Aging Brains Do Better With Exercise

By On · Add Comment · In brain, central nervous system, cognitive function, Dante's Inferno, dendrites, exercise, mentally fit
When it comes to cognitive function, what’s more advantageous to the aging brain, mental or physical exercise? The answer is–BOTH!

That’s right, physical exercise is just as important as mental exercise when it comes to keeping mentally fit. So say researchers who have been studying brain function and aging.

According to experts, memory improved in 72-year olds when they took up a regular walking routine as little as three times per week. The brains of these seniors resembled those of younger people when scanned by sophisticated equipment measuring mental activity. No surprises here as exercise increases blood flow, which is absolutely essential for keeping the brain healthy. Blood brings nutrients and oxygen to a hard working brain keeping it nourished and healthy. Exercise also stimulates hormone production and keeps the central nervous system firing in a rhythmic pattern, which is necessary to keep the machinery running smoothly. You know, just like firing up the ol’ jalopy in the garage every now and again, just to make sure all the parts stay lubricated.

But, of course, mental activity must also take place regularly. As I’ve said in my last podcast (Episode 4), it also pays to keep learning new things. The process of learning developes dendrites–the nerve cell extensions that form neurological pathways. As the researchers of this latest study point out, people who are more mentally active, and especially those who have higher education, have bushier brains. That is, people who keep learning have more dendrites, and thus more neural pathways. The prescence of abundant dendrites causes a bushy appearance of the brain. No wonder my 6th grade math teacher had bushy ears. He was smart! And don’t forget–continued education also prevents Alzheimer’s disease.

So take heed–exercise regularly, and pick up a copy of Dante’s Inferno. That’ll help keep you functioning beautifully for years to come.

More Staph Outbreaks

By On · Add Comment · In antibiotic resistance, antibiotics, bacteria, cold, flu, Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA), staphylococcus aureus, viral infections
Eeeewww. It’s like a creepy movie. Staphylococcus invasion from outer space. Lock up your kids. Lock up your pets. Lock up your livestock. Yecccch!

More staph infections popping up all over the country. One kid dead in Virginia. Eight in New Jersey infected with a Methicillin-resistant strain. See what happens when antibiotics are over-prescribed?

Oh, don’t even try to push the blame on somebody else, Medicos. No, no, no. It was you who gave antibiotics for every single ailment no matter how minor. You gave them to patients that you had diagnosed as having viral infections, despite the fact that antibiotics only work on bacteria.

“But the patient expects to be given something.”

Yeah, and now we have an antibiotic resistant epidemic on our hands. I’m so excited to see the BS fly when public health officials try to explain this one.

Wait! This just in: Five more high school kids infected with Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA). Whew!–they’re spraying the showers and locker rooms. Hmmm…What took so long? Really, really frightening stuff. Just check out this Google page to have your head spin. The number of infections around the country are staggering.

Here is the take home lesson: Antibiotics should be taken only periodically–that is, only when absolutely necessary. When antibiotics are taken for every little cold or flu, bacteria respond by mutating and developing resistance. Every year, I talk to a good dozen people who say, “I wasn’t feeling well, so I just went to my doctor and got antibiotics.” WTF! You really can’t ride out that cold?

So I always respond, “Oh yeah, which bacterial infection are you treating?” Here are the two most common answers in order of frequency:

  1. “Uh, I don’t know.”
  2. “It’s a viral infection.”

“Great, feeling better?”
“Oh yeah. Definitely.”
Yeah. BS. Listen, antibiotics do nothing against viral infections (probably 90% of colds and flu) and now they don’t do nuttin’ against Staph aureus. I sure hope we learn our lesson on this one. But somehow, I doubt it.

Leave Salt Alone

By On · Add Comment · In blood pressure, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), high fructose corn syrup, hypertension, MSG, processed foods, salt, salt sensitivity
You probably think from the title of this piece that I’m going to push the same old “salt is bad for you” junk. Well I’m not, cuz it just ain’t a fact. As much as we are being brainwashed into believing this myth, the science isn’t there to support it yet. So put this one right up there with “fat is bad for you” and “masturbation will give you hairy palms”.

Unfortunately, the powers that be keep jumping into the act. According to recent reports, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering tightening regulations on salt labeling, especially in processed foods. I’ve got no problem with this except that it doesn’t mean dink. It isn’t the salt in processed foods that’s bad for you, but the processing–that is, the chemicals and sythetic foods (MSG, high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, hydrolysed soy bean product, and the like) and the all around poor quality of the food.
These regulations are based on the rationale that lowering salt intake decreases blood pressure in hypertensives—that’s true; it does. However, there is no conclusive evidence that lowered salt intake has beneficial effects in healthy people. This public health fallacy came about when researchers found that some people are salt sensitive. Salt sensitive people do have a dangerous increase in blood pressure when they eat too much salt (i.e. too much for them). Interestingly, public health officials found that it would be a lot easier, and less costly, to recommend salt reduction for all people rather than test the entire population for salt sensitivity. And thus the birth of the low dietary salt fallacy.
Now here’s what I want to get across to you: I couldn’t care less about whether people eat less salt or the government decides to tighten labelling. What I’ve got an issue with is the dissemination of false information. Why should we all direct our lives based on a non-truth? And why should I (or any other salt lover) be forced to eat bland food because of the uninformed public’s desire to be healthy? Get my point? I’m the first one to cheer healthiness…when it’s based on truth. But when somebody tries to feed me bullshot and tells me it’s caviar, I’m sorry, but that shot don’t fly. I’m happy to curb my habits when sound science shows them to be dangerous, but I just don’t like the taste of bland caviar. Now put that in you salt shaker and sprinkle it.
For more on the fallacies of lowered salt intake and lowered blood pressure, please read this great article from Scientific America.

