Many Seniors Suffer Mental Decline in Silence: CDC

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, May 9 (HealthDay News) -- About 13 percent of Americans 60 and older say they have increasing problems with thinking and memory and that they suffer growing confusion, a new report released Thursday shows.

One-third of these people add that the confusion or memory loss caused problems at work or with social activities and household chores, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The findings underscore the need to be alert for early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, experts said.

"This is the first data of this kind," said report co-author Angela Deokar, a CDC public health advisor. In 2011, older adults from 21 states answered survey items on whether they'd suffered increased confusion or memory loss in the past year.

According to Deokar, signs to look out for include the following:

Asking the same questions over and over again,Getting lost in familiar places,Not being able to follow directions,Becoming more confused about time, people and places.

These problems go beyond normal forgetfulness, Deokar said.

Since this is the first such report, it is not possible to see if there is an increasing trend or if these data are similar throughout the nation, she said. The survey is ongoing, however, so in a couple of years more information should be available.

The report was published in the May 10 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

People experiencing cognitive decline -- the gradual loss of the ability to think, reason and remember -- can face considerable challenges. Even so, only 35 percent of them have discussed the problem with their doctor, the researchers found.

Such conversations are important, because they make planning for the future easier as a person's mental health continues to decline, according to the report.

A dementia expert noted that these kinds of symptoms should be taken seriously.

People experiencing them "should have thorough medical exams to exclude treatable metabolic or cardiac diseases," said Dr. Sam Gandy, associate director of the Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, in New York City.

Report co-author Deokar noted that people with these symptoms can reach out to the aging services network, including agencies on aging and the Alzheimer's Association.

When causes of mental decline are identified early there is the opportunity to treat reversible causes, the report authors said. If the cause isn't reversible, as with Alzheimer's disease, there is more time to develop advance directives, to enroll in clinical trials and to plan for care needs.

Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCES: Angela Deokar, M.P.H., public health advisor, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Sam Gandy, M.D., associate director, Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, New York City; May 10, 2013, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

View the original article here

What to Eat Before, During and After Exercise

An interview with sports dietitian Christine Rosenbloom.

Whether you're a "weekend warrior" trying to stay fit or an athlete training for a marathon, what you eat can affect how you perform. Eating right can give you the edge to help energize your workout or reach that 26th mile. But which foods are best for fitness activities, and which should you avoid? With so many sports drinks, bars, powders, and supplements to choose from, how do you know which are best? Or can you skip the expensive supplements and get everything you need from a well-planned diet?

For answers to these questions and more, WebMD turned to sports nutrition expert Christine Rosenbloom, PhD, RD, author and nutrition professor at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Got a question about diet or nutrition? WebMD asked the experts for answers about eating healthy and losing weight.

© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fueling exercise requires quality carbohydrates, lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and fluids. Your muscles rely on carbohydrate foods like breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables for a quick energy source. Protein is needed to build and maintain muscles and for healthy blood cells. Blood cells deliver nutrients and oxygen to working muscles.

Foods provide the gas to the body’s engine, and fluids provide the water to your body’s radiator. Without these crucial fuels and fluids, your body will have a hard time performing at its best.

The ideal pre-sport meal has five characteristics:

Low fatModerate in carbohydrates and proteinLow fiberContains fluidsMade up of familiar, well-tolerated foods.

The pre-game meal is not the time to try a new food.  A grilled chicken sandwich or a slice of cheese pizza might fit the pre-game meal description, but stay clear of the fried food (including french fries), greasy burgers, and soft drinks.

Not only does being well hydrated improve your performance, it can save your life. Water acts as your body’s cooling system; without sufficient water during exercise your body temperature can reach dangerously high levels.

The best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of fluids with meals and drink about two cups (16 ounces) of water two hours before exercise. Monitor your hydration status through two simple measures:

Weigh yourself before and after exercise and replace lost weight with 2 cups of fluids for each pound lost.Check the color of your urine. When you're hydrated, your urine will be a light straw color.

