Source: The Lancet 2008; 371:2019-2025.

Laughter is a mini-workout
A genuine laugh can burn extra calories. According to a study published in International Journal of Obesity in May 2006 [1] showed that laughter causes a 10-20% increase in Energy Expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) above resting values, which means that 10-15 min of laughter per day could increase total EE by 40-170 kJ (10-40 kcal). A few calories every day translates to a few pounds a year—so keep laughing!

Stronger Immune System
According to an article recently published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine [2], laughter may reduce stress and increase natural killer cell levels, a type of white blood cell that attacks cancer cells. Laughing also promotes an oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange and clears airways. Muscles and joints are flexed and stretched, promoting muscle tone.

NOW LAUGH!

Watch this videos! I am sure it will make you laugh!

• Laugh Your Abs Away (You Tube Video)
  
• Laughter Yoga on Discovery Channel (You Tube Video)
• Laughter Yoga in London -BBC News
• Laughter Yoga -CNN Report

References:

1. Buchowski MS, Majchrzak KM et al.Energy expenditure of genuine laughter. Int J Obes (Lond). 2007 Jan;31(1):131-7. 2006 May 2
2. Bennett MP, Zeller JM, Rosenberg L, et al. The effect of mirthful laughter on stress and natural killer cell activity. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9:38-45.

Some categories of people may require more types of vitamin supplement than others. Vegetarians are often deficient in certain vitamins that are only found in animal products, for example, Vitamin B12 and a vitamin supplement is the ideal solution to this problem. Vegetarians do need to be aware that some vitamin supplement manufacturing processes involve animal products and it is important for them to read the labels. A large number of synthetic vitamin supplement products are available which will enable a vegetarian to take them without contravening their dietary beliefs or needs.

Children will often need a vitamin supplement, especially when they are extremely young. This is because a lot of children do not eat a sufficient variety of foods in their early years and a vitamin supplement can help compensate for this natural deficiency. Breast feeding has long been recommended as a source of all the essential nutrients but women who choose not to or are unable to bottle feed may be concerned as to whether their baby needs a vitamin supplement. The large majority of baby milk formulas contain additional vitamins to prevent the need for a vitamin supplement to be given. It is important to discuss any concerns over the need for a baby or child to take a vitamin supplement with a health professional to ensure that the correct solution is found.

Elderly people or those suffering from certain diseases or illnesses are other groups of people that may need to take a vitamin supplement. The body may often need a vitamin supplement to compensate for a person not being able to consume the recommended daily allowance of certain vitamins through their normal diet.

Get Vitamins and Supplements Online.

Thanks

Medsurfer.com

This is based on a meta-analysis published in JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association) 2007 which analyzed over 26 studies of pedometer use in adult outpatients that reported a change in the number of steps walked per day. The 2767 participants in these studies were 85% women, with a mean age of 49. At baseline, most participants were overweight, with normal blood pressure (mean 129/79 mm Hg) and relatively well-controlled cholesterol levels (mean total cholesterol 198 mg/dL, HDL 52 mg/dL, LDL 113 mg/dL). The mean baseline activity level was 7473 steps per day (range 2140–12,371). Duration of interventions ranged from 3 to 104 weeks, with a mean of 18 weeks.

Participants walked 2183 steps per day more than they had at baseline when they were using pedometer. To put things in perspective, 2000 steps is about 1 mile. Overall, pedometer users increased their number of steps by 27% over baseline.

This study is the first large meta-analysis to show that pedometer use is an effective intervention for promoting physical activity. Another recent meta-analysis shows that pedometer use is also effective for short-term weight loss, even in the absence of dietary changes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days per week. Yet 40% of adults do not engage in any leisure-time physical activity. This percentage is higher in women (43%), African-Americans (52%), and Hispanics (54%).

The health benefits of exercise are clear. Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease overweight and obesity. It has also been shown to improve control of type 2 diabetes5 and hypertension. Frequent exercise is associated with a decreased mortality rate. Walking has been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events in women, regardless of BMI.

Walking has similarly been shown to decrease overall mortality among men. Cardiovascular fitness has also been shown to decrease mortality in adults over 60, even in the absence of weight loss.

Pedometers and goal-setting are simple, relatively inexpensive ways to help patients become physically active and lose weight.

Source:

1. The Journal of Family Medicine, Vol 57, No.2. February 2008.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics website. FASTATS: Exercise/physical activity. Available at www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/exercise.htm.

Amazon:

• 3 Pack of Digital Pedometer with Calorie

• Omron Digital Premium Pedometer
  

Pedometer with Calorie Counter

Adults age 20 and older who are overweight or obese (BMI > 25)

All adults: 133.6 million (66 percent) - ABOUT 2/3rd of U.S. Adults!
Women: 65 million (61.6 percent)
Men: 68.3 million (70.5 percent)

Adults age 20 and older who are obese (BMI > 30)?

