Medicine & Health / Health
http://www.physorg.com/news154694436.html
Older African American women who have experienced high levels of family violence throughout their lives are more likely to suffer worse physical and mental health than their counterparts, found a Temple researcher in the February issue of the Journal of Women's Health.
"In general, there is a higher incidence of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and more chronic pain syndromes," said lead author Anuradha Paranjape, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of medicine at Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital.
"I think this is an issue for all older women. I have focused on African American women because of my experiences as a busy clinician in downtown Atlanta and now at Temple, where most of my patients are African American. This is an underserved community that experiences health disparities," Paranjape said.
National data shows older African American women are at risk for experiencing poorer health status by virtue of their age, race, and gender. Given this triple threat to their overall health, examining the effect of family violence in this particular demographic group is particularly important, she noted.
These older women have unique service needs since their history of abuse can span across the spectrum of intimate partner violence to other types of abuse later on in life.
"Clinicians caring for older African American women need to be cognizant of the role both current and prior violence exposure may play in their patients' current health status," Paranjape said.
Paranjape advises primary care physicians "to empathize and validate the patient's experiences, and refer them to social support organizations if needed." More importantly, physicians need to know that there may be non-medical reasons why a patient doesn't feel well. If a patient is over the age of 60, it's mandatory for the heath care provider to report the abuse, in Pennsylvania.
For the study, 158 African American women, age 50 or older, were interviewed in ambulatory clinics of a large public hospital. Study participants were asked about the presence and severity of family violence relating to physical violence, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, neglect, and coercion. Lifetime family violence exposure as well as an adult physical and mental health status were then measured and analyzed by the researchers.
The results found significant differences in scores reflecting poorer health for women who had reported high levels of family violence compared to those who reported low levels or no history of abuse. Unemployment was also found to be strongly associated with worse health status, Paranjape said.
"The next step is to look at what differentiates the women who do better from those who do worse. It is possible that women who do better have better coping skills. In that case, programs that are designed to help survivors of abuse cope in a healthy way need to be funded, implemented and assessed for efficacy," she said.
Source: Temple University
It's The Weigh YOU do the Thin(gs) YOU Do! It flows, shimmer & glow...spinning and dancing in the light of THIS Moon for ... as it is the weigh you do the Thin(g) YOU do!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Potassium Benefits
Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and maintain normal heart and artery function. It also reduces the risk of stroke.
RealAge Recommendation www.realage.com
We currently recommend getting at least 3,000 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day from food, but we’re reviewing the latest science and expect our recommendation to increase -- so watch this space! The government now advises 4,700 mg per day.
That said, don’t take a potassium supplement unless directed by your physician, because too much of this mineral can be toxic. Some multivitamins contain potassium, but only in small amounts, so don’t panic if yours is one of them -- just make sure it’s less than 100 mg.
Good Sources
Potato, baked, with skin (1 medium)
1,082 mg
Sweet potato, baked, with skin (1 medium)
694 mg
White beans, canned (1/2 cup)
595 mg
Yogurt, low fat (8 ounces)
531 mg
Beets, cooked (1 cup)
519 mg
Halibut, cooked (3 ounces)
490 mg
Banana (1 medium)
422 mg
Kidney beans, canned (1/2 cup)
328 mg
Raisins (1.5-ounce box)
322 mg
Salmon, cooked (3 ounces)
319 mg
Blackberries (1 cup)
233 mg
RealAge Recommendation www.realage.com
We currently recommend getting at least 3,000 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day from food, but we’re reviewing the latest science and expect our recommendation to increase -- so watch this space! The government now advises 4,700 mg per day.
That said, don’t take a potassium supplement unless directed by your physician, because too much of this mineral can be toxic. Some multivitamins contain potassium, but only in small amounts, so don’t panic if yours is one of them -- just make sure it’s less than 100 mg.