Another Fitness Update

By On · Add Comment · In acidophilus, cardio, chiropractor, overtraining syndrome, weight lifting, yoga

So I’m staying true to my commitment. I’ve been working out regularly but not overdoing it. I always try to be cautious of overtraining syndrome–a real and dangerous situation where pushing yourself too hard, too often, really takes its toll–therefore it has been 3-4 times per week only.

I have added a new component to my physical regimen, though. Having committed to doing one yoga class per week, in addition to my already daily practice, I was starting to feel a bit slacker-like, since I hadn’t yet gotten the ball rolling. But as good fortune has it (or perhaps an energetic force of attraction), I retouched base with an old friend–yoga therapist, Arun Deva. I have since started working with this phenomenal practitioner, really focusing on my specific dysfunctions (tight hip flexors, tight quads, tight shoulders, and some postural stuff). So far, so good–can’t say enough about it. My low back and pelvis are opening up and it feels like we’re taking it to the next level. I have greater range of motion in my gait, and I just feel looser all around. Nice way to walk through life, I’d say.

I’ve been going to the gym every week–usual weights and cardio. And I’ve been practicing my handstands; however, my yoga therapist says right now it’s a practice in futility, at least until I open up my quads and hip flexors, and thus gain more control of my pelvis.

“No!” I said, “I want to do them regardless.”

“Keep dreaming,” he said. For now, I’ll just have to put this goal to the side–all things in due time.

Nutritionally, I’ve been taking my vitamins every day. Vitamins B and C, essential fatty acids, and calcium/magnesium. I’ve also started taking acidophilus to replenish my good bacteria (especially since I realized what I had lost along with my appendix). I take it about 3-4 times per week. Sometimes I forget; it hasn’t yet been lodged into my consciousness and made a habit. I’ve also finished one bottle of chlorophyll and did one five day round of apple cider vinegar with baking soda. Mmmmmm. Delicious. Not.

Ah yes, one last thought. Last week while lifting, I jumped in to an exercise too quickly, without sufficiently warming up and I tweaked my pec (chest muscle). Good reminder that warming up is essential. Also, build-up to your heavier weights, even if with just one preliminary set done at a lighter weight. Anyway, I think I prevented a more serious injury by 1) icing immediately and doing it several times the next day, 2) light stretching and 3) light massage. So if you feel a tweak, ice right away and get it treated as soon as you can get in to see your chiropractor. Till next time.

Anti-Aging Again

By On · Add Comment · In anti-aging, cosmeceuticals, hormone injections, plastic surgery

Anti-aging? Anti-aging? What’s all this about anti-aging?

Don’t you know? I’m just trying to make a billion dollars. Can’t you feel your wrinkles whisking away as you read this? That’s because this is an anti-aging blog–fully endorsed by the Anti-Aging Millionaire Bloggers Association of South America. Just deposit $1,000 into my Swiss PayPal account. Hey, I think I’m on to something here.
No seriously…doesn’t it seem like every health product being sold to us has some anti-aging connection? You’re not imagining it. Anti-aging is HUGE business. Check out the latest episode of the Dr. Nick Show to see where they’re trying to get you.
Listen, you can’t stop aging, but you can certainly slow down the effects. How, Doc, how? What’s the secret? Is it plastic surgery? Hmmm, it does something; but there are risks. Check out some here (Some doctors who specialize in fixing bad cosmetic surgery estimate that approximately 25 percent of their practice involves fixing the mistakes and errors of other surgeons). More danger here. And can you believe that some people are leaving the country to get a bargain nip and tuck.
And how about hormone injections? Well, you’ll probably need a bigger hat–just ask Barry.
Cosmetics? You know when dermatologists jump in, the game has gotten lucrative. Unfortunately, the science behind cosmeceuticals is thin, and danger looms.
Supplements? Log on to the Dr. Nick Show to find out natural ways to slow down the aging process.
What happened to the good ol‘ fashioned anti-aging methods of yesterday? That is, simply lying about your age. Interesting how, as some things change, the more they stay the same.

Step It Up

By On · Add Comment · In antibiotic resistance, Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA), staphylococcus aureus

Oy vey! Disturbing reports are flying out of our nation’s high schools–staph infections are on the rise. Infections are occurring primarily among student athletes and are being contracted in gyms and weight rooms. Yeccch!

C’mon school superintendents–you’ve got to step up the public hygiene. Staphylococcus aureus in our high schools is just NOT acceptable. What it requires is regular and multiple cleanings every day, and signs posted requiring all people using the facilities to wash their hands before and after using the equipment. Period. This goes for all private gyms too. Every health club needs to provide Sani Wipes at every workout area so people can wipe off their machines. And there needs to be health department regulations requiring proper sanitary conditions in all workout facilities in the same way they do in restaurants.

