Getting More Exercise, One Step at a Time

By Sean Kelley

Back when I had athletic street cred—as a soccer and rugby player and 5K specialist—I used to scoff at walkers. Although walking might be somewhat better than total lethargy, I failed to see how anyone could devote enough time to plodding around to get the benefit that one does with more aerobic activities. Besides, the mall, where such “exercisers” tended to hang out, is only open for so many hours a day.

At the height of this athletic snobbery, I likened walking for exercise to golfing as a sport: You can break a sweat doing either activity, but they’re not sports.

Of course, I was wrong. Golf is a sport, especially if you walk the course. (I’m still recovering from my last round; with 40 pounds of equipment on your back, walking from the clubhouse to the first tee burns a lot of energy). And walking, I’ve recently discovered, is substantially better for you than I thought. Read More

Depression Linked to Bone Loss in Younger Women

(HealthDay News) -- Premenopausal women struggling with depression have lower bone mass than do non-depressed women in the same age range, a new study found.

The bone loss was most pronounced in certain regions of the hip, which is troubling given that hip fractures are one of the most serious -- and potentially fatal -- consequences of osteoporosis.

The level of bone loss seen in the depressed women was the same or higher than that associated with other, established risk factors for osteoporosis, including smoking, low calcium intake and lack of physical exercise, the researchers said.

The findings, published in the Nov. 26 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, could have implications for the prevention of osteoporosis.

"Premenopausal women with depression should be screened for low bone mass," said Dr. Giovanni Cizza, senior author of the study who conducted the research while at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. "They should do a bone mineral density measurement, because osteoporosis is a silent condition. Until someone fractures, you don't know you have osteoporosis."

Cizza is now a staff clinician at the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

A woman's bone mass peaks during youth then thins after menopause. Previous, preliminary studies had suggested that depression might be a risk factor for low bone mass in older women.

For this study, Cizza and his colleagues looked at 89 women with depression and 44 women without depression. The women ranged in age from 21 to 45. The depressed women were taking antidepressant medications.

Seventeen percent of the depressed women had thinner bone density in the femoral neck, a vulnerable part of the hip. Only 2 percent of non-depressed women, by contrast, had thinner bone in this area.

Twenty percent of depressed women also had low bone density in the lumbar spine, compared with 9 percent of the non-depressed women.

Blood and urine samples also revealed that the depressed women had lower levels of "good" proteins called cytokines. "The bad cytokines that may cause bone loss are higher," Cizza said.

It's not clear what role antidepressants might play, but by relieving the depression, the drugs may also help bone mineral density, the researchers said.

More information
To learn more about bone health, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

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High Co-Pays Cause Seniors to Go Without Meds

(HealthDay News) -- Seniors enrolled in Medicare plans that charge higher co-pays for brand name or non-preferred medications fill almost 15 percent fewer prescriptions than their peers who have a flat co-pay for all prescription medications, a new study finds.

The data highlights a tough decision for older Americans: Spend more or skip some of their medicines, including those for chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

"Consumers are sensitive to price. When they have to pay more, they tend to consume less," senior researcher Boyd Gilman said in a prepared statement.

Gilman and colleagues at Cambridge, Mass.-based Mathematica Policy Research Inc, analyzed spending on prescription drugs among almost 353,000 Medicare beneficiaries with employer-sponsored retiree drug coverage.

They compared spending by those in single-tiered plans to those in three-tiered prescription drug plans. Three-tiered plans charged retirees higher co-pays for using drugs that were not generic or preferred name brands, or that were less obviously medically necessary, whereas single-tier plans charged a flat $5 or $10 co-pay for all prescribed medications.

Writing in the online September issue of Health Services Research, the researchers reported that people enrolled in three-tiered plans spent 14.3 percent less on prescriptions and filled 14.6 percent fewer prescriptions compared to their peers with single-tier plans. Those in three-tiered plans typically relied on generics when they purchased medications, reported Gilman.

The data also showed that people with three-tiered plans had 57.6 percent higher out-of-pocket costs and filled 11.5 percent fewer prescriptions for ongoing medical needs such as diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure.

"The use of prescription medications is fairly predictable. People know what drugs they need, and they can find out whether their drugs are covered by a plan, and -- if they are covered -- whether they belong to a lower-cost tier or a higher-cost tier," Gilman said.

More information
To learn more about choosing a Medicare drug plan visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Health Tip: Causes of Fainting

(HealthDay News) -- Fainting occurs due to a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain, resulting in brief loss of consciousness. Fainting can be accompanied by dizziness or nausea.
Here are some common triggers, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Straining during urination or a bowel movement.
• Excessive coughing.
• Standing for too long in the same position, or quickly standing up from a lying position.
• Severe pain, stress, fear or emotional distress.
• Excessive bleeding or dehydration.
• Medications used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, allergies and nasal congestion.
• Use of drugs or alcohol.
• Low blood sugar.

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Steam & Sauna Bathing Offers Multiple Rejuvenating & Healing Benefits

Written by The International Steam Therapy Association

Part 1
Most people laugh when they hear that the Finnish Olympic team lugs a portable sauna with them wherever they go. However, the fair-haired Nordic athletes might be doing more than simply acting out a home-sick longing for the slender birch trees and island dotted lakes of the homeland. They could be on to a secret, non-drug-induced means of giving themselves an edge in the fierce competition of modern-day Olympics.

Although most people simply consider it a pleasant means of relaxation, sweat therapy might in fact have powerful heath-enhancing effects.

In the test of time is any measure, steam bathing has certainly withstood it. For thousands of years people of all cultures have indulged in the soothing warmth of sweat baths. The Romans are well-known for their elaborate baths. The wealthy of 200 B.C. India did not consider their mansion complete unless it included a bathhouse with a steam room. The Muslim Hamman, or bathhouse, with its domed, central steam chamber is stall an integral part of life in Muslim countries. A derivation of the Hamman, the Turkish bath, has been popular in Europe for centuries.

Today, steam and sauna facilities are an integral part of the hydrotherapeutic offerings at European and American spas, and steam rooms and saunas are a common feature of health clubs and public pools. Yet, there is surprisingly little awareness of the wide ranging benefits of steam and sauna bathing. There is evidence that these sweat-inducing treatments stimulate the immune system, improve circulation, and help the body to purge itself of impurities.
Hippocrates, the founder of Western medicine more than two-thousand years ago said, "Give me the power to create a fever, and I shall cure any disease."

