Fighting Age-Related Muscle Loss Share|

Fighting Age-Related Muscle Loss (427) (NewsUSA) - Did you know that you start to lose muscle at a mere 30 years of age? Whether we like it or not, muscle starts to degenerate with each decade of life. This age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, springs from many factors, including inactivity, inadequate protein and increased levels of the regulatory protein myostatin, which impedes muscle growth. Clinical studies have shown that high levels of myostatin can lead to reduced muscle mass. Sarcopenia impacts overall health as well. Age-related muscle loss can limit daily activities of living and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity as well as cardiovascular, neurological, and orthopedic diseases. That said there are steps you can take to help stem the effects of sarcopenia. Incorporate Exercise Moderate physical activity, along with resistance training, can help promote muscle growth and reduce the impact of this biological event. Focus on Food As you age, adequate protein intake plays an important role in maintaining muscle health. Nutritional Supplements Re Muscle Health Products feature the revolutionary bionutritional supplement Fortetropin, described on MYOS Corporation's website as "the only safe and naturally occurring myostatin inhibitor available with a clinically demonstrated positive effect on both muscle thickness and lean body mass compared to placebo." Fortetropin is a proprietary product of the MYOS Corporation. MYOS' Re Muscle Health nutrition products are formulated to help protect and preserve lean, healthy muscle tissue. The product line includes: bars, powders and meal-replacement shakes designed to be used daily to supplement a sensible workout regimen, or simply as part of a regular healthy diet to promote muscle health and lean body mass. The products contain a 6.6 gram serving of Fortetropin along with 20 grams of protein. In clinical trials, Fortetropin, the active ingredient in Re Muscle Health products, was associated with a reduction in myostatin levels, as well as an increase in lean body mass and muscle thickness. It's important to note that the "Re" in "Re Muscle Health" stands for Rebuild, Rejuvenate, Results. Dr. Buzz Aldrin, decorated combat pilot, Apollo astronaut and member of the company's board of directors, believes the products, which he uses daily, live up to the name. "I am pleased that Re Muscle Health is tailored to the aging population as well as athletes and the fitness community," noted Dr. Aldrin, a former intercollegiate athlete and pole vaulter, in a company press release. "MYOS is doing important groundbreaking work in muscle health, and I rely on Re Muscle Health products to help me maintain my lean muscle. They taste great and I've seen tremendous results," Dr. Aldrin said. To learn more please visit, www.remusclehealth.com.

A Quarter of Adults Dishonest With Dentists on How Often They Floss

A Quarter of Adults Dishonest With Dentists on How Often They Floss (349) (NewsUSA) - While many people are aware of the basic tenants of good oral care, thousands of people still don't floss their teeth -- and they lie about it. According to a new national survey, more than a quarter (27 percent) of U.S. adults admit they lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth. Along with twice-daily brushing and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation, daily flossing is a critical component in the prevention of periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease. The Harris Poll, on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), was conducted online among more than 2,000 U.S. adults and among the top 10 U.S. markets. The AAP is using the survey results to urge all Americans to "Love the Gums You're With" and to raise awareness of periodontal disease -- a chronic inflammatory disease caused when bacteria in plaque grow below the gum line, leading to swelling, irritation, receding gums and tooth loss. Periodontal disease has been linked to many other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer. Despite its prevalence, periodontal disease is rarely discussed, resulting in a lack of urgency, awareness and education among the public. "There's clearly more work to be done when it comes to educating Americans about the importance of oral hygiene in maintaining healthy gums. There are more than 500 bacterial species that can be found in plaque, and brushing alone does not remove the bacteria that live below the gum line," says AAP President Joan Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH. "The good news about periodontal disease is that with proper and timely care, it's treatable and often reversible. If a person has been diagnosed with or is at risk for periodontal disease, a periodontist has the training and expertise to determine the best course of treatment." Patients should discuss their periodontal health with a dental professional who can make a referral to a periodontist if necessary. For more information and tips on how to properly care for your gums, visit perio.org.