This story just creeps me out. It’s so gross. What ever happened to proper hygiene? It’s one major facet that separates modern, industrialized countries from the third world–we have the knowledge and the ability to practice good hygiene! I swear, some of the stuff I see happening in men’s locker rooms makes my skin crawl (never thought I’d see so many creative uses for electric hair dryers). My book would be titled The Seven Keys to Optimal Health if I didn’t take proper hygiene in this country for granted, but maybe I should have devoted some time to this crucial habit; maybe people just don’t know.

It’s not like this information about weight room hazards has just come out of the blue. It’s been happening for over four years. I speak about it in detail in my upcoming book. And the massive danger goes well beyond the vile–some strains of Staph which are showing up are antibiotic resistant, so they’re seriously hard to treat. These organisms were once confined to hospitals but they’ve shown up in NFL training facilities and now at high schools across the country.

So I’m going to say this loud and clear: Wash your hands, folks! Use the locker room blow dryer for the hair on your head only. And cover up your cuts, especially if you’re sharing workout equipment. Nuff said.

Chocolate Gut

By On · Add Comment · In addiction, bacteria, chocolate, food cravings, food sensitivities, good bacteria
Would you feel better about your chocolate addiction if I told you that it might be related to the make up of your gut bacteria? Well this is the word from scientists who have found different bacterial colonies in the digestive systems of people who crave chocolate. And you thought it was a lack of discipline.

Researchers at the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland (yes, the makers of Quick and Crunch) found that the men who ate chocolate regularly and the weirdos who didn’t (no, really, they were labelled “weird” in the study) had different metabolic byproducts show up in their blood and urine, and these were related to the different bacteria in their intestines. We all have a vast array of bacteria in our digestive systems–called “good” bacteria–some necessary for the digestive process itself and some to prevent the overgrowth of opportunistic organisms, like fungi and other “bad” bacteria (see my post on the appendix’s role in all of this).

What scientist conclude from this study is that our particular gut bacterial make up determines our food cravings. I find this study and its conclusions interesting because I am fully convinced that most everyone has foods that they are sensitive to. This is the principle in Ayurveda; and many other healing systems have been studying these links too. I, in fact, have been treated by a fabulous acupuncturist who gave me a decent guide to my particular food sensitivities by evaluating me and categorizing me into a “body type.” I have to say–he was pretty right on.

In any case, I think this is definitely an area worth studying. For the researchers of this recent work, they felt it might be a way to manipulate the digestive system’s bacterial make-up and help reduce obesity by decreasing food cravings. I don’t know about that, but if they can find a connection between bacterial composition and food sensitivities, I think it can help people stay away from those foods that bother them. Who knows, maybe the endemic proportions of heart burn (acid reflux), gas and bloating could be relieved by such information. We’ll see where they take this one.

Who Are You Kidding?

By On · Add Comment · In children's health insurance, health care quality, medical insurance, wellness
Have you heard? Kids who see doctors regularly get the proper care less than half the time. Huh?! That’s right–a new study conducted by the Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the nonprofit research group, the Rand Corp., found that children received the right care only 47% of the time. As the first comprehensive test of its kind, this study looked at the health care quality for American children. What was especially disturbing was that every one of the 1,536 children in the nationwide study had medical insurance, dealing a serious blow to the notion that a lack of health insurance is what’s leading to diminished health for our nation’s youth. All this on the heels of governmental debate on expanding children’s health insurance.

Although the study did find children’s doctors to fare moderately well in the assessment and treatment of acute medical problems–they got these right 68% of the time–they did poorly when it came to evaluating and treating chronic conditions (53%), and abysmally when it came to recommending preventative care (41%). According to Dr. Joeseph Hagan, a Vermont pediatrician, “They got an ‘F’.” “It’s sad,” he went on to say, “but I think it reflects some unpleasant realities about our current health care system or, I might say, non-system.”

Basically, what the study found was that there was such a wide variance in how doctors treated some of the most common illnesses, and especially how they “promoted health”. Who would think it to be otherwise? Haven’t you heard me say over and over again that our current medical system is based on a paradigm of fighting illness and saving lives, not promoting health and wellness? There’s certainly nothing wrong with that, except that when one industry pretty much monopolizes the entire health care arena, it’s pretty hard to understand the game (health) outside of what that industry tells us it’s supposed to be. And they aren’t yet focusing on the basics of health and wellness, which is all too apparent from this particular study.

My feeling is that it would be wise for American society to restructure the health care system and put everything in its proper place. The medical industry should focus on treating disease and saving lives–it’s what it does best. The task of teaching and directing the public’s health and wellness, though, should come from where it’s has been coming from over the last several decades: chiropractors, acupuncturists, fitness experts, nutritionists, massage therapists, yogis, hypnotherapists, meditation experts, and every other profession that focuses on health and well being. These professionals are in the best position, and have the expertise, to teach our children the aspects of good health. Leave the medical doctors to do what they do best; and open the doors for the new wave of health experts–real health experts. Kill the monopoly. It’ll be OK–form governing boards and create doctorate programs. You’ve got it!–yogic doctors, doctors of exercise physiology, doctors of nutrition, and such–why the heck not? It’ll guarantee competency and weed out the scheisters. That’s the government initiative I’d like to see debated real soon.

