Breakfast sets you up for the day...and your LIFE

• In 1981, researchers asked teenagers to record their breakfast habits
• The same participants were asked to undergo a health tests 27 years later
• Young people who ate poor breakfasts were 68% more likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome as adults
• Metabolic syndrome is a collective term for diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity

Eating a poor breakfast in your teenage years can inflict long-lasting damage on your health almost three decades later, according to a new report. Swedish researchers found that people who ate poor breakfasts during adolescence displayed more signs of metabolic syndrome 27 years later, compared with those who ate more substantial breakfasts.

Metabolic syndrome is the medical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, and it can cause an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. 

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By studying the same group of participants 27 years apart, researchers in Sweden found that skipping breakfast, or eating poorly in the morning, during adolescence increases the risk of diabetes and obesity by up to 68 per cent in adults Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2548678/Breakfast-sets-day-LIFE-Missing-morning-meals-increases-risk-diabetes-obesity-later-life.html

When 'good' cholesterol turns BAD

• Good' cholesterol can become dysfunctional and lose its protective properties - when this happens it starts to promote inflammation
• Protein in 'good' cholesterol oxidises in artery walls and stops promoting to cardiovascular health but starts to cause coronary artery disease
• People with higher blood levels of dysfunctional 'good' cholesterol are at greater risk of heart disease

Everyone knows they should avoid ‘bad' cholesterol but new research suggests even ‘good' cholesterol is not as innocent as it may seem.

U.S. researchers have discovered that so-called ‘good' cholesterol can turn bad. They say the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) – or ‘good' cholesterol – can become dysfunctional, lose its protective properties and start to encourage inflammation and the clogging of arteries.

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'Good cholesterol' - such as that found in olive oil and avocados - can turn bad and cause arteries to become clogged

The researchers, at the Cleveland Clinic, say the benefits of ‘good' cholesterol have been reported extensively but that all clinical trials of drugs designed to raise ‘good' cholesterol levels have failed to show that it improves heart health. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2546606/When-good-cholesterol-turns-BAD-Substance-clog-arteries-cause-heart-disease-researchers-claim.html

The AAA pacemaker: It's the size of a small battery and takes just seven minutes to fit

• The first six Britons have been fit with no leads pacemaker Nanostim
• The new pacemaker is the tenth of the size of a traditional pacemaker
• It takes under ten minutes to fit, compared to the current 45 minutes

The first six British patients have been implanted with  a wireless pacemaker – smaller than an AAA battery – that is set to revolutionise the treatment of heart disease. Standard pacemakers, which have changed little since 1958, regulate the pulse by sending electrical impulses into the heart via leads from a battery pack, implanted under the collarbone.

The Nanostim, which has no leads, is a tenth of the size of the traditional device and sits permanently in one of the chambers of the heart. It can take under ten minutes to position, compared with up to 45 minutes for an old-style pacemaker.

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It is inserted through a vein via an incision in the leg, leaving no scars, and held in place by a screw-like anchor, which grips the inner wall of the heart. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2545849/The-AAA-pacemaker-Its-size-small-battery-takes-just-seven-minutes-fit-revolutionary-device-new-hear-millions.html

End of the diabetes jab? New insulin implant controls blood glucose levels without injections

• The wristwatch-size device can be surgically implanted into the abdomen
• It contains a reservoir of insulin held in place by a gel barrier
• When glucose levels in the body rise, the gel liquefies and releases insulin into the body - just like a normally functioning pancreas would do
• As it lowers the glucose levels, the gel hardens again preserving the reservoir - the insulin reservoir has to be topped up every two weeks
• Human trials are set to begin in 2016 and the first implants could take place on the NHS within a decade

Insulin injections for diabetics could soon be a thing of the past thanks to the creation of a revolutionary new implant. The device, which has been created by British scientists, works like an artificial pancreas by releasing insulin into the bloodstream.

