Good news! Coffee and wine may promote a healthy gut

The food you eat and the medicines you take can alter your gut bacteria in ways that either help or harm your digestive health, two new studies suggest.

Diversity is beneficial

Foods like fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, wine, yogurt and buttermilk can increase the diversity of bacteria in a person’s intestines. And that diversity can help ward off illness, said Dr Jingyuan Fu, senior author of one of the studies.

“It is believed that higher diversity and richness [in gut bacteria] is beneficial,” explained Fu. She is an associate professor of genetics at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

Read: Gut bacteria suffer when hit with infection

On the other hand, foods containing loads of simple carbohydrates appear to reduce bacterial diversity in the gut, Fu and colleagues found. These include high-fat whole milk and sugar-sweetened soda.

In addition, medications can also play a part in the makeup of your gut bacteria. Antibiotics, the diabetes drug metformin and antacids can cut down on gut bacterial diversity, the researchers found. Smoking and heart attacks also can have a negative effect, the team said.

Each person’s intestines contain trillions of microorganisms, which doctors refer to as the “gut microbiome”, said Dr David Johnson. He is chief of gastroenterology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, and a past president of the American College of Gastroenterology.

A dramatic and prominent role

The gut microbiome plays an essential but little-understood role in human health, said Johnson, who was not involved with the new studies.

Read: Gut bacteria may be key to gastric bypass’ effects: study

“It’s the largest immune system in the body,” Johnson explained. “These bacteria have a very dramatic and prominent role in determining health and disease.”

To study the effect of lifestyle on the gut microbiome, Fu and her colleagues collected stool samples from more than 1,100 people living in the northern Netherlands.

The samples were used to analyse the DNA of the bacteria and other organisms that live in the gut. In addition to stools, the study collected information on the participants’ diets, medicine use and health.

In the second study, researchers with the Flemish Gut Flora Project performed a similar analysis on stool samples taken from 5,000 volunteers in Belgium.

Both studies concluded that diet has a profound effect on the diversity of gut bacteria, although, Fu said, the “underlying theories of these dietary factors remain largely unknown”.

Read: Gas and diet

Johnson added that medicines can have the same effect, and antibiotics actually can kill off some important strains of gut bacteria. “One dose of an antibiotic may disrupt your gut bacteria for a year,” he said.

Both sets of researchers emphasised that their studies only help explain a fraction of gut bacteria variation – roughly 18 percent for the Netherlands study, and about 7 percent for the Flemish study.

High fibre and low carbs

However, the findings from the two groups overlapped about 80 percent of the time, indicating that they are on the right track, the researchers said.

The Belgian researchers estimated that over 40,000 human samples will be needed to capture a complete picture of gut bacteria diversity.

Read: Gut bacteria affect health and obesity

Johnson noted that other research has shown that poor sleep, obesity, diabetes and the use of artificial sweeteners also can interfere with gut bacteria.

“The general rule is a balanced diet with high fibre and low carbs tends to drive a better gut health overall,” he said.

According to Fu, once researchers have a clearer understanding of the gut microbiome and its effects on health, doctors could be able to help prevent or heal illness by reading or influencing the bacteria within people’s bodies.

“The personalized microbiome may assist in personalised nutrition, personalised medicine, disease risk stratification and treatment decision-making,” she said.

Both studies were published in the journal Science.

Read more:

Symptoms of digestive disorders

Diagnosing digestive disorders

Preventing digestive disorders

Copyright © 2015 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Good news! Coffee and wine may promote a healthy gut

Kim Kardashian Is Being Accused Of Faking Her Weight Loss

Kim Kardashian is NOT happy with people’s comments about her body.

The 35-year-old has been working hard on her health and fitness game since giving birth to Saint West back in December, following a strict Atkins diet and upping her exercise regime in a big way.

Read: Kim Kardashian Says Her Bum Isn’t As Big As People Think…

And she’s been showing off the results over the past week, slipping back into her signature bodycon frocks and flaunting her curves again, Kimmy K-style, after months of covering up.

In fact, Kim let all her fans know that she’s only four pounds off her ‘pre-baby weight target’, by posting a snap of her standing on a set of scales reading 139.6 pounds.

‘YOU GUYS!!!! PRE BABY WEIGHT WAS 135!!!!!’ the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star captioned the snap.

‘This time I think weight has come off quicker than last time because I kind of learned how to eat better’, Kim told reporters. ‘Last time I worked out a little bit harder. This time I’m eating differently.’

However, when sister Khloe posted a photo of Kim looking bangin’ to her Instagram over the weekend, calling her the ‘snap back queen’, a cruel comment led Kim to hit back. 

Read: Kim Kardashian On Why She Stopped Breasfteeding…

‘Lipo/tummy tuck duh! Post videos working out as if she did all the work lol’, the person wrote. And Kim didn’t take it lying down.

‘You miserable troll!’ Kim wrote back. ‘I work my ass off and have been dieting for months! I have such pride in my post pregnancy weight loss game… 50 pounds down as of today and 20 more to go!’

‘Just wait for my next nude shoot, you’ll see no tummy tuck/lipo scars! Let’s see your body hiding behind your private account!’

The comment was later deleted, but not before Instagram account @theshaderoominc captured the drama.

Kim Kardashian Is Being Accused Of Faking Her Weight Loss

Young Gay and Bisexual Men are 6 Times More Likely to Commit Suicide

A study published in the Journal of Public Health reveals that gay and bisexual men below the age of 26 are six times more likely to commit suicide or harm themselves than older men. The researchers explain that unlike younger men, men above 45 are more capable of coping with homophobia and could possibly be more privileged in other aspects of their lives.

Moreover, young gay and bisexual men are also two times more likely to be depressed or anxious. Meanwhile, black gay and bisexual men are also twice as likely to be depressed and five times more likely to commit suicide compared to white men.

Men with lower educational backgrounds are also two times more likely to suffer from the same problems due to lower income. On the other hand, men who received higher education are less likely to experience one of these issues.