Although often misunderstood as a symptom of disease, fever actually is a part of the body's natural healing response. Steam baths, sauna, and other heat-inducing treatments elicit similar healing responses in the body, and consequently are often called "artificial fevers".

During a fever, the functioning of the immune system is stimulated, while the growth of bacteria and virus is forced to slow down. The production of white blood cells, the primary agents of the immune system, is increased, as is the rate of their release into the blood stream. The generation of antibodies speeds up, as does the production of interferon, an anti viral protein that also has powerful cancer-fighting properties.

Apart from stimulating the immune system, fever slows down the proliferation of invading organisms by creating an inhospitable environment. At 104 degrees F., for example, the growth rate of the polio virus is reduced up to 250 times; at 106 degrees pneumococcus, a bacterium responsible for pneumonia, dies.

Part 2
Before the advent of antibiotics, syphilitics were often infected with malaria to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, there is evidence that the frequent fevers of malaria might function as a cancer-protecting factor. Dr. Paavo Airola in his book, Worldwide Secrets of Staying Young relates the story of the Pontine swamps near Rome in Italy, which, until a few decades ago, were a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The swamps were dried out, and the malaria disappeared. However, during the next decades, that area, which had before been almost free of cancer, saw an increase in cancerous diseases. After a generation, the cancer incidence level of that area had reached the level of the rest of Italy.

Malignant cells are selectively destroyed at temperatures of 106 to 110 degrees F., so the frequent fever attacks of people in the malaria-infected area might have mobilized the body's own defenses too frequently for a cancer to take hold.

Although the artificial fever induced by sweat therapy does not have the comprehensive effect of real fever, it still produces a striking effect on a number of bodily processes.

There is evidence that artificial fever works as an immune system stimulant by increasing the number of white blood cells in the body. In a 1959-review of studies on the effects of heat treatments, Mayo Clinic researcher Dr. Wakim and colleagues cite findings indicating that the number of white blood cells in the blood increased by an average of 58% during artificially induced fever. Researchers also have found increases in the activity of the white blood cells during induced fever.

In addition, as in the case of bodily induced fever, the raised temperature during the artificial fever reduces the growth rate of most bacteria and viruses, giving the immune system time to mobilize its own forces. Indeed, many regular steam or sauna bathers have experienced that a good, long sweat bath at the early onset of a cold or flu can help ward off the disease before in manifests as actual symptoms.

Apart from the immune system-stimulating effects of sweat therapy, many thought it as one of the most effective and painless detoxifying treatments available.

Dr. Veronica Butler, medical co-director at the Raj, a health center based on principles of Ayurveda, recommends herbalized steam baths, called swedenas, to clients as part of the ancient Ayurvedic purification treatment, known as panchakarma.

According to the classical Ayurvedic texts, for maximum results, a swedena or steam bath should be given while keeping the head cool and the client supine.

"A swedena clears the shrotas, the channels through which the biological intelligence flows," says Dr. Butler. "If impurities clog these channels, the flow of intelligence in the body becomes more susceptible to disease."

Part 3
Heat speeds up the chemical processes in the body, making steam and sauna bathing one of the simplest and most comfortable ways to rid the body of accumulated toxins. As the pores open up and the million of sweat glands start to excrete, the body rids itself of metabolic and other waste products. Sweat contains almost the same elements as urine, and for this reason, the skin is sometimes called the third kidney. It is estimated that as much as 30% of bodily wastes are eliminated by way of perspiration.

However, more than common metabolic waste products are secreted through the skin. Natural health practitioners often notice that when heavy smokers get a steam bath for a body wrap (where the body 'simmers' for up to 45 min. Under hot covers), they will leave a yellow residue on the towels. Reino Tarkianinen, President of Finlandia Sauna, reports that when the company replaces sauna benches from public baths, a thick, black layer of accumulated tar can be found underneath the benches.

In Finland, research is being done on the use of sweat therapy in the treatment of people who are chemically affected. The purifying effects of perspiration could also be behind claims that steam and sauna treatments can help cur or control such ailments as acne and arthritis.

Last but not least, steam and sauna bathing produces powerful therapeutic effects simply by increasing circulation. As the carrier of the rebuilding forces of the nutrients to all parts of the body, the bloodstream plays a crucial role in the maintenance of health.

Steam and sauna treatments have a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system. The pulse rate increases from 75 beats per minute to between 100-150 beats per minute during a 15-20 minute treatment. This increases blood circulation, but not blood pressure, since the heat also causes the tiny blood vessel in the skin to expand, accommodating the increased blood flow. The dilation of the capillary vessels enables the bloodstream to carry great amounts of nutrients to the skin, enhancing the nutritive status of the skin. The flushed, youthful look that steam and sauna bathers maintain for up to several hours after treatment is due to this effect.

Which is the best way of taking a steam or sauna treatment?
First of all, it is good to be aware of the distinction between the two. Most people think of the heat of a sauna as dry heat and the heat of a steam room as wet, humid heat. This distinction is only partially correct. Sauna bathers in Finland splash water on the heated stones in the sauna, raising the humidity level to as much as 40%. Without that, the hot, dry sauna air can irritate the mucus membranes.

Part 4
In the hydrotherapeutic tradition used at European and America spas, sweat therapy is used in preparation for massage as a means of increasing the suppleness of the muscles and creating a deep sense of relaxation in body and mind. In the Ayurvedic tradition of India, which has gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years, steam treatments are part of the traditional purification treatment panchakarma, where they are used after massage to help the body get rid of toxins dislodged during the treatment.

Sweat treatments can also be enjoyed on their own, as a workout for the cardiovascular system, a deep-cleansing treat for the body, an immune system booster, and a soothing and invigorating refreshment for the mind.

There are a few precautions to keep in mind. Because of the increase in cardiovascular activity caused by the high heat, sweat therapy is not recommended for people with heart disease or other cardiovascular problems. Individuals with high blood pressure pressure should first consult their doctor.