Good Sources
Potato, baked, with skin (1 medium)
1,082 mg
Sweet potato, baked, with skin (1 medium)
694 mg
White beans, canned (1/2 cup)
595 mg
Yogurt, low fat (8 ounces)
531 mg
Beets, cooked (1 cup)
519 mg
Halibut, cooked (3 ounces)
490 mg
Banana (1 medium)
422 mg
Kidney beans, canned (1/2 cup)
328 mg
Raisins (1.5-ounce box)
322 mg
Salmon, cooked (3 ounces)
319 mg
Blackberries (1 cup)
233 mg
Boning Up~Two Nutrients for Better Cholesterol
Interesting my doctor just asked me if I was taking calcium for blood pressure. I've been delighted my BP has been moving steadily to a healthy range!
RealAge Tip:
www.realage.com
Two Nutrients for Better Cholesterol
Trying to lose weight to get your cholesterol down? Excellent. Turbocharge your efforts with this combo supplement: calcium plus vitamin D.
A study suggests the two may boost the cholesterol-lowering benefits of weight loss, especially in people who don't get enough calcium.
Weight Loss with Extra Benefits
Overweight women with low calcium intakes had bigger improvements in cholesterol when they added a calcium+D supplement to their low-cal diets -- regardless of how little or how much body fat they shed. Why? It's possible that calcium helps curb the body's absorption of saturated fat, which in turn may help lower both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. (Diet smart, not hard. Use this doctor plan that stops cravings and can help you drop 2 inches in 2 weeks.)
Kudos for Calcium
Calcium Benefits
Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth and helps prevent arthritis. But that’s not all this mineral is good for: Calcium helps your brain communicate with your nerves, regulates blood pressure, and may reduce the symptoms of PMS and the risk of colon cancer.
RealAge Recommendation
Government guidelines suggest 1,000–1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day is adequate, but RealAge recommends a bit more: 1,000–1,500 mg of calcium per day from food and supplements -- but not all at once. Your body can only absorb 500–600 mg at a time, so divide it into two or three doses over the course of a day. Tip: If you take a calcium supplement, take it with vitamin D (they’re often combined in one pill) to help absorption -- and with a little magnesium to reduce the constipation sometimes caused by calcium. Don’t pair calcium with iron or fiber supplements, which can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the bone-building mineral.
Good Sources
Yogurt, plain, low-fat (8 ounces)
415 mg
Ricotta cheese from part-skim milk (1/2 cup)
335 mg
Soymilk, fortified (8 ounces)
300 mg
Spinach, cooked from frozen (1 cup)
290 mg
Milk, 2% milk fat (8 ounces)
285 mg
Swiss cheese, shredded (1/4 cup)
214 mg
Cheddar cheese, shredded (1/4 cup)
204 mg
Salmon, canned (3 ounces)
181 mg
Soybeans/edamame (1/2 cup)
130 mg
Tofu (3 ounces)
100 mg
Parmesan cheese, shredded (1 tablespoon)
55 mg
RealAge Tip:
www.realage.com
Two Nutrients for Better Cholesterol
Trying to lose weight to get your cholesterol down? Excellent. Turbocharge your efforts with this combo supplement: calcium plus vitamin D.
A study suggests the two may boost the cholesterol-lowering benefits of weight loss, especially in people who don't get enough calcium.
Weight Loss with Extra Benefits
Overweight women with low calcium intakes had bigger improvements in cholesterol when they added a calcium+D supplement to their low-cal diets -- regardless of how little or how much body fat they shed. Why? It's possible that calcium helps curb the body's absorption of saturated fat, which in turn may help lower both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. (Diet smart, not hard. Use this doctor plan that stops cravings and can help you drop 2 inches in 2 weeks.)
Kudos for Calcium
Calcium Benefits
Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth and helps prevent arthritis. But that’s not all this mineral is good for: Calcium helps your brain communicate with your nerves, regulates blood pressure, and may reduce the symptoms of PMS and the risk of colon cancer.
RealAge Recommendation
Government guidelines suggest 1,000–1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day is adequate, but RealAge recommends a bit more: 1,000–1,500 mg of calcium per day from food and supplements -- but not all at once. Your body can only absorb 500–600 mg at a time, so divide it into two or three doses over the course of a day. Tip: If you take a calcium supplement, take it with vitamin D (they’re often combined in one pill) to help absorption -- and with a little magnesium to reduce the constipation sometimes caused by calcium. Don’t pair calcium with iron or fiber supplements, which can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the bone-building mineral.