Gay couple. Credit: Tumblr

The researchers point out that some of these men may also suffer from discrimination unrelated to their sexuality, which adds to the report. Nevertheless, their study shows that mental health problems are rampant among gay and bisexual youths as well as minorities.

“Poor mental health is not evenly distributed across race, income or education,” says lead author Ford Hickson from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. “We must ensure that access to life-changing support services are targeted to where they are needed most. Everyone has the right to good mental health.”

The research team suggests that cohabitation can improve these problems. They say that gay and bisexual men who live with a partner are 50 percent less likely to experience depression than those who live alone. Living in areas with high population of gay and bisexual men such as London could also result in positive mental health because these men are less isolated and less discriminated.

The study is the first one to investigate the differences in mental health among gay and bisexual men. It involved the data analysis of 5,799 gay and bisexual men, ages 16 and above, from the Stonewall Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health Survey conducted in the UK.

April Guasp, the Head of Research at Stonewall, adds that the study provides more data about the risks of poor mental health within the LGBT communities. Guasp hopes that this would lead to targeted treatments.

Young Gay and Bisexual Men are 6 Times More Likely to Commit Suicide

The Economics Of Menstruation: By The Numbers

Menstruation is having a moment—due mostly to a hard-fought series of efforts by women to not only de-stigmatize periods, but also their attendant products. Perhaps more importantly, they’re pushing governments stop taxing them, and to understand the need for tampons and pads are necessary items that, like toilet paper, should be widely available and freely provided in school bathrooms, jails, and shelters.

Menstruation may be as old as our existence, but menstrual equality is not. Periods have long been a source of secret shame, and beside that shame runs a parallel history of poorly designed products that have taken decades to evolve toward the lifestyles of the women using them. And still today, in many countries, having no access to sanitary protection keeps girls out of schools.

This year, YouTube star Ingrid Nilsen got the opportunity to interview Barack Obama She used the time to ask him about why tampons and pads—something crucial to women managing their health in their everyday lives— are considered a luxury good, and why 40 states still tax them.

“I have to tell you, I have no idea why states would tax these as luxury items,” Obama answered. “I suspect it’s because men were making the laws when those taxes were passed.”

The latest issue of Newsweek devotes its cover story to a deep history of menstrual mayhem, declaring that the fight to end period shaming has finally gone mainstream. This, combined with recent looks at the economics of menstruation and the legal fights in a slew of states to make tampons tax-free and more widely available all point to a seismic shift in our ability to finally start talking, and doing something, about periods.

Here’s the issue by the numbers.

On average, American girls start their periods between age 12 and 13, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They have a period that hits once a month and runs for about seven days, until they hit menopause (which often arrives after the age of 50). This amounts to some 450 ovulations in a lifetime, more than our prehistoric sisters, who might have ovulated about 160 times a lifetime.

The formula is simple: 3-6 tampons/day x 7 days/month x 12 months/year x 40 years. Estimating the cost of tampons at $5 to $7 a box, the price for sanitary products averages to some $1800 over a lifetime according to one calculation. That’s not including pads, too, which some women alternate or use in conjunction with tampons, and could tack on another $500. Of course, this is all highly variable depending on period flow and the length of a period, but it offers a general idea.

Period care is a big market according to Euromonitor, and its products are taxed in most states. Meanwhile, Newsweek notes, “adult diapers, Viagra, Rogaine and potato chips are not.”

Even FEMA—the Federal Emergency Management Agency—resisted using homelessness funds to cover sanitary protection, though they covered underwear. That will change this year thanks to the efforts of New York Representative Grace Meng, who convinced the Homeland Security secretary to change the policy to include them.

In most states, purchasing pads and tampons means paying tax on these items, which are classified as a “luxury,” ironic given that women can’t just ignore their body, or simply wish away their periods—at least, not without spending more money to do so by taking the pill or using some other period-reducing aid or device. Rep. Meng and other state politicians are at the forefront to change that policy in New York, where the State Assembly has passed a bill to eliminate the tax on tampons and pads. The language of the deal is being sorted out before going to Governor Cuomo to sign.

Prior to this latest surge of advocacy, five women filed a class action lawsuit against the state to end the tampon tax, saying classifying tampons and pads as luxuries violated the state’s equal protection clause. They say only items used by women, like lip balm and tampons are taxed as general merchandise, while Rogaine is not. They also argue that lower-income women are most burdened by the tax, as you can’t buy tampons or pads with food stamps. Homeless women must rely entirely on donations to access sanitary care.

Currently, only Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have eliminated the taxes from sanitary protection. Some 12 states have some sort of tampon tax legislation in the works to eliminate the tax, based on the notion that they are finally coming around to see that taxing a necessity for women amounts to gender discrimination. Canada removed the sales tax on tampons this past summer.

American women are relatively lucky compared to some countries overseas, where globally, some 500 million girls and women lack the proper scenario for period management, according to UNICEF and the World Health Organization. In rural India, one in five girls is likely to drop out of school as a result of the shame and stigma periods cause in places where there is no access to sanitary protection or a proper means of disposal, further deepening the stigma.

An international survey by a period tracker app called Clue discovered that in most countries, euphemisms for periods are used far more often than the word period or menstruation, illustrating how difficult it is to even discuss something so fraught with shame. But advocates for untaxing tampons say changing this attitude is critical to the shift in thinking and perception.

Drives to donate free tampons and pads to those in need are currently thriving, while period subscription boxes and delivery services are also changing the conversation. After the success of HelloFlo’s commercial celebrating menstruation with a period party, company founder Naama Bloom said she pivoted her company into a more informational women’s health company, now putting resources into helping answer questions that go beyond periods. Rather, it encompasses everything women don’t discuss about their health, she told Fast Company. “People don’t talk openly about [women’s health], but I had a different approach—and it resonated.”