Many Advantages to Mental Sharpness

By On · Add Comment · In Alzheimer's disease, central nervous system, conscientousness, dendrites, mental sharpness, mindfulness

Being conscientious and focused can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s later in life, current research shows. According to a study started in 1994 and involving Catholic nuns, priests and brothers (read about it in detail in The Six Keys To Optimal Health, coming soon), people who are conscientious–that is, those who are governed by or conform to the dictates of conscience, are self-disciplined, and scrupulous –are half as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as they age.

According to Robert S. Wilson, professor of neuropsychology at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and lead author of a report in the October Archives of General Psychiatry, conscientiousness is “a broad-based trait that is particularly about impulse control, self-discipline and delayed gratification.” The study’s findings seemed to hold up even when the researchers controlled for other personality traits and risk factors such as physical, cognitive and social activity, among others.

I’m really not surprised by these findings. One of the major premises in my upcoming book is the importance of keeping mentally sharp. Mental sharpness includes cognitive ability which depends on continuous education, focus and discipline which depend on consciousness, or better yet–mindfulness, and keeping one’s perspective balanced (more on this later–really, read my book–it’s all in there). All of these activities stimulate dendritic growth; that is the formation of new nerve pathways that keep the central nervous system functioning at optimal levels.

Hey, we’ve all got a choice to live a life of consciousness or one without. No judgements here, but a conscious life–to me–just seems fuller . It’s not easy and definitely not always a joy. Dammit, a conscious life is painful. But isn’t life about every side? Good, bad; easy, tough; cake, dung? Experiencing all sides is what life is truly about. And sticking to your guns, that is, staying true to who you are (not giving in) during trying times is precisely what determines conscientiousness. It’s not just about how you act but how you see things. What’s really important is not avoiding life’s drudgeries, but instead embracing them and carrying them out–that is the secret to conscientiousness.

Meditation Improves Lives in Five Days

By On · Add Comment · In cortisol, integrative meditation, meditation, relaxation training, stress

We’ve all heard that meditation reduces stress. And who doesn’t know about meditation’s ability to clear the mind? But a new study out of the University of Oregon has found that as little as 20 minutes of meditation over 5 days shows greater improvement in attention and overall mood, as well as lower levels of anxiety, depression, anger and fatigue.

The study looked at 40 Chinese students, half getting instructed in integrative meditation, while the other half taken through relaxation training only. The meditation group showed greater increases when tested for attention, and they also showed improvements in mood, and lower reactions to mental stressors as measured by “stress-related cortisol levels”. According to the authors of the study, integrative meditation incorporates “several key components body and mind techniques including body relaxation, breathing adjustment, mental imagery, and mindfulness training.

Definitely thumbs up to this one, mostly because I’m pleased to see our nation’s universities giving this vital health practice some time and research money. And hats off to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences which published the study–it’s high time we look deeper into the incredible power of the mind and investigate what other cultures have simply taken for granted. I speak at length about meditation in my upcoming book, The Six Keys To Optimal Health. I am convinced that everybody should be doing it. And as I tell my patients: even ten minutes a day will have profound effects on your life.

That reminds me…have you heard the one about the Buddhist who went into a Burger King? He said, “Make me one with everything.”

Ommmmmmmmm……

Here are some meditation resources if you’re interested:

The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh (a personal favorite)

Meditations for Manifesting by Dyer, Wayne W.(August 1, 1995) Audio CD by Wayne Dyer (good CD for beginners)

Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life by Shakti Gawain (the first book of this kind I’d ever read)

Seeking The Self Through Meditation (E-book) by Moi (good book for beginners)

Everything Has a Function

By On · Add Comment · In appendectomy, appendicitis, appendix, good bacteria, normal flora
Well, well, well. Tsk, tsk. Medical science has to eat yet another mistake–the idea that the appendix is just a rudimentary appendage. The conventional wisdom for years has been that the appendix was nothing more than a remnant of a bygone developmental stage. As a result, doctors have been quick to remove it; a routine surgery they call it–an appendectomy. But this news just in: Scientists now believe that the appendix produces and protects good germs for your gut.

I knew it, I knew it. There’s just no way, through millions of years of evolution, that we would continue to form a “useless” appendage. Evolution does not work that way. Anybody remember the so-called uselessness of the tonsils ? Mm hm, I lost mine back in 1972. They were also considered unnecessary–that is, until medical science realized their importance in immune function. Duh. Can I have my tonsils back please?
I also lost my useless appendix last year, one month following the birth of my daughter (I couldn’t let my wife get all the attention, now could I?). I never felt real easy about the situation. I mean, it is attached to my colon; it must do something. But we didn’t know what. Now we do. It provides the normal flora of our gastrointestinal tract–the same stuff that helps prevent the overgrowth of opportunistic organisms like fungi or other bacterial species. If the normal flora die or get purged–like through amoebic dysentery, cholera, or the overuse of antibiotics today–then the appendix simply reboots the system. Nice. Isn’t the human body amazing?
For me the take home lesson is this. Man is not smarter than Mother Nature (please read my article on Innate Intelligence). Just because we can’t figure something out does not mean it doesn’t exist; or in the case of the appendix–doesn’t have a function. Isn’t it wiser to assume that there is a function to every body part and that we should try to save them until we figure it out?
Well, medical science is making sure to cover their bases. The authors of the paper on the role of the appendix have made sure to point out that the function of producing good bacteria is “not needed in a modern industrialized society”. According to Duke surgery professor Bill Parker, a study co-author, “If a person’s gut flora dies, they can usually repopulate it easily with germs they pick up from other people. But before dense populations in modern times and during epidemics of cholera that affected a whole region, it wasn’t as easy to grow back that bacteria and the appendix came in handy.” Yeah, I’d say that too if I was teaching people the finer points of yanking organs.
In any case, there’s no doubt that an inflamed appendix (appendicitis) can be deadly. So I’m not too upset about losing mine. However, I still think that working to find an alternative solution to treating appendicitis should be studied. Until then, conventional wisdom will continue to see the appendix as extra baggage.

