Category Archives: Women Health

Exercise for Healthy Skin is the way to go

December 8, 2014

Exercise for Healthy Skin is the way to go – The benefits of Exercise are far reaching

Exercise for Healthy Skin

Exercise for Healthy Skin is the way to go if we are to make any meaningful gains. You will be surprised seeing how well your skin complexion would be with regular exercise.

Even though many people fail to take part in exercise for healthy skin, it is no doubt that indulgence in physical activities is very beneficial to human health. Many of are aware that exercise is great for your heart, lungs, and mental outlook. However many may not be aware that exercise is one of the fundamental keys to a healthy skin. For whatever reasons we often prioritize on the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity and am not saying that they are less important, of course they are important. But remember that anything that promotes healthy circulation also helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant. Therefore for any dermatological conditions such as:

  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis or any other

You will definitely need to take special care to keep your skin protected while exercising. When we say exercise for healthy skin, what goes on in your mind? Is it possible that your skin problems can prevent you from being active? These are genuine concerns and doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of the home of solution a health facility called AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center sheds more light about these concerns.

Exercise for Healthy Skin is the way to go – Increasing body blood flow

Exercise is very effective in increasing blood flow and as a result of this helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. The vehicle that transport around oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body including the skin is the blood. Therefore, the good flow of the blood is not only healthy for the skin but also for the general health of the body. Besides these and in addition to providing oxygen, rapid blood flow also helps in the elimination of waste products, including free radicals, from working cells. It is important to note that divergent to some thoughts, exercise does not detoxify the skin. It is the liver that has the primary responsibility of detoxification. However by increasing the blood flow exercise helps flush cellular debris out of the system. You can think of it as cleansing your skin from the inside hence, exercise for healthy skin is the way to go.

Exercise for Healthy Skin is the way to go – Exercise and Stress

Exercise has also been shown to ease stress. And by decreasing stress, some conditions that can be exacerbated by stress can show some improvement. The following are some of the situations that can improve when stress is reduced or eliminated acne and eczema. Even though experts are still investigating the link between stress and skin, studies show that the sebaceous glands, which produce oil in the skin, are influenced by stress hormones. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, of course. That doesn’t have a direct effect on skin.

Exercise for Healthy Skin is the way to go – The Healthy Skin Workout

For all its many benefits, however, exercise can pose risks to your skin. Fortunately, protecting your skin is easy. The main danger if you exercise outdoors is sun exposure. Remember that sunburns increases the risk of contracting skin cancer and rapid ageing of the skin, erasing any benefits your skin might get from exercise. When you visit our facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) our team of experienced experts will take you through the various workout programs indoors. It is actually advisable that you avoid exercising outside and especially during peak sun time.

Another skin problem that can arise during activity is chafing, which can cause rashes. For people prone to acne, the irritation and increased perspiration caused by tight-fitting workout clothes may lead to a form of acne aptly called acne mechanica. The two keys to prevention are to wear moisture-wicking clothing, such as bras and hats, to keep skin drier and cooler and to shower immediately after exercising. Wearing loose-fitting workout clothes can also help. Make sure your skin is clean before you work out to prevent clogged pores that lead to acne. Avoid wearing makeup when you exercise. After showering, apply a soothing skin moisturizer or powder to help prevent skin irritation.

Exercise for Healthy Skin is the way to go – Rx for Exercise-Related Skin Problems

Several other skin conditions can be exacerbated by physical activity, including rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. That’s no reason not to exercise. The benefits of exercise outweigh any temporary problems it can cause. And there are simple strategies to prevent flare-ups when you work out. For rosacea sufferers, increased body temperature and the skin flushing that accompany exercise can cause flare-ups. The best strategy according to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is to exercise in a cool environment. For instance swimming would be one of the most appropriate since water keeps the skin cool even when you build up body temperature. In all these ensure that you moisturize your skin afterward because the chlorine in water has a drying effect. Brisk walking in an air-conditioned mall or timing the cool of the evening to jog outside are other good available options.

