Tips for staying healthy in hot temperatures

With the arrival of summer and hot weather upon us, Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health, is encouraging California residents to follow these top-10 helpful tips to stay safe this summer:

• Reduce exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and keep physical activities to a minimum during that time. When working outside, drink plenty of water or juice even if you are not thirsty, and take rest breaks in the shade.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck, and wear loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and to protect your skin from the sun and mosquitoes.

• Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts, which left untreated, can lead to blindness.

• Liberally apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15)

15 minutes before venturing outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours — sunscreen prevents skin cancer, the number one cancer affecting Californians and prevents premature aging.

• Never, EVER leave infants, children or frail elderly unattended in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill.

• To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths — if you or someone experiences a rapid, strong pulse, feels delirious, becomes unconscious or has a body temperature above 102, call 911 immediately.

• Prevent children from drowning by providing adult supervision at all times and having a safety barrier that surrounds a pool or spa. Drowning is the leading cause of injury deaths for children under five.

• Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Some mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus, which can mimic influenza symptoms such as fever, body aches and eye pain.

The virus can cause serious health complications and in rare cases, death.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions.

Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent during those times.

• Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls — mosquitoes breed and lay eggs in standing water.

For more tips on staying cool in the summer sun, go online to www.cdph.ca.gov.

Source http://www.hidesertstar.com/articles/2011/06/29/the_desert_trail/sports/doc4e0b9d8aab378652657286.txt

Snacking and super sizing clue to obesity epidemic

Snacking and super sizing are two of the dieter's worst enemies, research suggests.

The average daily calorie intake in the US has increased by almost a third in 30 years, reaching 2,374 kilocalories.

The influence of bigger portion sizes and excessive snacking outweighs the shift towards high-calorie foods, say experts.

Focussing on reducing how much and how often people eat could help tackle obesity, they report in PLoS Medicine.

Obesity levels have risen sharply in many western countries since the 1970s. In the US, where the study was carried out, a third of all adults - more than 72 million people - are now categorised as obese.

A team from the University of North Carolina analysed data from food surveys carried out in the seventies, eighties, nineties and the last decade.

The surveys record all food and drink a person consumes over a 24-hour period.

The average daily energy intake of a US citizen increased from 1,803 kcal in 1977-78 to 2,374 kcal in 2003-06.

In the last decade of the study alone, the average daily calorie intake went up by 229 kcal.

Several factors are involved in energy intake - the number of calories (energy) in a specific amount of food (energy density), portion size and how many meals and snacks a day eaten.

The researchers say that while all of these have gone up, increases in the number of eating occasions and portion size seem to account for most of the change.

They suggest efforts to prevent obesity should focus on reducing the number of snacks and meals a day as well as portion size.

"These findings suggest a new focus for efforts to reduce energy imbalances in US adults," write Kiyah Duffey and Barry Popkin of the University of North Carolina in the journal PloS Medicine.

Commenting on the paper, Dr Áine O'Connor, a scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation said: "Many factors influence total energy intake that can lead to [being] overweight and obesity but it is possible that having more eating occasions through the day, for example by frequent snacking, would increase calorie consumption and so lead to weight gain.

"This study also looked at portion size and studies have shown that having larger portions of food leads to an increased intake.

"The researchers were based in the US, but many of the factors causing the obesity epidemic there are mirrored in the UK and, for those trying to control their weight, it is important to manage both how much and how often they eat."

Diabetes : The progress of a disease over thirty years

THE number of adults with diabetes more than doubled between 1980 and 2008, according to a new study led by Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London and Goodarz Danaei at Harvard University and published in the Lancet. This jump is not quite as horrific as the numbers might initially suggest, because ageing helped push up rates. But a good 30% of the increase was caused by higher prevalence of diabetes across age groups. Obesity seems to be a main culprit; the authors found a high correlation between rising rates of diabetes and a rise in body mass index. The global leap masks considerable variation between the sexes and among regions. Across the world the rate of diabetes rose by 18% for men and by 23% for women, to 9.8% and 9.2% respectively. In some countries the gap between the sexes was more dramatic. In Pakistan, for example, rates jumped by 46% for men and by 102% for women. The highest incidence of all is found in the Marshall Islands, where more than a quarter of all adults had diabetes in 2008. America has lived up to its hefty reputation. Women’s rate of diabetes jumped 79%, something that has contributed to a decline in life expectancy among some groups. And once again, French women are the envy of the world. Rates there fell by 11.2%.

