Why Supplements?: WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released the new study this week at a news conference where cancer organizations gathered in hopes of drawing attention to the worldly threat of the disease. According to the report, "The global cancer burden doubled in the last thirty years of the twentieth century, and it is estimated that this will double again between 2000 and 2020, and nearly triple by 2030.” The report forecast that 26.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer yearly by 2030 with 17 million dying.
The recent report identified some of the challenges in cancer care. The report highlighted the fact that in Africa palliative care is very limited because the use of narcotics are not allowed by law in some countries. Many countries have limited funds in their health budgets and high rates of communicable diseases. IARC’s Dr. Peter Boyle pointed out that cancer treatments in these less fortunate countries are scarce and out of reach for many of the population. Because help is so out of reach life saving treatments are very seldom available. Dr. Boyle said during a news conference, “This is going to present amazing problems at every level, in every society worldwide.”
Cancer cases have migrated from being seen mostly in the Westernized, wealthy, industrialized world to the less fortunate poor and middle-income countries. More people in poor countries are killed by cancer than HIV, malaria, and TB combined The recent gathering of organizations for the news conference where WHO released their report was “unprecedented” with representatives from the American Cancer Society, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Susan G. Komer for the Cure and the National Cancer Institute of Mexico being present. The organizations hope to draw attention to the global affects and threat of cancer. They are asking the U.S. government to help with six main efforts including, helping fund cervical cancer vaccines and to endorse an international treaty to control tobacco.
.
Dr. Boyle said, “The rapid increase in the global cancer burden represents a real challenge for health systems worldwide. However, there is a clear message of hope: although cancer is a devastating disease, it is largely preventable. We know that preventive measures such as tobacco control, reduction of alcohol consumption increased physical activity, vaccination for Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and screening and awareness could have a great impact on reducing the global cancer burden.”
Source: http://www.healthnews.com/disease-illness/cancer-will-be-worlds-leading-killer-by-2010-2261.html
Why Supplements?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Diabetes During Pregnancy Soars
Why Supplements?: The rate of diabetes among pregnant women is soaring as they have children later in life and grow fatter. The rate of gestational diabetes (GD) for women aged between 15-49 climbed more than 20 per cent between 2000-01 and 2005-06.
The number of GD patients at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital has soared more than 100 per cent over the past eight years, GD expert, Michael d'Emden, said. GD is a form of diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy that lasts the duration of the pregnancy.
The first national snapshot on the condition was released by the Australian Institute on Health and Welfare today. Other key findings of the report were that in 2005-06: 4.6 per cent of women, or more than 12,400 women, aged 15-49 years who gave birth in hospital were diagnosed with GD. One per cent of women aged 15-19 years were diagnosed with GD, compared with 13 per cent of women aged 44-49.
Women born overseas had double the risk of being diagnosed with GD, compared with those born in Australia. Women born in Southern Asia had more than three times the risk of being diagnosed with GD than Australian-born women. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 1.5 times the rate of other Australian women. Midwives at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital are now using a computer decision support program to manage patients with the condition, rather than patients seeing a doctor.
Dr d'Emden said women having children later in life and ballooning waistlines were factors in the massive GD increase. "Women who are overweight who get gestational diabetes have about a 50 per cent chance of progressing on to get Type 2 diabetes in 10 years time," he said. Women can reduce their risk of GD by regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and controlling their weight.
Source: www.aap.com.au
Why Supplements?
The number of GD patients at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital has soared more than 100 per cent over the past eight years, GD expert, Michael d'Emden, said. GD is a form of diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy that lasts the duration of the pregnancy.
The first national snapshot on the condition was released by the Australian Institute on Health and Welfare today. Other key findings of the report were that in 2005-06: 4.6 per cent of women, or more than 12,400 women, aged 15-49 years who gave birth in hospital were diagnosed with GD. One per cent of women aged 15-19 years were diagnosed with GD, compared with 13 per cent of women aged 44-49.
Women born overseas had double the risk of being diagnosed with GD, compared with those born in Australia. Women born in Southern Asia had more than three times the risk of being diagnosed with GD than Australian-born women. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 1.5 times the rate of other Australian women. Midwives at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital are now using a computer decision support program to manage patients with the condition, rather than patients seeing a doctor.