Nonetheless people suffering from eczema and psoriasis may often experience blazes after tireless activity, usually caused by salt from perspiration. That is why doctor Dalal Akoury recommends the application of certain moisturizer shortly before the commencement of workout for protection from sweat. Special attention should be taken when moisturizing your arms and legs and those areas with skin creases, like the underarms and groin. While appreciating all these it would be very important that you consider doing your exercise in cool environment to reduce perspiration and the need for showering after exercise. Remember that showering too often can also cause dryness and exacerbate eczema and psoriasis.

Finally Physical activity will definitely pose a challenge, however I want to encourage everyone out there especially those suffering from psoriasis and eczema to exercise more often to improve their overall health. We want to inform you that doctor Akoury will always be there for you. For whatever the case, there will always be a solution for you at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Pick that phone and schedule for your one on one appointment with the expert today.

Exercise for Healthy Skin is the way to go – The benefits of Exercise are far reaching

 

 

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The Aging Brain and Curcumin

December 8, 2014

The Aging Brain and Curcumin

As we grow older so does our brain. This is a natural phase of life and everyone goes through it at some point. All human beings tend to develop a reduction in cognitive ability as they continue growing up. In fact, research has shown that these changes start occurring as early as when an individual is in their mid-twenties.curcumin

The changes in brain functioning are characterized with conditions such as forgetfulness, loss of focus or ability to maintain it, a decline in capabilities of problem solving among others. You probably have an older relative or friend and you haven’t failed to notice some of these conditions in them. These changes occur as one grows older and are inevitable although some of them are not normal aging factors.

We all want to remain young forever due to the factors associated with old age. If only that was possible. None of us wants a situation where they start forgetting every little thing that happens or is said to them. That is life and it was meant to happen in stages and old stage is just but one phase of life.

With brain aging often comes serious cognitive conditions such as depression, dementia, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. On the brighter side, relax; I will show you an easy and natural way of keeping that brain healthy even when you are old. Research has come up with a natural solution to ease and prevent brain aging conditions. The secret is curcumin. It has been shown to be a very good remedy for that aging brain.

 

So what is Curcumin?

It is basically an active substance found in turmeric and also in limited potions in ginger.  It is responsible for the yellow color of turmeric. Turmeric is a spice most commonly found in Indian foods. It is also part of the main components of curry powder. Past studies have shown that turmeric can help ease symptoms of pain and inflammation in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Compounds such as curcumin in turmeric have medicinal functions. For one it helps in stopping the growth of certain types of tumors. Some studies have also shown that it can stabilize cancer that was not helped by other forms of treatments. It is therefore not surprising that this active ingredient can help the brain as it is aging.

It would be argued that curcumin is the perfect daily dietary supplement. However, not everyone would enjoy a daily taste of curry in their food. Routine is sometimes boring and people prefer doing different things every day, like not eating the same thing from the beginning of the year to the end. However the healthy benefits of turmeric would encourage you to enjoy that meal spiced with curry on a daily basis. As this is not possible, it is advisable to take small supplements of turmeric either on its own in food as you cook or in the different curry dishes. The good news is that there are now pills containing a small percentage of curcumin. So if you don’t want to eat carry every day, at least take a pill supplement once in a while.

How Curcumin Helps the Aging Brain

The most common known cause of cognitive decline and age related diseases is oxidative stress and inflammation. Naturally the brain consumes about 20% of the oxygen that is used by the whole body. It is therefore very much susceptible to damage due to oxidation stress. As people grow older there is an increase in the level of oxidation damage of lipids and DNA in the brain which leads to the death of neurons in the brain. Oxidative stress has been linked to conditions such as mental impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. This is why such conditions are common as people grow older.

