Category Archives: Healthy Aging

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Cyberbullying and body weight

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying and body weight among children is not only subjecting them to several health risks, but also to social discrimination

Cyberbullying and body weight: Stigmatizing obese children

Up to now, very little research has been done about cyberbullying specifically toward obese children. Nonetheless, the high rates of youth who report witnessing and experiencing weight-based teasing could be a pointer of the magnitude of the problem many obese children are victims of cyberbullying. Devastating stories of two girls who hung themselves have recently circulated in the media. Megan a 13-year-old Missouri girl who struggled with her weight, experienced cyberbullying on MySpace and was called “fat” and “slut” by someone posing as another person. Celina, an 11-year-old Florida girl, experienced cyber-bullying via text messages from classmates who jeered at her weight and race. And like I had said, we all or our children the duty of care and so it is important to ensure that weight-based cyber-bullying is on the radar of parents.

Doctor Dalal Akoury MD, and founder of AWAREmed health and wellness resource center reiterates that parents can be powerful change-agents in bringing this issue to the attention of schools, and especially to help protect their own children from becoming victims of cyber-bullying. Parents can also communicate the following messages to their children to help prevent cyber-bullying, and to react appropriately if it occurs:

Prevention

  • Never share or post your private/personal information (name, address, phone number).
  • Do not share your passwords with anyone, not even friends.
  • When you see a picture, Email or message that may be hurtful, embarrassing or cruel, delete it do not forward it.

Reaction:

  • If you are the victim of cyberbullying, do not retaliate.
  • Record the message and details as best as you can.
  • Then, delete it, block the bully, sign-off or exit the Web site and tell an adult.

The facts
we have many opportunities for overweight youth to be cyber-bullied. Teens use the Internet and send/receive text messages significantly more than any other age group, with 93 percent using the Internet and 73 percent using social networking Web sites – most often Facebook and MySpace.

Three-fourths of teens own a cell phone, and on average, teens send/receive 2,539-4,050 texts per month. This is concerning given that the Internet and cell phones are the primary places where cyber-bullying occurs.

Cyberbullying and body weight: Strategies for parents

Monitoring Cyberbullies and victims spend more time on computers and report less monitoring than youth who are not involved in cyber-bullying. Regulate the time and access your child has to the Internet. Set boundaries on usage and the types of Web sites or services your child is allowed to visit.

Familiarizing Parents should try to understand cyber media and Internet safety. Share this information with your child to help them understand potential dangers.

Accountability Ask your child about Web sites, activities and communications they access. Set-up your own pages to understand these sites and keep your child accountable.

Communication – It is estimated nine out of 10 children do not tell their parents or an adult when something means or hurtful happens to them online. Some youth are afraid that they will lose their Internet or phone privileges, or that the bullying will get worse. To keep the dialogue open, make sure that your child knows that you are there to help.

Education – Work with schools to provide education about privacy and safety on the Web, or media literacy programs to teach youth how to be more intelligent, critical consumers of Web-based services and information. If your child has been a victim of cyber-bullying, seek for help at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care becomes necessary and you can call her now to schedule an appointment.

Cyberbullying and body weight: Stigmatizing obese children

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Obesity an addiction

Stigmatizing obese children lowers morale

Stigmatizing obese children

Stigmatizing obese children lowers morale and is quite immoral to do so

Stigmatizing obese children lowers morale: Parental obligations

In making effort to bringing up our children in the best way we can, we are often meet with different challenges hindering our desire to do our part perfectly as we would wish to. Take for example the problem of stigmatizing obese children. Is there any bad thing that can happen to a child than to be discriminated over? Doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President, and founder of AWAREmed health and wellness resource center is going to help us understand more about childhood obesity stigmatization. Childhood obesity is a health problem, but to stigmatize the obese children over their condition is very immoral and demeaning as it is destroying our children causing them to feel secluded, alone and helpless.

We have a duty as parents to find out if our children are being bullied in whichever way to help them maintain their self-esteem. In today’s society body weight is among the common reasons why young people are harassed and while this is taking place and our children are being bullied, victimization of overweight youth continues to be ignored by the media, research and policy discussions. Recent studies indicated that many students are being teased in a demeaning way or during the physical activity classes, they are called names, made fun of because of their overweight problem. I want to pose and ask if overweight a health condition like any other? Why bully? The consequences of weight-based teasing and bullying are many and can be severe. Overweight youth who are teased and bullied are vulnerable to social, psychological, emotional and physical health impairments including:

  • Increased risk of depression and anxiety
  • Negative body image
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Avoiding gym class
  • Skipping school
  • Academic impairment
  • Unhealthy weight control
  • Binge-eating behaviors
  • Reduced physical activity
  • Increased body mass index (BMI)

There is an emerging trend of weight related victimization much less known called cyber bullying causing a lot of devastating results among young people. Let’s take a moment to discuss cyber bullying.