Stroke prevention and getting enough sleep

Health tips for Wednesday include a healthy diet to prevent stroke, and getting ample sleep for both adults and children!

Strokes are probably one of the more debilitating and disabling health downturns we could have, if we survive one at all.

Healthy weight and healthy eating lower our risk, but now, one thing we can have in our diet could protect us from stroke, that comes from an encouraging report to be published tomorrow in the Journal of Neurology.

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy way to eat and very beneficial for our hearts.

It comprises of fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains and includes olive oil. In this study of over 7 thousand people who reported they used lots of olive oil, the researchers also found a 41 percent lower risk of stroke when compared to the people who used no olive oil.

So olive oil might be the protector against that awful attack to our brain vessels that's called a stroke.

So what I tell people is that olive consumption is good but to keep in mind that we don't know how much you should take and that olive oil is a fat. However it is a good fat so we encourage people to substitute bad fats with good fats

In another story, we have more information on women's sleep out today from sleep experts.

Many of us, both men and women, use weekends to try to catch up the snooze we didn't get enough of during the week. And while we may feel more rested, sometimes it's not enough, because our brain functions don't recover totally.

But one study reported today finds that women don't suffer the effects of sleep deprivation as much as men do.

The researchers think that is because women, when they do sleep, get "deeper" sleep and that is what protects them more when they're deprived of sleep.

That's one for the women.

And another sleep study reported today looked at pre-schoolers and what happens when they don't get enough sleep. The study involves about 6,860 children with analyses controlled for gender, ethnicity and family income

While most moms can probably tell you what happens, this scientific research found this: Kids not getting enough sleep at home might make them more likely to be hyperactive and inattentive in Kindergarten.

"ADHD is usually diagnosed during the school age years, but the onset of hyperactivity and impulsivity starts much earlier", said the researcher.

Doctor's recommendation: toddlers to age 3 should get 12 to 14 hours of sleep , and preschoolers and kindergarteners need to get 11 to 13 hours. So doctor's orders: see that those little ones get their sleep.

Source http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/health&id=8192612

Alpha Linolenic Acid: An Underappreciated Omega-3

The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids from flax oil and fish oil are increasingly popular as food manufacturers seek to improve the nutrient value of their products. Flax contains the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Fish oils are sources of the longer-chain omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Despite the positive attributes expounded for the category, and omega-3s’ increasing presence in the marketplace, there is also confusing messaging around the health effects of the specific omega-3s, in particular the physiological significance of ALA vs. fish-based EPA and DHA. Recent headlines have warned consumers not to “confuse” the benefits of these omega-3s and have downplayed the significance of ALA for health. However, ALA has an important role in reducing chronic disease through conversion to EPA and DHA, as well as through its own unique metabolic activities. Additionally, what many fail to understand is the critical need for both plant- and fish-based omega-3s, especially considering the increasing predominance of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet.

ALA is the true “essential” omega-3 fatty acid, because it is the parent fatty acid of the omega-3 family and must be obtained from foods.¹ ALA’s essential nature is reflected in the federal government’s dietary recommendations. The current recommended Adequate Intake (AI), which represents the average usual intake of a nutrient by healthy people, is based on ALA, not EPA or DHA. Diets deficient in ALA result in impaired vision in monkeys, learning deficits in rats and, in humans, very low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells, as well as nervous system abnormalities such as numbness, weakness and pain in the legs.

Fast conversion facts
ALA and its counterpart omega-6 essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA), are converted to longer-chain fatty acids by a series of alternating desaturations and elongations. Conversion is dependent upon a number of factors. Estimates of the amount of ALA converted to EPA range from 0.2% to 8%, with young women showing a conversion rate as high as 21%.^4,5 Conversion of ALA to DHA appears limited in humans, with most studies showing a conversion rate of about 0.05%, although one study reported a figure of 4%, and a conversion rate of 9% was reported in young women.⁵ The large differences in the rates of ALA conversion reflect major differences in study methodologies.