So how does curcumin come in? Various studies conducted show that the active turmeric ingredient protects brain tissues against oxidation stress by enhancing the production of an enzyme called heme oxygenase-1. This enzyme helps protect the tissues from destruction of the neurons that have been exposed to oxidation stress in the brain. Traumatic injury in the brain is also a cause of oxidation stress leading to cognitive inabilities. Curcumin helps reduce this stress in the brain.

Curcumin

Curcumin has also been proved to work as an anti-depressant. The condition is very common as brain ages and it can be quite stressful and in some cases lead to severe brain conditions such as memory loss, decline in decision making and mental dysfunction. Depression is linked with reduced levels of brain activity as well as shrinking of the brain area responsible for memory and learning. Taking turmeric in your food had been proved to boost brain neurotransmitters. This will lead to a reverse of the changes that occur in the brain when one is depressed.

Regular dosage of curcumin will also help the aging brain by lowering the chances of getting dementia.  Dementia leads to a reduction in cognitive ability of an individual. The condition can be so severe that it completely affects the daily functioning of an individual and social life. The most common condition associated with dementia is memory loss. Studies show that loss of memory often begins at the age of 50. However, by the time people hit 80, they have completely fallen into some state of dementia where memory loss is now severe.

When memory loss starts, it may lead to depression as on feels they do not belong. Their life is completely changed and always to the negative. This condition typically affects the elderly but it’s not part of normal aging. It is often in most cases results from the Alzheimer’s disease. Drugs prescribed only improve the symptoms and slow them down but they do not cure dementia. Studies conducted have shown that curcumin works in preventing dementia by protecting aging brains from decline in mental ability.

Often make it a habit to take Curminin in your meals. It’s not only useful for the aged but also necessary as people grow older. Taking it regularly will help your brain as you grow older and you may prevent even those aging symptoms from occurring at all. Take change and remember a small dose of curcumin a day, keeps the brain awake and kicking.

AwareMed is the best place to learn all you need to know about how to manage the aging brain. You will also get more expert opinion about this from Dr. Dalal Akoury who has a wide experience on this and other health matters.

The Aging Brain and Curcumin

 

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Mitochondrial Restoration and Cancer Treatment

December 7, 2014

Mitochondrial Restoration and Cancer Treatment

mitochondrionResearch indicates that humans can survive up to 20 years of exposure to carcinogen before their bodies develop a solid tumor. All this while the body remains healthy despite the exposure to the potentially harmful substances due to the body’s natural ability to defend itself. This natural body defense mechanism is made possible by a series of cellular activity. The cells must keep replicating and actively breaking down the toxins that enter the body rendering them powerless so that they cannot harm the body. In the process of defending itself, the body has to have some of its cells dying away. The white blood cells fight and die but the body continues to manufacture more of these ‘fighter cells.’

This indicates that the body is an actively working machine. And for a machine to remain active there must be the expenditure of energy. And a lot of that energy is needed for the body defense mechanism. The DNA plays a central role in this. The mitochondria are the organelles that are responsible for the generation of the energy used during every one of these processes. Research has therefore indicated that there are many intimate ways in which dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to the development of cancer and its subsequent metastasis.

Given mitochondria’s central role in defending the body against disease attack including formation of cancer tumor, mitochondrial dysfunction is fundamentally connected to the development of cancer in the human body. A decline in mitochondrial energy production is often associated with old age and this is closely related with the generation of larger volumes of free radicals. This in turn often cause mitochondrial mutations. These mitochondrial mutations interfere with the normal process of cell removal, a process that is usually referred to as apoptosis.

The ability of the body to remove dead cells through apoptosis is central to the general protection against cancer. Current research is being focused on the enormous energy-dependent body processes that are required in eradicating defective or abnormally growing cells. The studies indicate that dysfunctional mitochondria often disallow the cells’ ability to go through normal apoptotic elimination processes. This means that cancer tumor can freely take advantage of the situation and initiate growth and proliferation.