Dr d'Emden said women having children later in life and ballooning waistlines were factors in the massive GD increase. "Women who are overweight who get gestational diabetes have about a 50 per cent chance of progressing on to get Type 2 diabetes in 10 years time," he said. Women can reduce their risk of GD by regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and controlling their weight.
Source: www.aap.com.au
Why Supplements?
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Get Off The Path To Diabetes
Why Supplements?: According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 57 million Americans who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition people develop before the onset of type-2 diabetes. It is more common in women, and a person's risk increases with age and weight.
"Pre-diabetes occurs in individuals when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to be called diabetes," says Carolyn Swithers, director of the Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington. "It is alarming that people can have pre-diabetes and not even know it."
Research has shown that some long-term damage to the body — especially the heart and circulatory system — already might be occurring during pre-diabetes.
"The good news is that you can take steps to delay or prevent type-2 diabetes with regular physical activity such as walking almost every day, reducing fat and calorie intake and weight loss," Swithers says. "Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy. Diabetes is a serious disease. It is not just a "touch of sugar.' If you delay or prevent it, you will enjoy better health in the long run."
Diabetes is common, but a person can reduce their risk by losing even a small amount of weight. Choose whole grain products. Snack on fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. Pass on seconds. Eat half of your dessert. See a dietitian for help in making healthy food choices. Keep a food and exercise log.
Small steps lead to big rewards.
"Regular exercise tackles several risk factors at once," Swithers says. "It helps you lose weight, keeps your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, helps your body use insulin more effectively, cuts the risk of heart attack, strengthens your immune system, eases arthritis pain, protects against osteoporosis and keeps you thinking sharp as you age."
Research also proved that people who are physically active for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, reduced their risk of type-2 diabetes. A person who is not very active should start slowly, talking with a physician first about what kinds of exercise would be safe.
Experts recommend making a plan to increase one's activity level toward the goal of being active at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Wear a pedometer and do 10,000 steps a day. Ask a friend to walk with you. Walk to church or temple instead of driving. Walk the dog more often. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Yoga is another form of exercise that can help reduce blood sugar levels, blood pressure and weight.
Changing the way you eat and increasing your activity can delay or prevent type-2 diabetes.
"One of the most important things about diabetes is that it is a controllable disease," Swithers says. "How you manage your diabetes care is very much up to you. You decide what and when to eat. You decide whether to exercise."
DON'T BE A STATISTIC
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 24 hours:
The Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management offers a program to help individuals reduce their risk for pre-diabetes. Classes are held the second Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. The fee for the program is $40, and more information is available by calling 908-237-6920.
Source: http://www.mycentraljersey.com
Why Supplements?
"Pre-diabetes occurs in individuals when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to be called diabetes," says Carolyn Swithers, director of the Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington. "It is alarming that people can have pre-diabetes and not even know it."
Research has shown that some long-term damage to the body — especially the heart and circulatory system — already might be occurring during pre-diabetes.
"The good news is that you can take steps to delay or prevent type-2 diabetes with regular physical activity such as walking almost every day, reducing fat and calorie intake and weight loss," Swithers says. "Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy. Diabetes is a serious disease. It is not just a "touch of sugar.' If you delay or prevent it, you will enjoy better health in the long run."
Diabetes is common, but a person can reduce their risk by losing even a small amount of weight. Choose whole grain products. Snack on fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. Pass on seconds. Eat half of your dessert. See a dietitian for help in making healthy food choices. Keep a food and exercise log.
Small steps lead to big rewards.
"Regular exercise tackles several risk factors at once," Swithers says. "It helps you lose weight, keeps your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, helps your body use insulin more effectively, cuts the risk of heart attack, strengthens your immune system, eases arthritis pain, protects against osteoporosis and keeps you thinking sharp as you age."
Research also proved that people who are physically active for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, reduced their risk of type-2 diabetes. A person who is not very active should start slowly, talking with a physician first about what kinds of exercise would be safe.