It can be implanted into the abdomen from where it releases a precise amount of insulin meaning injections are no longer needed.

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A new abdominal implant could spell the end of insulin injections for people with diabetes

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2545180/The-end-diabetes-jabs-New-insulin-implant-controls-blood-glucose-levels-without-injections.html

Top 11 “Diet” Foods That Make You Fat Instead of Thin

Nutrition is full of all sorts of lies, myths and misconceptions. What people believe to be true is often the exact opposite of the truth. Here are 11 “diet” foods that are actually making people fatter.

1. Breakfast Cereals

So-called “healthy” cereals are the worst foods you can possibly eat at the start of the day. They are usually loaded with sugar and refined carbs, which are some of the most fattening ingredients in existence Read more:http://authoritynutrition.com/top-11-diet-foods-that-make-you-fat/

Hope for migraine sufferers as gadget that zaps pain with the push of a button is approved

• NICE has approved the portable transcranial magnetic device for use
• The hair-dryer sized gadget sends electrical pulses to the brain to short-circuit the 'electrical storm' that causes the symptoms of a migraine
• After a single zap, 40% of patients remain pain-free for at least two hours
• 29% of migraine sufferers stay without pain for at least 24 hours
• Patients can now be referred for treatment with the device by their GP

A new magnetic ‘pain zapping’ device could transform the lives of migraine sufferers with the push of a button.

Many of England's six million migraine sufferers have been offered new hope after Britain's health and care guidance body recommended for use a portable device which sends pulses to the brain.

In NHS guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) revealed the encouraging results of clinical trials of the gadget. The controlled trial saw 164 migraine patients treated with single transcranial magnetic stimulation and 39 per cent were pain-free two hours later. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2543388/Migraine-hope-gadget-blasts-pain-away-approved.html

Power walking could reduce the risk of aggressive prostate cancer

• Men who walked fast before getting cancer have tumours with regularly shaped blood vessels - these are less aggressive and easier to treat
• Men who walked at three miles per hour before diagnosis have 8% more regularly shaped blood vessels than those who walked at 1.5 miles per hour
• The researchers think exercise could be equally beneficial for people with other cancers

Men who exercise vigorously may be at lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer, new research reveals.

Researchers discovered that men who 'power walked' before a prostate cancer diagnosis had more regularly shaped blood vessels in their tumours than men who walked slowly. More regularly shaped blood vessels are believed to reduce the aggressiveness of tumours and improve the body’s response to cancer treatment.

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Men who walk fast are less likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer than those who walk slowly

Research to be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Prostate Cancer Foundation Conference, in San Diego, suggests a link between brisk exercise and a lower risk of aggressive cancer. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2542694/Power-walking-reduce-risk-aggressie-prostate-cancer-Men-walk-three-miles-hour-lower-risk.html

Chocolate and red wine can help stave off diabetes

• High content of flavonoids in foods may regulate blood glucose levels
• Flavonoids are antioxidants found in berry fruits, red wine and chocolate
• They can protect against a wide range of health issues including obesity 

It sounds like the ingredient list for an indulgent dessert. But red wine, chocolate and strawberries are more than a guilty pleasure. They could all help guard against diabetes. A study found for the first time the high content of flavonoids found in berry fruits may regulate blood glucose levels, and stave off type 2 diabetes.

Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds found in plants, as well as tea, red wine and chocolate, which can protect against a wide range of diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, some cancers and dementia. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2542415/Chocolate-red-wine-help-stave-diabetes-High-levels-antioxidants-regulate-blood-glucose-levels.html

Just nuts: Is the new craze for 'activating' your food the seeds of a great idea?

• Nutrients in seeds and nuts can be enhanced by 'activating' them
• 'Activating' involves soaking nuts and then drying them again
• Nuts can help protect against high cholesterol and coronary heart disease

You may have picked up a packet of almonds or sunflower seeds recently and wondered how on earth they could cost more than £5. The answer could be down to  the latest extreme food trend which sounds more than a little odd: activating nuts.