To make the mitochondrial dysfunction even more central to the formation of cancer, the energy organelles (mitochondria) are usually the source for numerous proteins that are responsible for cell apoptosis. The proteins work by activating cell death in their journey to eliminating dead cells, meaning that in their absence the whole process is bound to break down allowing dead cells to remain in the body.

According to a recent study, mitochondrial dysfunction associated with aging in humans often provides a major stimulus on carcinogenesis. This form of dysfunction is prerequisite to the progression of prostate cancer in surgery patients.

Fighting Cancer by Reversing Mitochondrial Dysfunction

A number of recent studies have shown that deteriorated cancerous cells can potentially be reversed back to normal cellular function if particular enzyme-active nutritional substances are used. This involves a set of processes targeting the mitochondrial energy generating mechanism and general restoration of the dysfunctional mitochondria.

mitochondrion

Other researchers suggest that select fruit and vegetable hydrogen acceptors may be utilized as well. These are nutritional substances rich in enzymes which will catalyze the recovery of the broken processes. A number of these substances have been identified including raw crystallized red beets, saccharomyces cerevisiae live fluid yeast strain, red beet juice, bromelain; a pineapple enzyme, raw blueberry juice, raw pineapple juice, raw red cherries, raw red grapes and beta carotene.

The health benefits of live S. cerevisiae yeast are far reaching yet many orthodox medical practitioners as well as nutritionists are yet to become aware of these extensive benefits.

In addition, the use of green foods is also seriously recommended. Some of the best green foods that can be utilized for this medical purpose include kamut grass powder, barley grass powder and sun chlorella. A specialized form of red beet crystals that are freeze-dried are used for the most effective hydrogen acceptor. Essiac, a uniquely special liquid extract formula is utilized or herbal protection.

Alternatively, a specialized compound Anoxe with low-molecular antioxidant properties is recommended for further cellular protection. This compound has been highly suggested by therapists basing their arguments on various clinical observations and medical experience. Anoxe is therefore said to be the possible ultimate antioxidant. It has high efficiency and is greatly safe in restoring the reactive oxygen species- antioxidant balance. The substance is said to be an effective anti-aging compound scientifically proven. It is also perfect for use as a cosmetic enhancement agent particularly for wrinkles and bad skin.

AwareMed recommends the use of Anoxe as an alternative for protection against cellular dysfunction. More information can be accessed freely at the AwareMed web site.

Mitochondrial Restoration and Cancer Treatment

 

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Healthy Sleep Habits

December 7, 2014

Healthy Sleep Habits

Sleep is one aspect of life whose essence is often easily overlooked. You think about a ball game that you simply cannot miss. Yet it is taking place from midnight. You say, “Anything else counts not, but the game.” So you stay up late into the night watching it. 4.00 AM and you are not yet asleep, and it is the eve of a Monday!

You are in the news industry. As the editor, you have to leave the newsroom after everything newsworthy has been captured in the day’s paper. Or, you are sitting for your end semester exams that begin in the morning. You do not feel well backed so you stay up late going through your notes.

The list of reasons we give for not sleeping is long. Apparently when daytime comes you often feel that grumpiness and wish to lock yourself up in the office. If you are a student you always doze off in front of the computer or your books.

In other words, the lack of sleep takes away your productivity. Bad mood; you will not be the smiling face that draws even the most uninterested customer, no! Fatigued, you will not pay attention to details at all. You may easily miss out a very important detail. In that state your mind is always foggy and if it was an exam you were staying up late for, chances are that you might end up not producing much after all because you just cannot think that well.

Good thing, you can always catch a bed and compensate for the lost sleep so that you feel better again. At certain instances, you can always rush for a cup of coffee and keep up with the prevailing circumstance. But, have you ever asked yourself what that behavior of keeping sleep a distance away have on your health?