The impact that LA has on reducing ALA’s health benefits is often overlooked. Diets rich in LA can reduce the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA. For example, in a study of 22 healthy men, an LA-rich diet reduced the EPA content of plasma phospholipids significantly after four weeks compared to a low-LA diet, even though both diets contained the same amount of ALA.
The absolute amounts of ALA and LA in the diet also affect ALA conversion. Decreasing the intake of LA has been found to increase the proportion of dietary ALA converted into EPA, while increasing ALA intake can increase the absolute amount of DHA synthesized.

Healthy discoveries
Research indicates ALA consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease and other inflammatory diseases by reducing inflammatory compounds called cytokines and eicosanoids. LA is converted to longer-chain omega-6 fatty acids, in particular, arachidonic acid (AA), the precursor of eicosanoids, several of which promote blood platelet aggregation, the clotting of blood within blood vessels (thrombosis) and inflammatory reactions. ALA dampens inflammation by blocking the formation of the compounds that promote it. Inflammation is a feature of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, ALA interferes with the conversion of LA to AA—acting as a “nutritional brake” to block further synthesis of AA to its pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
For example, in a study of healthy men who consumed 1.75 tablespoons of flax oil daily for four weeks, the TXB2 (an inactive metabolite of TXA2) concentration in immune cells decreased by 30%. TXA2 is one of the most-potent known promoters of both inflammation and platelet aggregation. Similarly, concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in immune cells decreased 26% and 28%, respectively. In another study, serum levels of TNF-α decreased by 43%, and the production by immune cells of TNF-α and IL-1β decreased between 18% and 22% in 23 people with high cholesterol levels who consumed a diet rich in ALA compared with the average American diet, further supporting the anti-inflammatory aspects of ALA.

ALA, EPA and DHA have all been shown to prevent sudden death from arrhythmias in animals and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in humans. Arrhythmias are abnormal rhythms of the heart muscle that can lead to sudden death. ALA assists in achieving a normal heart rhythm by decreasing the heart muscle recover time after a heart beat and by maintaining a steady heart beat.13 In the Nurses’ Health Study, women who consumed as little as 1.2 grams of ALA daily (the amount found in less than 1 teaspoon of flax oil) had a 40% lower risk of sudden cardiac death than women with a low-ALA diet.

Epidemiological studies and, increasingly, clinical work support the beneficial effects of ALA in minimizing the risk of heart disease and for anti-inflammatory effects. ALA is the main, if not only, omega-3 in the diet of at least one billion vegetarians worldwide; despite not consuming fish, vegetarians do not have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases than nonvegetarians.
There is no doubt that EPA and DHA are beneficial, as these fatty acids have been the subjects of thousands of clinical trials. In Sept. 2004, FDA approved a qualified health claim for reduced risk of coronary heart disease on conventional foods that contain EPA and DHA. This claim, however, does not extend to ALA, because ALA was not a part of the petition process. The FDA has never assessed nor denied a qualified health claim for ALA.

Assessing intake
The current AI of ALA for men is 1.6 grams of ALA per day; for women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, it is 1.1 grams of ALA per day. Of these amounts, about 10%—160 mg per day for men and 110 mg per day for women—can come from a combination of EPA plus DHA.²
Canadian children consume 1.2 grams of ALA and 92 mg of EPA plus DHA on average every day. Although their average omega-3 intake appears to be adequate, only 61% of the children met the AI for ALA and only 22% met the AI for EPA plus DHA.

Some experts believe higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are needed for health: an intake of 2.2 grams per day for ALA; an EPA plus DHA intake of 500 mg per day to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease; and an EPA plus DHA intake of 1,000 mg (or 1 gram) per day for adults with diagnosed heart disease. Clinical studies suggest that 3.6 grams of ALA (found in less than 1.5 teaspoon of flax oil) can be converted by the body to 500 to 540 mg of long-chain omega-3s, bringing current intakes closer to that recommended for reducing the risk of heart disease.

