Some of our first memories are all about health, we are taught to keep our hands clean, brush our hair, take a bath, and brush our teeth. We are taught how vitally important it is to clean our teeth after every meal or at least twice a day, to floss daily, and to avoid candy or sweets.
You might have seen the demonstration of a tooth placed in a glass of Coca-Cola that drink full of acid and the common table sugar called sucrose. The tooth started to decay before you and you might have wondered why? Is it the acid, because it couldnt be the sugar could it? Coca-Cola also contains other sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, corn syrup, and the like.
Would you believe that these sugars are in fact the most cavity-promoting substances in a persons diet?
Of course how many of us actually brush between meals? How many of our children floss every day? Could it be that the allure of the chocolate bar and the cola are too much for any of us to resist? Most kids find them selves to be in this predicament and even perhaps you as an adult might feel its nagging craving.
This might be the reason why cavities or caries as the medical industry calls them, still remain a common occurrence. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) survey (for survey go to http://www.nidr.nih.gov/news/consensus/final_cdc_statement.pdf) reported that 20% of children between the ages of 2 and 4 have had cavities.
Furthermore, by age 17, nearly four out of five have had at least one cavity. So our percentage of people experiencing cavities is not getting better it is in fact getting worse! Jumping from 20% to 80% is a 300% increase in the number of young people who have or had a cavity.
How about us adults how do we fare in this great struggle? The study goes to say that adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to dental cavities, and that 25% of the people ages 65 to 74 have lost all of their natural teeth.
So why does sucrose hurt our teeth and is their an easier way to combat it?
Did you know that tooth decay is a bacterial disease? Cavities are simply the symptom of what is going on inside your mouth. These caries or cavities are formed through a bacterial disease known as tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth called Streptococcus mutants actually change the molecular structure of sucrose, corn syrup, and many other sweeteners.
Without this molecular change sucrose and the like would increase the probability of type 2 or maturity-onset of diabetes and other diseases, but instead we just get a bacterial tooth disease to make up for it. The things we do to our selves with out even knowing it.
So this is the reason why we were taught to brush our teeth after every meal and floss every day to minimize the ability of these bacteria to damage our tooth enamel through that slow every minute, every second, of every day tooth decay. The act of brushing ones teeth actually removes the bacteria from the surface of the tooth or the enamel where it does its nasty work.
Some of the mouth washes or antiseptics are designed to kill the Streptococcus mutant bacteria. Dentists do their best to protect our teeths enamel with dental sealants, and with fluoride. Fluoride has a number of serious drawbacks as a preventative measure, its only strength is that is has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel.
However, just because it strengthens your teeths enamel doesnt mean it actually slows down the rate at which that enamel will decay, and it surely does not rebuild the enamel you have already lost. This is why there is so much controversy about fluoride as a preventative measure.
The primary source of energy for the Streptococcus mutants is carbohydrates, especially sucrose and high fructose corn syrup. So restricting the use of the carbohydrates such as sucrose will deprive the bacteria of its needed fuel slowing the rate at which your teeth decay.
So why am I writing this message to you? Simply to introduce to you a safe effective way for preventing and perhaps even stopping tooth decay all together. This preventative tool can stop tooth decay and may even reverse cavities allowing your body to heal its self. This is not a sonic mechanical tooth brush nor is it a complete set of gold plated dentures. The tool I am referring to is an all natural sugar! It goes by the name of Xylitol.
You might be thinking I thought you just said that carbohydrates especially sucrose are the main fuel on which this bacteria lives off of. Now you want me to eat it? Be patient with me and all will be told.
Sugar, what do you think of when I say sugar? Well if youre like most of us you are thinking about the common everyday table sugar called sucrose that has been bleached white and is lying in your pantry or in that beautiful tin canister sent to you for Christmas.
Not all sugars are or were created equal. Like sucrose xylitol is a natural food product, derived from certain fruits, vegetables (harvested mainly from corn), barriers, nutshells, and even tree bark. Xylitol is as sweet as sucrose and has about the same mass which is why you can substitute it on a one to one ratio for sucrose in all your cooking.
