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Saturday, January 30, 2010

10 Tips to Detoxify Your Diet

I will openly admit I love cheese puffs, cheese curls, pretty much any kind of baked cheese snack - the more neon in color, the better. I also really love artisanal cheeses - and, oddly, cheese puffs, cheese curls, and their brightly colored cousins really taste nothing like any type of real cheese. How do we come to crave these fake flavors? (I know I'm not the only one).

More importantly, when did food become so un-natural?And, our food hasn't simply become more synthetic than ever before, it's also laced with ingredients and contaminants that pose distressing health risks. They aren't like salmonella, e-coli, or other pathogenic pollutants that can cause immediate illness or even death. These toxic impurities are more insidious - subtly causing harm over time.

Reduce your exposure to unwanted ingredients by following these 10 tips to detoxify your

1. Ease up on animal fats. Animal products can contain synthetic hormones, antibiotics and organochlorine chemicals, such as dioxin, DDT and other pesticides, which concentrate in animal fat. The same chemicals that accumulate in animal fats are transferred to our own when we eat them. Then they linger there for years quietly causing damage. When you buy meat, poultry or dairy, look for low fat options (get the unsaturated fats your body needs from plant sources like walnuts, flax seeds, and avocados). Trim all fats and skins and broil meats and fish so that the fats drain away. Avoid frying, which will lock in the contaminants. You can also do your body a favor by reducing how much meat you eat. Making even one vegetarian meal a week can make a big difference.

2. Select safer seafood. Eating seafood is the primary way we are exposed to methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin. Fish can also be contaminated with PCBs, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Environmental Protection Agency have declared a probable carcinogen. Use the Environmental Defense Fund's Safe Seafood Selector to find species that are lowest in chemical and heavy metal contamination and that are fished in ways that are not harmful to our Oceans. Or access the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch, one of the more popular seafood guide's online, who have now made it possible to get their website information with ease when you're standing in front of the seafood case by using their free iPhone app.

3. Go organic. According to the Environmental Working Group, you can lower your pesticide exposure by 90 per cent simply by avoiding the most contaminated conventionally grown produce: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, carrots, and pears. If you're really craving one of these foods, opt for organic. Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that have the lowest levels of pesticide residue include: onion, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomato, and sweet potato. You can download the EWG pocket guide that lists these and the dirty dozen from Foodnews.org.

4. Prep your produce. Wash all fruits and vegetables well to remove surface chemicals (and pathogens). It's easiest and most efficient to wash everything right when you bring it home. You should even wash foods with inedible peels - like melons, bananas, and oranges. If there's a contaminant on the surface, you can get it on the knife you use to cut it or on your hand, and then spread it to the part you eat.

5. Ban the can. Canned foods and beverages are lined with a resin that contains bisphenol-A, a hormone-disrupting chemical that's building up in our environment and our bodies. Most manufacturers are beginning to explore safer alternatives, but in the meantime you should choose foods that are fresh, dried or frozen or packaged in glass jars or tetra packs.

6. Bulk up. Bulk foods are often less processed so you reduce your exposure to questionable food additives. Buying it bulk can also save you up to $500 a year! Bulk cook staples like beans and other legumes and store them in your freezer in serving sizes that are appropriate for your family size. You can also buy dried pasta, nuts, seeds, and many other staples in bulk.

7. Cook your cuisine safely. If you enjoy grilling or well-done meat, be advised - you are adding to your cancer risk. Grilling creates smoke laden with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which end up on the surface of whatever you're cooking. When meat, chicken and fish are cooked at high temperatures for a long time (aka "well-done"), it creates carcinogenic heterocyclic amines, or HCAs.

8. Read a food label - for real. Ever stop to read the ingredients label on packaged, processed foods? It's usually a mouthful of words most of us have a hard time pronouncing, so what exactly are you eating? You can learn which food additives are safe and which are not by visiting The Center for Science in the Public Interest's food safety guide, but it's even easier to simply choose whole foods. Whole foods are not processed, so they have all their natural nutritional gifts. Look for foods made from whole grains (think whole wheat bread, oatmeal and brown rice) - and it should say "whole" on the label. Make more foods from scratch (it's easier than you think). You'll end up saving money, eating healthier and reducing all the waste created from packaging and processing foods.