Quality-Sleep

After missing sleep for some time, the mental effects of this sleeplessness become more serious. The fogging of your brain will become more pronounced, rendering it difficult for it to concentrate and make needed decisions. You will probably begin feeling down and may drop off at daytime. You also risk getting injuries and causing accidents at work or at home. If you drive, it is catastrophic!

Yet that is not it all! The range of health problems related to sleeplessness may surprise you if you realize them. You may probably not want to ever miss a night of sleep ever again over some series of night vigils or ball games, whatever your convincing reason is.

Health Implications

Poor Sleep patterns increase the risk for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the large intestine in which the gastrointestinal lining becomes inflamed and develops ulcers.

This is caused by an abnormal response by the body’s immune system. In patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, the immune system mistakes food, bacteria and other substances in the intestine for foreign or invading substances.

Ulcerative colitis only affects the large intestine whereas Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract. In addition, both short and long durations of sleep have important health implications and are associated with increased overall mortality. You have probably experienced the bad mood thing, fatigue and tiredness associated with lack of sleep. But what you might have never realized is the long-term health consequences which include chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. And now you know that these conditions may lead to some really shortened life expectancy!

  1. Weight gain and obesity

Studies have found a link between no-sleep and weight problems. These people who deny themselves the essential requirement- sleep, are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) than normal. Such people are susceptible to obesity. But, how does this happen?

When you sleep less, it all begins with your appetite. It goes up! You may begin to eat uncontrollably, not because you want to or because your stomach becomes larger, no. This is something to do with the hormonal behavior in your system.

Leptin is the hormone that usually notifies the brain that you have eaten enough food and it is time to put food aside. This hormone apparently is secreted when we are asleep. Deny yourself the sleep and your appetite will have nothing to control it. Instead, you face the risk of higher levels of the hormone responsible for appetite stimulation: ghrelin.

Poor sleep therefore leads to uncontrolled food cravings that may eventually cause overweight as your body gains too much calories but is too tired to burn them off through exercise.

The little sleep may also upset the balance of other related hormones, for instance, little sleep will result in an increased production of cortisol. Hormone cortisol is normally referred to as the stress hormone. The secretion of insulin hormone may also increase following a poor sleep. Insulin which regulates glucose processing while promoting fat storage will therefore exist in large quantities, a condition that is associated with weight gain. This is a risk factor for diabetes.

  1. Immunity failure

With the altered behavior of the endocrine system, the body’s defense mechanism against infections is likely to be highly affected. This augments to the reason why doctors recommend bed rest for people who are sick. When you sleep, your body’s immunity has the advantage over invading microbes.

How do you identify a disturbed sleep then?

The signs and symptoms of a disturbed sleep include constantly feeling tired ranging from mild to severe cases, an irritable temper and feelings of moodiness, you could lose concentration and at times feel hallucinations and even memory loss, loss of coordination is common; and in severe cases the individual may encounter auto accidents. Other symptoms and signs include relationship problems, loss of appetite, absenteeism or tiredness at work and use of stimulants.

sleeping

How do you build good sleeping habit?

You could improve your sleep hygiene by establishing a regular bed time. You constantly retire to bed when that time reaches. It involves going to bet a specific time and waking up at an established regular time. For adults this interval should be about 7 to 9 hours of sleep.

You may also get rid of stimulants in your routine. Do not go for caffeine to boost your level of alertness. If you feel drowsy, just get yourself a nap. The rest will come later. In addition, you need a regular exercise schedule to get you tired so you can get some deep sleep.

When you are ready to go to bed, avoid computer games, TV or watching movies. These will rip you of your sleep. Other healthy steps include an improved diet and a cool sleep environment.

AwareMed uses the cognitive behavioral therapy as one of the principal treatments for insomnia and sleep disorders for our patients. This treatment is non-pharmacologic and addresses the sleep problems at the psychological and behavioral levels. Part of these include the above mentioned behaviors.