So here is my point xylitol has no predisposition to cause cavities unlike sucrose and high fructose corn syrup. Thus this point in and of it self can actually help you in your daily fight against cavities.
The regular use of xylitol products such as, chewing gums, candies, lozenges, toothpastes, and others, can stop the progress of tooth decay and as I mentioned earlier may even allow your body to heal cavities that are already in progress.
Yet another amazing exciting fact about Xylitol is that children who consume xylitol sweetened gums, candies, and toothpastes before they loss their baby teeth, so long as they keep regular care of their teeth as they grow, will have more protection against cavities then we ever did or ever will when they grow older. Yes, thats right before their permanent teeth come in.
Xylitol functions so efficiently because it obstructs the bacteria that cause tooth decay, by stopping their growth and preventing those nasty Streptococcus mutants attaching to the tooths enamel. So ideal for children because foods made with xylitol taste just as good as those sweetened with sucrose. Can you imagine encouraging your children to chew gum, or eat candy because you know it is good for them!
So do I have any scientific proof that supports my claims and how strong is this so called proof? Thankfully the people who have done the studies main motivations were not of greed, but rather of health and life. This means a lot me, these studies couldnt be stronger.
Many companies do the minimum of what is required by law to make claims about their products; though this may be legal it is not always moral. Dental anti cavity research has been going on now over 25 years. Dr. Catherine Hayes (for study go to http://www.nidr.nih.gov/news/consensus/catherine_hayes.pdf) of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine concluded that the favorable evidence for Xylitol was so strong that it would be unethical to deny people of its dental protecting effects.
When I Finally Admitted I Was Depressed And Cured It.
Winter has always been a difficult time for me in Michigan, with its many gray days, and not much sunlight. I awoke, feeling heavy, sluggish, and still exhausted. I wanted to pull the covers back over my head and return to my secure sleep state. I sensed something was wrong but really didn’t seem to care what it was. I knew I did not want to face another grueling day, outside the world of sleep. I felt scared, but didn’t know why. I dragged myself, out of bed, and into the bathroom. I could not decide whether I wanted to shave or shower first, then I made that extremely difficult decision to shower. Typical thoughts that would run through my head every morning, would I ever get over this feeling? Why was I feeling like this all the time? Maybe this is normal and I will eventually get over it?
Finally, I was fully awake small tasks seemed monumental, drudgery and overwhelming but I pushed on. I started my day by looking for faults in everything but myself. I was very short tempered with those closest to me and I didn’t even realize it, then out the door to work I go. The rest of the day, at work, I felt numb people were talking to me, asking questions, but nothing was getting thru. On the outside I put up a great front so no one could see, but I was trapped inside a deep dark world, a personal hell.
I was forgetting things very easily, even if I wrote them down. Organization, no matter how I organized things, didn’t seem to matter, because I was depressed and felt hazy. I couldnt decide exactly what to start on because it all seemed overwhelming. When I did start something it was like climbing a mountain and I couldn’t see the top. Sometimes I felt a sinking feeling or a sense of little hope for anything. I felt like no one knew what I was going through or could help me. I would easily get angry and irritated at everything and everyone. There were times of Panic/Anxiety attacks in the middle of the night, those were not fun.
My typical day was like that movie “Ground Hog Day” with Bill Murray where he had to keep repeating the same day over and over till he got it right. What I found out later was that somewhere, I allowed myself to tumble into a state of depression and had not realized it or even truly acknowledged it. When I did finally acknowledge I was depressed and needed to do something it took me along time to find the right solutions by trial and error. The only person that can drag you out of depression is you, but I have to tell you the big secret to my success was the pharmaceutical grade St. Johns Wort that I took for about 6 months. If you need to know more about what I was taking come to my forum I go into more detail there.
Now I am doing great, I have focus, drive, energy and care what happens to myself and others. I jump out of bed, can’t wait to face all of the issues at hand (They are issues now, before they were monumental problems). I don’t have the emotional tendencies that I had before. I am by no means walking around with “rose colored glasses”, but more like a clear view now without the numb hazy feeling.