All adults: 63.6 million (31.4 percent) - Nearly 1/3rd of U.S. Adults!
Women: 35 million (33.2 percent)
Men: 28.6 million (29.5 percent)

Prevalence of overweight or obesity in minorities

Among women, the age-adjusted prevalence of overweight or obesity (BMI > 25) in racial and ethnic minorities is higher among non-Hispanic Black and Mexican-American women than among non-Hispanic White women.  Among men, there is little difference in prevalence among these three groups. Sufficient data for other racial and ethnic minorities has not yet been collected.

Non-Hispanic Black Women: 79.6 percent
Mexican-American Women: 73 percent
Non-Hispanic White Women: 57.6 percent

Non-Hispanic Black Men: 67 percent
Mexican-American Men: 74.6 percent
Non-Hispanic White Men: 71 percent
(Statistics are for populations age 20 and older.)

Studies using this definition of overweight and obesity provide ethnicity-specific data only for these three racial and ethnic groups.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents

While there is no generally accepted definition for obesity as distinct from overweight in children and adolescents, the prevalence of overweight* is increasing for children and adolescents in the United States. Approximately 17.5 percent of children (age 6 to 11) and 17 percent of adolescents (age 12 to 19) were overweight in 2001 to 2004.

Source:National Center for Health Statistics. Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans. Health, United States, 2006. Hyattsville, MD: Public Health Service. 2006.
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/index.htm

HPVs are a group of more than 100 types of viruses that cause warts. Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Other types cause cancer of the cervix. It is passed on through genital contact (such as vaginal and anal sex). It is also passed on by skin-to-skin contact. At least 50% of people who have had sex will have HPV at some time in their lives.

What are the signs and symptoms of HPV infection?

Most people who have a genital HPV infection do not know they are infected. The virus lives in the skin or mucous membranes and usually causes no symptoms. Some people get visible genital warts, or have pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, vulva, anus, or penis. Very rarely, HPV infection results in anal or genital cancers.

Genital warts usually appear as soft, moist, pink, or flesh-colored swellings, usually in the genital area. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower shaped. They can appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh. After sexual contact with an infected person, warts may appear within weeks or months, or not at all.

How is HPV infection diagnosed?

In WOMEN, HPV infection is diagnosed on the basis of abnormal Pap tests. A Pap test is the primary cancer-screening tool for cervical cancer or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, many of which are related to HPV. Also, a specific test is available to detect HPV DNA in women. The test may be used in women with mild Pap test abnormalities, or in women >30 years of age at the time of Pap testing. The results of HPV DNA testing can help health care providers decide if further tests or treatment are necessary.

In MEN, there are no test available to diagnose HPV infection. However, there are ways to detect the most common problem caused by HPV in men, genital warts. Genital warts are usually diagnosed by visual inspection. Some health professionals may use a vinegar solution to help identify flat warts, although this test is not specific for warts. That means the test may falsely identify a normal skin as a wart.

Is there a cure for the HPV infection?

No there is no “cure” for the HPV infection but you can treat the conditions that are caused by HPV, such as genital warts, cervical changes and cervical cancer.

How can I lower my chances of getting HPV infection?

• Abstinence - You can choose not to have sex.
• Limit number of partners - If you have sex, you can limit the number of partners you have. Choose a partner who has had no or few sex partners. The fewer partners your partner has had — the less likely he or she is to have HPV.
• Women age 9-26 can use Vaccine (Gardasil)

How does HPV Vaccine works?

The HPV Vaccine called Gardasil, mimics the disease and creates resistance. It is NOT a live or a dead virus. It prevents infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.

Who should get HPV Vaccine?

It is recommended for 11-12 year-old girls, and can be given to girls as young as 9. The vaccine is also recommended for 13-26 year-old girls/women who have not yet received or completed the vaccine series. For detailed information about HPV Vaccine Gardasil, visit HPV Vaccine Q&A - CDC.

References:

• Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet
• American Cancer Society - Cervical Cancer
• HPV and Men - CDC Fact Sheet
• HPV Vaccine Questions and Answers - CDC Fact Sheet
• HPV Fact Sheet - FDA

Books to read:

• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about HPV and Abnormal Pap Smears
• Are You at Risk for Cancer from HPV?

Duct tape is at least as effective as traditional cryotherapy for removal of wart.

Review:

Focht et al [1] conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare effect of duct tape vs cryotherapy on warts. 61 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. One received cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) every 2-3 weeks for a maximum of 6 treatments or untils wart resolution. The other group had duct tape applied on the wart in 6-day intervals for 2 months. The study found that duct tape was more effective treatment: 85% of patients using duct tape had their warts completely resolved versus 60% of those treated with cryotherapy.