Experts recommend making a plan to increase one's activity level toward the goal of being active at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Wear a pedometer and do 10,000 steps a day. Ask a friend to walk with you. Walk to church or temple instead of driving. Walk the dog more often. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Yoga is another form of exercise that can help reduce blood sugar levels, blood pressure and weight.
Changing the way you eat and increasing your activity can delay or prevent type-2 diabetes.
"One of the most important things about diabetes is that it is a controllable disease," Swithers says. "How you manage your diabetes care is very much up to you. You decide what and when to eat. You decide whether to exercise."
DON'T BE A STATISTIC
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 24 hours:
- More than 4,000 adults are diagnosed with diabetes.
- About 40 children and adolescents are diagnosed with type-1 diabetes.
- Ten children and adolescents are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes.
- Approximately 200 people die from diabetes.
- Around 200 people with diabetes have a nontraumatic lower-limb amputation.
- Roughly 130 people with diabetes develop kidney failure
- Nearly 50 adults go blind.
The Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management offers a program to help individuals reduce their risk for pre-diabetes. Classes are held the second Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. The fee for the program is $40, and more information is available by calling 908-237-6920.
Source: http://www.mycentraljersey.com
Why Supplements?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Why Supplements? Pre-diabetes, The Silent Epidemic
Pre-diabetes, also known as metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG), is an early sign that you may be at risk of developing full-blown type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is a stage where there is high insulin levels, high triglycerides. low HDL (good) cholesterol, insulin resistance, a growing waistline and blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. In other words, you are in the gray zone between "normal" and "diabetic". You are a pre-diabetic if your blood glucose levels are between 5.6 mmol/l and 6.9 mmol/l.
Symptoms of pre-diabetes develop so gradually that most people affected by this condition often don't recognize it until it is too late. At this stage, vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, arteries, nerves, eyes would have started to deteriorate due to the high insulin level in the blood caused by the body cells being insensitive to the insulin. People who are pre-diabetic have a 40% to 50% chance of developing into type 2 diabetes within 10 years. A good percentage of pre-diabetic people are over 40 years of age.
Pre-diabetes is caused by a combination of a weakened secretion of insulin and reduced sensitivity of the body cells to insulin (insulin resistance). Insulin resistance occurs when the pancreas secretes normal amount of insulin to regulate sugar but the body cells do not respond. If no preventive measures are taken to bring down the blood sugar level to a normal level, the pancreas would over a period of time becomes totally overworked and would be unable to produce enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance, resulting in your sugar levels rising to abnormally high levels. The excess sugar build up in the blood would then spills over to the urine and passes out of the body and eventually, this would lead to type 2 diabetes.
Although pre-diabetes is a serious condition but it can be reversed by making modest changes in their daily routines such as increasing the level of physical activity, achieved a healthy weight and follow a healthy balanced diet by eating fewer calories. Take action to prevent it from progressing to full blown diabetes as once you have it, there is nothing much you can do except that for the rest of your life you will have no choice but to change the way you eat and the way you live.
Symptoms of pre-diabetes develop so gradually that most people affected by this condition often don't recognize it until it is too late. At this stage, vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, arteries, nerves, eyes would have started to deteriorate due to the high insulin level in the blood caused by the body cells being insensitive to the insulin. People who are pre-diabetic have a 40% to 50% chance of developing into type 2 diabetes within 10 years. A good percentage of pre-diabetic people are over 40 years of age.
Pre-diabetes is caused by a combination of a weakened secretion of insulin and reduced sensitivity of the body cells to insulin (insulin resistance). Insulin resistance occurs when the pancreas secretes normal amount of insulin to regulate sugar but the body cells do not respond. If no preventive measures are taken to bring down the blood sugar level to a normal level, the pancreas would over a period of time becomes totally overworked and would be unable to produce enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance, resulting in your sugar levels rising to abnormally high levels. The excess sugar build up in the blood would then spills over to the urine and passes out of the body and eventually, this would lead to type 2 diabetes.
