Health Literacy

This week the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), the main association of health clubs worldwide, is holding its annual convention in San Diego. Information Here.

I will be presenting a session on Wednesday titled Brain Fitness Offerings to Attract and Retain Baby Boomers, to help participants…

• Understand the implications from emerging research, tools and trends that will affect how health clubs attract and retain baby boomers
• Learn about the 4 lifestyle pillars for lifelong brain health, including physical and mental exercise
• Review a proven checklist to build a solid business case and navigate through the growing array of options
• Find the best mix of brain health products and practices by discussing best practices and case studies
• Identify low-cost and easy-to-implement options that your clubs can use to start engaging baby boomers

I assume most of you won’t be able to attend, so let me share an article that Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg and I wrote for their main magazine in 2006 (progress does happen, but slowly), titled Are you sure your members are working out ALL their muscles?

“Sure, they come to the gym every day. They lift more weights, do more pushups, and run further during every workout. They eat right. They watch their weight. They’re in good shape. What could your members possibly be missing? Their mental muscles. 

While living an active life and participating in stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles, music lessons and reading certainly do use one’s brain, they do not provide a consistent, comprehensive brain workout with measurable results. Brains need novelty, variety and stretching practice in order to get fit!”

You can keep reading article Here.

Source: Alvaro Fernandez

A Dozen Gowns:

Stars were shining brightly last night as Hollywood celebrated the 82nd Academy Awards.

Gowns were fun and colorful.  And with a mix of reds, purples, metallics, pastels and more – it was almost difficult to choose a favorite.

Following is an assortment of the different looks seen last night.  I personally fell in love with SJP’s total look.  From her dark-rimmed eyes to the goddess-gown… she was my favorite.

Who was your favorite?

Above Sarah Jessica Parker photo courtesy of ZumaPress via PicApp.com.

Above Penelope Cruz photo courtesy of W6005Y/AAD/starmaxinc.com via PicApp.com.

Above Cameron Diaz photo courtesy of RE/Westcom/starmaxinc.com 2010 3/7/10 via PicApp.com.

Above Vera Farmiga photo courtesy of W6005Y/AAD/starmaxinc.com via PicApp.com.

Above Sandra Bullock photo courtesy of RE/Westcom/starmaxinc.com 2010 3/7/10 via  PicApp.com.

Above Elizabeth Banks photo courtesy of ZumaPress via PicApp.com.

Above Charlize Theron photo courtesy of ZumaPress via PicApp.com

Above Zoe Saldana photo courtesy of W6005Y/AAD/starmaxinc.com via PicApp.com.

Above Kate Winslet photo courtesy of ZumaPress via PicApp.com.

Above Molly Ringwald photo courtesy of W6005Y/AAD/starmaxinc.com via PicApp.com.

Above Demi Moore photo courtesy of ZumaPress via PicApp.com.

Above Maggie Gyllenhaal photo courtesy of ZumaPress via PicApp.com.
© 2010 DailyDivaDish. All rights reserved. ❤

Source: Editor

Today being the hundredth International Women’s Day, we wonder why a day such as this is still important. Women of the first world are empowered and enabled in ways we could not have dreamed for when it was first instituted for reasons for better pay, working conditions and voting rights. Those same issues exist unchanged for women to a large extent in countries from where a lot of products that that we consume are produced.

In this connection the HER (Health Enables Returns)) Project assumes great significance, which is a way for health care to reach working women who are not often the first priority for the health care systems of their countries. This project is aimed at 50,000 women in countries such as china, Egypt and India.

It is not just social empowerment that better health care for women can bring about; this also makes economic sense. According to statistics, among those companies who have invested in programs covering women’s health, many have noted significantly improved profit margins.

Targeting women’s health is a way for societies to bring about social and economic change, and even grow leaders. On this significant day, let us pause and give thought to health and other concerns of women less fortunate than us; and support initiatives such as HER and others.

Source: Huffington Post

Source: pnreddy1

The clear winner is Orange Juice. The calorie counts are virtually the same – 112 to 117 calories per cup – but an 8-ounce glass of orange juice has more than a day’s worth of Vitamin C, compared to about 2 percent for apple juice. Orange juice also has 20 percent of the recommended daily amount of folic acid, a key nutrient for preventing birth defects and possibly brain aging.

