Chatbug Karen

I was surprised, while watching Dr. Oz’s new television program, to hear him recommend organic milk. I agreed with his thoughts on the benefits of using organic leafy, hard to wash items, such as Romain lettuce and other items but have to disagree with his thoughts on buying organic milk.

The following article written by By Karen Collins, R.D. for MSNBC explains what I have always held to be true about milk.

Demand for organic milk, which can sell for up to double the cost of other milk, is booming. Deciding whether to spend the extra money is not as clear-cut a decision as some suggest.

People may turn to organic milk for health benefits, or environmental and animal rights’ issues. But when evaluating the health claims, so far, research does not support a health advantage of organic over conventional milk for any segment of the population.

That’s because the U.S. Department of Agriculture has four requirements to define milk as organic, and confusion abounds about each.

Milk that is labeled “USDA Organic” must come from cows that have not been treated with bovine growth hormone (BGH) to increase milk production. People who focus on this goal express concern that hormones in milk could raise the risk of hormone-related cancers, or lead to higher levels of an insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) linked with cancer.

But BGH is a protein hormone, which means that if any does appear in milk, enzymes and acid in our digestive tract destroy it. Dale Bauman, a professor of animal science at Cornell University, emphasizes that if IGF-1 is slightly higher in milk from BGH-treated cows, it represents a tiny fraction of the IGF we all produce each day. Bauman reports that we would have to drink 95 quarts of milk to equal the IGF-1 we make daily in our saliva and other digestive tract secretions.

We need to differentiate between levels of IGF in our blood, which some studies link to a possible increase in cancer risk, and levels of IGF in our food. Several organic-related Web sites refer to a study in which vegans (who eat no animal products) showed 13 percent lower IGF than non-vegans. But, a closer look at that study shows that milk consumption was not related to blood levels of IGF. Research shows high blood levels of IGF are linked with overweight, lack of exercise, and diets too high in saturated fat, refined carbohydrates or total calories.

No antibiotics
A second characteristic of organic milk is that these cows are not treated with antibiotics. If a cow in an organic herd does need to be treated with antibiotics, she is not returned to the herd for a period of 12 months. Yet in conventional herds, milk from cows that receive antibiotics is not used until tests show it is antibiotic-free. Tanks of milk are routinely tested to ensure no antibiotic content.

A third requirement of organic milk is that cows’ feed is grown without pesticides, whether the feed is grass or grain. Recent USDA reports show that nonorganic milk may contain low levels of certain pesticides, but these are far below established tolerance levels. Using organic feed may support sustainable farming practices, yet research has not found it affects the nutritional value of the cows’ milk.

Grazing time?
The final requirement for organic milk is that cows must have “access to pasture.” Many consumers assume this means cows graze in fields most of the year. But, the current standard does not require a specific length of time in pasture. A cow can graze in pasture only a limited time and still produce milk that is certified organic.

On the question of grain- versus grass-fed cows, some suggest that pasture-fed cows may produce milk that contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a special type of fat that may protect against cancer and other health problems. But Michael Pariza, professor of food microbiology and toxicology at the University of Wisconsin, and a leading expert on CLA in dairy products, says grass feeding by itself does not assure increased CLA. He and Bauman both note that cows fed mixed grains with soybeans or other additions can produce milk that has higher CLA levels than milk from grass-fed cows. This may lead you to spend less on milk and more on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and other healthful foods.

Nutrition Notes is provided by the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C.

Sorry, Dr. Oz. I have to disagree with you on this one.

Have you heard the news that Dr. Oz will soon have his own television show? I am excited. I have seen him on Oprah a few times. Whether he discusses the shape of your poop or weight loss supplements, he is interesting. He is truly interested in helping people with their health issues. He also cares about where our young people are headed. Oz is the founder and chairman of HealthCorps, a non-profit organization that pays a small stipend to recent college graduates to spend two years in high schools mentoring students about health, nutrition, and fitness.

Dr. Mehmet Oz is married to author and Reiki master Lisa Oz and they have four children, Daphne, Arabella, Zoe, and Oliver.

What is the secret to a long and healthy life? It is in the food that we eat. As you well know, all foods are not created equal. Choosing and eating the right foods may help increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life. I am trying to pay more attention to these things!

Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!

1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. (Wish I had stock in Beano). Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.

3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.

4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables help guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.

5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.

6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.