Depression is an emotionally draining journey that many will go through in their lifetime, but depression does not have to rule your life there is plenty of help available. Answers and treatments will vary from person to person what works for one person may not work for another. Allowing the state of depression to control you and be the norm will negatively affect you and others. Depression drags you down to depths that you feel you dont have the energy to accomplish anything or even beat depression itself, a vicious cycle. Depression appears to cause many physical illness’s that can be over come with treatment. Its time now, for you to pull out of the emotional numbness and rollercoaster that you step on to, but cant remember where.
Being able to feel normal and handle life is your right. When people look at others that are cool and calm they appear to have everything under control that might not be the case, because many of us can put of a really good front. Putting up a good front is ok for a while, but you need to address the disorders. “Depression slowly erodes your will and breaks down any attempt at your happiness for a normal life this is not what anyone wants.
Finally, I want all of you to know that depressed people are highly intelligent, loving and sensitive people that have a lot to contribute to the world, but they need to realize that they are depressed, admit it and find a solution.
- Thomas Fullerton
http://www.toolsfordepression.com/phpBB2
What To Look For When Evaluating Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Options: The Three “C’s” of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
People with Medicare can start saving money by enrolling in the government’s prescription drug plan, and with open enrollment running through May 15, 2006, there is still time to save.
“This is the most significant change to Medicare since the program’s inception, and it will offer people with Medicare more choices than ever before,” said Scott Latimer, M.D., Central and North Florida Market President for Senior Products at Humana, one of the nation’s leading private sector Medicare insurers. “In order to select the plan that best meets their needs, beneficiaries will need to carefully evaluate their options prior to enrolling.”
When choosing a plan, people with Medicare and their family members and friends involved in the process need to factor three areas into their decision: affordable cost, plan coverage of required drugs and services and ease of obtaining medications.
Cost
While some plans have a monthly premium, there are Medicare Advantage plans that provide Parts A and B medical coverage and include Part D drug coverage as a built-in benefit without an additional monthly premium cost.
Plans also have varying coverage of the coverage gap, which is commonly referred to as the “doughnut hole.” Some plans offer more choices than others, including $0 deductible options, varying co-payment levels and possibly generic drug coverage through the gap.
Additionally, people with Medicare will also pay part of the cost for prescriptions, which varies depending on the drug plan chosen.
Coverage
Each Medicare drug plan has a list of the prescription drugs it covers. When comparing plans, beneficiaries need to find plans that cover all or most of the drugs they take. Many plans may also offer lower-cost generics.
Of course, insurance plans can change the list of drugs they cover. Companies must provide at least 60 days’ notice before making a coverage change. Beneficiaries can then evaluate other options and speak to their doctors about the possibility of switching to an alternate drug that is on the plan or to a generic medication.
Convenience
All private insurers offering prescription drug coverage have pharmacy networks. These include both national pharmacies such as Wal-Mart, Rite Aid and CVS and non-chain independent pharmacies. Mail-order drug delivery services may also be an option, and may be particularly beneficial for people who take multiple medications daily.
People should speak with their pharmacist about the plan they are considering. It is important to know if that pharmacy will be part of that preferred network.
Web-based tools can help calculate prescription drug costs by plan, determine all out-of-pocket costs and even allow online enrollment.
As the new year begins, people with Medicare who have already joined a Medicare drug plan can take advantage of the new Medicare prescription drug coverage. Since this is a new program for Medicare, you might have questions about how to use your Medicare drug plan. For instance, what if you joined a plan but haven’t received a plan ID card in the mail yet? Or, what if your drugs were covered by Medicaid and you’re not sure how to get your medicines now? Whatever questions you have, Medicare has answers.
First Pharmacy Trip
Here are some tips people with Medicare can use to make sure their first trip to the pharmacy goes smoothly:
• When you first join a Medicare drug plan, you’ll get an acknowledgement letter in the mail about a week after you join. Your plan ID card should arrive three to five weeks later.
• If you need to go to the pharmacy before your ID card arrives, bring the acknowledgement letter from your plan, your Medicare and/or Medicaid card, and a photo ID.