The benefits of eating a handful of nuts every day (without the salt, honey or roasting – sorry!) have been proven. Nutrient-dense, they are rich in protein (ten to 25 per cent) and up to 80 per cent of the  fat they contain is unsaturated. They are also a significant source of fibre, minerals (copper, magnesium and potassium) and vitamins such as folic acid, niacin, Vitamin E and Vitamin B6, and antioxidants.

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Exc-seed-ing expectations: Putting nuts and seeds through a process of soaking and drying - known as activating - before eating, the nutrients are enhanced

As such, nuts can help protect against high cholesterol, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as managing weight.

But now some experts are saying that by putting nuts through a process of soaking and drying – known as activating – before eating, the nutrients are enhanced and easier for the body to absorb, although they taste exactly the same. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2541791/Just-nuts-Is-new-craze-activating-food-seeds-great-idea.html

Health Notes: A touch really is soothing

• Touching the skin near an area of pain can reduce its intensity
• The process of touching interferes with nerves dealing with pain

Touching a sore point actually eases the pain, suggests new research, which found brushing the skin within an inch or two  of the site of pain can reduce its intensity and sharpness.

It is thought the effect comes from the nerve fibres that process touch interfering with those that deal with pain, resulting in ‘tactile analgesia’.

Volunteers were blindfolded and wore headphones to block out other sensory information.  A laser was then briefly directed on to their forearms, to cause pain. Some volunteers also had a touch sensation applied 1cm away at the same time, by nylon hairs from a robot.

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Healing touch: It is thought the soothing effect comes from the nerve fibres that process touch interfering with those that deal with pain, resulting in 'tactile analgesia'

The results showed that  when the laser and touch were applied simultaneously, people were less likely to report ‘high’ pain. Without the added touch, the laser was described as pricking 93 per cent of the time; with touch applied, that dropped to 28 per cent. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2541766/Health-Notes-A-touch-really-soothing.html

Which country has the healthiest diet?

• The rankings are based on the food availability, affordability, quality, and the rate of diet-related illnesses in each country
• The Netherlands, France and Switzerland are the best places to eat
• Chad, Angola and Ethiopia are the worst countries to eat in
• The UK came 13th in the rankings, and the U.S. came 21st

The Netherlands is the best place in the world to eat, according to new research.

In contrast, people in Chad are the worst off when it comes to their food consumption.

The UK only made number 13 in the survey while the U.S. came in at 21 on the table of the best countries to eat in terms of nutritional value and availability.

The new report compiled by Oxfam saw researchers look at the food consumption in 125 countries. The researchers considered whether people have enough to eat, whether people can afford to eat, whether the food available is of good quality and the extent of diet related diseases. The results showed that the Netherlands is the best place in the world to eat, followed by France and Switzerland. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2540612/Which-country-healthiest-diet.html

Green tea can make blood pressure drugs 'less effective'

• The blood pressure-lowering drug nadolol is less effective after the drink
• Drink cut the amount of drug that made its way into bloodstream by 75%
• May also dilute effect of other medicines, such as hayfever drug fexofenadine

It is the healthy choice of many people with high blood pressure. But green tea could actually stop their pills from working properly. The blood pressure-lowering drug nadolol is less effective after drinking green tea, a study found.

The researchers advised those taking nadolol to avoid green tea – and warned that the popular drink may also dilute the effect of some other medicines.The warning is particularly pertinent to blood pressure patients, as some may switched to green tea in a bid to lower their intake of caffeine.

In addition, some studies have credited green tea with lowering blood pressure. Japanese researchers measured the blood pressure of ten healthy men and women after taking nadolol. 