Natural Snacks Make Nutritious Meals

Natural Snacks Make Nutritious Meals (395) (NewsUSA) - Three square meals a day are a thing of the past. Busy schedules, diverse dietary preferences and the flow of modern life necessitate more flexible and convenient meals. Luckily, snacking is in the midst of a revolution. Traditional snacks like chips and pretzels have given way to bigger, better and healthier options that deliver both convenience and nutrition in one tasty package. Whether clean-label, organic, vegan or nutrient-added, it's up to ingredient suppliers and manufacturers to develop products that meet all of these demands. That's certainly a tall order. While there are no standard requirements for clean label snacks, naturally derived gums, hydrocolloids and colors are generally accepted in such applications and have become increasingly popular. You might see these ingredients listed as carrageenan, a soluble fiber from red seaweed, or cellulose gel, which is a refined plant fiber. In many foods and beverages, these ingredients improve shelf life and nutritional value without diminishing taste -- like giving drinkable low-fat yogurt that distinctive creamy consistency with every sip. They also prove quite functional in products that meet strict dietary requirements, like gluten-free and vegetarian options. Hydrocolloids and gums like carrageenan, alginates and cellulose gel can be sustainably sourced from nature and are perfectly suited for vegetarian and vegan foods. Either by improving the flavor and fullness of meatless sausage or producing non-dairy ice cream with that definitive indulgence and delectability, these ingredients are making new snacking options both possible and palatable. Reducing the number of ingredients in a recipe is one challenge and, more recently, adding ingredients has become another. We want foods and beverages with added value, but it's important to understand that introducing vitamins or nutrients to any product can significantly affect flavor and texture. Enriched, shelf-stable snacks that boast added protein need a stabilizer to maintain the quality of the product. Without the added ingredients like carrageenan, similar products might separate, taste chalky or be less effective than their claims imply. Food companies are adapting their product formulations and rolling out new products to meet demand for healthy snacking solutions. Naturally derived ingredients that help reduce fat and sugar content but maintain product integrity are changing the way we snack. They deliver that indulgent experience we all appreciate. For more information on ingredients that give us a variety of snacks for a wide range of diets, please visit www.FoodScienceMatters.com.

Top Ways to Fight Fevers in Kids

Top Ways to Fight Fevers in Kids (432) (NewsUSA) - Fevers often set in fast and unexpectedly, leaving a caregiver little time to prepare -- or to run to the store. Be ready to react the next time your child comes down with a fever by keeping a fully stocked fever-fighting arsenal in your home: * Drink Up: You know your child's favorite flavors, so keep your pantry stocked with therapeutic hydration beverages in these flavors. You'll be ready to replenish vital nutrients and prevent dehydration as soon as it's needed. Remember, to prevent dehydration, encourage your little one to drink slowly as opposed to big gulps, and avoid sugary and sweetened beverages. For an extra treat, try freezing the beverage and creating an ice pop. * Measurement That's on the Mark: A rectal thermometer still provides the most accurate measurement of body temperature. When you're dealing with an elevated body temperature, it's important to know the exact measurement, so you know when to call the pediatrician.* Have a good digital rectal thermometer on hand to get an exact reading. * Keep 'Em Cool: When fever spikes, be ready. Keep a cool pack chilled in the refrigerator to keep your child cool and help bring down their body temperature. You'll also have this special "icy" ready to go when boo boos need soothing. Avoid cold baths or showers, however, since they can cool the body too much. Healthcare professionals recommend moderately warm baths instead. * Dose with Ease: Acetaminophen is one of the most recommended nonprescription medications by healthcare professionals for fever reduction in children. However, if your child is fussy, spitting up or vomiting, it can be challenging to get them to take a full and proper oral dose of liquid acetaminophen. Be sure to have FeverAll Acetaminophen Suppositories (www.feverall.com) in your medicine cabinet for instances when sick infants and children can't or won't take liquid acetaminophen orally. FeverAll Infants' Strength (80 mg) is the only acetaminophen suppository available and approved for infants as young as six months of age. You'll be able to confidently dose acetaminophen with ease and know that your child received the proper dose for their age, even as young as six months old. * Dole out the Love: A little extra TLC can help keep kids comfy and in a positive state of mind as they fight a fever. Show your love through the power of touch with a gentle massage to your child's feet, neck or back. For extra security, have a brand-new soft lovey or blanket ready to go as a special new delight.         * Always consult your pediatrician for questions and concerns about fever in infants and children.

Send Your Kids Back to School With Their Vaccines Up to Date

Send Your Kids Back to School With Their Vaccines Up to Date (363) (NewsUSA) - Back-to-school season is here. It's time for parents to gather school supplies and backpacks. It's also the perfect time to make sure your kids are up to date on their vaccines. Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC's immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children's health -- and that of classmates and the community. Most schools require children to be current on vaccinations before enrolling to protect the health of all students. Today's childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox. "Thanks to vaccines, most of these diseases have become rare in the United States," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But many still exist here, and they can make children very sick, leading to many days of missed school, missed work for parents, and even hospitalization and death." In 2011, there were more than 200 cases of measles reported in the U.S. In 2010, about 27,550 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) were reported, and 25 people died from the disease. "Without vaccines, these numbers would be much, much higher," Dr. Schuchat said. "That's why kids still need vaccines." When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk of disease and can spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community -- including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions. School-age children need vaccines. For example, kids who are 4 to 6 years old are due for boosters of four vaccines: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), chickenpox, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and polio. Older children, like pre-teens and teens, need Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), HPV (human papillomavirus) and MCV (meningococcal conjugate virus) vaccines. In addition, yearly flu vaccines are recommended for all children 6 months and older. Check with your child's doctor to find out what vaccines are needed. Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents.