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Source: admin

Chlamydia is a commonly occurring sexually transmitted disease (STD) which has much the same manifestations in terms of symptoms, as gonorrhea, which is another most common STD.

According to some estimates, as many as million individuals in the US alone are infected with Chlamydia, making this one of the most widespread and common of STDs.

If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause several complications and health problems in the long term as well as the short term. The chief Chlamydia causes are:

Sexual intercourse: Even those that practice ‘safe sex’ by using condoms are not certain not to get the disease from a sexual partner.

The use of condoms certainly reduces the risk of getting the disease but it is not guarantee against it. Chlamydia can spread by way of oral, vaginal or anal sex and so obviously a condom is not effective in every case.

The only way to completely avoid Chlamydia causes is of course abstinence from sexual intercourse. Failing this the next best thing is to be in a monogamous relationship with a healthy uninfected person who is also similarly monogamous. Chlamydia causes do not include things such as casual physical contact such as shaking hands etc.

From mother to baby: Since this is an infection of the genital area, Chlamydia can be passed on from a mother to her baby in the case of a vaginal delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal.

Chlamydia causes or can cause several complications for a new born, which may include life threatening conditions such as pneumonia or severe eye infection.

Chlamydia is known as the silent epidemic since as many as 70% of women infected with it show no signs or symptoms of having contracted it. Though this infection is largely asymptomatic, Chlamydia causes several other complications, which have to do with conjunctivitis of the eye, arthritis, urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).

In fact, conjunctivitis form of Chlamydia causes blindness. The infection can spread to the eyes by shared face towels, by the fingers and even due to coughing or sneezing.

Chlamydia causes and risk factors include:

• Sexually active individuals with multiple partners or new partners
• A history of sexually transmitted disease, particularly Chlamydia
• Inconsistent or irregular condom use

It is generally recommended that women who are sexually active and under the age of 25, who are at high risk of infection should be screened to detect Chlamydia particularly since it is typically asymptomatic.

Source: admin2

2010 Collection Preview

By Virginia Nam, NYC Contributor

Who says form must follow function?  With Lauren Merkin, you can have both. I was able to take a sneak peek into Lauren Merkin’s upcoming Spring and Fall 2010 collections.  And in my opinion they are absolutely to die for!

Timeless

The appeal of Lauren Merkin bags is how they successfully merge classic and modern designs.  Bags are rich in texture and color as well as timeless in design.  They are pieces women can confidently carry season after season.

“We are not dictated by trends and fixate on trends but we are aware.  We always try to stay classic.  Trends come and go.  But we do make sure colors and designs are current,” said designer and owner, Lauren Merkin.

Lauren Merkin’s Specialty

While her larger bags are gorgeous, her specialty really lies in clutches.  Lauren Merkin clutches are charming and smart with plenty of personality.  For example, Diana is a favorite that is described to be “a petite girl with a lot of attitude.”  She is described as such because while small, she is able to expand to fit all the important essentials.   She is also adorable!  

Allie is another beauty in a classic rectangular design that has been updated with zipper trimming.

Studded Details for Day

In the realm of large shoulder bags, Bella is the stunner.  With an ageless structured design and studded edges, she certainly lives true to her name.  Plus, Bella can move seamlessly from a day out with the girls to a professional work environment.

Sample Sale Alert

If you are in the NYC area – you’re in luck.  Selected Lauren Merkin handbags, clutches and accessories will soon be up to 80% off.  Sample sale runs from March 16th-19th.  Location is the Lauren Merkin showroom on 231 W. 29th St.

Below is a glimpse of a few pieces from the Lauren Merkin Spring 2010 collection, which are due to hit stores in April.

Photos courtesy of Lauren Merkin.  Handbags from top to bottom: Diana, Allie, Bella and Tatum.

For more information, visit LaurenMerkin.com.

Virginia Nam is a fashion blogger from the NYC metro area. She blogs at Lovely20s.com where she covers the tumultuous but incredibly fun lifestyle of the NYC 20-something.

Source: admin

It’s true, women live longer than men! Up to 10 years longer than men, according to some estimates! 85% of those that live up to and beyond 100 years are women as well.