In addition, the treatment is not advised for pregnant women, small children, or the elderly. Do not take a sweat treatment if you have a fever or an open wound. If you have been working out, be sure that your body has had time to cool down before exposing it to the heat of a sweat bath.

Limit treatment time to 10 to 15 minutes. Drink plenty of water of herbal tea before and after the sweat bath to replace fluids lost during the treatment. The sweat glands can secrete up to 30 grams of sweat per minute, or almost one pint per 15 minutes, so dehydration is a very real possibility, if you are not careful. Fatigue and other indications of dehydration can occur with as little as 1 to 2% loss in body weight.

The main thing to keep in mind is to enjoy the process. Do not push your body beyond its comfort level; the point is not to sweat it out the longest, but to allow your mind and body to luxuriate in this health-enhancing and invigorating miniature spa treatment.

Working up a sweat is one of our oldest folk remedies. "Give me an opportunity to create fever and I will cure any illness," said the Greek physician Paramenides two thousand years ago.

Today, besides creating a relaxing sense of well-being, relaxes and loosens muscles tissue, reducing daily buildup of tension and increasing muscle flexibility:
-boosts blood circulation, which helps aching and injured muscles to recover faster, because the stronger the flow of blood, the faster metabolic waste products are carried off. -stimulates vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels, which relives pain and speeds healing of sprains and strains; -speeds up the metabolic processes of vital organs and endocrine glands resulting in a calorie loss of between 200 and 450 in a 20 minute session.

Part 5
According to Michael Marino, research associate at Lennox Hill Hospital's Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma in New York City:
"….. heat exposure stimulates the hypothalamus, the gland that normally maintains and stabilizes body temperature to dissipate the excess heat. Heart rate increases as more blood flow is diverted from the inner organs towards the extremities of the skin. This automatic "cooling" reaction is actually a form of beneficial stress, a passive kind of cardiovascular exercise that helps to keep the body's system alert and functioning well."

The beneficial stress of heat on the heart is confirmed by physical fitness expert Bernard Gutin, Professor of Applied Physiology and Education at Teacher's College, Columbia University:
"Heat acts as a form of mostly beneficial stress on the body that produces physiological changes in heightened blood pressure, stepped-up heart rate and an increase in stress hormones."
According to Dr. Paavo Aviola, an author in health matters:

"The sauna increases the eliminative, detoxifying and cleansing capacity of the skin by stimulation of sweat glands. A steam bath provides a mild cleansing process for the skin as certain body fluids are released through the skin. It also promotes healthy skin tone and texture due to increased blood circulation."

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Back Pain Constipation

Defining Constipation

Constipation is a term used to describe infrequent bowel movements and affects many people every year.

However, surpassed only by cold and flu symptoms as “motivators,” having a sore back is the second most common reason people visit their doctors.

While the most obvious symptom of constipation is difficulty in having regular bowel movements, another prevalent symptom is back pain.

Most of us will experience some sort of pain or discomfort in our backs at some point in our lives, and constipation could be the cause.

Structure and Function of the Back

The back has many muscles attached to, intersecting, or covering the spine. The spine itself is made up of an elongated, curved stack of bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are basically round and between each of them is a special disc.

These discs are composed of rubber-like tissue and provide flexibility of the spine. Without this flexibility, we wouldn’t be able to bend over, twist, sit, or walk. However, we wouldn’t want to be as flexible as a snake either. Along with the discs, we have strong ligaments spanning from vertebrae to vertebrae for more support.

The spine also has the critical job of protecting the spinal cord, which sends messages back and forth to the body and the brain, so we can see the logic of having spinal “armor” shielding it.

It’s no wonder people end up with sore back muscles, “slipped discs,” and other lower back problems because we have so many different parts to twist, pull, tear, and strain!

Back pain can be caused by lifting something too heavy, twisting too suddenly, or even sleeping in an awkward position and it can even be related to something unusual like constipation. The lower back also feels impact from walking, running, and many other everyday motions.

Constipation only worsens the situation as the lower back feels greater strain when natural movement is obstructed or hindered by an over-full or impacted colon.

Incredibly, even children can experience back pain constipation. You see—constipation is really just the body not getting rid of waste often enough. If waste remains in the colon too long, the body can reabsorb the water and thus the stool becomes too dry.

If a child is trying to pass a stool that is hard, dry, or very large, they have to strain to manipulate the intestinal muscles. As a result, they may experience lower back pain from all that extra effort. Children may experience additional pain in the anus from it getting stretched open for the large, dry stool to get pushed out.

When to See a Doctor

People with severe or chronic constipation can also develop a condition known as fecal impaction. This occurs when the rectum is blocked by a hardened bowel movement and it can lead to back pain and cramps, bloating, and even feelings of lethargy from the waste remaining inside the body too long.

Most people endure these types of problems without realizing a solution can be obtained; they find ways to work around any lower back pain they might be experiencing and just trudge along with the added difficulty. Nonetheless, it can be a sign that something else is wrong. If you have any of the following symptoms, consult a qualified physician:

The pain is constant and doesn’t improve by resting your back or lying down.
The pain developed suddenly and you are under 20 years old or over 55 years old.
The pain travels up the back and into the chest area.
The pain came on slowly and gradually became worse (most back pain comes on quickly from some injury or stress).

Recurrent nausea or loss of appetite affects your normal diet patterns.
You experience weakness or numbness in your legs or feet or any part of your buttock region.
You are also experiencing problems with your bladder or bowel function.

Of course, if you’re experiencing back pain constipation, once you begin having regular bowel movements again the pain should subside. But what if you’ve had back pain recently, and it feels better now, yet you are still constipated? Surprisingly, back pain constipation can also be related to medications you're taking such as painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Medications and Constipation

Stronger painkillers, like Codeine, have a tendency to constipate, as do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Here are some medications or drugs you may not recognize as potential causes of constipation:

Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide
Anti-depressants
Anti-diarrhea products
Anti-spasmodic drugs
Diuretics
Medications for Parkinson’s disease
Iron supplements
Calcium channel blockers (high blood pressure treatments)
Decongestants and anti-histamines
Pain Relief

Helpful Hints for Reducing Back Pain Constipation

Some people are surprised to learn constipation could be causing lower back pain, but the truth is—constipation can cause all sorts of aches, pains, and general malaise. Abdominal pain pain and nausea are common symptoms, as well as a loss of appetite.