7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes. I love all the colors and when they are on sale, I stock up and freeze them.

8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives. Almonds are great to fight headaches.

9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.

10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.

Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot and stop feeling like a slug.

My friend Val over at Mom Knows It All (You can ask her husband if this is true) is spotlighting Shoprite and their efforts to fight hunger. General Mills and ShopRite will donate one box of cereal to a food bank in ShopRite’s trading area for the first 30 comments she receives on her post.

ShopRite has been trying to fight hunger for more than twenty years, first as part of the Feeding America network (formerly America’s Second Harvest) and the Checkout Hunger program. In 1999 ShopRite took their desire to fight hunger in the areas they serve to another level by creating ShopRite Partners In Caring (SRPIC). General Mills has been one of the program’s most supportive vendors. The ShopRite Partners In Caring program has donated more than $20 million to the 23 regional food banks and more than 1,400 charitable agencies it. The donations go to emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, child care centers, battered women’s shelters, senior programs, programs for the mentally and physically disabled, drug rehab centers and after school programs.

Please read Val’s post to see other ways you can help fight hunger. Do you realize how much even one dollar helps fight this widespread tragedy? A $1 donation can purchase 10 pounds of food from a food bank. a little bit truly can go a long way.

Have you ever been in a situation that brought on sweats, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath? It doesn’t take much for me to have these symptoms. It only takes a certain person walking in the door to get my heart racing and not in a good way. If you find yourself feeling these symptoms, you probably weren’t having a heart attack but an anxiety attack. If you suffer from anxiety disorders, learning to manage it is the first step to overcoming it.

Anxiety is characterized as extreme reactions to fearful situations. When someone follows you into a dark alley, those anxious feelings of a racing heartbeat and sweaty palms gives way to heightened senses and a rush of adrenalin that can save your life. This is the fight or flight syndrome. I remember these feelings as a teen when I had to take out the trash. The lack of lighting made our alley a fearful place at night. Fear of the dark can be maddening.

In the case of frequent anxiety, the fearful feelings are dread of a particular situation and not the situation itself. Getting caught in traffic can cause an anxiety attack over what might happen when you get to work late. Starting a new job can bring on anxiety attacks. You don’t know anyone and fear of that unknown can send you into a panic. I am sure my headaches have often times been caused by anxiety.

Everyone experiences panic or anxiety in small ways. Like the fight or flight example, it can save your life. In new situations, we get panicky but when the outcome we fear fails to materialize, the anxiety stops. For someone with chronic anxiety, this is not the case.

Every situation that brings anxiety is not life-threatening. More than likely it is an extremely stressful situation that has brought on the anxiety as a way of dealing with it. Unchecked anxiety of this type can lead to depression.

If you suffer from anxiety attacks on occasion or a more frequent anxiety disorder, there are steps you can take to keep your anxiety under control.

1. See a professional. This is always a good first step. Self-diagnosis of any type of physical or mental condition is unwise and can be dangerous. A professional psychologist can help you understand your anxiety and prescribe medication or other effective techniques.

2. Get a good night’s sleep. During the sleep cycle, your body repairs itself. You feel more rested after several hours of restorative sleep, reaching the REM stage. Most people need eight hours a night which varies within an hour or two each way. (My anxiety brought on insomnia!)

3. Exercise on a consistent basis. Exercise helps you to use oxygen more efficiently. It helps to get more oxygen to the brain. It also increases focus which may help you see solutions to problems rather than simply worrying about them.

4. Meditate. Meditation is more than chanting mantras. Yoga is an exercise that involves quieting the mind and controlling your breathing. Simple mediation such as taking 5 minutes to clear your mind everyday can work wonders in the fight against anxiety.

5. Manage the worry. When you feel your pulse start to quicken, count backwards from ten. As you count, focus on the situation. What has actually happened? Resist the urge to read anything more into the situation.

6. Don’t use alcohol. You might think that the glass of wine is relaxing your tension but alcohol is a depressant. In anxious situations you could rely too heavily on it and gain another problem in the process.

7. Find some relaxing activities. Stress can rob you of your energy. On a regular basis, do something you like such as gardening, painting, reading or listening to music.

Anxiety can come into your life at any time. It’s normal. When the anxiety becomes frequent you could be at risk for more serious conditions. If you feel your anxiety is starting to take over your life or increasingly causing you problems, seek professional help immediately. There is no need to suffer this terrible condition in silence.