October Fitness Plan Update

By On · Add Comment · In exercise, lifestyle habit, metabolism, stretching

OK, I’m baa-aaack. Vacation and illness out of the way–it’s Hammer Time…

Back to the gym tonight for the first time in two weeks. While in New York, stretching was the limit to my regimen. I did it every day, though. When I returned home, I got sick immediately, and I pretty much just focused on work and rest.

It’s cool–no problem. I don’t stress out in these moments because I know I’ll be back, so no need to guilt trip myself. I just go into it knowing that my first session back will have to be scheduled, and then I’ll have to stick to it no matter what. No “playing it by ear” crap.

And get this: I lost a pound of weight. How do you like that? I got to rest, and I didn’t gain any weight–I actually lost weight! Chuckle. That’s what happens when you work out regularly. You can get by for a week or two without having to worry about slowing down your metabolism. However, when it gets to be three or four weeks…or a month! you better not count on maintaining your metabolism. Anyway, when you make exercise a lifestyle habit, you won’t have to trip if you miss some time because–you’ll be back–it’s what you do.

Not much more to report. Ready for the soreness.

Tough Being a Parent

By On · Add Comment · In Body, Mind

Wow! Being a parent is tough. So much to think about–so much to know. My daughter has been sick for two weeks now with a cold, and it has turned into a pretty nasty ear infection. It’s been rough. Check out this months article titled, Putting a New Light on Illness, to see how I believe we need to approach such matters.But again, being a parent is tough. Take, for example, childhood learning. As parents we want to do the right things for our tykes. So we buy them Baby Einstein products, enroll them in music classes, and read them Goethe. But is it really doing anything or are we just fools for marketing? According to new research, one of the best things you can do to enhance your child’s language development is give them a set of blocks. Blocks? Wooden or plastic geometrically cuboid shapes? Not computer programs, DVDs, language tapes, or Graciela, the Guatemalan Spanish tutor? Just plain old blocks?

Yup! So says a study out of the University of Washington. Unstructured play with blocks stimulates thinking, memory and physical mastery of objects at a time when a child’s brain is growing rapidly, says Dimitri Christakis, the author of the study. Apparently blocks “are the precursors of thought and language,” he wrote in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, “Older children begin to make up stories or scripts for these objects …” And even better, such play may substitute for less stimulating activity like watching television.

Speaking of T.V., you must know how I feel about watching too much of this junk. Just call it brain Twinkies. It isn’t great for adults, but it’s particularly problematic for children. At a time when their delicate nervous system and brain are developing rapidly, children should really be engaging in stimulating activities like playing with toys, imitating Mom and Dad doing household chores, reading (if they are old enough), and listening to wholesome music (it doesn’t have to be Beethoven, but you probably want to lay off the Tupac for a while). Watching T.V. should really be minimal, if at all.

According to a recent study published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, children younger than 2-years-old shouldn’t watch any T.V. at all, while children older than 2 should limit their viewing to less than two hours a day. These conclusions are the result of multiple studies showing high levels of television viewing in children leading to social and behavioral problems–like ADHD–later in life. This current study, though, is the first to point out that, even if television viewing is high in toddlers, parents can prevent problems by curbing the bad habit by age 5 1/2. That’s good news for parents who have been unaware. But now you know folks, so pull that Dummy Tube out of Junior’s bedroom tonight.

On a final note, yet another recent study shows that less than one third of all U.S. children are recieving nutritional supplements. Now c’mon people–getting adequate nutrients is essential to good health (it’s one of the key points in my upcoming book), and let’s face it, today’s American diet is severely lacking in nutritional value. So you’ve got to supplement, as do the kids. Saying that–supplements should never substitute for a nutritious and wholesome diet. They supplement. But to ensure both you and your child good health, you probably want to get a good vitamin and mineral supplement today. According to the study, “children using supplements were more likely to be thinner, from a higher-income family without smokers, and spend less time with television and video games.” What do you know? Sounds like these families know what’s up. You can too–just start today. As I said before, being a parent is tough, but keeping up with the latest information helps significantly. I hope this info has made your job just a little bit easier.

Smart Food

By On · Add Comment · In Atkins Diet, carbohydrates, cognitive function, diet, high carb, lose weight, low carb, mood, South Beach Diet

Which diet is better? A low carb, high protein diet like Atkins or South Beach? Or a high carb, low fat diet–the type pushed by the sponsors of the food pyramid? Well as far as weight loss is concerned, you know my opinion–calories are calories. So, either way, you’ll gain weight if your calorie intake is greater than what you burn.