If there is fecal impaction associated with your back pain constipation, it can cause rectal cramps. Fecal impaction may occur in the elderly; and because liquid stool tends to ooze out around blockages, it can often be mistaken for diarrhea.

If you are suffering from the discomfort of back pain constipation here are some resolutions you can try:

Dehydration can be a major cause of back pain constipation. Drink lots of water, or hot teas and broths.

Begin exercising more. Easy, relaxed swimming or walking are excellent choices.

Cut back on eating refined foods and get back to the healthful basics such as fresh fruits and green, leafy vegetables.

Raise your feet with a footstool when you are sitting on the toilet. It puts the bowel at a better angle for passing the stool more easily.

Try using a natural oxygen-based intestinal cleanser, like Oxy-Powder®.

Take the time to thoroughly research your sleeping conditions. Invest in not just an “okay” bed but the best one you can afford. Getting a great night’s rest is critical to keeping the body in proper working order.

Back pain constipation is a detriment to health we may all have to face someday. If you find it’s happening more often, it's probably a good time to change your routine.

Focus on exercises strengthening both stomach and back muscles such as good old-fashioned sit-ups, rowing, back extensions, leg lifts, or the afore-mentioned aquatic activities. Be aware of potential side effects from any medication you are taking. Make sure you're sleeping well on a comfortable mattress;

some people prefer firmer and some prefer softer, but everyone should feel refreshed in the morning. And, perhaps most beneficial, begin eating a healthful, well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit, whole grains (for fiber), and vegetables.

Back pain constipation can be a debilitating, painful condition but can be alleviated with a little common sense and preventative measures. Be good to your back—it’s really the foundation of a body’s strength and must be maintained for overall good health.

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Constipation and Bowel Movements

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, Ph.D, DACBN





Have You Had Your Bowel Movement Today?
Many people are under the impression they need to have only one bowel movement a week or fewer. Bowel disease, constipation, colon cancer, and stomach pain are all disorders that are leading to what I call the "Silent Killer in America". Colon health and colon problems are the most over-looked health problems in today's society.

Due to the poor diet in America, 200 million people suffer from constipation and do not have the required two to four bowel movements daily. The average person, by the time they are 30 years old, in America, has between 10 to 15 pounds of hard compacted fecal matter in their bowel.

The intestinal tract is composed of the small intestine which is attached to the lower part of the stomach then moves into the large intestine and finally the colon. Whatever you eat has to be properly digested and then move its way through a long, approximately 35 feet in length, intestinal lining to finally exit the rectum. So don't you think the most important area to keep clean in your body would be that 35 feet of food processing wasteland?

Constipation and Bowel Movements
It's important to understand how the digestive track breaks down food into smaller particles and then ultimately into the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need to survive. As we age, we develop a thick coating along the sides of the intestinal walls as hard as wood and even harder to eradicate.

When this coating adheres to the walls of your intestinal lining and your food tries to move through, it's difficult for your body to absorb the proper amount of nutrients.

These nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream so the blood can carry them to all the organs and tissues in your body. This is why it is essential to not only clean the colon but to purify and keep the whole intestinal lining clean at all times and free from any plaque or debris. You must have a minimum of one bowel movement a day but we recommend having two a day.

After years of research and studying bowel habits, especially constipation and bowel movements in general, we discovered keeping the bowel clean will not only reduce or prevent most types of disease but will also eliminate chronic bloating, symptoms of fatigue, headaches, nausea and a whole list of other symptoms. We recommend and use a product called Oxy-Powder® that will focus on cleansing and keeping clean your whole intestinal tract.

By using Oxy-Powder® every other evening you can ensure that you will have regular bowel movements and keep your intestinal lining clean and functioning properly. You must have regular bowel movements to prevent toxic chemicals from leaking through the walls of the intestinal tract into the blood. I also recommend drinking at least 64 ounces of purified water daily to help the intestinal tract move the toxic residue out of the body.

Constipation and bowel movements irregularity is a sneaky, undiagnosed, disabling epidemic that is sweeping America as we speak. Perhaps all of this doesn't surprise you.

Let's take a look at the following categories of disease and disorders that can be related either directly or indirectly to the colon and constipation: heart disease, high blood pressure, fatigue, irritability, varicose veins, gas, heart burn, bloating, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and more.

Some of these side effects or symptoms are a hundred times worse than the constipation itself. So if your doctor is treating you with traditional drugs or surgery he is most likely covering up your symptoms and possibly making your condition worse.

I recommend the following to ensure a healthy clean colon, easily and naturally without any drugs, surgery or toxic side effects: colon hydrotheraphy, a good diet, lots of live foods, a lot of pure water, the product Oxy-Powder® and exercise.

Constipation and bowel movements have a contradictory relationship--to have the latter on a regular basis the former condition must be eliminated (no pun intended). With a little diligence and common sense, you too can enjoy the benefits of a clean, healthily functioning digestive system!

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Resolve to Exercise Your Brain

(HealthDay News) -- Getting in shape tops many New Year's resolution lists, but the Alliance for Aging Research is encouraging Americans to boost their brain health, too.

"There is a lot we can do to keep our brains healthy and potentially prevent or lessen the cognitive decline that often comes with aging," Daniel Perry, executive director of the nonprofit Alliance for Aging Research, said in a prepared statement. "We are encouraging people to take steps to improve brain health as part of their overall fitness regimen for the New Year."

The Alliance for Aging Research recommends these 10 steps for improving your brain health.

Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in fish), protein, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables and vitamin B; low in trans fats; and with an appropriate level of carbohydrates will help keep your brain healthy.

Stay Mentally Active. Activities such as learning a new skill or language, working on crossword puzzles, taking classes, and learning how to dance can help challenge and maintain your mental functioning.

Exercise Regularly. Exercising often can increase circulation, improve coordination, and help prevent conditions that increase the risk of dementia such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Stay Social. Spending time with friends, volunteering, and traveling can keep your mind active and healthy.

Get Plenty of Sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on brain health.

Manage Stress. Participating in yoga, spending time with friends, or doing other stress-relieving activities can help preserve your ability to remember and learn.