Although pre-diabetes is a serious condition but it can be reversed by making modest changes in their daily routines such as increasing the level of physical activity, achieved a healthy weight and follow a healthy balanced diet by eating fewer calories. Take action to prevent it from progressing to full blown diabetes as once you have it, there is nothing much you can do except that for the rest of your life you will have no choice but to change the way you eat and the way you live.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Diabetes has turned pandemic, says Fortis doctor
Why Supplements?: Mohali, November 17 There has been a 10 per cent increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes, many of whom are children, in northern India, said Dr K P Singh, a senior consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Fortis Hospital, Mohali.
Detailing the results of an informal study conducted by him, Dr Singh said: “The highest number of diabetes cases (20 per cent) was found in Ludhiana while the lowest incidence of the disease was in Lahaul and Spiti (less than 1 per cent).”
With the urban as well as rural population afflicted with the ailment, the doctor said: “In India, diabetes is not an epidemic anymore — it has turned pandemic.”
According to Dr Singh, the poor spend about 25 per cent of their income on the management of diabetes. Currently, up to 11 per cent of India’s urban population and 3 per cent of the rural population above the age of 15 has diabetes.
“There has been an almost 20 per cent increase in the number of people being diagnosed with diabetes each year.” The factors responsible for the upsurge are: sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, obesity, stress and higher intake of refined cereals as well as high fat and calorie-dense food.
Talking about World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, Dr Singh said diabetes is a concern the world over. The date also marks the birth anniversary of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1921.
“All said and done, diabetes is a very common condition which can cause an early death. Though with better treatment options available nowadays, it can be controlled,” added Dr Singh.
According to the Diabetes Atlas, published by the International Diabetes Federation, there were an estimated 40.9 million diabetics in India in 2007 (about 16.7 per cent of the global number). This figure is predicted to rise to almost 70 million by 2025, making India the diabetic capital of the world.
Taken from www.expressindia.com
Why Supplements?
Diabetes sufferers get younger in New Zealand
Diabetes is attacking young people aged between 12 and 18, according to Diabetes New Zealand.
New estimates indicate 500 young people in the age group have Type 2 diabetes, the disease that was, only a few years ago, virtually unknown in people of that age.
"It used to be a disease that only affected adults over 45 years old, but not any more," Mike Smith, president of Diabetes New Zealand, said yesterday.
Mr Smith said Diabetes Awareness Week, from today until November 24, was a good time for people to think about how they could play a part in reducing the impact the life-threatening disease was having on society.
"It's our own inaction that is allowing Type 2 diabetes to become an epidemic."
While Type 1 diabetes was also on the increase, it was the increased prevalence of Type 2 diabetes which was tied back to lifestyle choices.
The fact it was often preventable made the Type 2 diabetes epidemic even more tragic, he said.
It could often be delayed and possibly prevented by eating less and exercising more.
"Once one person in a family has 'got diabetes', everyone has it, in effect," Mr Smith said. He said there were 180,000 New Zealanders diagnosed with all types of diabetes. There were also 80,000 immediately at risk, having a condition called pre-diabetes, and another 800,000 overweight or obese people in New Zealand who were at longer-term risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The emphasis in this year's Diabetes Awareness Week is on young people and families.
- NZPA
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Why Supplements? Diabetes - are you at risk?
What is diabetes? There is type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas either no longer produces insulin or not enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin but the body is not able to use it properly.
Why do we need insulin? Insulin helps our cells take in fuel in the form of blood sugar or glucose. Glucose is produced when we digest food. If glucose doesn't get into the cells, it weakens. The glucose then builds up in the blood stream, damaging our blood vessels and organs.
Do you know that globally, diabetes is rated as the 4th largest killer disease?
Do you know that of the 20.8 million people (2005) in the U.S. of all ages have diabetes?
Do you know that every year in the U.S. the incidence of diabetes increases by an astounding 6%, which means 600,000 new cases are added each year?
Bet you, diabetes is a serious ailment! But, how many people know their risks?
If you have any of these symptoms, take a diabetes test immediately:
Why do we need insulin? Insulin helps our cells take in fuel in the form of blood sugar or glucose. Glucose is produced when we digest food. If glucose doesn't get into the cells, it weakens. The glucose then builds up in the blood stream, damaging our blood vessels and organs.
