Monday, July 11, 2011

The First Person To Reach 150 Is Already Alive


It's a milestone that few, if any, of us expect to reach.
But the first person who will live to see their 150th birthday has already been born, according to a leading scientist.

Even more incredibly, Aubrey De Grey believes that the first person to live for 1,000years will be born in the next two decades.

The biomedical gerontologist and chief scientist of a foundation dedicated to longevity research claims that within his own lifetime doctors will have all the tools they need to 'cure' ageing.

This will be done, he believes, by banishing all diseases and extending life indefinitely.

Dr De Grey said: 'I'd say we have a 50/50 chance of bringing ageing under what I'd call a decisive level of medical control within the next 25 years or so.
'And what I mean by decisive is the same sort of medical control that we have over most infectious diseases today.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2011425/The-person-reach-150-alive--soon-live-THOUSAND-claims-scientist.html#ixzz1RqSDqLnY

Monday, June 27, 2011

Olive Oil Starves Off Strokes In The Elderly


Figures show that people over 65 who use olive oil for cooking and on salads and bread are 41 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke.

It can also help protect against other health problems, such as diabetes, high-blood pressure, high-cholesterol and obesity.

This scientific breakthrough could help prevent some of the 120,000 strokes suffered by Britons every year.

Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, starving the cells of oxygen and other nutrients.

It can be caused by a blockage or a bleed.

It causes some cells to become damaged and others to die, and can result in paralysis, loss of speech and blurred vision.

But olive oil helps unclog arteries, providing a cheap way of maintaining a healthy heart.

The study, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, looked at medical records of 7,625 people aged 65 plus over a period of five years.

The study author Dr Cécilia Samieri with the University of Bordeaux, France, said: "Our research suggests that a new set of dietary recommendations should be issued to prevent stroke in people 65 and older.

"Stroke is so common in older people and olive oil would be an inexpensive and easy way to help prevent it."

During the research, olive oil consumption was categorised as "no use," "moderate use" such as using olive oil in cooking or as dressing or with bread, and "intensive use," which included using olive oil for both cooking and as dressing or with bread.

After a little over five years, there were 148 strokes.

After considering diet, physical activity, body mass index and other risk factors for stroke, the study found that those who regularly used olive oil for both cooking and as dressing had a two fifth lower risk of stroke compared to those who never used olive oil in their diet.

Monday, June 13, 2011

What Is Considered A Healthy Diet?


Healthy Diets

Do you want to adopt a healthy diet but aren't sure where to start? As you consider the parade of healthy diets in magazines and cookbooks, make sure to look for one that:

Includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats
Provides guidelines for how much food to choose from each group.

Includes foods you can find in your local grocery store.

Fits your tastes, lifestyle and budget.

Also consider your health risks. Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? If so, be sure to follow a diet that's low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. For personalized advice, talk with your doctor or a dietitian.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Omega-3 May Reduce Mouth Bateria, Boost Oral Health


A recent study from the University of Kentucky reveals that all types of food-borne omega-3 fats (like tuna, walnuts and spinach) cut the numbers of oral disease bacteria by half or more.





Link to Article: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Omega-3-may-combat-mouth-bacteria-boost-oral-health/?c=dmCIFMv2LEZFd%252B97BD4CPw%253D%253D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%252BDaily

The study found that “the dental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin have been found to have strong anti-bacterial activity against a range of oral pathogens and “may include anti-bacterial effects, extending the benefits beyond inflammation.” The doctors involved in the study said that they planned to conduct further studies needed to prove that omega-3s acids work to benefit oral health. While this is encouraging news, we wanted to remind you that diet, hygiene, and other factors, are key to improving your oral health. Remember to consult us if you have any questions about your diet and the effect it can have on your oral health.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Get a FREE Orthodontic Consultation from a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.


Download your FREE CONSULTATION coupon and get an expert's opinion.

Download at : http://www.braces.org/

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children at the age of 7 should have an orthodontic consultation with an orthodontist to evaluate your child's bite, eruption pattern of his/her teeth and the growth pattern of his/her jaws.
It's important to speak to an orthodontic expert about the different teeth straightening options available. Only orthodontists receive an extra 2-3 years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.

Here at Orthoworks Orthodontic Group of the SF Bay Area, we have six orthodontic specialists ready to serve you. Please call our office ( 1 888-BRACES2 )for the complimentary consultation. Or if you live outside of the SF Bay Area, you can look up the list of members of the American Association of Orthodontists at the above link and find an orthodontist around where you live.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The Importance of Childhood Oral Hygiene and the Role of Parents


The foundation for healthy permanent teeth in children and teenagers is laid during the first years of life. Poor diet, poor habits of food intake and inadequate toothbrushing habits during the first 2 years of life have been shown in several studies to be related to tooth decay in infants. The development of caries in primary teeth further increases the risk of developing caries in new permanent teeth.