Prevent Brain Injury. Wearing protective head gear and seat belts can help you avoid head injury, which has been associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Control Other Health Conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, and controlling stress can help reduce your risk of diseases that affect your brain, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and hypertension.

Avoid Unhealthy Habits. Smoking, heavy drinking and use of recreational drugs can increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Consider Your Genes. If your family history puts you at risk for developing dementia, work with your doctor to find ways to maintain your brain health to help avoid or slow the progression of cognitive decline.

More information
The National Institute on Aging has more about forgetfulness.

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Transforming Your Health in 90 days or Less $19.95 [ learn more ] Your body can heal itself without drugs and their painful or deadly side effects. You can live a long and healthy life. Choose NOW to follow a better path; the decision is yours! Learn what simple and powerful decisions you can begin to make right now to restore your health and vitality! - E-Book Version.(THP)

Blood Levels of Uric Acid Predict Hypertension in Blacks

(HealthDay News) -- Higher levels of uric acid in the blood are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure in black Americans, a new study finds.

The findings suggest that a simple blood test could help predict the risk of high blood pressure in blacks. It also suggests that medications to reduce uric acid levels may help lower hypertension-related health problems.

In the study, a team from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., tracked over 9,100 people, ages 45 to 64, who did not have high blood pressure at the start of the study. The participants' blood pressure was checked every three years over four examinations.

The researchers found that, overall, people with uric acid levels in the highest 25 percent (quartile) had about a 15 percent increased risk of high blood pressure.

The link between high uric acid levels and hypertension was especially strong in black men.
Those with uric acid levels in the highest quartile had a two-fold increased risk of hypertension than black men in the lowest quartile.

The association was also strong in black women. Those in the highest quartile were 30 percent more likely to develop high blood pressure than those in the lowest quartile.

The study was published online in the journal Hypertension. More research needs to be done to determine the health effects of high uric acid, especially in blacks, the study authors said.

Uric acid levels are influenced by diet. Most uric acid is eliminated in urine. Very high levels of uric acid can cause gout.

More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about uric acid.

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More Dirty Drug Company Secrets

Newer drugs are not always better or safer. They are promoted more vigorously, and patients and doctors often request them thinking a more recent drug must be an improvement.

But a 2002 study of more than 42,000 patients found that generic diuretics were not only cheaper than newer drugs, but also more effective at lowering blood pressure.

Treating high blood pressure with generic diuretics could save the U.S. health care system as much as $10 billion each year.

New drugs can also be more dangerous. As a result of advice from their staff of specially trained pharmacists, the Kaiser Permanente Health System's Drug Information Services never added the painkiller Vioxx or the MS drug Tysabri to its formulary list of covered prescription drugs. Doctors were allowed to prescribe them only if there was no alternative.

Both Vioxx and Tysabri were eventually pulled from the market; Vioxx because of increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and Tysabri because it could cause a rare neurological disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML.

USA Today October 18, 2006

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Sleep Apnea, Hypertension Common in Chronic Kidney Disease

(HealthDay News) -- High blood pressure is common in people with sleep apnea, says a study that examined rates of high blood pressure and sleep apnea in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The study of more than 720,000 adults defined the severity of CKD by the presence of protein in urine (proteinuria) and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measurement of the kidney's ability to remove wastes and fluid from the body and regulate blood levels of compounds such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.
The study found that:

• Among the 395,634 people with no CKD (GFR greater than 90 and no proteinuria), 28 percent had hypertension and 2 percent had sleep apnea. Of those with sleep apnea, 51 percent also had high blood pressure.
• Among the 4,917 people with stage I CKD (GFR greater than 90 and proteinuria), 74 percent had hypertension and 5 percent had sleep apnea. Of those with sleep apnea, 87 percent also had hypertension.
• Among the 258,238 people with stage II CKD (GFR 60 to 89), 55 percent had hypertension and 3 percent had sleep apnea. Of those with sleep apnea, 66 percent also had hypertension.
• Among the 59,300 people with stage III CKD (GFR 30 to 59), 81 percent had hypertension and 3 percent had sleep apnea. Of those with sleep apnea, 86 percent also had hypertension.
• Among the 2,789 with stage IV CKD (GFR 15 to 29), 94 percent had hypertension and 3 percent had sleep apnea. All those with sleep apnea also had hypertension.

Hypertension is common in people with sleep apnea, whether or not they have CKD, the researchers concluded. They noted that rates of hypertension increase when CKD and sleep apnea are both present in patients with normal GFR who have proteinuria. They also noted that rates of hypertension increase as kidney function declines.
The study was to be presented Oct. 7 at an American Heart Association meeting in San Antonio.

More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about chronic kidney disease.

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Transforming Your Health in 90 days or Less $19.95 [ learn more ] Your body can heal itself without drugs and their painful or deadly side effects. You can live a long and healthy life. Choose NOW to follow a better path; the decision is yours! Learn what simple and powerful decisions you can begin to make right now to restore your health and vitality! - E-Book Version.(THP)

Poor Sleep Contributes to Health Problems

(HealthDay News) -- New studies are discovering just how vital sleep is to overall health.

So, sleep habits should become a standard part of a complete check-up, researchers say.

"There is increasing evidence that there is a very strong relationship between sleep quality and physical and mental health," said Dr. Phyllis C. Zee, a professor of neurology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

"If you have poor health, that is associated with poor sleep. Also, if you have poor sleep, there is an association between that and poor health," Zee said. "What we don't have yet is the research to categorically say that if you improve sleep, you will improve conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, or other medical conditions."

Still, physicians should be asking their patients about the quality and quantity of their sleep, Zee said. "Sleep should be another vital sign," she said.

Zee wrote an editorial in the Sept. 18 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, a special, themed issue on sleep and its relationship to overall health.

In one study, led by Richard L. Nahin, a senior advisor for scientific coordination and outreach at the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, looked at why people had trouble sleeping and how many were using alternative drugs to help them sleep.

Insomnia and trouble sleeping are most often associated with high blood pressure, heart failure, anxiety and depression, according to a national survey of 31,044 adults. "That's unusual. It had been most often thought that insomnia was quite prevalent on its own, but only 4 percent of the people who said they had insomnia said they had it without any of those conditions," Nahin said.