Do you know that globally, diabetes is rated as the 4th largest killer disease?
Do you know that of the 20.8 million people (2005) in the U.S. of all ages have diabetes?
Do you know that every year in the U.S. the incidence of diabetes increases by an astounding 6%, which means 600,000 new cases are added each year?
Bet you, diabetes is a serious ailment! But, how many people know their risks?
If you have any of these symptoms, take a diabetes test immediately:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual hunger
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritability
- Frequent infections
- Blurred vision
- Slow-to-heal cuts and bruises
- Vaginitis or recurring yeast infections in women
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Recurring skin, gum and bladder infections
- have a family history of diabetes
- are 20% over a healthy weight or obese
- lead a sedentary life
- had abnormal glucose levels during pregnancy
- had a baby who was 9 pounds or more at birth
- are 45 years old or older
- have low HDL cholesterol or high overall cholesterol
- have high triglyceride levels
- have very high blood pressure
Monday, November 17, 2008
Why Supplements? - How Diabetes Affects The Kidneys
If you are a diabetic, do you know that how you manage your diabetes properly can prevent or slow down kidney disease (renal problem)? If you can manage your diabetes well, you will save your kidneys.
The kidneys function to cleanse blood from waste products and excess fluid by filtering blood to produce urine. When the kidneys are unable to filter normally, dangerous accumulation of fluid and wastes occurs in the body which eventually results in kidney failure.
Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where there is insufficient insulin produced by the pancreas or the body is unable to respond to the insulin normally. Blood glucose levels will then rise and cause damage to organs including the kidneys.
Almost all insulin-dependent diabetics have some kidney damage but for most, it does not cause symptoms or problems. The younger the age, the longer the duration, and the less you control your sugar intake, the more likely you are to have diabetic kidney problems. It usually takes 10 to 20 years for diabetic patients with kidney disease to develop kidney failure. You may say that this is a big window of opportunity for kidney failure to be prevented but sad to say, in many instances, diabetes has already been present many years before it is detected, and organ damage may already exist at the time of diagnosis.
Always take the time to seek professional help in diabetes management. Managing your diabetes well can prevent or slow down the progress of your kidney disease, especially if your diabetes was detected early.
Achieve and maintain your targeted blood glucose and blood pressure. High levels of these are the main factors that contribute to kidney damage. Patients with diabetes and kidney disease are at an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, so it is also important to achieve good control of lipid levels, exercise and control weight, as well as stop unhealthy habits such as smoking. The following shows the targets to achieve:
If you are diabetic, you need to watch your diet. Control your carbohydrate and fat intake as well as protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. If you already have kidney damage due to diabetes, controlling what you eat can avoid excessive build-up of wastes in your kidneys since they are not able to function normally.
Chronic kidney disease and diabetes are common and harmful due to our unhealthy lifestyle. However, most importantly, they are treatable, especially when detected early or if you are in a pre-diabetic. It is important for you to work together with your doctor to prevent or manage diabetes appropriately.
The kidneys function to cleanse blood from waste products and excess fluid by filtering blood to produce urine. When the kidneys are unable to filter normally, dangerous accumulation of fluid and wastes occurs in the body which eventually results in kidney failure.
Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where there is insufficient insulin produced by the pancreas or the body is unable to respond to the insulin normally. Blood glucose levels will then rise and cause damage to organs including the kidneys.
Almost all insulin-dependent diabetics have some kidney damage but for most, it does not cause symptoms or problems. The younger the age, the longer the duration, and the less you control your sugar intake, the more likely you are to have diabetic kidney problems. It usually takes 10 to 20 years for diabetic patients with kidney disease to develop kidney failure. You may say that this is a big window of opportunity for kidney failure to be prevented but sad to say, in many instances, diabetes has already been present many years before it is detected, and organ damage may already exist at the time of diagnosis.
Always take the time to seek professional help in diabetes management. Managing your diabetes well can prevent or slow down the progress of your kidney disease, especially if your diabetes was detected early.