Therefore it is essential to establish a proper oral hygiene routine early in life to help ensure the development of strong and healthy teeth. Parents, as consistent role models, are key for setting a daily routine and to making their children understand the importance of oral hygiene. Toothbrushing should be presented as a habit and an integral part of the daily hygiene routine. Infants are very sensitive to social stimuli such as praise and affection, and learn best by imitating their parents. Physiological and mental development affects the oral care of children.

Importance of the primary dentition
Primary teeth start to erupt in children from the age of six months. The primary dentition is complete by approximately two and a half years of age. The enamel of primary teeth is less densely mineralized than the enamel of permanent teeth, making them particularly susceptible to caries. Primary teeth are essential tools, both for chewing and learning to talk. They help to break up food into small pieces, thereby ensuring efficient digestion. A full set of teeth is an essential prerequisite in learning correct pronunciation. Primary teeth also play a vital role in the proper alignment and spacing of permanent teeth; it is therefore imperative that they are well cared for and preserved until normal ex-foliation takes place. Establishing a proper oral care routine early on in life sets the foundation for the development of healthy and strong permanent teeth. In addition to good oral hygiene, diet also plays a key role in keeping teeth healthy. In this respect it is not only the quantity of sugar that is important, but also the frequency of consumption. As much as possible, children should be limited in the amount of sweets between meals, especially in the evening or at night.

New permanent teeth
Although permanent teeth are already partly formed in children aged 0 to 3 years, eruption only occurs later in life (from about 6 years on) when the 32 permanent teeth (16 in the upper and 16 in the lower jaw) replace the 20 primary teeth. During this time root resorption and crown shedding of primary teeth take place. With the eruption of the first permanent teeth (from about 6 years on), the mouth contains a mixture of both primary and permanent teeth, which puts children at increased risk of caries. Often the eruption of this permanent tooth is not realized neither by the child nor by the parents, because it is positioned behind the last primary molar and is not replacing any primary tooth. Although enamel is fully formed at eruption the surface remains porous and is inadequately mineralized. Subsequently, a secondary mineralization occurs (second maturation), in which ions from the oral cavity penetrate hydroxyapatite and increase the resistance of the enamel against caries. Furthermore, any primary teeth with caries form reservoirs of bacteria, which can easily attack the immature enamel of the new permanent teeth. During the eruption, the occlusal surfaces of the new permanent teeth are on a lower level than the primary teeth. Toothbrushing becomes more difficult than before, given the coexistence of loose primary teeth, gaps and newly erupting permanent teeth. The jaw is also growing significantly, making space for more teeth. The cleaning of the narrower interdental spaces becomes more important with increasing numbers of permanent teeth.

Role of Parents
Parents have a key role in helping their children to develop a proper oral hygiene routine in the first years of their life. Parents should lead and supervise their children’s toothbrushing approximately for the first 12 years, until motor and mental functions allow the child to routinely perform a proper toothbrushing technique alone. After brushing the teeth for their children for the first 2 years of life, parents will have to use playful motivation to encourage their children to brush their own teeth from about 3 years onwards – the time when children want to brush their teeth alone. Each time the child has finished brushing, parents should re-brush the hard-to-clean areas. At the age of around 6 years, children are able to brush their teeth using a proper brushing technique. In this phase, parents have to continue supervising the regular brushing efforts of their children. The special anatomical situation of changing dentition makes it indispensable that parents still need to help their children in the daily toothbrushing task until eruption of the second molar (around the age of 12).



As soon as the first primary teeth erupt into the oral cavity, parents should begin brushing their children’s teeth. From the age of two years, teeth should be brushed twice daily with smaller than a pea-size amount of children’s toothpaste. Small children tend to swallow a large amount of toothpaste, so that there is a risk of developing dental fluorosis. Supervised application of the amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush is important. Due to the risk of fluorosis, the fluoride content of toothpaste for children up to the age of 5–7 years was reduced in most European countries (250 ppm to 750 ppm). Beginning with the eruption of the new permanent teeth, children should be switched from a low fluoride containing children’s toothpaste to a higher fluoride containing toothpaste (1000 ppm to 1500 ppm). This ensures the best caries protection
as possible for their new permanent teeth.

Toothpaste Use
Toothpaste with an age adapted content of fluoride is recommended
Primary teeth should be brushed by parents twice a day from the first tooth onwards. Parents should re-brush thoroughly after the child has brushed first. From the age of 6 years children have the ability to brush their teeth alone twice daily. However, parents must supervise the toothbrushing (until the age of 12) and check on the condition of the toothbrush. A worn toothbrush is also less effective at cleaning teeth.

Monday, February 7, 2011

All You Want To Know About Calcium And Calcium Supplements


Mayo Clinic Report:

Calcium is important for optimal bone health throughout your life. The Institute of Medicine recently updated the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium and vitamin D. Does your diet deliver?
Although diet is the best way to get calcium, calcium supplements are an option if your diet falls short. Before you consider calcium supplements, though, be sure you understand how much calcium you need, the pros and cons of calcium supplements, and which type of calcium supplement to choose.