Recreational athletes can drink water for hydration. But if you're exercising for more than 60 minutes in hot, humid conditions, sports drinks provide not only fluid, but carbohydrates and sodium. Sports drinks are also a good choice if you play team sports like soccer or football, especially when the temperature and humidity are high.  If you are a heavy sweater, a sports drink might be preferable to water.

View the original article here

Benedict Cumberbatch arrives for the Late Show With David Letterman

In defence of this year’s most controversial music video. Plus, the latest from Ghostpoet, Wolf People, Her Royal Harness and Savages. Again. »

Read more »

View the original article here

coffees, lattes and the likes!

So I would like to say I only drink water, but no I am prone to the occasionally hazelnut latte or vanilla, it's a pretty recent bad habit, but I find it fills me up while at work. I would much prefer a healthy meal but that doesn't exist near my work, I could come prepared but I'm just never prepared so I'm left with a choice of Chinese food (I live in china a small city) or a coffee, I figured with salt and oil the coffee would be less damaging, am I right? How bad are these sweet drinks? Do you consider them as a treat? Ps i have no cream if that makes it better!

View the original article here

Reader Q: How Can I Get a Pedicure on the Cheap?

A girlfriend of mine, also a grad student, came to me one day with serious concern: How could she ever get rid of callused, puffy winter feet without dropping $60 or so on a pedicure, because, you know, we're students? 

So, I tried this awesome foot-loving recipe from Josie Feria, Director of the Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau in Miami (where I totally wish I was right now), and now? I'm feeling refreshed, and even a little energized.

Dump 1/4 cup of baking soda into a bowl that will fit both feet, then soak for 10 minutes. Baking soda not only helps to cleanse the feet, but is also known to have anti-fungal properties. It'll leave your feet feeling really soft, too. Use a wet pumice stone (The Body Shop's No More Rough Stuff Pumice fits perfectly in the palm of your hand) to rub heels and ditch calluses. I rubbed other rough spots too (think sides of your big toes and the balls of your feet), so you can hit those if you have 'em.Take a hefty scoop of coconut oil (it's your power moisturizer) and rub generously all over feet. Then, wrap them in plastic and slip on cozy socks. Hang for 30 minutes while the coconut oil, which has anti-microbial benefits too, soaks in.Slip on sandals and hit the beach (or, you know, your couch...but with softer feet).

RELATED LINKS:

Image Credit: Arthur Elgort

View the original article here

8weeks to go

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Gravity teaser trailer released

The new teaser trailer for George Clooney and Sandra Bullock's new space thriller Gravity has been released.

The teaser, which is just over a minute long, shows the drama when a piece of debris crashes into a space shuttle and leaves two astronauts (Clooney and Bullock) drifting in outer space.

The flick, which has been written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, will follow their journey as they attempt to return to earth.

Gravity is set to be released on 4 October

WATCH THE TEASER TRAILER BELOW

« Back to more Celebrity News

View the original article here

Jo Malone London’s latest perfume is...

Limited Edition Jo Malone London Osmanthus Blossom, from £38 for 30ml, http://www.jomalone.com/

We honestly don't remember the last time Jo Malone London produced a scent we didn't like. And it doesn't look like that's about to change any time soon. The London brand's latest creation, Osmanthus Blossom, is our scent of the summer, combining the rare blossom scent with peach and orange flower over a base of cashmere wood. This year's annual limited edition blossom fragrance is one of our favourites to date - and we're predicting a sell-out so invest quickly.

PS. The bottle's gorgeous, too.

By Rebecca Cox

View the original article here

why are crossfitters ripped? I am looking for a science based answer :)

I got into a debate with a bro at my gym, he said I should be lifting less weight, higher reps, squatting to just above parallel, etc. blah, blah, blah...

Anyways, he did get me thinking with the higher reps, why are crossfitters so lean?

is it genetics? are they actually lifting enough to build myogenic/neurogenic tone?   any response is welcome, but I really want understand the science behind it.

I don't plan on changing my routine anytime soon, but is there benefit, in high rep, moderate load work?