All of this means that something women have long dreaded is now something they can, at least a little, discuss—and hopefully buy or get their hands on for free—without embarrassment.

The Economics Of Menstruation: By The Numbers

Health Digest for: April 26, 2016

CHECK IT OUT

Immunizations: Stop sickness before it starts

Immunization is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your children against infectious disease. By stimulating your body’s natural resistance to disease — thereby creating immunity — vaccines are your first line of defense against the likes of polio, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

“Were it not for the widespread use of vaccines in the U.S., a far greater number of deaths would occur during childhood and many more people would be living with chronic and often crippling after effects of disease,” says Mayo Clinic Health System pediatrician Joel Cassingham, M.D.

The immediate result of immunization is the prevention of dangerous, potentially life-threatening infectious illnesses. The long-term goal of an immunization program is the complete eradication of a disease. Smallpox, a devastating illness that killed 30 percent of those infected and left the others with disfiguring scars, was completely eradicated through immunization in 1979. Measles cases in the U.S. have dropped by 98 percent, and diphtheria, a condition that caused more than 15,000 deaths in 1921, now is only reported in two or three cases every year because of immunization.

Every vaccine is tested and must meet strict safety standards set by the Food and Drug Administration. This can take up to 10 years and even after being opened to the public, every immunization is monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS) 

Spinal manipulation techniques differ among practitioners

Chiropractors commonly perform spinal adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, but osteopathic doctors, physical therapists and medical doctors may provide the service, as well.

Specific techniques may differ, but in general, during spinal manipulation, the practitioner applies a controlled amount of force to a spinal joint, either manually or using a device. Alternatively, a rhythmic force is applied to improve joint motion in your neck, spine and pelvis. The practitioner may use a special table to help perform adjustments.

Evidence indicates that spinal manipulation can help with common headaches, neck pain, and low back pain, especially if the pain is recent and not due to compression of a nerve root.

Spinal manipulation generally is considered to be safe when it’s performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Common side effects are soreness in the treated area, dizziness or tiredness, which typically clears up within a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare, but may include pinching of spinal nerves, resulting in leg pain and weakness or worsening of a herniated disk. High-velocity neck manipulation rarely has been associated with stroke.

Spinal manipulation generally isn’t recommended if you have severe osteoporosis, cancer in your spine, previous spinal surgery or inflammatory arthritis.

If you’re considering spinal manipulation therapy, ask your doctor for a referral. Importantly, let the provider doing the spinal manipulation know about any other conditions you may have and other treatments you may be receiving. 

— Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS) 

Upcoming presentations on brain health

Dr. Sayed Shah will review highlights of Dr. James Greenblatt’s webinar, “Introduction to Integrative Medicine for Mental Health,” at 6 p.m. May 11 at Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus, 3300 River Drive. 

Dr. Shah will address the role of digestive health in brain and mental health. 

Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. in a meeting room in the eastern most building on campus, with lectures beginning at 6 p.m. Park on the east, north and west ends of the campus, accessed by walking through the center of campus.

To RSVP, text 309-737-2022 or email ci3752@yahoo.com by May 7. 

Health Digest for: April 26, 2016

Decoded: How Anant Ambani lost 108 kg in 18 months (Watch Video)

New Delhi: The youngest son of Mukesh Ambani and Neeta Ambani – Anant Ambani made it to headlines after he lost a staggering 108 kilograms in less than 18 months.

It’s easy for people to think that Anant, being the son of India’s richest man, might have undergone surgery to shed the extra kilos. But the truth is a contrast.

Anant was determined to lose the weight in the most natural and safest way possible. And it feels proud to say that he has emerged victorious.

It’s not at all easy to drive yourself for such massive weight loss process. It’s would not be an exaggeration to say that this guy has given his blood and sweat to achieve the perfect body.

But how he did that is the very first question that pops up in anyone’s mind who will take a look at his impressive transformation. No doubt, his story is an inspiration and everyone should know how he really did it.

Here’s decoding Anant Ambani’s weight loss formula:

1. Regular Meals

Taking regular meals is the base of such weight loss program. Eating every three hours or six meals a day increases your metabolism which will burn your body fat real fast. One should not follow crash diet for losing weight.

2. Natural Way

There is no shortcut for this weight loss program. It is his hard work of 18 months which bore fruits. He exercised for 4 to 5 hours every day- 2 hours each in morning, afternoon and evening.

3. Not money

You cannot buy health with money. The staggering weight loss by Anant is not the result of spending too much money. He has done it through hard work, consistency, focus and determination.

4. Truth of 40 kg weight loss in 1st month

Anant lost 40 kilograms in first month of weight loss schedule due to sudden change in food intake, change in lifestyle, and exercise.

Initially, the body burns fat very fast when you change the diet.

When you cut eating carbs, the body starts flushing out fluids which are stored in your body due to intake of excessive sodium and carbohydrates. The weight loss in the first month can’t remain steady in the second and third month.

To know more about Anant Ambani’s weight loss program watch the video:

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How fit are you? Most healthy names of British men and women revealed

GETTY

FIT: Apparently names have an influence on the way we live our life

Men named James and women called Laura are the fittest Britons, the findings suggests.

Studies show the average Laura visits the gym 26% more than her closest rival each week, she does at least two high intensity sessions and spends an average of 2.5 hours per visit.

A typical Laura is also likely to be in the gym at quiet times such as a Sunday evening and has even been known to workout on Christmas Eve.

And the average James will be in the gym on a Friday night with his total visits averaging 24% more per week than his closest rival.

Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

GETTY

JOY: Laura Trott celebrates on the medal podium after winning the Women’s Omnium

GETTY

SUCCESSFUL: Laura Trott and James Guy have impressed in sport

“Our parents get a chance to be ‘creative’ when they give us our names”

Psychologist Donna Dawson

Gym chain Fitness First analysed five years of membership data to find out if there was a link between first names and health.

And Lauras and James’ workout the most and are more efficient with their time compared to any other name.