Good Sources
Yogurt, plain, low-fat (8 ounces)
415 mg
Ricotta cheese from part-skim milk (1/2 cup)
335 mg
Soymilk, fortified (8 ounces)
300 mg
Spinach, cooked from frozen (1 cup)
290 mg
Milk, 2% milk fat (8 ounces)
285 mg
Swiss cheese, shredded (1/4 cup)
214 mg
Cheddar cheese, shredded (1/4 cup)
204 mg
Salmon, canned (3 ounces)
181 mg
Soybeans/edamame (1/2 cup)
130 mg
Tofu (3 ounces)
100 mg
Parmesan cheese, shredded (1 tablespoon)
55 mg
Can you Rub out High Blood Pressure?
www.realage.com
Finally. An indulgence that may actually be good for you.
What is it, you ask? A long, deep massage.
When people with sore muscles received a deep-tissue massage, both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) numbers dropped several points.
Nice.
More Points for Pressure
There's still more research needed in order to figure out if regular massage could reduce high blood pressure long-term. But in this study, people averaged a short-term drop from about 125/76 down to 115/70 -- after just 45 to 60 minutes of deep-tissue work from a licensed bodyworker. Not too shabby. The massage sessions also induced a relaxing 10-point drop in heart rate.
Ahhh.
What We Know Works
Massage isn't likely to replace lifestyle changes or medications when it comes to managing blood pressure, but what a nice little add-on! Meanwhile, keep your blood pressure healthy with these proven habits:
Breathe easy.
Finally. An indulgence that may actually be good for you.
What is it, you ask? A long, deep massage.
When people with sore muscles received a deep-tissue massage, both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) numbers dropped several points.
Nice.
More Points for Pressure
There's still more research needed in order to figure out if regular massage could reduce high blood pressure long-term. But in this study, people averaged a short-term drop from about 125/76 down to 115/70 -- after just 45 to 60 minutes of deep-tissue work from a licensed bodyworker. Not too shabby. The massage sessions also induced a relaxing 10-point drop in heart rate.
Ahhh.
What We Know Works
Massage isn't likely to replace lifestyle changes or medications when it comes to managing blood pressure, but what a nice little add-on! Meanwhile, keep your blood pressure healthy with these proven habits:
Lighten up on salt.
Do a walkabout. Exercise helps your BP.Breathe easy.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Mea Moona Studio online at Cafe Press!
One for time being capable of being flexible will work.
It happens here just like in life, the unexpected can be a beneficial thing, but if you are bound and intent of maintaining the status quo, you can miss out on wonderful opportunities.
So instead of my anguishing & panicking, I am opening myself up for to the promises & possibilities that can arrive from such times.
So if you are game to peruse, do so.
Sign up for the newsletter.
Better yet aid an artist in her livelihood. Much more will be added shortly.
Even more so tell a friend or 2 or 3 or 4.
Net does work.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Chubby Chaser? Ooookay!
Mia Ambers Davis
Ok I will not comment on this commentary by anslem Samuel for reason.
Let me preface this by saying I’m not a “chubby chaser” or anything of the sort, but the other day I saw a woman that some might consider a “big girl” that caught my eye. She wasn’t big in the sense of obese, but big in terms of height and just the overall “solidness” of her frame.
She was a little older, pretty in the face, had her hair done and a well put together outfit.
She was proof positive that just because someone might be considered a “big girl,” it doesn’t mean that she can’t have it going on. It got me to thinking, are there any plus-size sisters that do it for me?
Although I’m a slim guy of average height and not trying to be towered over by my woman, there are a few plus-sized sisters that have caught my eye. I’m a brother that can appreciate some meat on a woman’s bones as long as it’s healthy and she maintain some sort of keen fashion sense-that goes for any woman regardless of size-you’re okay in my book.