The researchers also found that 1.6 million Americans are using alternative therapies, such as melatonin to treat their insomnia. "That's quite high when you consider that there is very little reliable data on the efficacy and safety of using the products people are using," Nahin said.

These findings have implications for treating sleep problems, Nahin said.

"Instead of treating the insomnia itself, a health-care provider might be better off treating one of these comorbidities," he said. "In addition, a physician seeing a patient for insomnia should ask if the patient is using any alternative and complementary treatments, because they might upset the treatments the health-care provider wants to apply."

Another study found that people who have sleep-related breathing disorder -- marked by frequent pauses in breathing, labored breathing, or reduced breathing during the night -- were two to 2.6 times more likely to develop depression. Moreover, the odds of depression increased as breathing disorders became more severe, according to researcher Paul E. Peppard and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin.

And a study by French researchers found that people with allergic rhinitis, caused by hay fever and other allergies, have more difficulty sleeping and more sleep disorders than people without allergies. "The results show a significant impact of allergic rhinitis on all dimensions of sleep quality and, consequently, a lower quality of life as reflected by more somnolence [sleepiness]; daytime fatigue and sleepiness; and impaired memory, mood and sexuality, with a significantly increased consumption of alcohol and sedatives in cases compared with the control group," the study authors wrote.

One expert agrees that sleep problems shouldn't be ignored.

"If you think insomnia is an annoyance and merely something you should tough out, that may be a mistake," said Michael L. Perlis, director of the Sleep Research Laboratory at the University of Rochester, in New York. "It may lead you down the path to other morbidities. It would also be a mistake because it's treatable."

Other studies in the same journal issue found that:
· Fewer hours of sleep may contribute to poor health in young adults.
· Those in rural areas who sleep fewer hours appear to weigh more.
· The immune system may play a role in narcolepsy, a disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to sleep.
· The immune system may be affected by a lack of sleep that contributes to inflammation and a variety of diseases.

More information
The National Sleep Foundation can tell you more about getting a good night's sleep.

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Weight Loss Ebook - Secrets Revealed - Revised Edition $19.95 [ learn more ] This is not only a weight loss program, it is also a plan for "TOTAL HEALTH". If you want a quick fix (taking metabolism boosters, etc.), only to gain more weight when you stop, do not even consider this program. Our program is designed to change the way you think and live your life. Change is only a decision away. You can do this! If you are motivated, and truly care about taking care of your body, and you are willing to make changes in your life, then this program is for you! - E-Book Version.(WL)

Day 7 of oxy-powder

Oxy-Powder 7th day

day 7 has arrived.last night i cut my dose again down to 5 caps. This morning exactly same results as with the previous doses.

Allergies still here and I’m flushing in the next 48 hrs, time permits.besides the butt-pee and diarrhea, and a few expected parasite here and there, this cleanse has been somewhat uneventful. i started it thinking i might pass some plaque, or see some plaque, because I’ve been feeling bloated and like I’ve loosened up stuff yet got it stuck with the last bowel cleanses...

i feel a lot less bloated, but that's about it. For the price i don't think it's worth it, unless you are very constipated...in that event it's the best constipation remedy i have known.

Have a great day!
More information’s about oxypowder

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Is It Dangerous to Combine Supplements and Drugs?

Is It Dangerous to Combine Supplements and Drugs? Provided by: DrWeil.com

Q: I'm curious about interactions between herbs and drugs. Are there many that we should worry about? -- Nicole S.

A: For the most part, I think warnings about interactions between herbs and drugs are overstated. For example, a few years ago the American Society of Anesthesiologists warned that certain herbs and supplements could pose a hazard to patients undergoing surgery.

The group claimed that several herbs have anti-blood-clotting activity and conceivably could interfere with clotting during and after surgery. St. John's wort was also singled out in 2003 as an agent that could diminish the effectiveness of certain drugs because of its effect on enzyme systems involved in drug metabolism. (Many pharmaceutical drugs have the same effect.)

In general, I think you're pretty safe taking most supplements, but you certainly should tell your doctor about anything you're taking regularly, particularly if you're also taking either prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Here's a quick rundown of some commonly used supplements and drugs that could interact to your detriment:

St. John's wort: May affect metabolism of antidepressants; HIV protease inhibitors used to treat HIV/AIDS; digoxin, a heart medication; theophylline, used to treat asthma; cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant; chemotherapy; birth control pills (it may reduce their effectiveness); the blood pressure and heart disease medications nifedipine and diltiazem; Coumadin, a blood-thinner; and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for HIV/AIDS treatment.

Co-enzyme Q10, dong quai, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, vitamin E and St. John's wort: May increase the risk of bleeding if you're taking prescription anticoagulants such as Coumadin.

Echinacea: May increase levels of HIV protease inhibitors used to treat HIV/AIDS, calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure, and anti-anxiety drugs.

Capsicum (red pepper, cayenne pepper): May increase the absorption and effect of ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease; theophylline (for asthma); sedatives; and antidepressants.

Garlic: May decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs and HIV protease inhibitors. It also may reduce the need for insulin among diabetics (by lowering blood sugar).
Ginkgo: May increase the amount of antidepressant drugs in your blood; may cause seizures when combined with anti-psychotic drugs.

Ginseng: Can cause headache, trembling and manic behavior when combined with the antidepressant Nardil; may interfere with the action of the heart medication digoxin; may reduce blood sugar levels in people with Type II diabetes, thus affecting the need for insulin or other medication for diabetes.
Andrew Weil, MD

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FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE

by Tori Hudson, N.D.

Tender or lumpy breasts are one of the most common reasons why women consult their women's health practitioner for assessment and treatment.

Since painful breasts are not always lumpy, and lumpy breasts are not always painful (and neither is usually abnormal), it is useful to create descriptive categories of symptoms and conditions to replace the generic term "fibrocystic."Physiological, Cyclical Pain and SwellingMany women notice painful or sensitive breasts just prior to menstruation.

This has been attributed to a more prominent estrogen than progesterone effect on breast tissue at this time. Occasionally, less progesterone is made late in the cycle, as in irregular ovulation.

Other women may have average amounts of progesterone but increased tissue sensitivity to estrogen with related fluid retention. Most women tolerate this well enough once reassured it is normal, and the symptoms always resolve with menses.