Researchers have found several reasons why women live, on an average 5 years longer than their male counterparts:

• Women’s hearts are said to be the main reason for this. While men’s hearts lose 25% of their pumping power by the time they reach the age of 70 while women’s hearts remain as strong.
• The world’s major killers are said to be heart disease and stroke, which women develop in their 70’s and 80’s whereas men get these problems while still in their 50’s and 60’s.
• There is also a possible chromosomal reason for this disparity in longevity between men and women. In women, it is thought that cells can perhaps be protected by a slightly better variation of a gene on the second X chromosome. Men don’t have this luxury and don’t get this choice and perhaps suffer for it.
• Also men exhibit dangerous behavior in youth when they go through what is called a testosterone storm and this is another reason that they may die earlier.
• Also men, when they attempt suicide are more likely to succeed than women.

Source: admin2

The endometrium is the inner membrane or lining of the uterus and endometriosis occurs when cells similar to endometrial cells appear and grow in areas outside the uterus.

And as female hormones affect the endometrial membrane, so they also affect these cells growing outside of the uterus with a result that the symptoms of endometriosis tend to worsen in accordance with the menstrual cycle when the endometrial lining is shed.

While the endometrial lining inside the uterus is periodically shed during the monthly period, the cells that grow outside have to outlet leading to irritation.

One of the chief symptoms of endometriosis is pain in the pelvic region and this is a condition often noted in women who have problems getting pregnant.

Some women experience the growth of web like scar tissue, the extent of which may differ greatly among different women. Many women with endometriosis experience severe menstrual cramps and painful sexual intercourse, while many women remain asymptomatic in spite of the presence of the condition. Though there is no real cure for the condition, here are some endometriosis treatment options:

Symptomatic relief of pain: Pain is the most common symptom for this condition and often endometriosis treatment may be limited to pain relief in the form of simple or compound analgesics.

If pain is very severe, the treatment may require mild narcotics or narcotic analgesics and ibuprofen (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Hormonal therapy: Sometimes in acute cases it may be necessary to adopt hormone therapy for endometriosis treatment. Sometimes the birth control pill is prescribed to give relief from the symptoms, or certain types of intra uterine contraceptives such as Mirena may be prescribed as endometriosis treatment.

These methods suppress the growth of the endometrium and consequently the misplaced growth also is suppressed. The hormone derivative Danazol is frequently prescribed which may produce effects that mimic natural menopause. Lupron and Synarel, analogues of the gonadotropin releasing hormone may also be prescribed.

Surgery: Sometimes endometriosis treatment may require surgery, particularly if there is the presence of lesions, adhesions, endometriomas or nodules noted.

In such cases laparoscopy is used for endometriosis treatment to free adhesions and drain fluid. Through laparoscopy, electric currents of lasers can be used to clear up the existing problems.

Most surgical procedures that form part of the treatment for endometriosis are done using a laparoscope, however sometimes abdominal incisions could be required. In some cases, a complete hysterectomy is advised though this is not proof against the reemergence of the disease.

Alternative therapies: Though these endometriosis treatments do not have a proven track record, they seem to work wonders for many women: homeopathy, herbs, osteopathy, traditional medicines etc do sometimes give great results.

Certain nutritional therapies which balance nutrients in one’s diet also prove to be effective endometriosis treatment for some women.

Certain exercises such as those involving the pelvic floor may also be useful in treating the symptoms. Yoga, meditation and relaxation techniques and Pilates could all prove to be useful by themselves or as an adjunct to conventional therapy.

Source: admin2

There are about five and half quarts of blood circulating through the veins, arteries, and organs of your body. This rich red stream is kept in constant circulation by your heart. When things are going well you hardly need to think about this. But there are times when the blood volume may be altered so that the number of red cells in your  circulation may drop down a long way below the normal 5,000,000 per cubic millimeter of blood.

This is a serious conditions known as anemia.  There are several ways in which this may happen. For instance, there is a question of hemorrhage. A person whose blood level has normal may suddenly lose a lot of blood  because of a serious accident or illness. The body seeks to replace this sudden loss by pouring in more fluid or plasma. But the  red cells are not so easily replaced. The victim may have enough fluid in circulation,  but the red cell count may be so low that he feels weak and worn out from the slightest effort. This is the typical picture of anemia  following a rapid loss of blood.