In terms of attraction, mental compatibility is always the most important thing, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say physical attraction didn’t play a major role as well. As long as a woman is shapely and confident enough to turn me on when she’s Naked With Socks On we should be good to go. The lady lumps just gotta be ladylike and not just lumps (Sorry).
There are plenty of women that don’t fit the stereotypical mold that are quite attractive. I see them every day in my travels and more and more of them are starting to get into the spotlight. It’s like the powers that be are finally rethinking that outdated model from the World War II era that has long been the benchmark for what the “average” size for a woman is. It’s long overdue, because when you have a chart that says the average woman is a size 8 when most real women today are a more like a size 12, it’s was only a matter of time before the staunch world of fashion and entertainment caught on.
In honor of this new era of the big girl, I decided to compile my own personal list of sisters that some might consider “plus-size” but I feel have it going on. Fellas, chime in if you feel these ladies do it for you, too. Who said big can’t be beautiful? (Sorry, Mo’Nique didn’t make my list:).
JILL SCOTT
Ms. Scott is just a beautiful woman with a glowing personality and aura. Anyone that can’t see that is just plain blind.
JENNIFER HUDSON
J-Hud is a definite looker. While she might be a little too hood for Hollywood at times, she’s all good in my book.
TOCCARA JONES
Personality for days-among other things-but this former ANTM contestant’s biggest draw is her confidence.
JORDIN SPARKS
Jordin is a definite cutie with a warm smile, she seems comfortable in her own skin and can sing to boot… How I’m supposed to breathe with no air, no air…
MIA AMBER DAVIS
You might remember Mia from her role of Rhonda in Road Trip (see main pic above), but she definitely holds it down for the big girls as an accomplished plus-size model.
Let me preface this by saying I’m not a “chubby chaser” or anything of the sort, but the other day I saw a woman that some might consider a “big girl” that caught my eye. She wasn’t big in the sense of obese, but big in terms of height and just the overall “solidness” of her frame.
She was a little older, pretty in the face, had her hair done and a well put together outfit.
She was proof positive that just because someone might be considered a “big girl,” it doesn’t mean that she can’t have it going on. It got me to thinking, are there any plus-size sisters that do it for me?
Although I’m a slim guy of average height and not trying to be towered over by my woman, there are a few plus-sized sisters that have caught my eye. I’m a brother that can appreciate some meat on a woman’s bones as long as it’s healthy and she maintain some sort of keen fashion sense-that goes for any woman regardless of size-you’re okay in my book.
In terms of attraction, mental compatibility is always the most important thing, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say physical attraction didn’t play a major role as well. As long as a woman is shapely and confident enough to turn me on when she’s Naked With Socks On we should be good to go. The lady lumps just gotta be ladylike and not just lumps (Sorry).
There are plenty of women that don’t fit the stereotypical mold that are quite attractive. I see them every day in my travels and more and more of them are starting to get into the spotlight. It’s like the powers that be are finally rethinking that outdated model from the World War II era that has long been the benchmark for what the “average” size for a woman is. It’s long overdue, because when you have a chart that says the average woman is a size 8 when most real women today are a more like a size 12, it’s was only a matter of time before the staunch world of fashion and entertainment caught on.
In honor of this new era of the big girl, I decided to compile my own personal list of sisters that some might consider “plus-size” but I feel have it going on. Fellas, chime in if you feel these ladies do it for you, too. Who said big can’t be beautiful? (Sorry, Mo’Nique didn’t make my list:).
JILL SCOTT
Ms. Scott is just a beautiful woman with a glowing personality and aura. Anyone that can’t see that is just plain blind.
JENNIFER HUDSON
J-Hud is a definite looker. While she might be a little too hood for Hollywood at times, she’s all good in my book.
TOCCARA JONES
Personality for days-among other things-but this former ANTM contestant’s biggest draw is her confidence.
JORDIN SPARKS
Jordin is a definite cutie with a warm smile, she seems comfortable in her own skin and can sing to boot… How I’m supposed to breathe with no air, no air…
MIA AMBER DAVIS
You might remember Mia from her role of Rhonda in Road Trip (see main pic above), but she definitely holds it down for the big girls as an accomplished plus-size model.
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