Achieve and maintain your targeted blood glucose and blood pressure. High levels of these are the main factors that contribute to kidney damage. Patients with diabetes and kidney disease are at an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, so it is also important to achieve good control of lipid levels, exercise and control weight, as well as stop unhealthy habits such as smoking. The following shows the targets to achieve:
- Blood glucose should maintain at 4.0mmol/L to 6.0 mmol/L (fasting); and less than 7-8 mmol/LL after food. Blood pressure maintains at 130/80 mmHg or lower
- HbA1c: Less than or equal to 6.5%
- LDL Cholesterol: Less than 2.6 mmol/L
- HDL Cholesterol: More than 1.02 mmol/L
- Triglycerides: Less than 1.7 mmol/L
- Blood Pressure: 130/80 mmHg or lower
If you are diabetic, you need to watch your diet. Control your carbohydrate and fat intake as well as protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. If you already have kidney damage due to diabetes, controlling what you eat can avoid excessive build-up of wastes in your kidneys since they are not able to function normally.
Chronic kidney disease and diabetes are common and harmful due to our unhealthy lifestyle. However, most importantly, they are treatable, especially when detected early or if you are in a pre-diabetic. It is important for you to work together with your doctor to prevent or manage diabetes appropriately.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Million Mark Diabetes Day
Diabetes activists worldwide organize events to draw attention to growing pandemic with the focus on diabetes in children and adolescents.
November 14 is the most important day of the year for the over 250 million people with diabetes worldwide. World Diabetes Day draws attention to the global diabetes epidemic and the need for action to improve care, prevent the disease in those at risk and find a cure. People on every continent, from countries as far apart as Australia and Uruguay, have organized activities to mark the day.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced World Diabetes Day more than 15 years ago in response to the worrying rise of diabetes around the world. Today the picture is even more alarming, with the total number of people living with diabetes now estimated at over 250 million. The figure will continue to grow without significant action and investment to reverse the trend. One of only a handful of health days officially recognized by the United Nations, World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on 14 November—a date chosen to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting, who is widely credited with the discovery of insulin in 1921.
On World Diabetes Day, local, national and international events are organized to educate the public and inform policy-makers about the need to respond to the diabetes threat. Each year, the campaign centres on a theme established by the International Diabetes Federation. This year, the theme is diabetes in children and adolescents.
Diabetes in Children
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. It can strike children at any age, including pre-school children and even toddlers. Over 200 children a day develop type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes, widely associated with weight gain and lack of exercise, was previously thought to be an adult-only disease. Type 2 is now affecting an increasing number of children worldwide.
Diabetes in children is often diagnosed late or is misdiagnosed as something else such as the flu. One of the campaign goals for World Diabetes Day 2008 is to make the public aware of the most obvious warning signs of type 1 diabetes: frequent urination, rapid weight loss, lack of energy and extreme thirst. Those closest to the child – family members, school staff, the family doctor – need to know these signs.
The global campaign, led by the International Diabetes Federation, calls on diabetes advocates around the world to bring diabetes to light. Campaign Director Phil Riley explained: “We want people to draw attention to diabetes. We encourage them to do fun things that involve family, friends and colleagues. We need people with diabetes everywhere to know that they are connected to a global community.”
Bring diabetes to light.
On and around World diabetes Day, over 800 buildings and landmark sites will light in blue for diabetes. The buildings are all listed on the campaign website at www.worlddiabetesday.org/monuments and include the Pyramids in Egypt, Niagara Falls in Canada, the Tower of London in the UK, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the United Nations Headquarters in the United States, the Burj al Arab in the UAE, the Sagrada Familia in Spain and the Tokyo Tower in Japan. They are lighting in the blue colour of the diabetes circle, the global symbol of diabetes and logo of the World Diabetes Day campaign.
No child should die of diabetes.
Dr Martin Silink, President of the International Diabetes Federation, highlighted the serious impact of diabetes that underlies the campaign. “While we want people to enjoy the celebrations, we don’t want them to lose sight of the serious global impact of diabetes. The stark truth is that many, children included, are dying in the developing world because they cannot access the medication, monitoring and education they need to survive. It’s been 87 years since Banting, Macleod and the team in Toronto discovered insulin, yet it still does not reach many of the world’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The World Diabetes Day campaign can be followed online at www.worlddiabetesday.org.