Healthy Sleep Habits

 

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Dark Chocolate May Reduce a Person’s Risk of Diabetes

December 7, 2014

Dark Chocolate May Reduce a Person’s Risk of Diabetes

It is general knowledge that diabetes is a sugar disease. Today, this sugar disease is a worldwide epidemic, mostly because of the increased sugar consumption among world populations. It is no longer accurate to categorize diabetes as a disease of the old folks. Everyone can be a victim of the same irrespective of your age.

You do not have to take tea with double the number of spoons of sugar recommended to be exposed to the risks of high sugar consumption. You get the sugar in your Coke, yoghurt, soda, fruit juice, corn syrup; you name them.

Your system then absorbs these sugars into your bloodstream where hormone insulin is expected to promote the subsequent absorption of that sugar from the bloodstream. A number of processes are then involved in the balance of the amounts of sugar in the gut, bloodstream and the nervous system in the form of an end product.

Dark Chocolate

Several organs of the endocrine system, the digestion system and the circulatory system all play interrelated roles in maintaining this body sugar equilibrium. It is in the event of failure of some of these processes that diabetes of either type 1 or type 2 is likely to occur.

Pancreas for instance may fail to secrete insulin responsible for the sugar regulation in the blood. The kidney too may be affected and subsequently fail to perform its osmoregulation function resulting with little or no reabsorption of blood sugars. All these conditions may result to diabetes.

The Diet Equation

The diet is the largest contributor of the sugars in the body that may be causative to high levels of blood glucose. Among these dietary contributors is chocolate. There is need however to understand that not all types of chocolate are poisonous to your body sugar equation. What you might have not known is that the dark sugar is quite the opposite. It may be an antidote to the sugar disease.

So how can the same cause of the disease be the same one to reduce the risks of getting it? Point is, the milk chocolate for instance will give you diabetes. Yet the dark chocolate whose main ingredient is cocoa will treat it. How many times have you put about two bars of chocolate in your shopping trolley? Chocolate has been associated with very many health related conditions. Among these, is causing diabetes by raising the sugar levels; so to most people it is better to avoid the chocolate. Others are weight gain and cardiovascular conditions such as cardiac arrest.

In as much as chocolate may not go down well with everyone due to this, the dark chocolate has its good side. It drastically reduces your chances of getting diabetes and earns you freedom from a life of constant dose of insulin supplements. Studies have shown that taking just the right amount of this chocolate option could do the trick very well. I am not talking about stacking yourself with bars and bars of chocolate every day.  Neither am I talking about craving the sweet thing every single hour. No. I am talking about a calculated dark chocolate containing 43 mg of magnesium per ounce.

How the magnesium in dark chocolate helps with diabetes

The fourth most abundant mineral in your body, magnesium plays key roles in a number of essential processes in your body. As such, if you happen to have less of it, your body is not likely to function at its best. Insufficient amounts of cellular magnesium lay the ground for deterioration of appropriate metabolic function. This is what may typically melt down to serious health related problems.

dark chocolate

For diabetic conditions, the mineral plays a key role in preventing insulin dysregulation as well as type 2 diabetes. This is according to different recent studies on the causes and behavior of diabetes. Among the findings of these studies was that the people who take highest amounts of magnesium whether through supplements or natural sources reduced their risk of suffering metabolic problems by about 71 percent. This in essence decreases your chances of having a diabetic condition resulting from gut disorders. A study thus has concluded that this metal is essential for the protection of type 2 diabetes

Taking the dark chocolate guarantees your intake of this essential mineral in nice alternative: a sweet dark chocolate. As mentioned earlier, it is necessary to take caution not to get addicted to the chocolate and only stick to the recommended amounts. A doctor’s input would be highly valuable for a type 2 diabetic who wishes to go for this alternative remedy.

AwareMed is the best place to purchase magnesium. Here you will also have the merit of getting the health information from Dr. Dalal Akoury who has been in the practice for several years.

Dark Chocolate May Reduce a Person’s Risk of Diabetes

 

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