Stigmatizing obese children lowers morale: Cyberbullying

This is the deliberate, attempt to inflict injury or discomfort of another person through electronic means. For adolescents, estimates of cyber victims range from 4-72 percent. Cyber-bullying takes a number of different forms including threats, insults, gossip, rumors, impersonation, hacking into other people’s accounts or spreading someone else’s private or personal information without consent. Peers are not the only perpetrators. In fact, youth report being bullied by adults and siblings, and 48 to 79 percent have been bullied by strangers or individuals they have never met in person.

Its anonymity sets cyber-bullying apart from more “traditional” victimization, but cyber-bullying is especially harmful because it penetrates beyond the school boundary and can possibly happen to anyone at any time. The majority (85 percent) of cyber-bullying happens at home, but these experiences may also affect children at school. What may be frustrating is that parents are largely unaware of their children’s roles as cyber-bullies or victims. Youth who are cyberbullied may be especially vulnerable to consequences that differ from more traditional forms of bullying. These include weapon carrying at school, low caregiver-adolescent connectedness, headaches, sleeping difficulties, sexual solicitation, social anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Though it may be unclear if these problems are instigated or result from the cyber-bullying, the consequences remain the same and that is why you need to seek professional help from doctor Akoury now.

Stigmatizing obese children lowers morale: Parental obligations

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Cancer and weight

Detoxification enzyme polymorphisms

Detoxification enzyme

Detoxification enzyme polymorphisms and natural detoxification works well in body cleansing

Detoxification enzyme polymorphisms: Obesity and weight regulation

The effect of toxins on people’s lives is determined partially by the polymorphisms of phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes. Highly prevalent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of glutathione transferees enzymes predispose to increased toxic loads. According to the experts at AWAREmed health and wellness resource center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, detoxification of heavy metals is an important task for the body which depends on specific proteins and enzymes that bind the metals and transport them out of the cells. Toxins impair central appetite regulation and have has many other effects besides directly lowering thyroid hormone levels, metabolic rate, and fat burning (fatty acid oxidation), they can damage the mechanisms by which hormonal and Neuro-regulatory signals control our appetite and behavior. These signals are finely choreographed and sensitive to environmental inputs.

To briefly review, the hypothalamic appetite control system is centered in the acute nucleus. It receives peripheral feedback from leptin, insulin, PYY, and adiponectin. Central inhibition of food intake is regulated by pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART). Central stimulation of intake is modulated by Neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide (AgRP). The melanocortin system and its receptors, MC3R and MC4R, play a crucial role in appetite control. And to be more specifically, doctor Akoury reiterates that, MSH binds to MCR, suppresses appetite, stimulates the thyroid axis, and increases energy expenditure, brown fat temperature, and sympathetic activity. It is inhibited by TNF. Other downstream control sites also exist in the related areas of the brain. Reward centers also play a role and are targets for new drug research including the end cannabinoid and serotonin receptors. Leptin resistance is found in obesity.

Detoxification enzyme polymorphisms: Benefits of detoxing your body

Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body. The process to detoxify your body involves many different elements such as herbal detoxification regimens, change of diet and vitamin supplements. It is one of the best ways to rid your body of toxins, which can slow it down and make it unhealthy. The process of detoxification requires some discipline for one to realize the following benefits:

Physical Benefits – The most noticeable benefits of detoxification are the physical ones. Since the toxins store up in major organs, detoxification will help these areas the most. The affected organs include; the liver and stomach will begin to work more effectively. After the detox is completed, you may feel “lighter” and have more energy.

Mental Benefits – Toxins and free radicals that accumulate in the body can also affect brain functions. Before a detox, you may have trouble sleeping, chronic fatigue, and trouble with your concentration. Once you work through this process, many of these issues will gradually disappear.

Lifestyle Changes – As you progress through the body detox, you will begin to feel better physically and mentally. This feeling can be addictive and lead to changing your lifestyle to cut out bad elements which give your body those toxins. Quitting smoking, eating better, and getting more exercise are all actions which help protect the body. All these are essential in keeping a healthy and leaner weight. Nonetheless, many people are still struggling to achieve this and therefore if you or anyone you know is struggling with weight management, you can schedule an appointment with doctor Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery program.

 

Detoxification enzyme polymorphisms: Obesity and weight regulationhttp://www.awaremednetwork.com/

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Stress

Obesity spreading epidemic and stress

Obesity spreading epidemic

Obesity spreading epidemic and stress is a phenomenon in all ages

Obesity spreading epidemic and stress: The developed world statistics

Obesity is a burgeoning problem in the developed world, and certain behaviors, such as increased portion sizes and reduced physical activity, can help explain why the obesity epidemic is spreading. Job strain might also contribute to the prevalence of obesity, and the current study addresses this issue in a cohort of civil servants followed over time. From the AWAREmed health and wellness resource center professional desk, this problem has continued to be one of the largest public health concerns of the developed world. Analysis of data from 2000-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has established that the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among US adults is 31.5% and 30.5%, respectively, while the prevalence of overweight in children was 16.5%. Compared to the previous NHANES survey (1988-1994), the body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 among adults had doubled. (Of note, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were fairly stable between the 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 examination periods.)