But one thing we know for certain: Diets that are higher in carbohydrates seem to fare better for those involved in intense mental activity. And now we’ve got further evidence. Recent research shows that, although both low carb, low fat and high carb, low fat diets help people lose weight, the latter will actually help increase cognitive processing. That is, high carb diets help the brain work faster.

Yup, you all knew that right? Glucose–a carbohydrate–is the only fuel suitable for the brain; therefore, carbohydrate is essential. In the study, overweight and obese men and women were fed either a high carb or low carb diet for eight weeks. The researchers then looked at mood and cognitive function (through intelligence and reasoning tests). Mood was not affected by the amount of carbohydrate consumed, but those eating more carbs solved problems faster.

I find this important information because I am often asked what I think about the low carb diet. My standard answer: Eat everything in balanced moderation, and increase carb or protein depending on your activities. Working hard at the office? Increase your carbs a little. Fruits are best, but grains are good too; just don’t make Pringles your carb of choice (well, OK, have a few). Working out a lot? Increase your protein intake. Try nuts, cheese, turkey meatballs, chocolate milk (yes, it’s good too…in moderation), or whatever floats your boat. All this information, and more, is in my soon to be released book, The Six Keys To Optimal Health. Just follow basic principles and forget the fads, man. Fads come and go (remember food combining and Fit for Life?), but principles are forever. So be smart and eat well. It doesn’t have to be rocket science.

 

Annual Medical Check Up: Wasted Time and Money

By On · Add Comment · In annual check-up, ECG, medical physical, preventive care

A recent study meant to look at the value of trips to doctor’s offices has confirmed what astute critics have felt for years–the annual medical physical is bunch of bunk. According to the study, about 63 million Americans visit medical offices for routine annual physicals every year spending $7.8 billion.

The study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, points out that “more than 80 percent of preventive care provided by doctors does not take place during this annual check-up. And more than $350 million worth of potentially unnecessary medical tests are performed.” No kidding. You mean, providing a healthy 39-year-old man with an expensive heart ECG (stress test) isn’t a responsible, or cost effective, screening measure? You don’t say. It’s only about $129 a pop. Ah, insurance will cover it. But wait, now experts are saying that these tests shouldn’t be provided for anybody with less than two risk factors: cigarette smoking, high blood pressure or high serum cholesterol levels, diabetes, or a family history of coronary disease before age 55.

So what else do you get at an annual check up? Urinalysis–not necessary for people withot symptoms. Blood cholesterol screening–only need it every five years. Stool samples–only in the over-50 set. Saying that, it is still recommended for women to get annual Pap smears as well as annual breast exams once they hit 40. But for the most part, these yearly physicals do little more than increase costs. According to Dr. Ateev Mehrotra of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the RAND Corp., who led the study, “We need to question encouraging everybody to come in for an annual physical. There’s a lot of money, a lot of visits, a lot of adults going to see their doctor for annual physical exams with a real unclear benefit. It’s the No. 1 reason adults see their doctor, and yet we don’t know whether it’s helpful or not.”

Obviously keeping an eye on your health is important. And having a set of educated and experienced eyes looking at you is helpful. But the long outdated medical exam needs be changed. Thank goodness sensible minds in the medical community are questioning this practice and are stimulating change. The world is changing rapidly and we need to alter many of our outmoded ways and procedures to keep relevant in the modern world. One of the most crucial areas in which change is needed is in how we view and care for our health. Studies like this one are definitely a good start, but we’ve still got work to do. Thankfully, human consciousness is transforming–leading us into new frontiers.

Political Correctness and Health

By On · Add Comment · In education, health, health care, income, poverty, socioeconomic status, universal health care

I try. I really do. But sometimes I just can’t help it. As much as I want to leave the political stuff to political writers, every once in a while I’ve got to speak up. According to findings of a new study, education levels and socioeconomic status have important yet different effects on health.

According to the study, a person’s education level independently (when adjusted for income) determined a person’s likelihood of becoming ill or disabled. OK, no problem there. We know that the more educated a person is, the more likely he or she will know which behaviors are health enhancing and which are detrimental. Further, more education leads to a better understanding of various and alternative therapies, thus leading to a greater probability of self-empowerment when it comes to one’s health.

Socioeconomic status, on the other hand, determined how a person’s illness would progress. Whether an illness became chronic and how likely a person was to die during the study also depended on one’s income level. For instance, ill or disabled people with annual incomes below $10,000 were three times more likely of their illness progressing than people earning $30,000 or more per year. Also no surprises here, as lower income individuals are less likely to seek out or afford quality health care.

However, here is what I take exception to: According to Dr. Pamela Herd of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the study’s lead author, the findings are “really about the way that poverty has negative ramifications for health,” noting that poor people may live in worse housing, have a more difficult time obtaining healthy foods, and have a tougher time getting health care. And poverty can increase stress levels, she adds, which in itself can worsen health.

Uh, and how about the other factor? Like how being financially stable, let alone wealthy, requires focus, discipline, and plenty of blood, sweat, and tears. All the same things needed to achieve and maintain good health. It also requires being proactive and empowering oneself in many areas including education, finance, professional life, social life, family life, and spiritual life. How about that?