They were given the drug twice, once after drinking around two cups of green tea a day for two weeks and again after drinking water. Drinking green tea cut the amount of drug that made its way into the bloodstream by three-quarters. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2538683/Green-tea-make-blood-pressure-drugs-effective.html

Families who serve dinner AT the table have slimmer children - because they learn when they are full

• Children also eat less if they are allowed to serve themselves at meals
• They should not be encouraged to finish food they don't want, as this teaches them to ignore their body's 'full up' signals 

Children who are served dinner at the dining table are less likely to be overweight, according to new research.

Experts said children who serve themselves also eat less than those who are given pre-plated food.

Children learn to recognise when they are full quicker when sitting around a table and serving themselves than if given a plateful of food in front of the television.

Children who eat at the table and who are allowed to serve themselves, rather than being given pre-plated food, are less likely to be overweight - because they learn to only eat until they are full

The results emerged from a study of children aged between two and five in more than 100 child care centres in the U.S.

Lead author Dr Brent McBride, director of the child development laboratory at the University of Illinois, said: ‘Family-style meals give kids a chance to learn about things like portion size and food preferences. Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2539218/Families-serve-dinner-AT-table-slimmer-children-learn-full.html

Scientists discover switch that turns on fat busting genes - and it's triggered by EXERCISE

• Mice shed weight when BAIBA (beta-aminoisobutyric acid) is activated
• It increases fat cells' expression of genes that burn calories
• The finding could lead to the development of new drugs for slimmers

A biological 'switch' that turns on fat busting genes has

 been discovered - and it is trigger by exercise

A biological ‘switch’ that turns on fat busting genes has been discovered.

The finding offers hope of new drugs for slimmers, diabetics and people who suffer from heart disease. The switch is triggered naturally by exercise and scientists believe it could be harnessed to help treat a range of illnesses.

Experiments on laboratory mice found they shed weight when the metabolite known as BAIBA (beta-aminoisobutyric acid) was activated.

The importance of physical activity in improving health and life expectancy has been long known, but the changes that occur during exercise are less clear. Now, new research published in the journal Cell Metabolism has shown the molecule responsible for these beneficial effects.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2536643/Scientists-discover-switch-turns-fat-busting-genes-triggered-EXERCISE.html

Can exercising for just 60 seconds a week transform your health?

• Radically different approach to exercise called High Intensity Training (HIT)
• Idea is you can get important benefits of exercise from just 3 minutes a week

Everyone agrees that getting more active will add years to your life (around 2.2 years, to be exact). 

But, more importantly, it will significantly reduce your risk of developing a range of chronic diseases, from cancer to heart failure, dementia to diabetes. 

Exercise will also help you sleep better, improve your mood and even perk up your sex life, according to the well-regarded Mayo clinic in the U.S.

But how much should you do? In 2008, a committee of U.S. scientists recommended 150 minutes of  moderate exercise a week, while cautioning the necessary amounts 'cannot yet be identified with a high degree of precision'.

Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2538858/Can-exercising-just-60-seconds-week-transform-health-The-BBCs-Dr-Michael-Mosley-says-fast-exercise-powerful-experts-thought.html

The 15-minute home test that spots signs of Alzheimer's

• Questions range from writing date to working out change from shopping bill
• Others more vague such as 'how are corkscrew and hammer similar?'
• Test developed by US researchers to track condition of healthy older people

A 15-minute test you take at home can show up the first signs of mental decline nearly as well as diagnostic exams. The written test could be used to help catch and treat Alzheimer’s early.

US researchers who developed it say healthy older people would do the test at home and share the results with doctors so they could keep track of their condition.

The questions range from simple feats of memory – writing the date, for example – to more complex everyday tasks, such as working out the amount of change needed when shopping.

Other sections are more open-ended, with one asking: ‘How are a corkscrew and a hammer similar? Write down how they are alike.’

More than 1,000 people aged 50 and over were given the test, and the results indicated 28 per cent of them had cognitive impairment, a mild loss of mental function. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2538392/Can-answer-five-questions-The-15-minute-home-test-spots-signs-Alzheimers.html

If sugar is the 'new tobacco'... what are the alternatives?