Why is it that I can sing the praises of new products in our store but am hesitant to talk about new medical technology? Familiarity. That is the key. I have been in the business of selling carpet for over 30 years. I know how it is made and I am not afraid to tell a customer what I think about a certain yarn system and how it will wear better than another. When it comes to health issues, it is a subject of which I am not as familiar. I have to do my research when making choices involving my health.

A subject that has been drawn to my attention is the the issue of collecting potentially life-saving stem cells found naturally in menstrual blood. I have only recently seen television commercials about the subject. After researching this topic, I am astounded that this technology has not been emphasized to the public. The decision to save stem cells is very important. Every day pre-clinical trials are being performed to find more diseases and health issues that may be helped with stem cell technology. Everyone can benefit from stem cell collection.

Pre-clinical trials using stem cells to treat:
• Heart Disease
• Breast Cancer
• Diabetes
• Stroke

We all know someone who has been troubled with one of the above health issues. The testimonials at the C’Elle website talk about how stem cell collection made a difference when faced with health situations out of their control. Barbara, a C’Elle client told how after much consideration and questioning of her family, she decided to collect her stem cells. She talked of hoping that the cells may someday help should any of her family experience a horrible disease such as Alzheimer’s Disease. She refers to the procedure as reasonable and practical.

If the aspect of the collection seems foreign, be sure to check out the C’Elle Testimonials. It is a lot easier than I thought and the importance must be emphasized. Stem cell collection from menstrual blood is on the cusp of changing lives for so many people.

When you order C’elle now, not only will you save $200 on the $499 annual plan but you will also receive a limited-edition rhinestone engraved C’elle satchel! Just use the code: CNB200 when ordering. Don’t put off doing what might be one of the most important acts of your life. This offer ends on January 31, 2009.

So, how are you doing with your New Year’s resolution list? How many of you are trying to lose weight? How many are trying not to yell at your kids? There are many good resolutions we all should try to resolve. One of the most important resolutions we should try to keep is to live healthier lives. Eat better foods, exercise and get more sleep.

Our health is something that when we are young, we think can never fail us. We feel good and hope to feel that way for a long time. The truth is, we never know what may happen. That said, it is good to take measures to do things that can help us and our families should tragedy or ill health strike.

Women have a unique opportunity to take matters of our health into our own hands. How can we do that? By using C’elle’s method to save and store menstrual blood right from the privacy and comfort of our own homes. Recent studies have shown that vital stem cells may be used to treat osteoporosis which is prevalent in my family. It may also be used to help our parents and children if it becomes necessary for them to battle heart disease and other health issues.

Do your research then check out C’elle’s pricing and place your order at their order now page as you strive to meet your resolutions this year.

Ouch! That looks painful. With everyone texting these days, you would have to wonder when the inevitable would happen. How long would it take our poor thumbs to cry out in distress? Thumbs are not the most dexterous part of the hand. According to WebMD, the thumb is really designed as a stabilizer for pinch gripping with a finger. That is why you only have two of them, not eight. It is the fingers that have dexterity, not the thumb.

Texters are sending messages on over 16 million devices worldwide. Many people soon learn to type 40 words a minute just by using their thumbs. That’s a lot of thumb action. If you’re sending lots of text messages, you may have the trendiest new malady: “BlackBerry thumb.” Hand therapists attribute the malady to working in such a small space with the thumbs. All that repetitive motion can lead to painful swelling of the sheath around the tendons in the thumb.

To prevent or relieve the symptoms of Blackberry thumb, take a break from the device for a while.

Limit your usage and stick with yes and no answers.

Use the tip of a pencil eraser to type your message.

Pay attention to your posture.

Ice down your thumbs.

Check with your physician to see if cortisone shots or surgery is necessary.

I just read an article on CNN online that said that women are germier than men. I just cannot believe that. If they think women have more bacteria on their hands, it is because they are constantly cleaning up the messes others make. You have to read this! I am shocked.

I think I’ll go wash my hands.

The magazines that I subscribe to have me smiling to myself. There are articles on how to live a healthy life, opinions on using a weight loss cream, and how to clean every room in your house. The magazine also has articles on how to make cosmopolitans, recipes for the best ice cream sundaes and how to relax more and live longer. Which way do you go? I am not kidding. For every article that had something to say, there was an article that undid what was said. I think I will unsubscribe from this silly magazine.