It is unfortunate that in the “omega-3 debate” there are those who choose to downplay the importance of ALA in the diet and simply ignore the omega-6 side of the metabolic equation. The typical North American diet is “deficient” in omega-3 fatty acids and overly rich in omega-6 fatty acids. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may be as high as 17:1 in some Western diets. In the Women’s Health Study, some women ate diets with a ratio of 33:1. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio recommended by international nutrition agencies ranges from 4:1 to 10:1. The best route to improving one’s omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is by decreasing the intake of omega-6 fats and increasing the intake of the omega-3 fats ALA, EPA and DHA in whole foods, flax, fortified foods and supplements.

Dietary sources

Seed oils are the richest sources of α-linolenic acid, notably those of rapeseed (canola), soybeans,walnuts, flaxseed (linseed oil), perilla, chia, and hemp. α-Linolenic acid is also obtained from the thylakoid membranes of the green leaves of broadleaf plants (the membranes responsible for photosynthesis).

Common name	Alternate name	Linnaean name	% ALA
Chia	chia sage	Salvia hispanica	64%
Kiwifruit seeds	Chinese gooseberry	Actinidia chinensis	62%
Perilla	shiso	Perilla frutescens	58%
Flax	linseed	Linum usatissimum	55%
Lingonberry	cowberry	Vaccinium vitis-idaea	49%
Purslane	portulaca	Portulaca oleracea	35%
Sea buckthorn	seaberry	Hippophae rhamnoides L.	32%
Hemp	cannabis	Cannabis sativa	20%
Rapeseed	canola	Brassica napus	10%
Soybean	soya	Glycine max	8%

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) : A powerful anti-oxidant for energy and balanced blood sugar

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a fatty acid that is naturally found inside every cell in the body. It is necessary to produce energy for the body’s everyday functions as it converts glucose into energy. ALA is also an antioxidant that works in both water and fat, unlike some other antioxidants. It can also recycle antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione after they have been used up by the body. Glutathione is an important antioxidant and ALA increases the formation of glutathione. It also enhances the antioxidant functions of vitamins C and E.
ALA directly supports detoxification within the liver. It can prevent cell damage, regulate blood sugar levels, chelate toxic metals from the blood, and enhance mental function and muscular energy production.

Sources of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Sources for ALA include the following:

• naturally made in the body
• spinach
• broccoli
• peas
• Brewer’s yeast
• Brussels sprouts
• rice bran
• organ meats

Uses for Alpha Lipoic Acid

ALA has a number of uses in the body. These include:
• Peripheral neuropathy – ALA can improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy as it works as an antioxidant in water and fatty tissues, allowing it to enter all parts of the nerve cell and protect it from damage.
• Brain function – because ALA can cross the blood-brain barrier, its antioxidant qualities protect brain and nerve tissues from damage.
• Age related conditions – because of its potent antioxidant qualities, ALA is excellent for protecting from free radical damage that contributes to aging and chronic illness.
• Diabetes – ALA can be used to reduce the pain, burning, parasthesia, and numbness associated with diabetic neuropathy, to increase glucose transport, and to improve cardiovascular function.
• Weight loss – research has shown that ALA may have benefits in controlling appetite, weight, and metabolism. ALA influences the activity of AMPK, an enzyme that plays an important role in regulating appetite and metabolism.
• Detoxification – ALA increases the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that plays a role in the detoxification and elimination of potential carcinogens and toxins. It is also a chelating agent, binding to heavy metals and assisting their removal from the body.
• Cardiovascular disease – ALA can protect against cardiovascular disease as it has a beneficial action on the oxidation of bad cholesterol, blood lipid profiles, plaque formation, and high blood pressure.
• Cognitive decline – because ALA can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, it may have an effect on improving memory and slowing age-related cognitive decline.
• Liver disease – ALA can help with the treatment of chronic hepatitis as it relieves stress on the liver and helps to rid the body of toxins.

Alpha-lipoic acid was discovered in 1951, and has long been recognized as a coenzyme needed to break down sugar for energy production. It was not until 1988 that researchers realized that not only is alpha-lipoic acid itself a potent antioxidant, but the body converts some of it to dihydrolipoic acid, which posesses even greater antioxidant properties.

