Noblewi Health Tips and Advice

This update by Jessica Gray regarding skin cancer just came in from the reports of Healthy Montana.

Last July, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a working group of the World Health Organization (WHO), added tanning beds to its Group 1 list, meaning the use of tanning beds is considered a dangerous carcinogen for humans. Other examples of Group 1 carcinogens include radon and tobacco smoke.

“Our culture changed in the 1920s, with the popularity of convertible cars and Coco Chanel’s bathing attire that no longer covered the whole person. Suddenly, it wasn’t fashionable to have a creamy white complexion,” said Karrie Fairbrother of Helena. A nurse educator who travels around the state focusing on skin cancer prevention and early detection, Fairbrother is the former president of the Dermatology Nurse’s Association.

“I challenge young kids,” Fairbrother said, to be the changing force in their families. Just as seatbelts have saved lives, she continued, “If we can change the way society views tanning, we will save lives.”

During the 2009 Montana Legislative Session, Fairbrother worked along with Sen. Lynda Moss from Billings to start a bill that would restrict the use of tanning beds by minors. They were unsuccessful.

“We are not trying to tell adults what to do. Adults have the ability to make their own decisions. But we don’t let children harm themselves. You wouldn’t hand them a cigarette, so why send them to a tanning bed? Also with minors, their cells are dividing and growing, so we feel that they have a more substantial risk,” Fairbrother said.

Lori Carey of Helena has already fought two cases of melanoma in her 38 years. The first was in 1997, shortly after her wedding.

“I had a large, red, triangular-shaped mole on the outside-bottom of my right breast. It was not a place that had seen the sun too many times, but I had used tanning beds off and on throughout high school and college, and of course I didn’t wear any clothing in those. I had multiple blistering sunburns in my childhood,” Carey said.

Carey’s dermatologist hasn’t said what for sure caused her melanoma. But when Carey told her all the sun and indoor sun exposure she had growing up, she was shocked.

“I always wanted to look my best, especially for prom, spring break, my wedding and other special occasions,” she said.

“If I had it to do over, I would exercise more and tan less. If you’re fit, you can get away with being pasty. I would never even think about a tanning bed. Melanoma is deadly. It’s just not worth the risk,” Carey said.

While some tanning bed users tan so they won’t burn in the future, a good tan is equivalent to a sunscreen with an SPF of 2 to 4, according to the National Cancer Institute. A tan from a tanning bed also does not always increase Vitamin D synthesis because the UV component you receive from indoor tanning is predominantly UVA, which does not increase Vitamin D levels like UVB.

However, tanning salon owners and users say that a sunburn is to blame, whether or not it is from a tanning bed or from the sun. Donnie Hedlind, owner of Club Sun in Kalispell stresses that there is no proof that tanning beds themselves cause or do not cause skin cancer.

“Overexposure causes skin cancer. Unlike the sun, in a tanning booth your exposure is regulated.” Hedlind said. “I don’t have any control over how much you go out in the sun and burn your skin. But when you come into my salon, I have a heck of a lot control over how many minutes you are going to be exposed, and therefore I can keep overexposure from happening.”

For Fairbrother, educating the public about skin cancer prevention is more than part of her job. It has become her passion ever since her husband died of melanoma in 1989.

“The loss of human life is real,” Fairbrother said. “If you see something on your skin changing, go see a doctor right away. If found early skin cancer is 95 percent curable. If found late it is only 15 percent curable.”

— Jessica Gray is a freelance writer who lives in Great Falls with her husband and three elementary-school aged children. Her work has appeared in several regional publications.

Even though stroke is the third killer in United States, only few people can mention the unhealthy habits that can cause it. If you want to make the rest of your life healthy and stroke-free, then below guide can definitely help you. Here are six things you need to do to prevent yourself from becoming one of a stroke patient in the future.

High-blood Pressure Check

Check your blood pressure. People have tendency to have high-blood pressure but only few who realize it. Usually, they just realize that they have it because they get a stroke in the first place. So, before that all happens, check your blood pressure and maintain it in normal level.

Diabetes Check

Same with high-blood pressure, many people are also not aware if they have suffered diabetes for years. Diabetes does not have any symptoms come to think of it. Therefore, the only way to know it is just by checking it to the lab.

Quit Smoking

There is never an advantage of smoking. So, quit as soon as possible since smoking can also lead to stroke. There are several ways to help you to quit smoking. Some people use nicotine patches and gum to deal with the addiction, some reduce their cigarette consumption gradually. But the most important thing is to prepare yourself mentally before you start your program. Even the best program will shatter apart without strong commitment.

Losing weight

With every pound you lose, you lose a bit of stroke risk. Eat a good diet and do exercise. Take a walk and avoid fried meal.

Cholesterol check

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol which causes stroke. Check your LDL and keep them on the normal rate.

Healthy Diet

There is nothing more effective than to prevent stroke than eat healthy food. This is the ultimate prevention to avoid you from many diseases. Pay more attention on what you eat, you will feel the difference.