• Save the receipts from your pharmacist.
• For additional assistance, call 1-800-MEDICARE, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
People with Medicare and Medicaid
If your pharmacist is having trouble confirming what plan you’re in or whether you also get Medicaid, he can also call a special toll-free number that Medicare set up for pharmacists to get help. People with Medicare who also get Medicaid should be able to get their prescriptions filled with minimal copayments and no deductibles.
How to Join a Plan
If you haven’t joined a Medicare drug plan yet, don’t worry. You have until May 15, 2006 to choose and join a plan without having to pay a penalty
The Internet has revolutionized a consumer’s ability to research personal health issues and independently discover the available options of finding more affordable ways of obtaining his or her medications.
For the millions of Americans who have prescription drug plans as part of their health insurance, the actual cost of medications is somewhat obscured by the co-payment–usually a nominal fee compared to the actual cost of the drug.
But for the millions of Americans who don’t have access to prescription coverage, who must pay for their medications out of pocket, there is a crucial piece of knowledge that can save them a lot of money: The cost of prescription drugs varies from pharmacy to pharmacy. And in many cases, Internet-based pharmacies can offer even lower costs. For example, a recent survey showed that Walgreens was selling Plavix (75 mg, 90 tablets) for $405.09. SmartChoiceDrugstore.com sold the exact same drug and quantity for $353.49.
According to data collected by SmartChoice, Americans pay more for their prescription drugs than people in other countries. The reason is that pharmaceutical manufacturers sell at much higher prices to U.S. wholesale companies because they have no restrictions on pricing. Higher costs are also attributed to pharmaceutical companies spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year in sales and marketing people to push their medications on the U.S. public and doctors who prescribe the medications.
Just like online retailers from whom you’d buy books, appliances or even a car, Internet pharmacies are able to offer lower prices because of lower overhead. With no storefront (and accordant costs) to maintain, there’s less of a markup on the merchandise. The medication you receive from Internet pharmacies such as SmartChoice is identical to the medicines found at a neighborhood or chain drugstore. The only difference is what you pay. And if you take several different medications, the savings can be substantial.
At SmartChoiceDrugstore.com, each and every order is filled by a registered and licensed pharmacist. Like any U.S. pharmacy, SmartChoiceDrugstore.com undergoes rigorous governmental inspections regularly. The site is a full-service pharmacy that has access to all medications that any other pharmacy would have. And like traditional pharmacies, there are policies and procedures in place to validate prescriptions.
For many years, when people thought of alcohol and drug rehab, the image that almost immediately came to mind was most likely a group of people, sitting in a circle in folding chairs in a big vacant room. Its true that group programs still aid many people in their quest to stop drinking and using illegal substances but most who have fell too deep into their addictions do not find relief this way. There is good news for those who need help getting over their addictions – slowly, there has been a proliferation of alternative therapies to alcohol and drug rehab. These methods may prove useful when traditional rehabilitation methods fail.
1. Why Do People Get Addictions?
The reasons for addiction are complicated and vary with each and every individual. These same reasons may be difficult for us to understand, and even a lot more difficult to resolve. Drug and alcohol rehab in recent years has taken a hard and diverse approach to the problem of addiction. Taking in consideration are the physical, emotional, and even nutritional factors that may be causes. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or whether you are a concerned friend or family member of someone who is in a very dangerous grip of addiction, be confident that you are not the only one. Addictions come in varied forms, some are dangerous and some are not.
2. The Physiological Approach
It doesnt mean that just because you are encountering a dangerous addiction its alright to think that you are different from everyone else. It only means that you’ll need to seek out specially qualified help. Many physiological and chemical imbalances that occur in our bodies and brains may contribute or cause our feelings of depression, that can lead us into addiction as we try to self medicate to compensate for our emotional distress. We are living in an era where many problems like chemical depression and blood sugar imbalances are easily diagnosed and treated. Often, addicts who treat these underlying problems will experience great relief from the urge to feel better by drinking.