But Larrys only attend the gym during the typical seasonal peaks — January and September — then stay away for the other 10 months of the year, the data shows.

Michaels are the least efficient with their time as, though each of their sessions last on average 90 minutes, they actually spent 45% of time training and the rest socialising.

Laura Trott OBE, 24, is the reigning Olympic and European champion in track and road cycling.

Swimmer James Guy, 20, has represented Great Britain in the European swimming championships.

Psychologist Donna Dawson, who specialises in personality and behaviour, said names may well have an influence on the way we live our life, including our health and fitness.

She added: “Our parents get a chance to be ‘creative’ when they give us our names.”

GETTY

DELIGHT: James Guy won the Men’s 200m Freestyle at The British Swimming Championships

GETTY

EXERCISE: The research shows woman called Laura are keen on hitting the gym

She continued: “Apart from family names handed down and fashionable naming trends, our parent’s name-choice will most likely be influenced by the inspiring people living around them at that time.

“When we see namesakes like Laura Trott and James Guy succeed in their respective fields, we can’t help but be consciously and subconsciously influenced by the examples that they set.”

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How fit are you? Most healthy names of British men and women revealed

NASSAU BAY — It's Ladies Night at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital!

PRESS RELEASE

NASSAU BAY — It’s Ladies Night at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital!

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The hospital is hosting a free Female and Fabulous event for Bay Area women on Wednesday, May 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Main Lobby, 18300 St. John Drive in Nassau Bay.

“The idea is for women to get together, have a little fun and spend some quality time learning how to stay healthy and improve their overall well-being,” says Asia Mohsin, MD.

Activities include a question-and-answer session with four leading women’s health specialists from Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, including:

Asia Mohsin, M.D. – Obstetrics & Gynecology

Tristi Muir, M.D. – Urogynecology

Modupe Adeyefa, M.D. – Breast Radiology

Sri Gottimukkala, M.D. – Obstetrics & Gynecology

“Our team of physician experts will discuss vital women’s health issues and common concerns experienced by women throughout all stages of life, and they’ll share the top five things women should know and do to live a long, healthy life,” says Dr. Mohsin.

The event will also feature “light bites,” refreshments, giveaways and door prizes. In addition, women can sign up in advance for an onsite screening mammogram.

To register for Female and Fabulous, visit houstonmethodist.org/events. Or call 281.333.8899 for more event information. To schedule your screening mammogram, visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling.

NASSAU BAY — It"s Ladies Night at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital!

Sparking Empowerment to End Campus Sexual Assault

Source: Bridget Anshus

My life by the numbers: According to 2015 projections from the National Center for Education Statistics, I am one of 20.2 million students and 11.5 million females enrolled at an American college or university. The experiences of one of my best friends, two of my fellow committee members, and one of my male acquaintances are representative of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center‘s statistics that one in five women and one in 16 men will be sexually assaulted during their years in college.

As a sophomore at American University in Washington D.C., I have witnessed, heard and intervened in many situations involving sexual assault and consent. Living, growing and learning on a campus that is under investigation due to a Title IX complaint is not something I accept. I have committed myself to change the norm and empower others to take action against sexual assault.

My activism started when I was a freshman. I am a part of the School of Public Affairs Leadership Program, a four-year curriculum centered on the creation and execution of a social action project during students’ freshman and sophomore years. For last year’s project, I was a part of a group of seven that worked to address rape culture on AU’s campus by developing “Piece of the Solution,” an initiative based on the concept that, while we are all pieces of the problem, we are also all pieces of the solution.

The project consisted of: collecting pledges to combat rape culture from students in person as well as having students submit their pledges on our Tumblr page; gathering anonymous stories of experiences with sexual assault, sexual harassment, or rape; and hosting an awareness event. We also recorded instances on social media in which this issue was perpetuated, particularly on platforms such as YikYak and Facebook. These stories, pledges and posts were displayed on campus during the second part of our project, the Awareness Wall Event. In the end, we engaged 600 people and administrators of at our university, many of whose stories served as evidence that this culture is present on our campus.

Although we had a successful project, much more must be done. I’ve decided to continue working to increase access to information about sexual health and sexual assault at both the college and high school level. For my sophomore year project, I founded “Positively Protected,” an organization that aims to educate and promote contraception, consent, and body positivity by teaching a curriculum to high schoolers about these topics, handing out safe sex kits, and maintaining a social media page with access to additional information.

As part of my campus work, I joined the 100 other students around the country participating in the “Consent: Ask for It” campaign, a partnership between Trojan Condoms and the Great American Condom Campaign, a project by Advocates for Youth. This campaign provides tattoos, stickers, and removable wall paper for campus organizations to distribute and display an effort to jumpstart conversations about consent. I am also serving as the Youth Organizing Intern for the campaign at Advocates for Youth.

In the end, I hope to empower others to stand up alongside survivors and against rape culture and sexual assault. I hope that I am contributing to eliminating the one in four and one in 16 statistics by helping to educate others and allow traditionally muted voices to be heard.

Bridget Anshus is a student at American University and an intern at Advocates for Youth. Visit http://www.askforconsent.org/ to learn how you can become involved in the “Consent: Ask for It” campaign.

This post is part of a series produced by The Huffington Post and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. To learn more about the NSVRC and how you can help prevent sexual violence, visit here. Read all posts in the series here.

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Sparking Empowerment to End Campus Sexual Assault

Antidepressant Medication Linked to Long-Term Weight Loss

Past studies have shown that people who are depressed are more likely to be overweight. This could be due to a combination of factors, including being more sedentary as a result of the depression or overindulging in “comfort” foods as a method of coping. Unfortunately, most anti-depressant medications are linked to weight gain, further compounding the problem.

New research by Group Health Research Institute (GHRI) demonstrates that bupropion – marketed under the name Wellbutrin – is a medication that is linked to long-term modest weight loss.