Encourage Reading With Tips From Dr. Seuss

Encourage Reading With Tips From Dr. Seuss (408) (NewsUSA) - The first nine years of a child's life are the most critical for learning how to read. In fact, national research estimates that 74 percent of poor readers who aren't helped before age nine will continue having difficulties in high school, and only two percent will go on to complete a four-year degree. "Besides being the foundation of communication and most kinds of classroom-based learning, reading skills give children a confidence and advantage that benefits them long after they finish school. And for those who actually enjoy reading? The rewards are endless," says Richard Bavaria, Ph.D. (Dr. Rick) from tutoring service and education expert, Sylvan Learning. To encourage parents to renew their efforts to get children and young adults interested in reading, the experts at Sylvan are taking a few pages out of Dr. Seuss's many dog-eared books. Check out these Seuss-inspired reading tips for the could-be avid readers in your family. Oh say, can you say? Reading aloud with your children is just as vital as you always heard. For toddlers and young kids, reading aloud with exaggerated voices and silly noises helps keep them interested and excited. For older children and young adults, getting them to read aloud builds confidence in their reading abilities. One book, two books, red books, blue books. Most people love collecting valued items, children included. Support efforts to create their own library, and help them find new books to add to the collection. Turn trips to the grocery store or Goodwill into a treasure hunt for new books. And to think that you saw that word on Mulberry Street. Car rides are ideal times to learn new words because you and your kids are being bombarded with new phrases and vocabulary around every curve. From billboards to street signs, new words are everywhere! Oh, the places you'll go! Let the Internet guide you. If your nine-year-old refuses to read anything other than horse books, what better place to find a reading list of age-appropriate horse books? Interactive websites like Book Adventure -- www.bookadventure.com -- allow kids to choose their own books and take short quizzes for prizes. My book... By me myself. Challenge your kids by asking them to write their own stories with their own illustrations. It increases their familiarity with words and encourages creativity. Learn more about getting kids to explore the vast world of reading, including more Seuss tips, at www.sylvanlearning.com.

Survey Shows Americans' Views on Dental Hygiene Differ by Region

Survey Shows Americans' Views on Dental Hygiene Differ by Region (468) (NewsUSA) - Does where you live impact your flossing and dental hygiene habits? A new national survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) shows it does. For instance, while more than a quarter of adults surveyed said they lied to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, those who live in Atlanta (82 percent) are more likely to be honest about how often they floss. Could that be Southern manners at play? Conversely, one in five, or 20 percent, of Chicagoans said they would rather sit in an hour of the city's notorious gridlock traffic than floss daily. In D.C., less than one in five participants, or 18 percent, said they would let a friend know if they had something in their teeth. Other key survey findings by geographic region: * Three in five (60 percent) of U.S. adults, including New Yorkers, who have a partner say their partner's oral health has an effect on their intimacy. * Twenty percent of Houstonians guessed incorrectly when asked what a periodontist treat-ed versus a majority of those in other metro areas. * Almost half of those in Los Angeles (45 percent) and Boston (44 percent) are more likely than those who live in Chicago or Houston to say a smile is the first thing they notice when meeting someone they are attracted to. * 21 percent of Philadelphians would rather wait in a long check-out line than floss. So, while the survey indicates oral health habits may differ from region to region, it also clearly shows that Americans do have one thing in common -- we all don't floss as frequently as we should. While flossing should only take an extra minute or two each day, it would appear it's more than we're willing to give. There are more than 500 bacterial species that can be found in dental plaque, which brushing alone won't remove, so that should be incentive enough to get flossing. Whatever the reason for our reluctance to floss, there are benefits to showing your teeth a little love, according to the AAP. The most obvious is that flossing prevents plaque, and those 500 bacterial species, from building up below the gum line, causing swelling and eventually leading to periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to a host of oral health issues such as receding gums, tooth decay and tooth loss, and is even linked to other chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable by brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation. If you are at risk for or have gum disease, a periodontist has the specialized training and expertise for the right treatment. For more information, visit www.perio.org.