3. Blood Chemistry
The best and most popular idea we have of drug rehabilitation is the old 12-step group therapy that we so often see on television shows and movies. The fact is, science has a lot more to tell us about how our bodies and brains respond to all kinds of substances. A lot of evidence suggests that when a physiological or chemical imbalance is occurs in the brain no matter what the cause, that individual will try to compensate for the imbalance he is experiencing by self-medicating with drugs. Modern drug rehab programs often use this approach to look for chemical brain imbalances to help their patients recover. In addition to this, imbalances in blood chemistry can also lead to drug and alcohol addiction. Having problems such as low blood sugar can lead someone to self medicate so that he can cure any fatigue or anxiety that he may be feeling. A balanced nutritional intake and exercise have shown themselves to be aids in the process of drug rehab.
4. Social Theory
Usually people who are deeply addicted often have neglected themselves, so by finding a diet and exercise program, it can really lift their self image. Another advantage of exercise to anyone who is an addict is that it also provides a natural high that can help an addict to get through the rough periods in his rehabilitation. Some individuals may be comfortable with the idea of group counseling while some may have difficulty in comprehending it. An option for these kinds of people is one on one therapy, where a therapist can reach out to the deepest and most personal aspects of an addicts life. Looking for answers for addiction and possible recovery is an extremely difficult task to anyone. It takes a lot of devotion and time to even see the smallest of developments. Being able to find the right place to do the work toward recovery is an important step. The wants needs of each and every addict are different from each other, and the process of finding a place to fully recover can be a very deep, difficult, personal and intense process.
It can be easy to save money on medicine. Experts say following doctors’ orders can save more than lives; it can save a health care system spiraling out of control.
“One of the key factors in rising health care costs is the failure of patients to take their medicines properly,” says Matt Hartwig, President of the Missouri Pharmacy Association. “Not following a prescribed regimen means it takes longer to get well-which has economic as well as physical costs. But more problematically, it can lead to long-term health problems that require more medicines and expensive treatments.”
Magic bullet solutions to controlling drug costs, such as importation, are counterproductive, many say, because they ruin the incentive of drug companies to innovate new lifesaving medicines by draining their research and development budgets.
“Many people don’t realize that drug companies, not the government, bear the majority of the costs and risks of developing new medicines,” says Christopher Viehbacher of pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. “The vast majority of new medicines are discovered and developed by the pharmaceutical industry, which invests more than four times more in R&D than the average industry does.”
In fact, controlling health care costs is a long-term challenge with no easy solution. However, patients are a key part of the equation.
First, patients must gain a deeper appreciation for the role and importance of medicine to their overall well-being. In Missouri, Governor Matt Blunt signed a proclamation declaring September “Value of Medicines Awareness Month.”
In addition, the Missouri Pharmacy Association, with partners including GlaxoSmithKline, has launched a campaign to educate consumers on how they can control health care costs by following their prescribed treatment regimen and exploring the many options for saving on their prescriptions.
“Taking medicines properly is a win-win for patients and for society,” says Hartwig. “Patients following a prescribed drug regimen will lead healthier, more productive lives. It’s also a preventive measure against the type of long-term health problems that really drive up health care costs for everybody. A healthy society makes fewer long-term demands on the health care system.”
Following doctors’ orders saves you money.
The Healing Continues: What Do I Do Now After Drug Rehab?
Having gone through alcohol or drug rehabilitation is a major undertaking. Congratulations. Now you might be wondering several things. Where do I go from here? What do I do with my new life? What are the best strategies for staying clean and sober? The information in this article answers all of these important questions. It comes mostly from the experts: people, like you, who were once in a treatment center and have been in recovery for many years. Additional information has also been contributed from professionals that have helped recovering alcoholics/addicts after the alcohol or drug rehabilitation process.
Taking ActionThe Process
* Create a plan for after you leave. Work with your therapist, counselor or the treatment center you attended to assist you in developing an after care treatment plan. These are designed to give you a strategy for staying clean. Its a plan that will keep you on track in the recovery process. Lay person and professional experts in recovery know that an outlined plan detailing the things you can do to stay sober is valuable. Here are some of the most common, and maybe not so common, steps/actions/objectives that can be part of your plan towards a goal of staying healthy, sober and free from addiction.