Contributed by http://www.emaxhealth.com/1/23/26484/millions-mark-world-diabetes-day.html
November 14 is the most important day of the year for the over 250 million people with diabetes worldwide. World Diabetes Day draws attention to the global diabetes epidemic and the need for action to improve care, prevent the disease in those at risk and find a cure. People on every continent, from countries as far apart as Australia and Uruguay, have organized activities to mark the day.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced World Diabetes Day more than 15 years ago in response to the worrying rise of diabetes around the world. Today the picture is even more alarming, with the total number of people living with diabetes now estimated at over 250 million. The figure will continue to grow without significant action and investment to reverse the trend. One of only a handful of health days officially recognized by the United Nations, World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on 14 November—a date chosen to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting, who is widely credited with the discovery of insulin in 1921.
On World Diabetes Day, local, national and international events are organized to educate the public and inform policy-makers about the need to respond to the diabetes threat. Each year, the campaign centres on a theme established by the International Diabetes Federation. This year, the theme is diabetes in children and adolescents.
Diabetes in Children
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. It can strike children at any age, including pre-school children and even toddlers. Over 200 children a day develop type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes, widely associated with weight gain and lack of exercise, was previously thought to be an adult-only disease. Type 2 is now affecting an increasing number of children worldwide.
Diabetes in children is often diagnosed late or is misdiagnosed as something else such as the flu. One of the campaign goals for World Diabetes Day 2008 is to make the public aware of the most obvious warning signs of type 1 diabetes: frequent urination, rapid weight loss, lack of energy and extreme thirst. Those closest to the child – family members, school staff, the family doctor – need to know these signs.
The global campaign, led by the International Diabetes Federation, calls on diabetes advocates around the world to bring diabetes to light. Campaign Director Phil Riley explained: “We want people to draw attention to diabetes. We encourage them to do fun things that involve family, friends and colleagues. We need people with diabetes everywhere to know that they are connected to a global community.”
Bring diabetes to light.
On and around World diabetes Day, over 800 buildings and landmark sites will light in blue for diabetes. The buildings are all listed on the campaign website at www.worlddiabetesday.org/monuments and include the Pyramids in Egypt, Niagara Falls in Canada, the Tower of London in the UK, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the United Nations Headquarters in the United States, the Burj al Arab in the UAE, the Sagrada Familia in Spain and the Tokyo Tower in Japan. They are lighting in the blue colour of the diabetes circle, the global symbol of diabetes and logo of the World Diabetes Day campaign.
No child should die of diabetes.
Dr Martin Silink, President of the International Diabetes Federation, highlighted the serious impact of diabetes that underlies the campaign. “While we want people to enjoy the celebrations, we don’t want them to lose sight of the serious global impact of diabetes. The stark truth is that many, children included, are dying in the developing world because they cannot access the medication, monitoring and education they need to survive. It’s been 87 years since Banting, Macleod and the team in Toronto discovered insulin, yet it still does not reach many of the world’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The World Diabetes Day campaign can be followed online at www.worlddiabetesday.org.
Contributed by http://www.emaxhealth.com/1/23/26484/millions-mark-world-diabetes-day.html
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Why Supplements? - The Human Cell
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of the body. It is capable of obtaining energy and processing nutrients. It is the smallest part capable of the processes that define life, including reproduction, movement, respiration, digestion and excretion. However, not every cell has all these abilities.
How small is a cell? Believe it or not, you can actually fit about 40 cells in a row stretched across a period (full stop)! There are more than 200 types of specialized cells that populate the human body. Some cells develop with their own kinds to form a specific types of tissue and in some other cases, tissues are made of several different types of cells combined.
Cells come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their specialized functions within tissues. Some cells divide faster than others, for example, the epithelial (covering and lining) cells divide the fastest while the nerve cells is so slow that it is almost non-existent.