To fortify the body against cold and flu viruses, people usually eat soup or drink orange juice. This may be a nice and effective trick to prevent yourself from catching cold or flu. When people feel threatened, they tend to increase the volume of the orange juice the take. However, orange juice actually can cause you more problems when you take them in a large dose.

The harm which comes from orange juice is the acid it contains. Consuming too much orange juice means letting too much acid goes inside your body, sometimes more than your body can handle. When overdose acid goes inside your body, you will make your stomach pains seriously. The further implication can be as terrible causing cancer.

A study showed that the number of colon cancer patients in Chile increased since wheat and fiber were fortified with folic acid. The conditioned then worsened by when the patients consumed acidic meals such as orange juice.

The good news is, there are medicines which can help you to cope with the problem. Antacids such as Tums and Raids are effective enough to reverse the acidic condition. For an emergency situation, baking soda can be an alternative since it is a base. Just mix it with water and drink it.

Each individual reacts differently when the news that they are diagnosed by cancer is broken to them. However, shock and fear are two reactions that are shared by all the cancer patients first they know about their disease. Cancer is not a light disease you can just ignore and cure easily. Death is always threatening them. Therefore, it is totally understandable if cancer patients are having difficult time coping their illness.

One of the reasons why cancer becomes such a frightening word to patients is because they already imagine the painful and tiring treatment they will have to go through. The painful surgeries and complicated treatments with side effects can let the patient’s mental down at once. Then other issues such as financial support and employment may add to the patient’s stress.

The one ultimate way to cope with those fears is by getting enough information about the disease and the treatments that will be going through. Knowing the details and what is really going on can give the sense that the patient’s the one who is taking the control, therefore give the patient the sense of safety. Talking to the doctor in charge also will be very helpful as the preparation to undergo the process of healing treatment. Discuss with the doctor things that can make the patient feel more comfortable. When the patient feel relax and comfortable with the treatment s/he receives, s/he can face the treatment with much less anxiety and fear and therefore can focus his/her energy on defeating the disease.

Just like good soil will grow good plants, we must keep healthy environment around us if we want to keep our body healthy. Researches prove that cancer cells grow faster in certain environments, especially when our immune system is weakened. Following healthy lifestyle and consuming healthy foods will strengthen our immune and help to prevent the development of cancer.

Here are some dietary tips of for better immune:

Give up refined sugar

Refined sugar triggers inflammation process. By giving up refined sugar, you strengthen your immune system. You can find refined sugar in soda, catsup, to cookies and crackers.

Spice up your food

Spices and herbs cannot only add flavor to your foods, it can also help you to prevent cancer. There are many spices which can strengthen our immune system. Some of those spices are basil, rosemary, basil, mint, turmeric and ginger. Add them in your daily food to keep you away from cancer.

Consume anti-oxidant foods

There are so many foods out there which contain anti-oxidant, an important substance to fight cancer. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage and omega 3 containers such as mackerel, sardines, and salmons can fight the free radicals which cause cancer cells to grow. The good news is chocolate, red wine, and caffeine also contain anti-oxidant.

Chill out

Stress can weaken our immune system. Keep yourself away from stress condition. Do stress relieving activities for your body and mind such as yoga, meditation, or music therapy.

Exercise

Studies have reported that a brief 30 minutes walk everyday can reduce the risk of developing cancer and other diseases.

The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) ray. It is an invisible energy which is generated by our sun that can burn our skin in a long period. Each year, there are increased cases in skin cancer in USA.  The most common skin cancer is non-melanoma skin cancer, also known as Squamous Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Too much exposure of ultraviolet can cause damage on our skin DNA which functions to maintain the health of the skin by controlling its growth. There are two kinds of UV, ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B. It was once believed that UVB is the one which causes the skin cancer. However, recent researches prove that both rays are responsible.

Several other causes of skin cancer are high x-ray exposure, immune system suppression, arsenic contact, and genetics. The types of people which more likely to develop skin cancer are the ones with blond hair, fair skin, green eyes, and those albinos. They usually have skin which is easily burnt or shows freckles. However, ultraviolet ray is still the biggest cause in developing skin cancer. Therefore, do not let your skin exposed to the sun in a long time and keep your head covered from the midday sun.

One of the most important components of a healthy diet is fiber. We have a tendency to consume too little of this valuable anti-cancer nutrient. If you are the type of person that consumes junk food each day then it is time to make changes. Fiber food will provide you with an immediate boost and you will notice a reduction in the number of health ailments that you suffer from.

There are two forms of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Fibers are identified by the way, in which our body uses them. The body does not digest insoluble. Instead, this is the type of fiber that moves through our body, helping to remove waste and toxins. Soluble fiber remains in the body longer than insoluble fiber. The soluble version of fiber can lower cholesterol, a huge concern for many people today.

The average adult requires at least 25 grams of fiber a day. If you love to sample exotic foods then you may be pleased to discover that spices actually are a great source of fiber. You can also get the right amount of fiber into your diet by increasing the amount of green vegetables you eat.