* Continue with therapy. Follow up sessions with a trusted counselor or professional helps to address those issues or problems that are new for you. Life after addiction comes with new or confusing situations you will be faced with. For example, there was a man that after having been in a drug induced state for years did not know how to order his eggs at a restaurant. He would say, I just let them throw the eggs on the plate, anything to get some food in my belly. I never paid attention to or cared how they were cooked. When you are confronted with something you dont know how to handle, frustration and desire to turn to what you know best (getting high) may become overwhelming. There is no problem too small or large that a trained professional cant help you with. Its better to seek their advice and look for solutions than to return to abusing drugs or alcohol.
* Keep your body healthy. This part of the after care plan should involve listing ways you can keep your body functioning at optimum levels. Some steps may include:
* Nutrition and eating right are essential. There have been studies recently showing that the right intake of calories, vitamins and nutrients, staves off the craving for drugs and alcohol. When your body feels good, the chances are you can better fight the cravings for addictive substances.
* Drink lots of water. Water hydrates the body and maintains your body temperature. Proper hydration allows for smoother waste elimination, and keeps the body emotionally balanced. Experts that work in the crisis industry (rape crisis centers, nurses in emergency or triage, etc.) have long known the power of water in regulating a persons mood. It has a calming effect. An added bonus among many, water keeps your skin from drying out too.
* Exercise. Find an exercise routine and stick with it. If you like the gym or workout centers get a membership Take evening walks in your neighborhood after dinner. Use stairs wherever you go instead of elevators. Remember to find exercises that will bring your heart rate up (aerobic) and those that include warm-up, stretching and free-weights.
* Keep your teeth clean. One of the first things to not only put on your plan but to arrange is a dental exam. Drug use and alcohol abuse damage teeth and gums severely over time. Studies have shown that excessive plaque and tartar on the teeth carries through to our blood stream and creates a plaque build up in the arteries. This means potential heart problems and cardiovascular disease. Also, clean teeth means you will smile more and that alone will better your social life.
* Make social activities part of your plan. When youre developing your after care plan, be sure to include activities that make you happy. Socializing will decrease depression and keep you from feeling isolated. On this note, make sure to not include former drinkers or drug using buddies. Chances are very high that if you begin associating with your former partying partners (that are still using) you will quickly begin abusing the substance again. Find people that have been in recovery for a long time or others that have never had a substance abuse problem. Seek new friends, return to favorite hobbies, whatever it takes to get you out and busy.
* Find your spiritual path. Whatever spirituality means to you, discover or re-discover what it is that gives you strength through the hard times. Returning to a spiritual place that made you feel connected, worthy or special will help.
* Find the creativity within. Do you draw, paint, dance or read? Bring the creative you back to life. Creativity gives a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. This is important for anyone recovering from an addiction. By the way, start your creative processes with your treatment plan. Give thought to the social activities you like. Outline some ideas to eat foods that will not only nourish you but make you feel good, alive and energetic. There are many healthy foods that can give this feeling. Bring your creativity to your plan and make it uniquely yours.
When preparing your after care plan, make sure its what you want. There is nothing worse than having a plan that fits someone elses needs or expectations. Often in alcohol or drug treatment and detox centers we hear quite a bit about what we should do. Our days are planned with activities, counseling, meal times and social events. We become accustomed to what others think we should do to remain sober. Family and friends offer advice, your counselor or therapist may suggest items for your plan but in the end, the treatment plan belongs to you. It needs to be tailored with the purpose of achieving your goal. Your goal is to remain sober and clean. If the plan is one you want and can live with, the chances are you will respect it, follow through with the steps/objectives and stay sober for many years to come.
Noni Juice, which comes from the morinda citrifolia fruit, has been claimed over many years to be a cure-all for numerous types of ailments. Recently it has become the huge health rage over the entire United States. Bottles of Tahitian noni juice, which are often small in comparison to the juice we often buy at the grocery store, range from ten dollars a bottle up to eighty dollars a bottle. Why is this juice becoming such a huge hit? Could it be a miracle cure-all or just snake oil?