• Refined sugar, sucrose, is made up of two molecules, glucose and fructose
• Fructose excess converts to fatty acids and causes unhealthy reactions
• Here we examine an array of healthier natural sugar substitutes

Given this week's headlines describing it as the 'new tobacco', you might be forgiven for thinking sugar is toxic - but in fact we simply need to moderate our intake.

'Refined table sugar, sucrose, is made up of two molecules - glucose and fructose,' says nutritionist Laura Thomas. 'Glucose is absorbed and used by all organs, while fructose is metabolised only by the liver. Our bodies can deal with only small amounts - an excess converts to fatty acids and causes biochemical reactions detrimental to our health.'

Here we examine an array of natural sugar substitutes that can contain fewer calories, and act in different ways when broken down during digestion. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2537679/If-sugar-new-tobacco-alternatives.html

Try the HAND DIET: Measure food portions using just your fingers, thumbs and palm

• A portion of meat should be no bigger than the palm of your hand
• Carbs such as pasta should be no bigger than a clenched fist
• A serving of butter is the size of a fingertip, cheese less than two fingers 
• Recent research found portion sizes have doubled in 20 years 
• Many people eat FIVE times the recommended serving of pasta, for example

If you like to pile your plate high, then this revealing graphic is likely to depress you. But it could also help you lose weight on the so-called 'hand diet'. 

It shows exactly how much of certain foods we should be eating - and it's probably a lot less than you think.

Experts say that a lack of portion control is one of the main reasons so many of us are overweight - with many of us eating way more than we should be.

Experts say that a lack of portion control is one of the main reasons so many of us are overweight - with many of us eating way more than we should be

For instance, a portion of meat should be no bigger than the palm of your hand - and carbs no bigger than a clenched fist. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2537130/Portion-sizes.html

Want to stop snacking? Eat half an AVOCADO at lunch to banish hunger pangs

• People who eat avocado with lunch feel 40% less desire to snack
• They also feel more satisfied for the three hours after their lunch
• Eating an avocado with lunch increases calorie and carbohydrate intake at that meal but does not increase blood sugar levels

Want to banish unhealthy snacking between meals? Then add an avocado to your lunch.

Eating half an avocado at lunchtime can boost feelings of fullness and reduce the temptation to snack between meals, experts claim.

Their study compared the effects of incorporating a fresh avocado into a lunch with the effects of eating a standard lunch.

They aimed to determine how avocado consumption would influence satiety, blood sugar, insulin response and snacking. 

The researchers studied 26 healthy but overweight adults.

They found that participants who added half a fresh avocado to their lunch reported 40 per cent decreased desire to eat in the following three hours as well as a 28 per cent reduced desire to eat over the subsequent five hours. Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2536448/Want-stop-snacking-Eat-half-AVOCADO-lunch-banish-hunger-pangs.html

Sugar is 'the new tobacco': Health chiefs tell food giants to slash levels by a third

• Doctors and academics say levels must be reduced by up to 30 per cent
• They found that even zero-fat yoghurts can contain five teaspoons of sugar
• Heinz tomato soup has four while a Mars bar has eight teaspoons of sugar
• Obesity and diabetes already cost the UK over £5billion a year

Food giants are being told to cut the amount of sugar they use because it has become the ‘new tobacco’.

Doctors and academics say levels must be reduced by up to 30 per cent to halt a wave of disease and death.

They found that even zero-fat yoghurts can contain five teaspoons of sugar, while a can of Heinz tomato soup has four. 