The team, who published their research in The Journal of Clinical Medicine, found that patients followed over two years lost an average of 2.4 pounds on bupropion versus those taking fluoxetine (Prozac), who gained an average of 4.6 pounds.

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Unfortunately, however, the effect was not seen in those who continued to smoke. Bupropion is also used under the name Chantix to help patients quit smoking. Smokers often gain weight while they are trying to quit, as they often replace cigarettes with food.

“Our study suggests that bupropion is the best initial choice of antidepressant for the vast majority of Americans who have depression and are overweight or obese,” said study leader David Arterburn, MD, MPH, the senior investigator at GHRI and an affiliate associate professor in the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine.

Just keep in mind that not everyone can take bupropion, such as those with a history of seizure disorder, so it is important to discuss all health conditions with your physician to find the best treatment plan individualized to you.

Journal Reference:
David Arterburn, Tamar Sofer, Denise Boudreau, Andy Bogart, Emily Westbrook, Mary Theis, Greg Simon, Sebastien Haneuse. Long-Term Weight Change after Initiating Second-Generation Antidepressants.Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2016; 5 (4): 48 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5040048

Photo Credit: Photo by Pixabay, no attribution required

Antidepressant Medication Linked to Long-Term Weight Loss

CDC: Life expectancy down for white women, up for black men

Dive Brief:

• 
  A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics found life expectancy for white, non-Hispanic U.S. women went down by about one month from 2013 to 2014, from 81.2 to 81.1 years.


• During that time, life expectancy went up among black and Hispanic Americans — most notably non-Hispanic black men who saw an increase of six months, from 71.8 to 72.2 years.


• The data show Americans overall have lost their former momentum on increasing longevity, with average life expectancy remaining stagnant since 2010. 

Dive Insight:

Though the difference for white women is small, such a dip for a major demographic group is rare and troubling, experts say, particularly because of the reasons why: Suicide, drug overdoses, and complications from alcohol and smoking. The research found these problems to be increasingly impacting all white Americans, but particularly impacting white women in mid-life. 

The report agrees with a another recent study by Princeton economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton, NPR noted, which also found middle-age mortality increasing among white people due to suicides, drug overdoses, and alcoholism.

At the same time, however, gains were made in overall life expectancy for Hispanics from 81.6 to 81.8 years, and overall among blacks from 75.1 to 75.2 years. The particularly notable increase among black men, from 71.8 to 72.2 years, appears linked to declines in cancer deaths, homicides, and heart disease, says CDC demographer Elizabeth Arias.

Arias said another study due out soon is looking into the sharp upticks in deaths from suicides, alcohol, and overdoses.

Recommended Reading

NPR: Life Expectancy Drops For White Women, Increases For Black Men
The Washington Post: Life expectancy for white females in U.S. suffers rare decline
CDC: Changes in Life Expectancy by Race and Hispanic Origin in the United States, 2013–2014

CDC: Life expectancy down for white women, up for black men

Don't worry guys, circumcision 'doesn't' mess with your sex life

Will removing a baby boy’s foreskin leave him with reduced sensitivity later in life? No, suggests a recent study.

The research indicated that there are no differences in penile sensitivity for a variety of stimulus types and penile sites between circumcised and intact men. Additionally, this study challenges past research suggesting that the foreskin is the most sensitive and, in turn, most sexually relevant, part of the adult penis.

When the American Academy of Pediatrics and Canadian Pediatric Society recently revised their policies concerning routine neonatal circumcision, public interest was reignited in this long-running debate.

Focusing on health outcomes, particularly protection against sexually transmitted infections, rather than penile sensitivity, the American policy statement supports routine circumcision of newborn males, while the Canadian policy does not. “We directly tested whether circumcision is associated with a reduction in penile sensitivity by testing tactile detection, pain, warmth detection, and heat pain thresholds at multiple sites on the penis between groups of healthy (neonatally) circumcised and intact men,” explained lead author Jennifer Bossio from the Queen’s University.

She added that this study indicates that neonatal circumcision is not associated with changes in penile sensitivity and provides preliminary evidence to suggest that the foreskin is not the most sensitive part of the penis. “Methodology and results from this study build on previous research and imply that if sexual functioning is related to circumcision status, this relationship is not likely the result of decreased penile sensitivity stemming from neonatal circumcision,” observed Ms. Bossio.

The study is reported in The Journal of Urology.

Don"t worry guys, circumcision "doesn"t" mess with your sex life

Raúl 'El Gordo' De Molina Talks Weight Loss, Travel Adventures, Importance Of Latino Vote, And ...

Raúl De Molina, better known in the entertainment world as “El Gordo,” has been charming Latino audiences in the U.S., Latino America, and other countries around the globe for decades and he is not planning on stopping.

Latin Times had the chance to sit down with the hilarious TV host, journalist, photographer, traveller, and racecar aficionado on Saturday in New York City, where he talked about his impressive weight loss, his recent adventure through Europe and Asia, and the upcoming elections,

“I lost forty-eight pounds,” De Molina said about taking on the “Slim Fast” challenge and making it work for the past few months. “And I mean, you look at me and I’m still heavy but I’ve lost almost fifty pounds. I brought my ‘Slim Fast’ shakes, a lot of times I would have them instead of lunch or breakfast,” he continued.

He later confessed that when in Rome he did gain “two or three pounds” but was able to shake it all off during his trip to Positano, which he referred to as “one of the most beautiful places” he’s ever been to, and where he had to “walk up and down the stairs and all that.”

Throughout the interview, the 57-year-old entertainer revealed uproarious details about his family escapades in Europe last month, where he celebrated his birthday next to his wife Mily, and his daughter Mia.

He also pointed out that as a traveler enthusiast, going back to Jerusalem during Holy Week to shoot stories for Univision’s “El Gordo y La Flaca” and having the chance to look at all its historic places through the eyes of an expert, was a life changing experience.