I know that’s not the PC thing to say. Oh no, it’s much more correct to say that being “stuck” in poverty is a form of victimization; poor people being at the mercy of circumstance, of which they have very little, if any, control at all. Moreover, for one to pull oneself out of poverty, or at least survive, is highly dependent on social and governmental change. I guess this means socialized…oops, I mean universal health care. Says Dr. Herd, “We already know what people need to do to be healthier. What we talk about a lot less is what kind of structural changes need to be made for people’s health to improve.”

What a bunch of baloney. No doubt, education and economic levels enormously influence health. But I hardly think it’s because people don’t have medical care at their fingertips. Hell, in a lot of ways, those that don’t are the lucky ones; at least they can investigate other options. More likely, those people who diligently focus on their mental growth, and in turn their financial growth (even if it’s relatively modest), also focus on their physical health (to varying degrees, of course). And, in general, they probably treat their health with the same care and discipline that they approach other aspects of their lives.

There, I’ve said it and I’m sticking by it. This isn’t a belligerent bout of insensitivity at all; no sir. It’s an observation that any type of growth requires work–hard work–as well as focus, discipline, and a burning desire for evolution, despite one’s obstacles (we’ve all got obstacles, and money is simply one of the many in existence). Achieving and maintaining great health also requires these same things. And the power is in the individual. Everything else is just a cop out.

A Case Against Statins

By On · Add Comment · In atherosclerosis, bad cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, essential fatty acids, good cholesterol, HDL, heart disease, LDL, magic bullets, statins
One of the first things doctors learn in rudimentary physiology class is that, when it comes to preventing heart disease, high HDL or “good” cholesterol is more important than low LDL or “bad” cholesterol. In fact, HDL levels are four times greater than LDL levels in their ability to predict the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Basic, basic, basic physiology.

But an interesting thing happens between doctor school and practicing–it’s called influence from the outside world. In the case of doctors, that influence often comes from pharmaceutical industry. C’mon Campos, not another evil pharmaceutical industry story (hey, I haven’t written one yet, please). No, no–it’s more like another example of how we’ve come to worship outside factors when it comes to our health. Check this one out.

Recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that no matter how much bad cholesterol is lowered in the blood, it’s the amount of good cholesterol that still reigns supreme. Yes, the concentration of your HDLs (high density lipoproteins) plays a vital part in preventing cardiovascular diseases, like heart attacks and strokes.

Yeah, so? Well if you haven’t heard yet, those hyper-pedastalized miracle drugs known as statins are some of the most prescribed drugs of our day. Statins work by lowering LDL (low density lipoproteins) levels in the blood, and this, it has been promised, will lower our risk of heart disease. Great! Prescribe them like crazy. People don’t work out. People don’t eat right. Who cares? Give ’em statins. You’ve got boderline high cholesterol. Statins. You’re almost diabetic? Statins. You’ve seen the cholesterol commercial and you’re concerned? Statins.

Statins. Statins. Statins.

Well I’ve got news for you. You want to lower your risk of cardiovasular disease? You’ve got to watch what you eat and work out, period. Oh yeah…it’ll help if you quit smoking too, but how about just starting with exercise? You see, I’ve got a real problem with the idea of looking for magic bullets. They are illusions, people–ILLUSIONS! They give false security and false hopes. Nothing in life is free. You’ve got to work for everything. Exercise. Diet. That’s the real answer. Not statins.

OK, I’ll be fair. For people who have dangerously high levels of LDLs–if I was their MD–I’d give them statins for a very brief period, and I’d absolutely prescribe heavy doses of lifestyle management (read: nutrition and exercise). But I wouldn’t perscribe statins for people with boderline normal cholesterol levels as some Dr. Idiots are recommending (also read this–effin’ scary).

According to Dr. Philip Barter of the Heart Research Institute in Sydney, one of the lead authors of the study, “Even when LDL is taken down to very low levels, the kind of levels people say should be the aggressive targets, having a low HDL is still associated with a substantial increase in risk. (emphasis mine)” So, basically, you’ve got to work to bring your HDL levels up to par. And here’s the beauty: It’s the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL that really matters (see this brilliant explanation here), where total cholesterol = HDL+LDL. Therefore, HDL+LDL/HDL. So, if you bring up your HDL levels, you don’t need statins. Duh.

OK, here’s how you can raise your HDL levels–exercise regularly, eat wholesome foods, take essential fatty acids, and moderate your smoking and drinking habits. And you can naturally decrease your LDL levels by decreasing saturated fat intake, maintaining good body composition, increasing dietary fiber, and increasing aerobic exercise. Booyah!

But wait…fugdat. Ain’t there a drug I can take, Homey?

Sure Pfizer is working on one. It’s called torcetrapib. Oh wait. It killed people in a large drug trial. Oh well–I guess you’ve gotta work out. Says Barter again: The alternative is to “become lean and become very active. That’s probably as effective as anything we have at the moment. But most people who try don’t succeed,” Barter said. “The biggest frustration is that we don’t have the magic bullet like we do for the LDL.”

Ah yes, the ‘ol magic bullet. Well, keep looking–it’s your time, your money, and your health. If you want to believe, then be my guest. But I’ll just be over here dancing with the Tooth Fairy.

Sleep or Die!