Women who take exogenous estrogen, such as oral contraceptives or estrogen replacement therapy during menopause, may be similarly affected.

Mastalgia Mastalgia refers to any breast pain, unilateral or bilateral, severe enough to interfere with the quality of a woman's life, causing her to seek treatment. Physiologic cyclical mastalgia is this severe about 15 percent of the time, and comprises the bulk of this group.

Women who suffer from noncyclical pain are more rare, and the pain is less likely to be hormonal in cause. Pain may be due to old trauma, acute infection, or sometimes inflammation of the intercostal cartilage, i.e. costochondritis.

In contrast, breast cancer presents as a unilateral painful firm lump about 5 percent of the time. The majority of the time, breast cancer does not present as breast pain, and especially tends not to present as cyclic present pain. Painful swellings that flux with the cycle unchanging over time are not worrisome as cancer signals.

Breast Nodularity or Diffuse LumpinessBreast lumpiness may be either cyclic or non-cyclic, and may be painful. The distinction between these and normal breasts is often simply a matter of degree. Normal breasts are always irregularly textured because the breast tissue is not homogeneous. It is a mix of glands, fat, and connective tissue.

Glands can vary in prominence, and are more or less obscured by fat or fluid, so all breasts feel different on physical exam. Symmetry is important; finding a mirror-image thickening in the opposite breast indicates a normal condition.

Non-Dominant Masses

Densities that are not symmetrical are largely due to benign non-progressive causes, but do require careful distinction from dominant masses.

When palpation of the lump reveals that the density merges in one or more places with the surrounding breast tissue, it is considered "non-dominant" and may be comfortably observed for change over time. When these lesions are biopsied or, preferably, a sample of cells is taken in the office through a needle to be looked at microscopically (fine-needle aspirate), approximately 70 percent will show "non-proliferative changes" (adenosis, fibrosis, microcysts, mild hyperplasia, and more); 20 percent will show "proliferative changes without atypia" -- mostly epithelial hyperplasia. None of these conditions places one at increased risk for cancer, and all are self-limiting.

Only a fraction, roughly the 5 percent that show atypical hyperplasia, carry a significantly increased risk of breast cancer, especially when coupled with a positive family history.

Dominant Masses

Non-cyclical unilateral lesions are clearly distinct on all sides from the surrounding breast tissue.
They persist over time, and except in the very young, demand some kind of assessment. Although rare, breast cancer can occur in women in their twenties. Assessments in younger women are more difficult due to the dense breast tissue therefore rendering mammograms less accurate. And, since most of these unilateral lesions are benign, mammograms and biopsies deserve a more restrained approach, although continued monitoring and revisiting clinical decisions are very important.

Most commonly dominant masses are either fibroadenomas or gross cysts. A fibroadenoma is a rubbery, smooth, benign, fibrous tumor common in younger women. In women under age 25, it can be observed over time. They generally do not grow bigger. Large cysts are more common in women aged 25 to 50 -- an age group when cancer just begins to appear.

They are softer, squishier, and can be made to disappear by draining them through a needle in the office. Unless they recur frequently, no further treatment is necessary. Recurrent large cysts have been shown to slightly increase cancer risk in some studies but not in others; fibroadenomas do not. Unfortunately, non-cyclical unilateral dominant masses can sometimes be cancerous.

Overview of Alternative Treatments for Cyclic Breast Pain and Swelling

Alternative medicine principles for fibrocystic breast tissue or cyclical pain and swelling include the recognition that the liver is the primary site for estrogen clearance or estrogen metabolism. A compromised liver function can lead to a state of estrogen dominance, contributing to texture and density changes in the breast.

To assure that estrogens are being metabolized properly, it may be necessary to provide nutritional and herbal support for the liver.Digestion and elimination are also fundamental factors involved in a more holistic approach to hormone-related health problems.

Women having fewer than three bowel movements per week have a risk of fibrocystic breasts four to five times greater than women having at least one bowel movement per day. The longer it takes food to move through the colon, the more waste products can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, creating a potentially toxic physiological environment.

Bacterial flora in the large intestine, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, improves the transit time of bowel toxins, as well as improving the excretion and detoxification of estrogens.

NutritionRemoval of caffeine from the diet is probably the most well-known alternative lifestyle approach for fibrocystic breasts. The first randomized study of a large number of women was conducted by Dr. Virginia Ernster.

One hundred fifty-eight women eliminated all caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, and caffeinated medications) from their diets for four months.1 There was a significant reduction in clinically palpable breast findings in the abstaining group compared with the control group, although the absolute change in the breast lumps was quite minor and considered to be of little clinical significance. Several other studies provided mixed reports: three studies show no association between methylxanthines and benign breast disease,2,3,4 and two studies show a correlation with caffeine consumption.5,6
Caffeine content of common items

Beverage
Serving Size
Caffeine (mg)
Coffee, drip
5 oz
110-150
Coffee, perk
5 oz
60-125
Coffee, instant
5 oz
40-105
Doffee, decaffeinated
5 oz
2-5
Tea, 5 minutes steep
5 oz
40-100
Tea, 3 minutes steep
5 oz
20-50
Hot cocoa
5 oz
2-10
Coca-Cola
12 oz
45
Food
Serving Size
Caffeine (mg)
Milk chocolate
1 oz
1-15
Bittersweet chocolate
1 oz
5-35
Chocolate cake
1 slice
20-30
OTC Drugs
Dose
Caffeine (mg)
Anacin, Emprin
2
64
Excedrin
2
130
NoDoz
2
200
Aqua-Ban
2
200
Dexatrim
1
200
How dietary fat affects the human breast is confusing and controversial. Reducing the fat content of the diet to 15 percent of total calories, while increasing complex carbohydrate consumption, has been shown to reduce the severity as well as the actual breast swelling and nodularity in some women.

Reducing the dietary fat intake to 20 percent of total calories also results in significant decreases in circulating estradiol. Since fibrocystic breasts are a result of estrogen dominance, it is logical that decreasing estrogens in the body would improve the symptoms of breast pain and swelling.