“It’s one of the most important places in the world for Catholics, Jewish and Muslims, and they are all almost within a feet away from each other,” he said. “To me it was an incredible experience because we’ve been to Israel during Easter Sunday before ‘cause my wife wanted to go but to be able to do all this stories there, and be in all these places and we also had a Priest from Argentina that was living in Jerusalem explaining everything to me, because I needed him to do all these stories. This was like, to me, it was the most incredible experience that I’ve had in my life.”

The Emmy-nominated journalist added that perhaps one of the most interesting experiences he had during his recent trip to Israel was visiting the Jordan River “Jesus” style.

“We went to the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized, and they did the same to me. A Priest baptized me in the river for the show [“El Gordo y La Flaca”],” he shared.

He carried on by saying that the Religious journey was eye-opening for him, his family and the rest of the production, but also for the hundreds, thousands, million viewers out there watching the show during the Holidays.

“I learned a lot about this and I was able to present it to the people, and I think they really loved the stories that we did because I got very good feedback on social media,” he told Latin Times. “People were saying, ‘thank you for showing me something that you guys have never done before and I will not be able to travel to Israel but watching these stories I can learn about it.’ And people were extremely happy about that.”

Even though Raúl avoids getting into political subjects at all costs, later in the chat he disclosed he was attending Hillary Clinton’s rally in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx on Sunday afternoon, and sent an important message to the Latino Community in the country.

“I really think that what’s going on in this Presidential campaign is incredible, and I never thought that this would be happening in the United States, especially everything that’s going on with the Hispanic community,” he confessed.

He sustained, “I think it’s important to tell the Latino community, and the people that watch my show, that is important to go out there and vote because a lot of people that are U.S. citizens, may not even be registered, or may not go to vote. And I want to tell them how important is for them to go out and vote in the upcoming elections because if there’s one election that is important for the Latino community, it’s this one.”

Finally, we asked Raúl if he has ever been star struck by anyone in his many years interviewing some of the biggest celebrities in the industry.

“Yes,” immediately responded his wife Mily, who was sitting next to him. “Emerson Fittipaldi, a very famous Brazilian race car driver.”

“Mily, the interview is with me, not with you,” Raúl joked. “But yes, she is right. We were having lunch at a place in Key Biscayne. And Emerson Fittipaldi is a Brazilian Formula 1 star that won the World Driver’s Championship a lot of years ago, in the 1970s. And he was sitting next to me at a table and I wanted to go say hello because when I was a little kid growing up in Madrid, even though I’m Cuban I lived in Spain since I was 10 years old until I was almost 16, I went to see him when he won one of his first races and then he became the world champion. So, I went and got up and I finally said, ‘I was at El Jarama when you won one of your first races and I’m a big fan of Formula 1, and a big fan of yours.’ He was very nice.”

Raúl "El Gordo" De Molina Talks Weight Loss, Travel Adventures, Importance Of Latino Vote, And ...

Diabetes drug may reduce the incidence of cancer among postmenopausal women

Elderly women with type 2 diabetes who take metformin may be at lower risk of developing some types of cancer, according to a new large study from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) and the University at Buffalo (UB). Researchers also suggest that women with diabetes are more prone to develop cancer than women without the disease.

Metformin is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes alone or combined with other medications such as insulin, to control the amount of sugar in the blood, said MedlinePlus from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. At the same time, it enhances the body’s response to insulin.

Postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes who take metformin may be at lower risk for developing certain types of cancer. Credit: Healthimpactnews.com

Researchers analyzed data from more than 145,826 postmenopausal women between 50 and 79 years old, who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative from 1993 to 1998. Findings were published in April in the International Journal of Cancer.

The impact of metformin in women with diabetes

Results from the study show that women with diabetes had a 45 percent higher risk of death from invasive cancer overall, in comparison with women without diabetes. On the other hand, the risk of death “differed significantly” among women with diabetes taking metformin.

A theory proposes that a decreased risk of cancer death is related to an increase in consumption of metformin use, said the RPCI in a press release issued on April 7. Women with diabetes had also a 13 percent major risk of developing invasive cancer.

In comparison with women without diabetes, women with the disease face a 20 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cancer in the colon, liver, pancreas, and endometrium, added the RPCI.

Patients with diabetes taking metformin showed better survival rates when diagnosed with ovarian, colorectal and breast cancer.

Lead-author of the study Zhihong Gong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Oncology in the Department of Cancer Prevention and Control at Roswell Park, said that researchers wanted to understand the association of diabetes and medications and its relationship with the development of cancer.

“Our findings suggest that diabetes remains a risk factor for cancer overall and increases the risk of certain cancers. But we also found a lower cancer risk for certain cancers among those patients who have used metformin for many years,” added Gong in a press release.

Results should be taken cautiously

Researchers explained that further investigation is needed to better understand the long-term impact of metformin on cancer risk and survival, Dr. Joel Zonszein, director of the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, said to UPI that new studies are already in progress.

“We still don’t understand the exact mechanism of action of this old drug used in diabetes. It may have positive effects in decreasing cancer mortality and or increasing longevity as shown in this paper,” Zonszein said to UPI.

According to the 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report, there are 29.1 million Americans with diabetes, which can be translated as one out of every 11 people. Nonetheless, one out of four people do not know they have diabetes, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Additionally, there are 86 million pre-diabetics in the country, of which 15-30 percent will develop type two diabetes within the next 5 years, if they do not change their lifestyle, and dieting habits.

Source: Roswell Park Press Release

Diabetes drug may reduce the incidence of cancer among postmenopausal women

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The vast majority of premature deaths can be prevented through simple changes in diet and lifestyle. In How Not to Die, Dr. Michael Greger, the internationally-renowned nutrition expert, physician, and founder of NutritionFacts.org, examines the fifteen top causes of premature death in America-heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson’s, high blood pressure, and more-and explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can sometimes trump prescription pills and other pharmaceutical and surgical approaches, freeing us to live healthier lives.