Examples of cell types:
Why Supplements? - The Human Cell
How small is a cell? Believe it or not, you can actually fit about 40 cells in a row stretched across a period (full stop)! There are more than 200 types of specialized cells that populate the human body. Some cells develop with their own kinds to form a specific types of tissue and in some other cases, tissues are made of several different types of cells combined.
Cells come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their specialized functions within tissues. Some cells divide faster than others, for example, the epithelial (covering and lining) cells divide the fastest while the nerve cells is so slow that it is almost non-existent.
Examples of cell types:
- Epithelial Cells
- Photoreceptor Cell
- Red Blood Cell
- Adipose (fats) Cell
- Smooth Muscle Cell
- Nerve Cell
- Sperm Cell
- Ovum (egg) Cell
Why Supplements? - The Human Cell
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Why Supplements? - Introducing The Human Body
I have made this subject as my 1st post simply because one cannot fully understand the nature of degenerative diseases without knowing how our body works. Bear with me for a while as I take you back to our Biology 101 class for a review of our human anatomy.
The human anatomy is an assemble of cells, tissues, organs and they grouped together into an integrated of different systems with each of them carries out a major role or task such as to protect, support, control and feed the body, keeping the body in a state of internal balance under constantly changing circumstances. This can be summarized in the following diagram as:
The human body systems work together as a true cooperative - each one fulfills its own vital function but all work together to maintain health and efficiency. Although these systems can be described as separate entities, each depends on on all others for physical and physiological support. The body systems are consists of:
1. Skeletal System
2. Muscular System
3. Nervous System
4. Skin, Hair and Nails System
5. Lymphatic and Immune System
6. Endocrine System
7. Cardiovascular System
8. Respiratory System
9. Digestive System
10. Urinary System
11. Reproductive System
The cells are the building blocks of the human body. They are active and dynamic, they continually grow and specialize, function, die and replenish themselves, by the millions every second. There are many different types of cells and they grouped together to form tissues - a collection of similar cells that group together to perform a specialized function. Organs are then formed by the functional grouping together of multiple tissues. The body systems are, in turn, composed of organs.
Once we understood the body structure, we need to turn to its physiology side, that is, the study of the body's workings and how it functions. It investigates the workings of such processes as enzyme action, hormone stimulation, DNA synthesis, and how the body stores and uses energy from food. Only through physiology that we can understand how degenerative diseases came about and how we can use supplements to prevent, treat or alleviate them.
As degenerative diseases occur at the cellular level, it is important that we know a little about what cell is and how it functions. Watch out for it on my next post.
My next post: Why Supplements? - The cell anatomy and its functions
The human anatomy is an assemble of cells, tissues, organs and they grouped together into an integrated of different systems with each of them carries out a major role or task such as to protect, support, control and feed the body, keeping the body in a state of internal balance under constantly changing circumstances. This can be summarized in the following diagram as:
The human body systems work together as a true cooperative - each one fulfills its own vital function but all work together to maintain health and efficiency. Although these systems can be described as separate entities, each depends on on all others for physical and physiological support. The body systems are consists of:1. Skeletal System
2. Muscular System
3. Nervous System
4. Skin, Hair and Nails System
5. Lymphatic and Immune System
6. Endocrine System
7. Cardiovascular System
8. Respiratory System
9. Digestive System
10. Urinary System
11. Reproductive System
The cells are the building blocks of the human body. They are active and dynamic, they continually grow and specialize, function, die and replenish themselves, by the millions every second. There are many different types of cells and they grouped together to form tissues - a collection of similar cells that group together to perform a specialized function. Organs are then formed by the functional grouping together of multiple tissues. The body systems are, in turn, composed of organs.
Once we understood the body structure, we need to turn to its physiology side, that is, the study of the body's workings and how it functions. It investigates the workings of such processes as enzyme action, hormone stimulation, DNA synthesis, and how the body stores and uses energy from food. Only through physiology that we can understand how degenerative diseases came about and how we can use supplements to prevent, treat or alleviate them.
As degenerative diseases occur at the cellular level, it is important that we know a little about what cell is and how it functions. Watch out for it on my next post.
My next post: Why Supplements? - The cell anatomy and its functions
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