The benefits of calcium

Your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. If your body lacks sufficient calcium over many years, you could face health problems related to weaker bones:
· Children may not reach their full potential adult height.
· Adults may have more bone fractures.
· The risk of osteoporosis increases.
Some research studies have suggested that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health, perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. But definitive evidence about such health benefits is lacking.

Calcium requirements

How much calcium you need depends on your age and sex. Note that the upper limit in the chart represents the safe boundary — it's not how much you should aim to get. If you exceed the upper limit, you increase your risk of health problems related to excessive calcium.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium for adults

Men, age in years RDA each day, in milligrams (mg) Upper limit each day, in milligrams (mg)
19-50 1,000 2,500
51-70 1,000 2,000
71 and older 1,200 2,000
Women, age in years
19-50 1,000 2,500
51 and older 1,200 2,000
Pregnant women, age in years
19-50 1,000 2,500
Breast-feeding women, age in years
19-50 1,000 2,500

Source: Institute of Medicine, 2010

Calcium and diet

Your body doesn't produce calcium, so you must get it through other sources. Calcium can be found in a variety of foods, including:
· Dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt
· Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale
· Fish with soft bones that you can eat, such as sardines and canned salmon
· Calcium-fortified foods and beverages, such as soy products, cereal and fruit juices
In general, one serving of each of these calcium-rich foods provides about 300 to 400 milligrams (mg) of calcium, or about one-third of the RDA.
Even if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, you may find it difficult to get enough calcium if you:
· Follow a vegan diet
· Have lactose intolerance, because you may limit dairy products
· Consume large amounts of protein or sodium, which can cause your body to excrete calcium
· Have osteoporosis
· Have osteopenia
· Are receiving long-term treatment with corticosteroids
· Have certain bowel or digestive diseases that decrease your ability to absorb calcium, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease
In these situations, calcium supplements may help you meet your calcium requirements.

Types of calcium supplements

With the wide range of calcium supplements available in different doses, preparations and combinations, choosing one can be confusing. What's best for you depends largely on your needs and preferences, including any medical conditions you have or medications you take. There's not one best type of calcium supplement for everyone.
The mineral calcium — often referred to as elemental calcium — exists naturally along with other substances, called compounds. Several different kinds of calcium compounds are used in calcium supplements. Each compound contains varying amounts of elemental calcium. Common calcium supplements may be labeled as:
· Calcium carbonate (40 percent elemental calcium)
· Calcium citrate (21 percent elemental calcium)
· Calcium gluconate (9 percent elemental calcium)
· Calcium lactate (13 percent elemental calcium)

In addition, some calcium supplements are combined with vitamins and other minerals. For instance, some calcium supplements may also contain vitamin D or magnesium. Check the ingredient list to see which form of calcium your calcium supplement is and what other nutrients it may contain. This information is important if you have any health or dietary concerns.

Timing matters: When to take calcium supplements

In general, you can take calcium supplements at any time of day. But there are special circumstances that may affect when you should take calcium supplements.
· Dosage. Calcium is absorbed most efficiently when it's taken in amounts of 500 or 600 mg or less at one time. So if you take 1,000 mg of calcium a day, split it into two or more doses over the course of the day.
· Other supplements. Calcium can affect or be affected by other supplements. If you also take an iron supplement, for instance, don't take it at the same time as you take calcium. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian about other interactions.
· Medications. If you take prescription medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions with calcium supplements. You may need to take calcium supplements several hours before or after taking your medications.
· Meals and snacks. If your calcium supplements contain calcium carbonate, take them with food. The stomach acid produced when you eat helps the absorption of calcium carbonate. If your calcium supplements contain calcium citrate, you can take them with or without food.
If you're still not sure about the best time to take your calcium supplements, check with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Who should skip calcium supplements?
Calcium supplements aren't for everyone. For instance, if you have a health condition that causes excess calcium in your bloodstream (hypercalcemia), you should avoid calcium supplements. If you have a history of kidney stones, or if you aren't sure if calcium supplements are appropriate for your situation, talk to your doctor.

Too much calcium has risks

Dietary calcium is generally safe, but more isn't necessarily better, and excessive calcium doesn't provide extra bone protection. In fact, if the calcium in your diet and from supplements exceeds the upper limit set by the Institute of Medicine, you could increase your risk of such health problems as:
· Kidney stones
· Prostate cancer
· Constipation
· Calcium buildup in your blood vessels
· Impaired absorption of iron and zinc
If you take calcium supplements and eat calcium-fortified foods, you may be consuming more calcium than you realize. Check your calcium supplement to see how much it contains and read food labels to help monitor your total calcium intake.

Don't forget vitamin D with your calcium

At the same time that the Institute of Medicine released its recommendations for calcium intake, they also released new recommendations for vitamin D. Vitamin D is also important for bone health and helps your body absorb calcium. Some calcium supplements contain vitamin D. A few foods naturally contain small mounts of vitamin D, such as canned salmon with bones, and egg yolks. You can also get vitamin D through fortified foods or even sun exposure.