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History of prostate cancer in your family? Put down that glass of milk and add flaxseed to your diet whenever you can. Have high blood pressure? Hibiscus tea can work better than a leading hypertensive drug-and without the side effects. Fighting off liver disease? Drinking coffee can reduce liver inflammation. Battling breast cancer? Consuming soy is associated with prolonged survival. Worried about heart disease (the number 1 killer in the United States)? Switch to a whole-food, plant-based diet, which has been repeatedly shown not just to prevent the disease but often stop it in its tracks.

In addition to showing what to eat to help treat the top fifteen causes of death, How Not to Die includes Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen -a checklist of the twelve foods we should consume every day.Full of practical, actionable advice and surprising, cutting edge nutritional science, these doctor’s orders are just what we need to live longer, healthier lives.

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GI System: 8 Ways to Keep Your Gut Healthy

Without a healthy gastrointestinal or GI system, the body cannot absorb important nutrients or rid itself of waste. Keep your GI system in good working order with these eight tips.

A healthy diet is the most significant way to improve your digestive health. Specifically, Everyday Health recommends the following dietary suggestions:

ALERT: Weird Gut Bacteria Linked to Digestion, Heart, Obesity, Brain Problems

1. Eat a high fiber diet that includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber in general helps to keep food moving through the GI system easily and helps prevent constipation, registered dietician Maria Adams tells Everyday Health. Insoluble fiber, or roughage, adds bulk to solid waste and soluble fiber helps prevent watery stools by absorbing excess water.

2. Try probiotics to help combat the effects of stress, poor diet, and medications that can negatively impact the GI system. Probiotics can also improve the immune system function and absorption of nutrients from food, says Everyday Health. Probiotics can be found in yogurt, kefir, and supplements.

3. Drink plenty of water each day to help keep food moving through the digestive tract.

Besides what you eat, how you eat can also affect your GI system.

4. Eat on a schedule and try to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and any snacks around the same time each day to maintain good digestive health, says Adams.

SPECIAL: Doctor: You Can Stop Digestion Woes, Heartburn, Gas, Constipation, More

5. The Gastroenterological Society of Australia recommends eating moderate portions to avoid putting undue stress on the GI system.

6. Chew foods well and avoid rushed meals, says GESA, and your digestive system will have an easier time moving foods through and absorbing nutrients.

Finally, there are other strategies aside from eating properly that can improve GI system health, says the Weston A. Price Foundation.

7. Aim to eliminate or reduce toxins in your water and air. Install and maintain air filters in your home and keep houseplants to help clean the air. Filter your drinking water to reduce chlorine and other harmful toxins.

8. Be mindful of toxins in skin care products and cosmetics since substances applied to the skin are eventually absorbed into the body and GI system. Shop for products that do not contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals at health food stores.

Doctor: Not All Probiotics Are the Same, Some Are Dangerous! Read More Here

GI System: 8 Ways to Keep Your Gut Healthy

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Let's talk about sex

Opinion

By Riyanka Ganguly | Friday, April 15

You’ve seen the yaks, you may have thrown the shade, you may not even know what’s going on- either way let’s get some facts going.

This past year, myself and other members of DSG have worked tirelessly to create the Peer Advocacy for Sexual Health (PASH) center. This peer run Sexual Health Resource Center will be piloting in the Fall, and is modeled around Stanford’s. Contacts have been made at Stanford, their center has been visited and this extensively researched project has been a long time coming.

This semester, under direct guidance of Maralis Mercado, the Sexual Health Coordinator of the Duke University Wellness Center, and in collaboration with Student Health, Title IX, CSGD, the Women’s Center and CAPS, I co-created a curriculum. Through this curriculum, we have trained 15 peer educators who will volunteer the time to staff the center beginning in the fall.

So why are we talking about free dildos? On Wednesday, DSG passed a budgetary statute to fund the PASH center. Among the money was a $15,000 earmark to go towards a subsidy for all students to purchase a variety of sexual health products at discounted prices that the center will have stocked.

This includes products that are for birth control prevention, STI prevention and pleasure. These products will be for both male bodied and female-bodied individuals. The details are to be determined, but in essence, every student gets a $3 credit per semester as to incentivize students to come in and use the center.

With this $3 they can buy subsidized sexual health products in a variety of brands that Wellness doesn’t otherwise provide at highly discounted prices. However, a student will still be required to cover any remaining costs if the product they are trying to purchase is more than their $3 subsidy.

For many—including DSG’s own—the idea of providing free sexual health products, including those used for pleasure, can be uncomfortable.

When you walk into the center and see a product for sexual pleasure, the initial reaction for some may be to giggle and joke or to get uncomfortable and be in shock. But after, when you see trained peer educators maturely able to talk about sexual health, you too will understand that this sex positive environment is one in which you should feel comfortable to get any question you have asked. No one will judge you. No one will giggle at you or shame you if you ask a question about a product. Only expect open, honest communication with a peer who will listen to you and provide you with resources to reach professional staff on campus.

PASH could be your link to greater sexual health discussion and resources on campus, or PASH could simply be a place to get condoms after centers on campus close, without paying through the vending machine.

The comments on Yik Yak are clear. There needs to be a better way to openly discuss sexual health and sexual relations on this campus. We need a culture shift. As a Duke community, if we can’t even talk about consensual intercourse maturely, how can we even begin to truly tackle issues such as rape and forced intercourse?

This is a proactive approach towards tackling a toxic hook up culture. Let’s show college students the possible perks of consensual intercourse. Let’s encourage communication between peers. Let’s stop judging each other and let’s prioritize our sexual health.

This center is months from opening, and already starting conversation. And I am all for it, ask me questions at dukepash@gmail.com. And if you need to make jokes, and you only have Yik Yak to share it. Fine, share it. Just know, when you walk into that center this toxic culture won’t be perpetuated. Expect honest conversation, but sadly don’t expect free dildos.

Sophomore Riyanka Ganguly is the DSG vice president-elect for equity and outreach.