Many years ago, islanders from the South Pacific used the noni fruit for many different ailments including such problems as joint discomfort and arthritis, depression and sleep-loss, to topical solutions for irritations and bites. To the islanders, this fruit was a great source of health benefits and a universal one at that.
But how much do we actually know about this fruit? No actual proof has been made to right these claims or put up any fight against them. Our society, however, is often eager to jump on the bandwagon at any chance to feel better, stay younger, or live healthier.
What is known about Tahitian noni juice? Well Noni is a fruit like any other fruit. It does have vitamins like other fruit, and yes, it is very nutritious. Other than that, Tahitian noni juice seems no different than most other tropical fruits. Could there be something in it that is a miracle cure for numerous ailments? Possibly, but no evidence can strongly support this. Have many claimed it has helped them with their health? Yes, definitely! Many have claimed that it does help numerous areas of their health and probably shouldnt be dismissed as completely pointless.
The problem lies when people and marketing agencies make claims that Tahitian noni juice cures things without proper proof of it doing so. There have been those diagnosed with cancer and was told that noni juice could cure their cancer. Unfortunately, those people cant be here to make their testimonial that it does not cure such an illness because they are no longer with us. It is only propaganda which we have been force-fed to believe and there are those who prey on vulnerable people who really want to believe that a simple juice could be such a cure.
A word to the wise, take health supplements for the sole purpose of supplementing your health, not cure a disease. If you take a supplement, weigh out the risks involved, ask questions, and dont assume a single supplement will cure anything. If it does happen to cure anything, great! But simply dont expect it to just because a business person says so or you hear it on a commercial or label.
Statins are a group of medications used to decrease cholesterol in the body. This reduction is shown to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Recent research, however, is shedding a new light on the potential benefits of these drugs.
In a study involving more than 50,000 patients, statins showed a benefit in patients with atherosclerotic disease, or hardening of the arteries. Not only do the medications lower cholesterol, they have favorable effects on the blood vessels, kidneys, and bone. Statins were shown to decrease blood clot formation and scientists are linking statins to a reduced risk for developing Alzheimers disease, prostate and colon cancer, bone fractures, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and osteoporosis.
Statins may also be useful for treating multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain kidney diseases. The issue at stake here is; the scientists are not exactly sure how they work to combat these diseases. What they do know for sure is statins have a proven track record in preventing strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers are speculating that cholesterol causes an increase of plaque buildup in the area of the brain damaged in Alzheimers disease. Six published studies show a decrease in dementia or Alzheimers disease in those patients using a statin. They summarize that the decrease in cholesterol reduces the damaging plaque buildup in the brain.
The breast cancer studies have conflicting results with regards to cancer protection. Of the six published studies, four concluded no effect on beast cancer. One study showed a protective benefit but only after five years of taking the statin. Another study showed a large decrease in the risk of breast cancer in women over the age of 75.
Five different studies, involving more that 75,000 people, showed that taking statins reduced fractures. In four different studies, statin use was associated with a lower risk of hip and nonspine fractures. Conversely, several studies have also shown that statins have no effect on bode density or reduction of fractures.
Two studies looked at the effects statins have on the kidneys. Results show that the statins reduced the amount of protein in the urine. An excess amount of protein is released in the urine as a result of kidney damage. Another analysis showed a significant reduction in the loss of kidney function.
Only one study has examined the benefits of statins on multiple sclerosis. At the conclusion of the research, those who received the statin had a significant reduction on multiple sclerosis markers compared to those who took a placebo.
Statins have been used successfully for years and are well tolerated with few serious side effects. A rare but serious side effect presents itself with muscle pain and tenderness. Tell your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any unusual muscle soreness or weakness.
It is still too soon to advise doctors to prescribe these medications for treating anything other than high cholesterol. The research is too conflicting and there are still too many unanswered questions. Researchers are currently examining how cholesterol adversely affects several different disease states. They are looking into whether the lowering of cholesterol has a positive effect or if the benefit is directly due to the statin.
For more free information, free articles, and free newsletter, go to www.rxcostcutters.com