Doctors and academics say levels must be reduced by up to 30 per cent to halt a wave of disease and death

The equivalent of 11 teaspoons are found in a small Starbucks caramel Frappuccino with whipped cream. A Mars bar has eight. To read more, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2536180/Sugar-new-tobacco-Health-chiefs-tell-food-giants-slash-levels-third.html

Health best buys for long-haul flights

Expats visiting family or taking a Christmas holiday this December should pack much more than just the presents. A few health heroes can help protect you from illness on long-haul flights

The confined cabin of an aircraft provides the ideal environment for transmitting airborne diseases such as the common cold. With your fellow passengers making up to 400 potential sources of infection at such close quarters, the chances of the infection being spread via the re-circulated air are relatively high.

According to the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, experiments on exposing uninfected volunteers to the common cold infection have shown that the chances of catching a cold are directly related to the length of exposure. Therefore, you are much more likely to catch a cold on a long-haul flight to the Caribbean than on a short hop to the Med. Read more at: :http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/expathealth/8889129/Health-best-buys-for-long-haul-flights.html

  

Prostate cancer and why doing nothing can be the right option

Some men with prostate cancer should be offered monitoring of their condition rather than radical surgery or radiotherapy, say new NHS guidelines.

Doctors treating patients with intermediate or low-risk prostate cancer should consider ‘active surveillance’ – keeping an eye on the problem rather than treating it immediately, according to the NHS watchdog.

Updated guidance from Nice says prostate cancer can be slow growing and that many men will have cancer that will not cause them any harm in their lifetime.

Considerations: NHS guidelines suggest some men suffering from prostate cancer should receive monitoring rather than radiotherapy (file picture)

Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in men. In the UK, more than 40,000 are diagnosed with it each year and the condition leads to approximately 10,000 deaths.

But men with early-stage prostate cancer can live for years without their disease getting worse and many face the dilemma of deciding whether to opt for therapy which may lead to side effects or active surveillance which delays treatment. Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2535525/Prostate-cancer-doing-right-option.html

Meditation 'works just as well as anti-depressants'

• Study found meditation works as well as conventional anti-depressants
• It follows research in the U.S. involving 3,500 people

Meditation for just half an hour can relieve depression as much as popping a pill, claim researchers. They found regular meditation could also relieve anxiety, pain and stress.

In a U.S. study of previously published research involving 3,500 people, meditation alleviated symptoms of depression on a par with conventional anti-depressants.

Meditation, which has a long history in Eastern traditions, is one of many 'mindfulness' techniques that have grown in popularity in the West over the last 30 years.

It is typically practised for 30 to 40 minutes a day with the aim of encouraging acceptance of feelings and thoughts without judgment, and relaxing body and mind. Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2534957/Meditation-works-just-anti-depressants-Half-hour-day-offers-relief-tablets.html

A lack of sleep 'damages the brain in a similar way to being hit on the head'

Ever feel like you’ve been hit on the head after a bad night’s sleep? According to scientists, the thought isn’t as far-fetched as it seems.

A study found going without sleep for just one night causes changes in the brain similar to those that occur after a blow to the head.

The researchers said the healthy young men examined in the study showed a spike in the same chemicals which indicate brain damage.

Being sleep deprived causes a similar change in the brain to that seen after a head injury - it results in a spike in the chemicals associated with brain injury

Professor Christian Benedict, of Uppsala University, Sweden, explained that the chemcials NSE and S-100B are biomarkers for brain damage, such as concussion. To read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2531729/A-lack-sleep-damages-brain-similar-way-hit-head.html

Depression 'over-diagnosed' with drugs dished out to patients who are simply sad or unable to sleep

Million of patients are being wrongly diagnosed with depression when they are simply sad, according to a new report.

Anti-depressants are being dished out to people grieving loved ones, suffering sexual problems or even unable to sleep, claims a newly-published scientific paper published by academics at Liverpool University.

The number of people diagnosed with mental illnesses like depression has doubled since 2002. It is believed more than five million people are now labelled depressed or suffering anxiety in the UK.

Liverpool University's Professor of Primary Medical Care, Chris Dowrick, claims in a new report that up to half of these patients have been misdiagnosed.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, the academic, who also works as a GP, said: 'Over-diagnosis is now more common than under diagnosis.'