However, slow bleeding from an ulcer in the stomach or intestine may also produce varying degrees of anemia. If the red blood cells are lost more rapidly than the body can replace them, the patient will naturally begin to feel the effects of anemia. A slow, steady loss of red blood cells through the urinary  tract will do the same thing. Anemia also occurs from heavy menstrual bleeding, and the woman will feel tired and weak from lack of blood.

In some cases, such as in hemolytic anemia, the blood cells are to fragile. They seem to be synthesized in some way, so that large numbers of them are destroyed in the spleen. The same is true of malaria in which the parasite enters the red blood cell, feed on the substance of the cell, and later divides into eight or sixteen new organism that in turn attack other red cells. Certain metals, such as lead, arsenic, silver, may also destroy red cells. The same is true of quinine and drugs in some patients.

In other types of anemia the red cells are not properly formed. Instead of being round and flat like a plate, they may be roughly spherical or irregular. They may then cause trouble in the spleen, and ulcers may develop in the legs, along with changes in the bones. There are even some rare types of anemia in which the hemoglobin itself may not be properly formed so that it cannot carry out its normal functions. Such cases are very difficult to treat.

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According to a new study, we may now have yet another reason to eat our fruits and vegetables, and that is in order to survive ovarian cancer.

According to a new study, if woman’s diet is rich in vegetables, fruit and grains, she has a better chance at surviving ovarian cancer.

The findings were made on the basis of questionnaires filled in by women who were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. They were asked to itemize what they ate in the years prior to when their diagnosis was made. In the categories and subcategories of meats, less healthy meat items included cured meats and red meat.

It was found that cruciferous vegetables (yellow vegetables and broccoli) were seen to be beneficial in improving ovarian cancer survival rates.

In contrast, unhealthy meats such as red meats and cured meats and milk and milk products were associated with shorter time of survival after diagnosis. Chicken and fish were not seen to make much of a difference either way.

Though not conclusive, what this study does is, it creates “a potential area for future research towards understanding disparities in the cancer survivorship experience”, one of the researchers was quoted as having said.

Source: latimes

Source: pnreddy1

Fashionable DO or Definite DON’T?

When Karl Lagerfeld sent varieties of clogs down the Chanel S/S 2010 runway, a buzz began.  Would Karl really bring back the clog?

Courtesy of Chanel via Google Images.

The answer appears to be a resounding YES!  The wooden shoe has been reborn this season with varieties from Chanel, Stuart Weitzman, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Topshop, Lucky, Guess, L.L. Bean, Steve Madden and more.

What do you think about the clog?  Are you ready to rock this retro trend?

Photos above courtesy of Nylon Magazine.

Starting at upper left corner and moving clockwise:  Chanel $1,795, Guess 125, Miu Miu 495, Topshop 160, Louis Vuitton 940, Stuart Weitzman 345.

Courtesy of Chanel via Google Images. As seen on S/S 2010 runway.

© 2010 DailyDivaDish. All rights reserved. ❤

Source: Editor

Female genital warts are a very common sexually transmitted infection caused by the Human Papilloma (HP) virus.

Not only are female genital warts unsightly, in fact fairly disgusting to look at, they have the potential to cause several problems and complications such as certain cancers such as those of the vulva or vagina or the anus as well as penis among men.

Female genital warts are a manifestation or symptom of infection from the HP virus, however in many cases these may be absent; that is to say that there may be an infection but no warts present.

It is therefore possible to be infected but have no knowledge of the infection, thereby spreading the infection to a sexual partner unknowingly.

Female genital warts manifest themselves as pink, red or gray swellings or out – pouchings from the skin that may take on the aspect of a cauliflower. This site exhibits photos of female genital warts as well as male genital warts if one wants to get an idea of what they look like. These may occur in the area of the vulva, the anus and also in areas such as inside the vagina and inside the anus, which may not be able to be seen except by a medical examination.

Also some female genital warts may be present but not visible because of small size or the fact that they are not sufficiently raised to be noticeable. In this case, a medical practitioner using a certain solution may detect them.