View the original article here

Victoria's Secret Angel Lily Aldridge Spills Her Sexy-Figure Secret

If there's anything a Victoria's Secret Angel knows, it's how to look amazing -- while wearing minimal clothes, natch. And there's no hotter Angel right now than Lily Aldridge, new mom to daughter Dixie -- but still in seriously fit form. Lily, who first walked the VS runway in 2009 and was annointed with her Angel wings in 2010, knows how to keep her bod wing worthy and runway ready -- even after the birth of her child! We checked in with the super-chic model to find out how she gets her sweat on (yoga!), her must-have beauty product (sunscreen!) and what makes her fall asleep.

The man behind this incredible figure? Celebrity trainer Justin Gelband, who has been working with Lily for almost five years now. When the duo works out together, they "focus on strengthening and lengthening her core zone, which includes the butt, hips, lower back, and stomach."

Lily and Gelband credit yoga for her long, lithe figure. "I've always loved yoga," Lily tells SELF exclusively, "but I got really into it while I was pregnant. It's a great way to stay flexible -- and a great way to meditate." Lily especially enjoys Tree Pose, because she "justs feels grounded and focused while in the pose." And when she wants to unwind, she swears by Child's Pose. "I could fall asleep in that position!" Lily jokes. (Oh, and unrelated side note? How much do we want the VSX gear she's rocking in this photo?!)

And even though we talked to Lily in the studio, she loves to bring her workout outdoors with Gelband. (Kinda like SELF's Workout in the Park this past weekend in NYC!) "Working out outside is good for the body and soul," says Lily. "Nothing makes me feel more blessed than being outside on a beautiful day."

Gelband is inspired by Lily's attitude, he says, as "she's been a huge role model for young women all over the world with her integrity, work ethic and continued dedication to her craft." And we love Lily's commitment to her health, too: The Angel swears by Aveeno's sunblock for face and body. "I won't leave home without it!" she says. Whatever Lily's doing, it's working, so we'll gladly follow suit any day.

RELATED LINKS:

Image Credit: Courtesy of Victoria's Secret

View the original article here

Volunteering may be good for body and mind

Posted June 26, 2013, 11:35 am

There’s something gratifying about volunteering. Whenever I work a charity event—which I try to do with some regularity—I often get more out of it than I give.

I already knew about the mental health benefits of volunteering. Studies have shown that volunteering helps people who donate their time feel more socially connected, thus warding off loneliness and depression. But I was surprised to learn that volunteering has positive implications that go beyond mental health. A growing body of evidence suggests that people who give their time to others might also be rewarded with better physical health—including lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.

Evidence of volunteerism’s physical effects can be found in a recent study from Carnegie Mellon University, published this month in Psychology and Aging. Adults over age 50 who volunteered on a regular basis were less likely to develop high blood pressure than non-volunteers. High blood pressure is an important indicator of health because it contributes to heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

It’s impossible for this study to prove that volunteering was directly responsible for the lower blood pressure readings. People who volunteer may be more likely to do others things, like eat a healthy diet or exercise, that lower blood pressure. But the results are in line with other findings on the topic.

How might volunteering contribute to lower blood pressure? Performing volunteer work could increase physical activity among people who aren’t otherwise very active, says lead study author Rodlescia Sneed, a doctoral candidate in social and health psychology at Carnegie Mellon University. It may also reduce stress. “Many people find volunteer work to be helpful with respect to stress reduction, and we know that stress is very strongly linked to health outcomes,” she says.

As with any activity thought to improve health, researchers are trying to identify the specific characteristics of volunteering that provide the greatest benefit. For example, how much time would you need to put into volunteer work to lower your blood pressure or live longer? In the Carnegie Mellon study, 200 hours of volunteering per year correlated to lower blood pressure. Other studies have found a health benefit from as little as 100 hours of volunteering a year. Which types of volunteer activities improve health the most? No one really knows. Sneed speculates that mentally stimulating activities, like tutoring or reading, might be helpful for maintaining memory and thinking skills, while “activities that promote physical activity would be helpful with respect to cardiovascular health, but no studies have really explored this.”