The body is capable of making some alpha-lipoic acid, but it has been shown that it is unable to make enough to exercise its full antioxidant capabilities. Evidence suggests that the amount synthesized by the body is only adequate for metabolic function, and the additional that is needed for antioxidant protection must come from the diet or supplements.

Alpha-lipoic acid is both water and fat soluble, providing antioxidant protection inside the cell wall, as well as in the intracellular spaces. Therapeutic dosages (600 mg) have been routinely used in European clinics for years.

Low vitamin D means fatter, weaker muscles

Insufficient blood levels of vitamin D may be associated with the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, leading to lower muscle strength, says a new study.

A study with 90 young women aged between 16 and 22 found that almost 60 per cent were vitamin D insufficient, and that muscle fat levels were higher in these women, compared with women with normal vitamin D levels, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

The findings are said to be the first to show a clear link between Vitamin D levels and the accumulation of fat in muscle tissue, and add to an ever growing body of science supporting the benefits of maintaining healthy vitamin D levels.

In adults, it is said vitamin D deficiency may precipitate or exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. There is also some evidence that the vitamin may reduce the incidence of several types of cancer and type-1 diabetes.

Vitamin D refers to two biologically inactive precursors - D3, also known as cholecalciferol, and D2, also known as ergocalciferol. The former, produced in the skin on exposure to UVB radiation (290 to 320 nm), is said to be more bioactive.

While our bodies do manufacture vitamin D on exposure to sunshine, the levels in some northern countries are so weak during the winter months that our body makes no vitamin D at all, meaning that dietary supplements and fortified foods are seen by many as the best way to boost intakes of vitamin D.

The Endocrine Society issued the guidelines in response to the possible health risks associated with vitamin D deficiency. Among the group's recommendations:

• People who are considered at high risk should be routinely screened for vitamin D deficiency.
• People who are diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency should be treated with either a vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 supplement.

To maximize bone health and muscle function, people considered at high risk for a deficiency should adhere to the following guidelines for dietary intake of vitamin D:
Infants up to 12 months of age require at least 400 international units (IU) a day.

• Children older than 1 year and adults from 19 to 70 years old, including pregnant and lactating women, should consume at least 600 IU daily.
• People older than 70 years should get a minimum of 800 IU a day.

The task force stressed that in order to raise the blood level of vitamin D consistently above 30 nanograms per milliliter, a significantly higher intake of vitamin D may be required. The group also noted that vitamin D screening is not necessary for people who are not considered at risk for the deficiency. And, it said there is no evidence supporting use of vitamin D supplements for benefits other than bone health.

Health tips for pregnant women dealing with diabetes

We all know that the condition of pregnancy can be difficult for any women but it can be more challenging if the woman has Diabetes. So if any of you is about to get pregnant then there are many precautions that you need to take care of and bad habits like smoking or drinking should be avoided. Here are certain health tips that help you out in dealing with pregnancy and diabetes at the same time:

Maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can help you in avoiding injuries and keeping a check on the blood sugar level. It is very easy to maintain a healthy weight by performing routine exercise designed for pregnant women. Loosing excess weight and taking prenatal vitamins can assist in keeping blood sugar under control.

Women who are dealing with diabetes type 2 are more at risk for PCOS, which is also known as polycystic ovary syndrome. In this complex situation, it is very difficult for a woman to get pregnant. However, there are certain medications that can assist in stimulating the ovulation like Clomid and Serophene.

Constant checkups

Woman dealing with pregnancy and diabetes at the same time deal with complex problems quite often, that is why it is very important for her to undergo regular checkups with her doctor. Regular monitoring, blood sugar level checkups and ultrasounds with the doctor can be of great help in detecting any sort of problems earlier on before it gets late. It is very important to keep the blood sugar under control by regular blood glucose monitoring so that your diabetes does not create problems in pregnancy stages.

Source http://www.womencitizen.com/health/3261-health-tips-for-pregnant-women-dealing-with-diabetes.html

Does the Plastic You Drink From Hurt Your Heart?

Debate about BPA, a common chemical in some plastic food and drink containers, is heating up after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that it will fund $30 million worth of research on the substance given its possible developmental harm to infants.