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Let"s talk about sex

Raudonikis joins men's night out

RUGBY league legend Tommy Raudonikis will be one of the special guests at the Warialda Men’s Health Night Out on Thursday, April 21, and everybody is invited.

HEALTHY ADVICE: Rugby league legend and cancer survivor Tommy Raudonikis in the new cancer wing of the Prince of Wales where he underwent treatment, and is now cancer-free. Photo by Dallas Kilponen.

The night, organised by the Warialda Health Service Advisory committee, drew a crowd last year, and committee member and farmer David Conway said it is a great way to inspire blokes to think about their health.

“We felt we needed to do something, so last year, we put this on, and we found it was quite successful with 140 people coming,” David said.

Tommy Raudonikis has spoken candidly about his battle with cancer and will share some of his war stories, and David said NSW Farmer’s representative Rob Anderson has grappled with depression and has stories of his own.

“And Margie Burns will just talk in general about mental health,” David added.

Besides the keynote guests, the night is a health expo with nurses and Anglicare staff to address issues of mind and body health.

Visitors can have blood pressure checks, a free flu shot, pick up Rotary bowel scan kit, and have access to a range of professionals to talk about mental health, prostate cancer, and other things that may affect men.

“There should be at least 10 to 12 expo-like people on tables, and it’s not only open to men,” David said. “It’s a men’s health night, and if the wife or the partner wants to come, we’re not going to say no.”

The event is held at the Warialda Showgrounds with a 5.30pm start with a free barbecue on the night. 

David said everyone is welcome to rock up for a night of learning and laughter.

“As I said last year, if 140 people walked away laughing, it can’t have been a bad thing.”

Raudonikis joins men"s night out

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Diet for a YEAR to keep weight off due to changes in body's chemical make-up

• People must stick to their diet for a year to keep weight off, study suggests


• Change can alter the body’s chemical make-up, keeping the pounds off


• Demonstrates biological defences to store more fat could be overcome 

By

Tom Witherow For The Daily Mail

Published:

01:37 GMT, 14 April 2016


|
Updated:

03:36 GMT, 14 April 2016

Perseverance pays off when it comes to diets, a study has found.

The breakthrough research suggests people may just have to stick their diet out for a year to keep weight off permanently, The Times reported.

It suggests that keeping to new habits in the long term change the body’s chemical make-up, allowing the new weight to be maintained.

Dieters might have to stick to their regimes for a year to keep weight off, a new study suggests. File image

Dieting has previously been shown to trigger a backlash from the body, sometimes leading to weight being piled back on.

This is because hunger is more acute during dieting – leading to snacking – and cells store more calories as fat.

But researchers in Denmark have shown these survival mechanisms can be overcome, The Times reported last night.

Obese people who shed an eighth of their weight in an intensive diet – so that would be two stone for someone who is 16 stone – and hold it off for a year saw dramatic changes in the chemicals governing their appetite.

Signe Sorensen Torekov, associate professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Copenhagen which carried out the study, said it demonstrated that biological defences could be overcome to allow weight loss.

‘It’s very difficult to fight the hunger,’ she said. ‘It’s like a drug you’re fighting against. This would have been an excellent mechanism 50 years ago, but the problem now is that we have so much food available that we can eat all the time.

Dieting has previously been shown to trigger a backlash from the body, sometimes leading to weight being piled on. This is because hunger is more acute during dieting and cells store more calories as fat (file image)

‘We were able to show that you shouldn’t give up. If you’re able to keep your weight down for a year, then it shifts and it becomes easier.’

In the study, 20 obese adults were put on an eight-week diet of soups and powdered shakes for the experiment, losing an average of two stone each, before being held at that new weight for a further 44 weeks.

Researchers found three molecules govern how hungry people feel and how much they eat.

After a meal two hormones, called GLP-1 and PYY stop us feeling hungry, but hunger hormone Ghrelin wains as food is digested and its nutrients enter the bloodstream.

Many overweight people have a natural balance of these chemicals that makes them hungrier for longer, making it harder to cut back on food.

 

Diet for a YEAR to keep weight off due to changes in body"s chemical make-up

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Strangers have sex on Channel 4 leaving stunned viewers worrying if participants are at risk of STDs

Sex Box stunned viewers this evening as two complete strangers jumped into bed together.

Anna, 40, and David 32, both signed up for the Channel 4 show, in a bid to to meet someone who could “blow their mind” between the sheets.

The pair had never met before being introduced by presenters Steve Jones and Goedele Lieken this evening.

After they were then sent into the box, the duo wasted no time in getting down to business.

Channel 4

Anna, 40, and David 32, both signed up for the Channel 4 show, in a bid to to meet someone who could ‘blow their mind’ between the sheets

Revealing exactly what they got up to afterwards, David said: “I immediately started kissing her and then she took off my shirt. Then I took off her dress.”

Anna added: “It was very good! I got excited when we kissed and I felt his tongue bar. I knew it was going to be good because he was so confident.

“We didn’t have a single conversation beforehand. It was like a blind date but without all the faff.”

Channel 4

Anna and David described their time together as ‘awesome’

READ MORE: Sex Box host Goedele Liekens reveals ‘the one good secret’ to a healthy sex life

David admitted it was a little “weird” to just jump into bed with Anna without any conversation but also insisted it was “awesome”.

“It was like a Tinder date but without having to pay for a cheap or expensive dinner first,” he laughed.

Those tuning in at home were shocked by what they had seen and were quick to take to Twitter afterwards.

One tweeted: “I hope ppl were screened for sti’s b4 #sexbox bcuz encouraging any1 2 have sex without knowing ther sexual health status is v risky #safesex.”

Another commented: “Wtf did they just say 2 strangers are going the #sexbox tonight? Enjoy your stds.”

Mirror Online has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

Sex Box returns to Channel 4 next Monday at 10pm.

Strangers have sex on Channel 4 leaving stunned viewers worrying if participants are at risk of STDs