Stairlifts Can Be Integral Tool for Home Healthcare

Stairlifts Can Be Integral Tool for Home Healthcare (351) (NewsUSA) - People are getting older. Not only does this mean there will be more elderly who want to "age at home," and retain their independence, but there will be those who require in-home care from age-related health problems and surgeries. Consider this: the number of Americans 65 and up is expected to nearly double by the middle of the century, when they will make up more than a fifth of the nation's population, according to a Census Bureau Report released last year. What this means is that it will be more important than ever to ensure that homes can be retrofitted to accommodate this demographic. To that end, installing a stairlift may be just what the doctor ordered. For home healthcare providers or loved ones who have to care for someone who is disabled or coming off of surgery, a stairlift makes sense. "Caregivers for disabled persons are ... becoming more aware of products to help them," Jerry Keiderling, president of Accessible Home Improvement of America told HomeCare Magazine in an interview. While there is a certain stigma related to stairlifts of old, Keiderling said that technology developments now center on electronic components and aesthetics. "Today's stairlifts ... have a much more pleasing look," he told the magazine. "They don't look like the service hoist at the local garage. Longevity is also a key component. Some of these systems are used quite often, and they need to last." Experts agree, saying older people want something that is discreet and that has the ability to be stored away when not in use. Unlike older models, new designs such as those sold by Orlando-based Acorn Stairlifts are powered by two small-12 volt batteries located under the seat. The chair and built-in footrest can be folded up when not in use, and all lifts have sensors around the perimeter of the foot platform that will stop the lift when triggered. While cost can be a factor in the decision, experts say that the risk of a family member injuring themselves while lifting a patient far outweighs the cost of installing a chairlift. For more information, visit www.acornstairlifts.com.

The Latest Buzz Phrase in Health Care

The Latest Buzz Phrase in Health Care (276) (NewsUSA) - Here's a buzz phrase you'll be hearing a lot more of as part of our brave new world of health care: "integrative care settings." Not to worry: This time, if you're a patient, you may actually wind up liking what it means for you. Basically, we're talking about providing different types of care under one roof. Which makes sense when you consider that: (a) we've already begun moving away from a "sickcare" model, where many patients only visit a doctor when their health has declined to one emphasizing a more preventative "wellness-based care;" and (b) the "team approach" to care has also made headway. "MDs are already focusing on sick-care, so who's the expert in wellness and preventative care?" Kenneth C. Thomas, DC, a member of the Council on Chiropractic Education, wrote in an article for the Chiropractic Summit, which brings together leading voices in fields like education, research and government. His answer, not surprisingly, was doctors of chiropractic, known for their drug-free approach to treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. But guess what? Not only have major companies already incorporated chiropractic care in their on-site health clinics -- there's that integrative approach for you -- but chiropractors are increasingly co-managing a wide variety of patients ranging from professional athletes to members of the military. And research suggests chiropractic's benefits include: * Lower health care costs * Enhanced patient outcomes * Higher patient satisfaction "I think we're looking at a more collaborative, patient-centered focus where chiropractors have an important role to play," says the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Gerard Clum, DC. To learn more or to locate a doctor of chiropractic in your area, visit www.F4CP.org/findadoctor.

Chiropractors Offer Advice to Those With Diabetes

Chiropractors Offer Advice to Those With Diabetes (310) (NewsUSA) - If current trends hold, 1 in 5 Americans will have diabetes by 2025 -- and 1 in 3 by about a generation after that. So says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which rightly calls the figures "alarming." But when you think about our lifestyles -- too often sedentary, with unhealthy diets -- should we really be that surprised? "We simply cannot sustain this trajectory," says the agency's Dr. Ann Allbright. Certainly genes also play a role in explaining why 29.1 million Americans already suffer from the disease. It's characterized by the body's inability to produce, or properly use, the hormone insulin that's needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. But when it comes to those lifestyle issues -- which, unlike genes, we can do something about -- perhaps the best advice to limit the growing epidemic of diabetes comes from Dennis Marchiori, DC, PhD, current president of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges: "Simply put, when you live healthier, you have a better chance of managing your blood sugar." The "DC" stands for doctor of chiropractic. And today's chiropractors, with a minimum of seven years of education and clinical training, are helping to address the roots of lifestyle-acquired Type II Diabetes through their emphasis on healthy living and natural lifestyles. They're also well-trained in nutrition, enabling them to construct individualized health regimens for patients that include: * Eating well-balanced meals that are low in processed sugar. * Consuming a variety of fiber-rich foods like fruit, vegetables and whole grains. * Weight management. "Type II Diabetes is a preventable disease, and choosing a healthy lifestyle is critical," says the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Gerard Clum, DC. Of course, especially if you're new to exercise, a chiropractor's skill in manual care will also come in handy. For more information or to find a chiropractor in your area, visit www.F4CP.org/findadoctor.