In a recent study done by De Haen group [2], researchers compared duct tape with placebo. There data showed that 16% of patient had disappearance of wart compared to 6% in placebo group. They however concluded that duct tape had modest resolution of wart resolution and diameter reduction compared to placebo.

Duct tape also offers cost-effective and less painful option to treat warts. One may get skin irritation. Do check with your doctor before using it for yourself.

Reference:

1. Focht Dr et al. “The efficacy of duct tape vs cryotherapy in the treatment of verruca vulgaris (the common wart)”. Arch Pediatr Adol Med. 2002. 156: p971-4
2. de Haem M, Spigt MG et al. “Efficacy of duct tape vs placebo in the treatment of verruca vulgaris (warts) in primary school children.” Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006 Nov; 160(11):1121-5.

• Cancer of lung, larynx, mouth, and esophagus
• Coronary heart disease; strokes; chronic bronchitis
• Low bone density; hip fractures
• GERD and Peptic Ulcers

People who smoke may not understand or they may choose to ignore all of the risks listed on the labels of tobacco products. Smokers who do quit can lower their risks of contracting disease caused by smoking and can improve their overall health.

Products to help you quit smoking

Nicotin replacement products and other medications can help you stop smoking. They can not do all the work but they can sure double your chances to quit smoking. Although you can buy some nicotine replacement products without a prescription, it’s best to consult your doctor to decide which product — or combination of products — may be best for you.

1. Patches - Nicoderm, Habitrol and various generic products
   The nicotine patch is a small, self-adhesive patch that slowly releases nicotine into the bloodstream through the outer layer of skin. It can be applied anywhere between the waist and neck — often the upper arm or shoulder. Patches must be replaced every 24 hours.
   he patch may not be appropriate if you have certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Don’t smoke while using the patch. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness. The patch is often used for eight weeks or longer.
   NicoDerm CQ Stop Smoking Aid, 14 mg, Clear Patch, Step 2, 2 Week Kit 14 patches
2. Lozenges - Commit
   Nicotine lozenges are similar to hard candy. You place them between your gum and cheek and suck them slowly. Each lozenge lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Nicotine lozenges can be used discreetly to quickly satisfy cravings. You can use them as often as needed, up to 20 lozenges a day. They’re available in 2- or 4-milligram doses without a prescription. Nicotine lozenges may stick to dentures or other dental work. They’re not meant to be chewed or swallowed whole. Don’t smoke while using the lozenges. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.
   Commit Stop Smoking Aid, 4 mg, Original Flavor, Lozenges, 108-Count Box
3. Gums - Nicorette and various generic products
   Nicotine gum is made of a special material called polacrilex. To release nicotine from the gum, chew a piece until it has a peppery taste or you notice a tingly sensation in your mouth. Then, to absorb the nicotine, hold the chewed gum between your gum and cheek until the taste or tingly sensation disappears. Chew and hold again to release more nicotine. Repeat the cycle for about 30 minutes, until most of the nicotine has been released from the gum. You can buy it over-the-counter in 2- or 4-milligram doses and chew it as often as needed — up to 24 pieces a day. Nicotine gum is recommended for up to 12 weeks. Nicotine gum may stick to dentures or other dental work. Don’t smoke while using the gum. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.
   Nicorette Nicotine Coated Gum, Fresh Mint, 4mg, 100 Pieces
4. Nicotin Nasal Spray - Nicotrol NS
   Nicotine nasal spray is sprayed inside your nostril. The recommended dose is a spray in each nostril one to five times an hour. The nicotine in nasal spray reaches the bloodstream more quickly and begins working faster than other nicotine replacement products. You control the dose. Side effects often include nasal, sinus and throat irritation. You may also develop watery eyes, sneezing and coughing. Nicotine nasal spray is often used for eight to 12 weeks. Most people use one to two mists an hour at first and gradually taper to nothing. Nicotine nasal spray isn’t recommended for people who have a nasal or sinus condition, allergies or asthma. Don’t smoke while using the nasal spray. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.
5. Bupropion - Zyban, Wellbutrin
   The antidepressant drug bupropion can help control nicotine cravings. It’s available as a prescription stop-smoking aid. Side effects may include insomnia and dry mouth. Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can occur. Bupropion is often used for seven to 12 weeks, beginning one to two weeks before you plan to quit smoking. For the first three days of bupropion therapy, many people take a 150-milligram tablet each morning. On the fourth day, they take another 150-milligram tablet about eight hours after the morning tablet. Bupropion may be used for smoking cessation maintenance for up to six months. You must discuss with your doctor if this is the right drug for you.
6. Varenicline - Chantix
   The newest drug just released for smoking cessation. It is available as a prescription smoking cessation aid. Side effects may include insomnia, nausea and headache. Varenicline is to be used for 12 weeks. While you are on Varenicline, you should not be smoking. It may be taken for additional 12 weeks for smoking cessation maintenance. You must discuss with your doctor if this is the right drug for you.