However, only a slight reduction in fat intake has repeatedly shown very little, if any, effect on breast problems, including breast cancer. A more rigorous approach to lowering the amount of fat in the diet is clearly needed. Of note, women on a vegetarian diet excrete two to three times more detoxified estrogens than women on an omnivorous diet.Nutritional SupplementsVitamin EFor more than 35 years, clinicians have used vitamin E in the medical management of benign breast disease.

This practice was initially based on positive reports from small numbers of patients as far back as 1965, and in subsequent studies in 1971, 1978, and 1982. When larger numbers of women were studied, vitamin E did not show significant effects. However, two studies demonstrated that vitamin E is clinically useful in relieving pain and tenderness, whether cyclical or non-cyclical.7,8 The studies have been done with varying dosages: 150, 300, or 600 IU daily.

In clinical practice, practitioners generally recommend from 400-800 IU of D-alpha-tocopherol with a minimum trial period of two months.Evening Primrose OilThe pain and tenderness of benign breast disease associated with "cyclic mastalgia" have been alleviated with evening primrose oil, the only one of the fatty acids to be scientifically studied in relation to fibrocystic breasts. In a study of 291 women who took three grams per day of evening primrose oil for three to six months, almost half of the 92 women with cyclic breast pain experienced improvement, compared with one-fifth of the patients who received the placebo.

For those women who experienced breast pain throughout the month, 27 percent responded positively to the evening primrose oil, compared to 9 percent on the placebo.9 Another study of 73 women received three grams per day of evening primrose oil or placebo.

After three months, pain and tenderness were significantly reduced in both cyclical and non-cyclical groups, while the women who took placebo did not significantly improve. IodineThyroid hormone with low or even normal thyroid function may result in improvement of fibrocystic breasts.

These results suggest that iodine deficiency may be a factor in fibrocystic breasts. Breast tissue has an affinity for both thyroid hormone and iodine. Without iodine, it becomes more sensitive to estrogenic stimulation, which in turn produces microcysts high in potassium content. The potassium is believed to be an irritant that produces fibrosis and eventually cyst isolation.

Four types of iodine have been studied in the treatment of fibrocystic breasts, only one of which has been truly effective for both pain reduction and cyst reduction, and free of side-effects on the thyroid gland. All forms of iodine relieve subjective clinical symptoms: sodium iodide (Lugol's solution); potassium iodide; caseinated iodine (protein-bound); and aqueous (diatomic) iodine.

Symptom relief varied a great deal with the different iodines, but only the aqueous or diatomic iodine achieved both symptom relief in 74 percent of the women, as well as objective reduction in nodules and resolution of fibrosis in 65 percent of the patients, without adverse effects on the thyroid gland.10 The recommended dose of aqueous iodine is a prescription of 3-6 mg per day.

Other

Supplements that may improve liver function and thereby perhaps promote a more balanced estrogen metabolism include methionine and choline. B vitamins, particularly vitamin B-6, can help the liver to properly metabolize and conjugate estrogens. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus may be able to improve the absorption and transport of estrogen by supporting a normalized intestinal microflora environment.

Botanicals

Herbal therapies for addressing the symptoms of breast pain, swelling, and cystic nodules in breast tissue are largely arrived at from traditional uses of herbal medicines and from observational empirical evidence in clinical practice.

Herbal diuretics can be useful in decreasing breast swelling and the discomfort associated with it.

The most effective of these is dandelion leaf, but other diuretics to consider are cleavers, yarrow, and uva ursi. Poke root has been used in traditional naturopathic medical practices for decades. It can be applied topically as an oil to the breasts, reducing painful lumpiness and nodularity.

Herbal support for the liver improves how the liver metabolizes steroid hormones. Traditional herbs that support the liver and the normalization of biochemical steroid pathways may include burdock root, dandelion root, and milk thistle.

Natural Progesterone

Assuming fibrocystic breasts are at least in part due to a high-estrogen, low-progesterone ratio, then it is logical to use progesterone therapy as a treatment. Many practitioners and women have experienced that the application of natural progesterone in a cream or gel routinely solves the problem. It may be that progesterone is desensitizing the breast to estrogen. General use guidelines are tsp twice per day, on days 15 to 27 of the monthly cycle.

Summary

These simple therapies, along with lifestyle modification, generally yield very satisfying results within 1 to 3 months, even in women with significantly painful breasts. Although uncommon, if there is no change after three menstrual cycles, a more aggressive alternative treatment plan must be initiated.

If this does not bring relief, then the conventional medical approaches, to be contemplated in very difficult, unbearable cases with no response from natural therapies, include decreasing hyperinsulinemia, synthetic progestin, Danazol, Tamoxifen and bromocriptene. Many women's medicine healthcare providers agree that the term fibrocystic breast "disease" or "condition" should be abandoned in favor of a more accurate physiologically based description. Benign breast conditions are present in almost all women to some degree.

Moreover, the widespread misconception that women with painful or lumpy breasts are at increased risk of breast cancer is inaccurate. This reinforces misinformation and fear, and obscures the safe and simple means that exist for obtaining relief and reassurance.

References1 Ernster V, Mason L, Goodson W, et al. Effects of caffeine-free diet on benign breast disease: a randomized trial. Surg 1982;912:263-267.2 Lubin F, et al. A case-control study of caffeine and methylxanthine in benign breast disease. JAMA 1985; 253(16)2388-92.3 Shawer C, Brinton L, Hoover R. Methylxanthine and benign breast disease. Am J Epid 1986;124(4): 603-11.4 Marshall J, Graham S, Swanson M. Caffeine consumption and benign breast disease: a case-control comparison. Amer J Pub Health 1982;72(6):610-12.5 La Vecchia C, et al. Benign breast disease and consumption of beverages containing methylxanthines. JNCI 1985;74(5):995-1000.6 Boyle C, et al. Caffeine consumption and fibrocystic breast disease: a case-control epidemiologic study. JNCI 1984;72(5):1015-19.7 London R, et al. Mammary dysplasia: Endocrine parameters and tocopherol therapy. Nutr Res 1982;7:243.8 London R, et al. Endocrine parameters and alpha-tocopherol therapy of patients with mammary dysplasia. Canc Res 1981;41:3811-13.9 Pye J et al. Clinical experience of drug treatment for mastalgia. Lancet 1985;2:373-77.10 Ghent W, et al. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg 1993. Oct; 35(5):453-60.

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