While the problem of obesity has been well publicized, clinicians should also understand that societal factors play a prominent role in obesity. In research sponsored by the World Health Organization involving 26 different populations worldwide, surveys of over 30,000 subjects found an inverse trend between BMI and highest educational level attained.

Obesity spreading epidemic and stress: Social trends and weight gain

Women with lower educational attainment were significantly more likely to be obese compared with men with similar educational backgrounds, although lower educational levels in both sexes were associated with higher obesity. Moreover, the negative association between educational attainment and obesity increased over the 10-year study period, indicating that the obesity gap between well-educated and poorly educated individuals was increasing. To reinforce these data, another study limited to developed countries found that increased income disparity was associated with not only higher rates of obesity, but also diabetes mortality as well among subjects at the lower end of the income scale.

Finally, other societal trends can also affect obesity as well. In the United States, more people are choosing to eat at restaurants than at home, and the easiest and least expensive option in dining is often preferred. Such choices can increase the risk of developing obesity. Ecological research from 21 developed countries found that girls who ate fast food at least twice a week were more likely to become obese compared with those who ate fast food less frequently. Unfortunately, the assimilation of other cultures into American society may not help improve the obesity problem. In one study, while regularly eating at fast food restaurants increased the risk of overweight in adults and children in Mexican-American families by a factor of 2.2, the risk of overweight associated with eating at buffet-style restaurants was slightly worse (odds ratio = 2.8). Families who ate food at Mexican restaurants, however, were less likely to be overweight. Looking at all these facts from the various studies, we cannot pretend that everything is alright in relation to weight management. This, therefore, will require the contribution of all of us to bring this problem to an end. On our part as AWAREmed health center, together with doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of the facility, we are transforming each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power and we urge you to speak to us today and we will address all your concerns professionally.

Obesity spreading epidemic and stress: The developed world statistics

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motor neuron cells

Neurotransmitters effects

Neurotransmitters effects

Neurotransmitters effects alongside the proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats are the essential nutrients that make up your body.

Neurotransmitters effects: Available support supplement

Proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats are the essential nutrients that make up your body. Proteins are the essential components of muscle tissue, organs, blood, enzymes, antibodies, and neurotransmitters in the brain. Your brain needs the proper nutrients every day in order to manufacture proper levels of the neurotransmitters that regulate your mood. The following are some of the neurotransmitters effects as denoted by the experts from the AWAREmed health and wellness resource center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD:

  • Control the appetite center of the brain.
  • Stimulates Corticotrophin Releasing Factor, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, & Cortisol.
  • Regulate male and female sex hormone.
  • Regulates sleep.
  • Modulate mood and thought processes.
  • Controls ability to focus, concentrate, and remember things.
  • The Mind Body Connection.
  • The chemistry of our bodies can alter, and be altered by our every thought and feeling. Our bodies and our minds are truly interconnected; the health of one depends on the health of the other.

There are many biochemical neurotransmitter imbalances that result in mental health symptoms such as:

  • Adrenal dysfunction
  • Blood sugar imbalance
  • Food and Chemical allergy
  • Heavy Metal Toxicity
  • Hormone imbalance
  • Nutritional Deficiency
  • Serotonin/Dopamine/Noradrenalin imbalance
  • Stimulant and drug intoxication
  • Under or overactive thyroid

Neurotransmitters effects: Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Disrupted communication between the brain and the body can have serious effects on one’s health both physically and mentally. Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are thought to be directly related to imbalances with neurotransmitters. The four major neurotransmitters that regulate mood are Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA and Norepinephrine.

The Inhibitory System

This is the brain’s braking system, it prevents the signal from continuing. The inhibitory system slows things down. Serotonin and GABA are examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters.

GABA (Gamma amino butyric acid)

GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It helps the neurons recover after transmission, reduces anxiety and stress. It regulates norepinephrine, adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin; it is a significant mood modulator.

Serotonin imbalance

This is one of the most common contributors to mood problems. Some feel it is a virtual epidemic in the United States. Serotonin is key to our feelings of happiness and very important for our emotions because it helps defend against both anxiety and depression. You may have a shortage of serotonin if you have a sad depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks, low energy, migraines, sleeping problems, obsession or compulsions, feel tense and irritable, crave sweets, and have a reduced interest in sex.

Additionally, your hormones and Estrogen levels can affect serotonin levels and this may explain why some women have premenstrual and menopausal mood problems. Moreover, daily stress can greatly reduce your serotonin supplies.

The Excitatory Neurotransmitter System

This can be related to your car’s accelerator. It allows the signal to go. When the excitatory neurotransmitter system is in drive your system gets all raved up for action. Without a functioning inhibitory system to put on the brakes, things (like your mood) can get out of control. Among other things, the following should be in place to restore neurotransmitters in an attempt to achieve weight loss:

  • Epinephrine
  • Dopamine
  • Glutamate
  • Neurotransmitter Levels

Finally, we will be looking at the four in details in our next article but in the meantime, we want to appeal to you to stay on the link and learn more. However for any immediate concerns, you can always call on doctor Akoury with all your questions and they will be addressed professionally.

Neurotransmitters effects: Available support supplement

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