A U.K. study offers further fuel to the fire, suggesting that BPA, or Bisphenol A, may be harmful to cardiac health in adults as well, although some health and medical experts question the findings.


"While the study is being put forward as more proof that BPA causes heart disease ... there are many problems with [it]," said Dr. Richard Besser, senior health and medical editor for ABC News.


The FDA is working on new guidance on BPA in light of growing evidence of its danger to infants but, he said, as far as the harmful effects of BPA on heart health, the study suffers from several design flaws that cast doubt on its findings.


Bisphenol A is a chemical additive found in many products, from bulletproof glass to plastic water jugs to the lining of soda cans. Put into widespread use in the 1950s, BPA aids in producing lightweight, shatter-resistance and heat-resistant plastics.


In recent years, the debate about BPA has focused on the harmful effects that BPA-laden baby bottles and 'sippy' cups might have on infant development. New research suggests, however, that BPA exposure may be a health hazard for adults as well.


The study, published last week by the Public Library of Science, draws on health data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and finds that people with high levels of BPA in their urine are at significantly higher risk for coronary heart disease.


Researchers note that the study confirms their preliminary findings concerning heart disease and BPA, which also found a connection between heart disease and BPA in a similarly-designed 2008 study.


The link between BPA and heart disease found in Tuesday's study, however, was weaker than the one found in 2008, and other BPA health risks found in 2008, such as a diabetes and liver disease, were not supported by the more recent data.

The Link Between BPA and Your Health

Dr. Michele Marcus, chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University, said that while the study does suggest some association between BPA and heart disease, "it's not clear whether the association is due to BPA or something else related to BPA."
For example, she said, people can be exposed to BPA from drinking canned soda, so the observed increased risk of heart disease could be linked to BPA directly or could be more closely linked to consuming soda itself.


Besser said that because the BPA test used by researchers can only detect recent BPA exposure, the study cannot speak to the effect of chronic exposure to BPA during a lifetime; an important but unknown variable.
This is not to say that a link between heart disease and BPA doesn't exist, experts cautioned, only that it requires further research to confirm.


Even so, some experts said the evidence still suggests that BPA is toxic for adults and children alike, pointing to a "smoking gun for BPA exposure," as Dele Ogunseitan, director of the Program in Public Health at the University of California, Irvine, put it.
"We are entering a new era of risk-factor discovery, where focus is on finding toxic chemicals in the environment that act as triggers for heart disease," said Dr. Philip Landrigan, chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.


The findings are significant because "heart disease is responsible each year for 630,000 deaths, according to the CDC, [so] any factor that is responsible for even a small fraction of these cardiovascular deaths will be responsible for a large number of deaths," he said.
Dr. Fred vom Saal, professor of biological sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia, said, "This is a big deal. Because it is possible to do something about this factor; reduce exposure to BPA by altering its use."

Will the FDA Tighten Up BPA Standards

The danger of putting BPA in baby products such as bottles, 'sippy' cups and baby-formula containers has garnered much attention in past years.
BPA is known to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and research finds that it may have detrimental effects on brain and reproductive development when the baby is in the womb and as an infant.


In response to the research, some states and manufacturers have banned its use in baby products.
In March 2009, six major manufactures agreed to eliminate BPA from baby bottles.
Connecticut became the first state to ban BPA from infant formula and baby food containers in June 2009, and Minnesota has since followed suit with a ban that went in to effect Jan. 1, 2010, prohibiting the use of BPA in 'sippy' cup and baby bottles.
Although the potential risks associated with putting BPA in water bottles, soda and soup liners, and other plastic containers commonly used to hold our food and beverages has recently become a topic of debate, the FDA has yet to change safety regulations on the chemical.


After an independent FDA panel in October 2008 found that the agency's position on BPA was scientifically flawed, the FDA, with the support of the American Chemistry Council, entered discussions on a possible change in its stance on BPA.
In a news conference Friday, they announced that they now share the perspective of the National Toxicology Program that "there is some concern" about the possible harm caused by use of BPA in baby products and will pursue further research on its toxicity for infants and children.