Also, sometimes the reason why the warts may not be visible is due to the fact that in spite of the presence of the infection by the HP virus, the warts may not manifest themselves until what may even be years after the actual infection.

The infection of HPV spreads through sexual contact so the best way to steer clear of it is to avoid indiscriminate sex and be very careful of the partner that you choose.

The best way is to be in a safe monogamous relationship and if one is active, it is best to use a condom every time. This however is no guarantee against the spread of the infection unless all warts are covered since it can spread from skin contact.

Female genital warts are not able to be transmitted by shared toilets or through the water of a swimming pool or by sharing towels etc.

Source: admin2

To hear that breast cancer rates have recently seen to have been declining would be frankly unbelievable for many of us; who see women near and dear to us being diagnosed with the killer disease.

According to the study published in the American Journal of Public Health, breast cancer rates have been declining by about 2% per year since the year 1999. So what is responsible for this?

Well we are informed that this decrease may be linked to the decrease in use of menopause treatment or Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women. According to a study conducted by Harvard researchers on 350,000 women with breast cancer it was found that this was the reason for the decline. The HRT treatment that uses progesterone and estrogen was seen to increase women’s risk of developing breast cancer and heart disease.

Another reason why this decline is seen to be connected with reducing HRT treatments is the fact that this decline is seen among the demographic of Caucasian women over the age of 50 from affluent back grounds. In other words, the same women who would be most likely to get hormone treatment done after menopause showed decline in breast cancer rates.

Source: newsweek

Source: pnreddy1

via Press release:

The Research Partnership in Cognitive Aging, a public-private effort to promote the study of brain function with age, will award up to $28 million over five years to 17 research grants to examine the neural and behavioral profiles of healthy cognitive aging and explore interventions that may prevent, reduce or reverse cognitive decline in older people.

The partnership, led by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, and the McKnight Brain Research Foundation (MBRF), is seeking ways to maintain cognitive health — the ability to think, learn and remember — into old age.

Hodes pointed out that emerging evidence suggests that certain interventions — such as exercise, environmental enrichment, diet, social engagement, cognitive training and stress reduction — should be studied more intensively to determine if they might prevent or reduce declines in cognitive health.

All the studies are fascinating, and a few of them may have significant impact in the near-term given market trends:

• Ellen F. Binder, M.D., and Mark A. McDaniel, Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis: Combining Exercise and Cognitive Training to Improve Everyday Function. A pilot trial in 90 older adults will evaluate whether cognition improves when aerobic exercise is combined with cognitive enrichment provided by a specific research-based video game. The randomized trial is aimed at finding an intervention to improve day-to-day cognitive function.
• Mark D’Esposito, M.D., University of California, Berkeley: A Brain-Based Approach to Enhancing Executive Control Functions in Healthy Aging
• Patricia A. Boyle, Ph.D., Rush University Medical Center, Chicago: Characterizing the Behavior Profile of Healthy Cognitive Aging
• Randy L. Buckner, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston: Neural Processes Underlying Cognitive Aging
• Joe Z. Tsien, Ph.D., Medical College of Georgia, Augusta: Hippocampal Network Profiles of Memory Aging.
• Yaakov Stern, Ph.D., Columbia University, New York: Combined Exercise and Cognitive Training Intervention in Normal Aging

For more information

• Press release: Here
• Website: Research Partnership in Cognitive Aging

My two cents:

• Why $28 million and not, say, $300m (one dollar per living American who tomorrow will be one day older than he or she is today)?
• Why the main emphasis on “prevent, reduce or reverse decline” and not on “develop, build, maintain functionality”?

Source: Alvaro Fernandez

Makeup as Art:

Chantecaille is a luxury brand including skincare and cosmetics.  Founded by Sylvie Chantecaille, the company has made raising awareness for important environmental concerns a priority from day one.

Take for example, the Papillons Eye Shade.  A portion of sales of this color collection benefit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary Foundation.

Plus, it’s just so pretty!  Papillons Eye Shade is available in two options: Papillon Bleu Shine – as shown below, or Papillon Violet Shine.

Makeup that looks like art + philanthropy…  It’s what I’m currently coveting.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille.com.

Source: Editor