He has called for guidelines on diagnosing depression to be tightened and for pharmaceutical companies to be banned from marketing their drugs to GPs.

'Over recent decades there has been an increasing tendency, especially in primary care, to diagnose depression in patients presenting with sadness or distress and offer them anti-depressant medication,' he wrote. Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2534408/Depression-diagnosed-drugs-dished-patients-simply-sad-unable-sleep-warns-expert.html

It's true what they say about an apple a day

The Victorians famously had a talent for capturing, in memorable proverbs, important insights into life’s dilemmas.

There can be few whose actions have not been influenced at one time or another by the maxim that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, or that too many cooks spoil the broth. There is no denying that honesty is always the best policy. And, it has recently emerged, an apple a day really does keep the doctor away.

The unique chemical composition of polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant vitamins in peel, pulp and core is, says Dr Adam Briggs in the British Medical Journal, as effective as the cholesterol-lowering statins in preventing or delaying circulatory disorders – without their risk of side-effects. Further, a huge study involving nearly 200,000 people has found that those eating at least three servings of apples a week are less likely to develop diabetes and asthma.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthadvice/10551966/Its-true-what-they-say-about-an-apple-a-day.html

Lack of exercise puts UK women near top of cancer league table

• The UK has the tenth highest rate of bowel, breast and womb cancer
• Experts said that poor physical fitness is increasing women’s risk

A lack of exercise means British women are among the most likely in the world to suffer from three forms of cancer. 

The UK has the tenth highest rate of bowel, breast and womb cancer out of more than 180 countries, research has found.

Experts said that poor physical fitness is increasing women’s risk of developing the three forms of the disease, all of which are linked to a lack of exercise.  

‘These figures reflect the sedentary lifestyles of many people in Western countries, with lots of us spending too much time sitting around and not incorporating physical activity into our daily routine,’ said Dr Rachel Thompson of the World Cancer Research Fund.

Britain had 133 cases of bowel, breast and womb cancer per 100,000 people, the statistics showed. To read more, click on: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2534413/Lack-exercise-puts-UK-women-near-cancer-league-table-Britons-likely-suffer-bowel-breast-wombs-forms-disease.html

Top gear for a winter workout: What to wear when exercising in the darker hours

It’s dark for longer than it’s light, and it’s cold, wet and windy – yet none of these things is going to stop me, or millions of  other Britons, from running. 

But what should we wear while  doing it? This year’s winter fitness apparel uses the very latest  in high-tech fabric innovations that are warm, breathable, antibacterial and extremely lightweight. 

I picked a few of my favourite pieces for running and cycling and put them to the test.

Nell is wearing: Nike Shield Flash Women¿s Running Jacket £240; Miler Women¿s Running Shirt £17.59; 10cm Rival Women¿s Running Shorts £32, Swift Running Leggings £65; Free 5.0+ Shield Women¿s Running Shoe £90; Thermal Women¿s Running Gloves £25, all from Nike

SHORTS TO BE SEEN IN

I’m not brand-loyal but  Nike really do lead the way – this jacket is half high  visibility fluro, half reflective material. The high-vis shorts are cute, too – ideal for layering over leggings, which can be a little bit unforgiving.

Details: Nike Shield Flash Women’s Running Jacket  £240; Miler Women’s Running Shirt £17.59; 10cm Rival Women’s Running Shorts £32, Swift Running Leggings £65; Free 5.0+ Shield Women’s Running Shoe £90; Thermal Women’s Running Gloves  £25, all from nike.com. Helmet Nell’s own.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2533744/Top-gear-winter-workout-What-wear-exercising-darker-hours.html

Gulp! 'Janopause' really DOES work... giving up alcohol for a month makes you thinner, fitter and helps you sleep

• Quitting alcohol for January can improve sleep pattern, says new study
• May also lower cholesterol, aid weight loss and help liver to recover
• Research was carried out on 13 'moderate' drinkers over five-week period

Swearing off the booze after the excesses of the festive season has become almost as much of a tradition as taking down the Christmas decorations.