By On · Add Comment · In heart attack, heart disease, sleep, stroke

OK, it’s been a while–vacation–but I’m back, so here goes. Research shows that people who do not get adequate sleep are twice as likely to die of heart disease. A 17-year British study looked at 10,000 government workers. Those who cut their sleep from seven hours a night to five or less had two times as much chance of dying of any cause, but especially from heart disease. Although the reasons for this are as of yet unknown, researchers believe it has to do with increased blood pressure, leading to heart attack and stroke, in those consistently robbing the sandman.

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times, sleep is absolutely essential to maintaining good health. The importance of this study is that in today’s high paced, produce or crumble culture, more and more people are depriving themselves of sleep–and now we know it can kill you.

Hey, I’m the first one to admit that forcing oneself to rest is tough. I know–I run a business, I have a family, I blog!–sometimes, sleep has got to take the back burner. But consistently missing sleep will catch up with you sooner or later. It increases your risk of catching colds or flu. It increases your chances of injuring yourself or having an accident. And it disrupts your mental function and mental capacity significantly. So do yourself a favor: shut off the T.V., say goodnight to your friends, and go to bed–it’ll save you a few years of life. Now you know.

Update on the Campos Return to Fitness

By On · Add Comment · In bench press, chlorophyll, crunches, curls, dips, french presses, gym, handstands, lat pull downs, leg presses, plank pose, reverse crunches, seated rows, side plank, sleep, walking lunges, yoga

Well, I’ve made it a week and I haven’t died. But I sure am sore. Especially my legs. I’ve been to the gym five times since my proclamation at the beginning of the month, and I return tonight, tomorrow and the next day. Whew. I’m sweating already.

OK, here goes–I’ve been pounding my legs with walking lunges (left), leg presses and high-knee step ups on a platform four layers high (right). I’ve done preliminary bench presses, lat pull downs, and seated rows–all on machines, just to get my body warmed up. I started slow the first time, doing two sets of 8-10 reps depending on the exercise, and have increased it to two sets 10-12 reps of everything (except walking lunges, which I started with 40 steps and have increased to 60).

I’ve done some light arm work (biceps curls and French presses for the triceps) and my usual dips. And, of course, I’ve been doing my regular ab routine, which includes plank pose, side plank, crunches, reverse crunches, and hip raises. I just started working on the handstands the other day, just working on kicking up and holding. I can see this is going to be a challenge. I’ve also walked Runyon Canyon once, jogging the final 150 yards. That was tough, but fun. I kept hearing the theme from Rocky playing in my head oddly enough–I definitely need to get more original.

Been drinking lots of water, some chlorophyll, and taking some vitamins (just put in a big order for all kinds of good supplements, so that’ll increase within the next week or so). As I suspected, going to bed by 10 pm and waking up by 6 am has been my greatest challenge, but I’m optimistic. Heck, if I can do it even three times a week, I’ll be psyched. Getting enough sleep is huge for me, and it’s definitely my biggest neglect. Finally, I stretch every day, but haven’t yet made it to a yoga class. I will. I’ve still got time.

There it is. Nothing more to report….oh yeah…I have weighed myself. Check this out, this is interesting: I weighed in at 164 lbs. after the first week. What?!?! Did I measure wrong the first time? I’ve already lost three pounds? Ah, not so fast–I was back up to 165 the following session, then 166, and then 165 again, which is where I stand now. So, if you ever weigh yourself, understand that these fluctuations occur, especially in the beginning. Lots of times weight loss is due to water loss–never a good thing, so don’t get prematurely excited. A pound a week is healthy, and that’s what I’m shooting for. Alrighty then, till next time.

Lonely Genes

By On · Add Comment · In emotions, genes, gratitude, health, immune system, lonliness, social isolation

Do our emotions affect our health? Clearly they have an impact. But current research is uncovering how much influence they really have. Scientists have found that people who describe themselves as chronically lonely are more likely to get sick and die young, and much of it has to do with their immune systems gone haywire.

The lonely person has a distinct pattern of genetic activity, almost all of it involving the immune system, a recent study shows. According to one of the lead authors, Steve W. Cole, a molecular biologist at the University of California Los Angeles, “What this study shows is that the biological impact of social isolation reaches down into some of our most basic internal processes–the activity of our genes.” Previous studies have shown a correlation between loneliness and infections, high blood pressure, insomnia, cancer, and premature death, but this is the first study that has shown distinct genetic activity of social isolation.

The obvious question, then, is do these illnesses lead one to feel more isolated and thus lonely, or does loneliness lead to physiological changes? That’s what the authors of this study set to find out. They looked at all 22,000 genes of the human body to see where changes took place and found them to occur in a set of 200 genes, many involved in immune function.

This information is big. It is a groundbreaking study in an area that I believe is the future of human health and healing–the role of the mind in health and physiological function. Most forward thinking healers know that you cannot separate the mind from the body, but now we have concrete evidence, and this should hopefully open the doors to further investigation. I am certain that loneliness is just the tip of the iceberg–chronic guilt, resentment, and ingratitude must also have a tremendous impact on the human body; it’s just a matter of time before we find out how much so. The exciting news is that it must work in the opposite way as well. A strong social network, support, and a feeling of belonging must also enhance the health. And I’m certain that being in a state of gratitude has physical benefits well beyond what we can comprehend at the moment. So hats off to these innovative researchers for opening the doors to the future–I can’t wait to see what else is inside.

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