cause cardiovascular disease
and cancer.”
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Needless to say, less
cardiovascular disease and less
cancer would benefit the country
hugely in making it possible for the nation to continue to benefit from
the talents of many individuals as
well as enjoying decreased health
costs. Today, in the United States,
the “normal” open-heart surgery
costs around $112,000! That means
that about 50 billion dollars a year
is spent on our poor health in just
this one area of healthcare. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Now, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px;">regardless of how one feels about a
government doing this, if you are know about the impact of animal fat on cardiovascular disease, you know what fat does to the
blood vessels and the disease processes.
This article was even more interesting
to me because of the fact that many
thousands of years ago God said to His
people that they must not eat the fat of
animals. (See Leviticus 7:23,24)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">The Apostle John says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy
good health and that all may go well with
you, even as your soul is getting along
well.” 3 John 2 God had our health in mind from the beginning! Amazing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">- Wayne Young</span></div>
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</div>Wayne Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08909272799208891331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-66689036426546868532012-05-04T15:37:00.001-07:002012-05-05T19:17:08.769-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Pole Walking and Good Health!</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Nordic (pole) walking is a great way to increase the benefits from a walking program. Pole walking increases cardio workout by about 20%, and calorie burn by 22-45% depending on the individual. It also decreases the stress on the lower extremities and low back by about 25%. In regular walking a person uses about 40% of their muscles but with pole walking they use 90% and it strengthens the arms and core and improves posture. 30 minutes of pole walking is equivalent to 50 minutes of regular walking. It is a great form of exercise for those who can no longer jog due to old knee injuries. If done regularly it can help with weight loss. One lady who took it up dropped 190 lbs. in 3 yrs. When done properly the wrist resting in the pole strap is slightly higher than the elbow with the arm at the side and then the poles are angled slightly back and you push when you walk (the tip of the pole is not placed out in front of your feet, but slightly behind). You plant the pole as you step with the opposite foot-so R. pole with L. foot and L. pole with R. foot. After practicing it for a while it becomes a rhythmic motion which propels you forward. I would highly recommend it for anyone who likes to walk but would like to "kick it up a notch".</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">— Jerry Fessler</span></div>
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</div>Chris Barkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224279297111307483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244748916486005706.post-37072984070963665382012-05-01T22:01:00.001-07:002012-05-02T20:32:12.464-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Forgiveness and Health</span></b></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Many studies over the last two decades have shown that resentment and bitterness may have a profound negative impact upon the mental, physical, and spiritual health of an individual. <br /><br />The anger that arises from such bitterness and resentment and an unwillingness to forgive, according to Redmond and Virginia Williams in their book, Anger Kills, may lead to a number of serious health problems. Dr. Don Colbert in his book, Deadly Emotions, tells how the hormone cortisol which is increased when there is chronic anger, may also increase the chances of being affected by a number of diseases.<br /><br />What is the answer to such bitterness, resentment, and anger? A large part of the answer is to be found in the word "forgiveness." A basic principle which God's Word shares with us is this: If we know that we have been forgiven by our Savior, then we are free to forgive others. Hence, if I am struggling with forgiving someone else, perhaps I need to take a look and see if I really believe that I have been forgiven. There is a freedom in forgiveness. It is because this is such an important topic that the Apostle Paul makes the following suggestion: <i>Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.</i> <i>(Ephesians 4:31-32)</i></span></span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is the way to a healthy, hope-filled life! </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">— Wayne Young</span><br />
</div>Chris Barkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03224279297111307483noreply@blogger.com0