But, surprisingly, no medical study has ever been conducted into whether a dry January – or ‘Janopause’ – has health benefits for moderate drinkers... until now.

New research has shown that quitting alcohol for a month can lower cholesterol, help you lose weight and improve sleep patterns and alertness – as well as giving the liver a chance to recover. 

Health benefits: Swapping alcohol for soft drinks for just a month is good for you, a new study has revealed

‘If someone had a health product that did all that in one month, they would be raking it in,’ liver health consultant Kevin Moore said.

On average, volunteers who abstained from drinking for just over five weeks shed 3.3lb and cut cholesterol levels by five per cent and blood glucose levels by almost a quarter – indicating their fitness had improved significantly.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2533807/Janopause-really-DOES-work-giving-alcohol-month-makes-thinner-fitter-helps-sleep.html#ixzz2pWjqnxTI

How To Easily Lose Weight

Many times, it seems to be difficult to lose weight. You may try to cut back and change your food; but, nothing happens. Exercise hasn't helped you to move the scales. You can lose the weight, and it's easy.

How Can I Change The Diet?

With your diet, you may begin doing the following:

1. Set out to have fruit for dessert. Don't eat the cakes and pies that contain a lot of sugar. Try having an apple to finish your meal.

2. Use extra vegetables in your main course. Broccoli, brussels sprouts and spinach are great for dinner. Top your hamburger or sandwich with lettuce, tomato and a pickle. Vegetables supply vitamins to your diet.

3. Bake and broil your fish, chicken and beef. Baking and broiling your food will eliminate some fat. Do not fry your foods, as the meat retains the fat during cooking.

4. Drink more water. Water possibly could assist you to flush out your system. Low calorie flavored water can also be utilised. Try to reject the soda and other drinks that have a high sugar content.

By modifying some of the foods you eat, you might start to easily lose weight.

How Should You Plan Your Meals?

To easily lose weight, you can do the following:

1. Enjoy Breakfast every day. Breakfast can give you a great start. By skipping breakfast, you might grab the donuts at the office. A good breakfast can keep you active all day.

2. Eat smaller meals more frequently. Body Builders eat six small meals a day. The meals are spaced two to three hours apart; as a result, these fitness trainers are never hungry.

3. Eat Your Food More Slowly. Relax and take in every bite. By enjoying your food, you possibly could control your overeating.

4. Plan Your Meals. Take your time to develop your meals for the week. Set up a shopping list, so that you won't have to go shopping more than twice during the week. You can also prepare your meals ahead of time; so, that the food is ready on those hectic days.

Do You Need To Exercise?

To lose weight easily, you also have to exercise. If you have been working out, it's time to take it up a notch. Then, you will see more pounds drop off.

What Are The Best Exercises To Easily Lose Weight?

Walking is the most popular exercise and the easiest one to get started with. You just need some comfortable shoes and you are out the door. To add a challenge to your walk, you possibly could go up hills, walk briskly and extend your walk.

Walking is an aerobic exercise. Aerobic Exercises aid to burn the interior body fat, reduce that beer belly and shrink that large rear end. Running and bicycling can help you to lose weight easily.

How Can Body Building Help?

Body Building or Weight Lifting Exercises will help you to tone your muscles. You could tighten your muscles and take out body fat. Body Building Exercises can help you to lose weight easily.

After exercising, you demand to stretch. Stretching aids in cooling down the hot, taunt muscles. You will prevent muscle spasms by stretching.

You Can Easily Lose the Weight!

You can easily lose the weight. Just alter some of your eating habits and exercise routines. You will see those pounds drop off!

Good Luck! You Can Lose The Weight Easily!
                                                                     Gordon D. Zwillenberg is the author of this paper http://EzineArticles.com/6909694