At the same time, FDA deputy commissioner Josh Sharfstein affirmed that, as of now, "the FDA does support the use of baby bottles with BPA & and is not saying that it is unsafe to use a baby bottle with BPA"; only that more research is needed to rule out possible harm.


The FDA will invest in more than $30 million worth of short- and long-term studies that will assess the dangers of BPA for developing minds and bodies. And although it is not officially condemning the chemical, FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg said, "the FDA is supporting reasonable steps to reduce human exposure to BPA, including actions by industry and recommendations to consumers on food preparation."

Recommended : Nature Made CoQ10 400 mg Dietary Supplement Liquid Softgels

Clinically shown to support heart function. CoQ10 is a coenzyme critical to the synthesis of ATP (energy) that is essential for efficient heart performance. Levels of ATP decrease with age and with statin drug therapy, in which case, CoQ10 supplementation is especially important.

40 liquid softgels

** click to enlarge**

40 softgels

Nature Made CoQ10 400 mg is guaranteed to meet our high quality standards – it is made from carefully selected ingredients under strict manufacturing processes.

• #1 Pharmacist recommended brand of CoQ10 supplements*
• No Artificial Flavors
• No Preservatives
• No Starch or Gluten

Ingredients 

Soybean Oil , Gelatin , Glycerin , Water , Soy Lecithin , Red 40 , Titanium Dioxide , Blue 1

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size : 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving	% Daily value*
Calories           10.0
Total Fat            0.5g	1.0
Coenzyme Q-10         400.0mg
Calories from Fat - Calories            5.0calories

About CoQ10:

Found throughout the body, but concentrated in the heart, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps support heart muscle strength.  For even more advanced heart health support 400 mg is recommended.

• Clinically shown to support heart function
• Recommended for people at risk for heart disease, or for those who currently have heart complications
• CoQ10 works to fight free-radical damage and help the body resist potential health concerns

It also helps to increase antioxidants in the body by having a "sparing" effect on vitamin E. CoQ10 works with vitamin E to fight free-radical damage and help the body resist potential health concerns.

Nature Made CoQ10, 100mg, Liquid Softgels 72 ea

Product Features

• 72 count softgels
• Each soft gel contains 100 milligrams of CoQ10
• Helps support a healthy heart
• Works with Vitmain E to fight free radical damage
• Helps the body resist potential health concerns

Adding Nature Made Coenzyme Q-10 supplements to your daily routine is a simple, effective way to ensure your body receives an antioxidant essential for maintaining proper heart health. Found throughout the body, but concentrated in the heart, coenzyme Q-10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps support heart muscle strength and basic functioning of cells in the body. Nature Made Coenzyme Q-10 is recommended for people at risk for heart disease, for individuals taking statin drugs to lower cholesterol, and for those who currently have heart complications.

Nature Made Coenzyme Q-10 At a Glance: Essential CoQ10 antioxidant supports heart health Ideal for those prone to heart conditions or with current heart problems Fights free radical damage No artificial flavors, preservatives, starch, or gluten

Contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, starch, or gluten.

Powerful Antioxidant Supports Heart Health
Taken as a daily supplement to your diet, coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) has been clinically shown to support heart function. Produced by a natural fermentation process, CoQ10 works to fight free radical damage and helps the body resist potential health concerns. It may also be helpful in combating high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other ailments. Ideal for people with heart health issues and those genetically prone to heart disease, Nature Made Coenzyme Q-10 is a smart, simple way to help support a healthy heart.

Natural Ingredients for a Healthy Supplement
Nature Made Coenzyme Q-10 is made from carefully selected ingredients under strict manufacturing processes. This product contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, starch, or gluten.

About Nature Made: A Commitment to Great Vitamins
Nature Made is committed is to making the highest quality vitamins and supplements possible. Their products are designed to be science-based, safe, and effective for your health and wellness needs. Before a vitamin or supplement is produced for public consumption, it has passed through a rigorous evaluation process. From ingredient purity to manufacturing excellence, Nature Made products are independently certified for quality, purity, strength and consistency, giving you peace of mind that you can trust what you're putting into your body.

What's in the Box
Nature Made Coenzyme Q-10 (72 softgels, 100 mg/each).