Fiber can balance blood sugar as well as insulin and help us to feel satisfied after a meal. By eating more fibrous foods your colon will be able to remove waste products more effectively and therefore will be better able to absorb essential nutrients and minerals. In addition, a diet high in fiber may decrease your risk of diabetes, appendicitis, and cancer. It is very worthwhile for everyone to evaluate their fiber intake and perhaps find fun ways to consume more.

There are hundreds of recipes for tea herbs. Once you start drinking them, you will continue to experiment, and you list of favorites will grow. Here are some favorite recipes. Enjoy these, and research and experiment with different ones.

Ginger Tea Recipe

• 4 Cups of cold purified or distilled water
• 2 to 3 inch pieces of fresh ginger root
• Honey and lemon, or
• A few cloves or dash of nutmeg

Use a stainless steel or glass (never use aluminum) sauce pan and bring the water to a boil. Peel the ginger and slice it into thin diagonal slices, and add to the boiling water. Cover the pot and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain and add honey and lemon to taste.

Ginger is a very good digestive aid and is rich in antioxidants.

Peppermint Tea Recipe

• 6 tablespoon of fresh crushed peppermint leaves
• 2 cups of boiling water

Let the tea brew for 3 or 4 minutes. The longer the brewing time the stronger the tea. Children will enjoy a cup of warm mint tea brewed in milk. Peppermint tea may be just the thing you need if you feel a little worn out or have the sniffles.

Red Clover Blossom Tea

• 1 ounce dried red clover blossom. Use organic grown if possible.
• 1 qt. filtered water

Bring the water to boil. Put the dried clover blossoms in a glass jar that has a tight fitting lid. Fill the jar with boiling water and tighten the lid. Let the tea infuse overnight. Drink 1 to 4 cups a day.

Stress Reducer

• 1 cup of lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup of linden leaves
• ¼ cup of crushed valerian root
• 1 tablespoon crushed ginger root

Blend all the ingredients and store in an amber glass jar with a tight lid. Store in a cool dry place. Use one tablespoon of the mixture to a cup of boiling water. Strain and drink before retiring at night

Sleep is an essential part of having a healthy and well balanced life. A good bedtime routine helps the body prepare for deep and relaxing sleep that is needed for our bodies to rest. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder basically characterized by inadequate time of good quality sleep.

The best management for insomnia is treating the underlying cause. Nowadays, yoga is one of the most famous practices to relieve stress, get a good night sleep, and be healthy. “Yoga” is a Sanskrit term which means union. Originated in India, yoga is the union of the mind body and spirit.

According to experts, yoga really helps to get a good night sleep with yoga’s stimulatory effect on the brain and the whole nervous system. Yoga allows better blood circulation in the brain which normalizes the sleep cycle. A minute of yoga practice is equal to a minute of the number of sleep required.

Below are some techniques you can do.

Night Time Goddess Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Place the soles of your feet together. Now let your knees fall open. Your legs will form a diamond shape. Rest your arms on the bed.

Child’s Pose

Sit up comfortably on your heels. Roll your torso forward. Place your forehead to rest on the bed in front of you. Lower your chest as close to your knees as you can and extend your arms out in front of you.

Winding Down Twist

Sit cross-legged on the bed. While exhaling place your right hand on your left knee and the left hand on the bed behind your tailbone.

Gently twist your torso to the left. Look over your left shoulder. Breathe deeply. Now return to the center and repeat the movements on the opposite side.

Rock-a-Bye Roll

Lying on your back, hug the knees directly into the chest. Cross your ankles and wrap both arms around your shins. Make a loose clasp with your hands.

Inhale and rock your body up to a sitting position. Exhale as you roll back. Continue this motion for about 1 minute. Unroll and prepare for sleep.

One of the great things about this routine is that it can all be done right on the bed. It may seem awkward at first, but within a few weeks the body will adjust and stretches and poses will become easier and more effective. As soon as the last stretch is performed it is easy to slip between the sheets and allow sleep to come.

So go ahead and enjoy a course in yoga. Your sleeping should improve in a short period of time with regular practice!

The cause of heart disease is not your parents. Heredity can be a cause of heart disease, it is but one factor among many factors that must be taken into account when assessing your risk for heart disease. However, one recent study found that heredity accounts for less than 10 percent of a person’s risk for developing heart disease.

Doctors cannot agree on the number one cause of heart disease, so you will have to evaluate the evidence yourself and determine your own risk/reward ratio. Smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol are usually in the forefront of any study.

Treatment for disease usually includes a change in diet and other habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise. Cutting out salt from your diet may not be entirely a good way to prevent heart disease. This is because a very low intake of salt will actually cause some people to die from cardiac arrest.

Cigarette smoke and chemical fumes do more than damage your lungs. Air pollution had both short term and long term toxic effects on the heart and blood vessels and to your heart. If you have an existing heart problem, keep your workouts at the gym. If not, wait two hours after peak traffic conditions before heading out for your jog. If you work in a polluted environment, try wearing a mask.