One key for deriving health benefits from volunteering is to do it for the right reasons. A 2012 study in the journal Health Psychology found that participants who volunteered with some regularity lived longer, but only if their intentions were truly altruistic. In other words, they had to be volunteering to help others—not to make themselves feel better.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle once surmised that the essence of life is “To serve others and do good.” If recent research is any indication, serving others might also be the essence of good health.

View the original article here

Andrew Garfield on the set of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in New York

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Migraine With Aura May Be Linked to All Stroke Types

Study of women identifies important risk factor

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, June 26 (HealthDay News) -- Women who have migraine headaches with aura are at increased risk for stroke, a new study indicates.

Migraine with aura is a migraine that's preceded or accompanied by visual effects such as flashes of light or blind spots, or by tingling in the hand or face.

A study of almost 28,000 women in the United States found those who had migraine with aura were at greater risk for all types of strokes, according to the researchers, who are scheduled to present the findings Wednesday at a meeting of the International Headache Congress in Boston.

"Migraine with aura has been consistently linked with increased risk of ischemic stroke and there is also some evidence that it increases risk of hemorrhagic stroke," lead author Dr. Tobias Kurth, of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said in a congress news release.

An ischemic stroke is caused by blocked blood flow to the brain while a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain.

"In this study we sought to determine the importance of migraine with aura in stroke occurrence relative to other stroke risk factors," Kurth added.

The study included 1,435 women who had migraine with aura. None of the patients had heart disease at the start of the study.

During 15 years of follow-up, there were 528 strokes overall -- 430 ischemic strokes, 96 hemorrhagic strokes and two unknown types of strokes.

"For total, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, migraine with aura was a strong relative contributor," Kurth said in the news release.

About 36 million Americans suffer from migraine, more than the total number of Americans who have asthma or diabetes combined. Migraine costs the United States more than $20 billion in direct medical expenses, such as doctor visits and medications, and indirect expenses, such as missed work and lost productivity.

The data and conclusions of research presented at medical meetings are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

View the original article here

The Weekender: Ways to Fill Your Fun Days

Guys, we are so excited for you to meet SELF's latest contributors, Adriane and Claudia Kiss! While the duo works full-time in the Big Apple, they also run an incredible website, TheKissters.com, which features entertaining tips and tricks to help you "live large on small change!" These girls have seriously got their finger on the pulse of what's hot for your weekend, so get ready to start filling up your calendar -- fast.

FRIDAY: Mani-Mania!

After Claudia Instagrammed a chic shot of a super-cool mani -- and tons of our friends fell in love -- we thought, why not have a nail polish party? The plan? Each girl brings her three favorite polishes so you can mix and match, and most importantly, nail art to your heart's desire. Right now, we're obsessed with Essie's Neon collection. Hot Tip: Paint a base coat of Essie's "Blanc" to amp up the brightness of your neon polish.

SATURDAY: DIY a Gift for Your Favorite Hostess

You guys probably have that one girlfriend who's the go-to for having people over for Saturday night dinner parties, right? Well, rather than gifting her a tried (and true!) bottle of wine, wow your pal by DIYing some Boozy Maraschino Cherries! Hot Tip: If you're as into Sunday night Mad Men viewing parties as we are, use these in a classic Manhattan or Old-Fashioned cocktail to have an extra good time.

Ingredients:

1 bag frozen pitted cherries (feel free to use fresh pitted cherries in season)Luxardo Maraschino liqueur1 glass Mason jar with tight-fitting lid

Instructions: Fill glass jar almost to the top with cherries, fill the rest with Luxardo liqueur. Let sit for 2 weeks, tightly sealed in refrigerator.

SUNDAY: Celebrate Mom!

First off: Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there! If you're like us and can't be with yours on Mother's Day, don't fret -- we've got you. See, we always try to send our mom a snail mail card along with a gift, but we also like to surprise her with a pingg e-card on the actual day, too. Pingg is so awesome thanks to its talented designer community -- I mean, how cute is this one? And if you have totally let Mother's Day slip your mind (#NoJudgment), get on it!

Until next weekend...XOXO

MORE FROM THEKISSTERS.COM:

Image Credit: nysphoto; Courtesy of Essie; Adriane and Claudia Kiss; Courtesy of Pingg

View the original article here