9. Wet your whistle with water. Americans drink an overwhelming amount of sodas, sports drinks, energy boosters, juices (that often contain little juice), and other bottled beverages. The first problem with this is that most of these drinks are loaded with sweeteners and artificial flavors and colors. The second is that they're bottled in plastic, which can leach additional chemicals into the drink. Your body is 70-75% water, so hydrate it with water! And, skip the single-use bottled water. Again, it can be contaminated by the plastic bottle. Also, it's less regulated than tap water. Make an investment in a water filter and reusable stainless steel water bottles. They quickly pay for themselves.

10. Eat-in more often. When you eat at a restaurant or pick something up from a deli you have very little control over what you're getting. Save money and protect your health by making food at home. When you do go out, make healthier choices.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

10 Essential Health Tips

1. Move MoreMake it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut FatAvoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat BeltStatistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your TeethRecent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny

Friday, January 15, 2010

MedX releases new laser products for smoking cessation therapy

MedX Health Corp., (TSXV.MDX) a global leader in developing drug free, non-invasive low level laser and light therapy for tissue repair and pain relief, today announced that the company will be expanding its North American Smoking Cessation Therapy Program into the Middle East and will be meeting new worldwide distributors as a first-time exhibitor at the ARAB HEALTH CONFERENCE, International Trade Fair. Earlier in 2009 MedX Health had announced the establishment of its first European Distribution Center in The Netherlands, following receipt of the CE Mark approval to market and sell the family of MedX laser and light products in all EU Countries.

“We made a strong commitment to globalize our laser and light products, and we are well on our way with the establishment of our Distribution Center in The Netherlands, obtaining CE Mark for all laser and light products, and rapidly expanding our worldwide network of new distributors,” states Steve Guillen, President and CEO of MedX Health. “The Arab Health Conference brings together our current and potential partners to share their ideas and products, and our participation will accelerate our success in the global market.”

Smoking Cessation Therapy

Utilizing Laser Acupuncture Treatments

Benefits - Laser Acupuncture Treatments are a drug-free, safe, painless and highly effective solution for smoking cessation.

MedX has over a decade of experience in designing, manufacturing and distributing ground-breaking laser and light therapy technology. For a decade, MedX's reliable laser and light devices have been extensively used in rehabilitation and sports medicine, and more recently in the dental arenas. This expertise has now been incorporated into the MedX Laser Probe devices for use to effectively treat people that desire to stop smoking and without the use of drugs.

MedX Tethered Laser Probe and Console

The tethered MedX Laser Probe is powered and controlled by the MedX 1100 console for fast, easy set-up. The Laser Probe delivers 200 mW of infrared energy using an 808 nm GaAIAs infrared laser diode and visible red guide light. The ergonomic design ensures simplicity of use and accuracy for auricular and body acupuncture applications. The MedX Laser Probe fibre optic light guides have been developed specifically for Smoking Cessation and other Addiction Programs. See the website for MedX Portable Laser Probe

“While the use of laser therapy in addiction is not a new concept, it has not been well-documented and it is important that MedX conduct these meaningful studies to confirm the efficacy of our laser and established treatment protocols for these addictions. This would lead to a more cost-effective way to treat addiction,” states Steve Guillen, president and CEO of MedX Health. “This is just the beginning for our worldwide launch in laser acupuncture with our MedX laser probe. Our goal is to institute a safe and effective standard of care for those suffering from substance abuse and the serious medical conditions that can result from drug, alcohol, and smoking addictions,” adds Guillen.

Visitors can visit with MedX management and see the Laser technology live at the ARAB HEALTH CONFERENCE to be held at Dubai, UAE on January 25th-28th, 2010 .

AUSTRALIA @ ARAB HEALTH 2010

Australia has one of the most advanced and sophisticated health systems in the world which has encouraged the development of high quality products and services. Over the past decade, Australia’s health and medical industry has grown dramatically in size and reputation for its world leading technology, innovation, high professional skills, advanced research, development and robust health system.

The health and medical industry is represented by manufacturers, specialised in niche applications in the fields of cardiovascular, diagnostic, hearing, orthopaedic, respiratory devices, as well as health IT, health infrastructure, services and clinical trials

Excellent research facilities, world-class scientists and a strong but flexible regulatory regime have made Australia a powerhouse of biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation. This competitiveness has helped Australia become home to a thriving network of 400 biotechnology companies.

Australian companies have for many years been selling a diverse range of medical products and services to Middle East markets. The breadth of services available includes health planning expertise, feasibility studies, facilities design, management systems, clinical services, training, for medical and other staff, and accreditation. Australia is a regular participant at Arab Health Exhibition and Congress and 47 companies will be exhibiting at Arab Health 2010 showcasing an impressive range of health and medical products and services. Australia is truly world class.

Exhibits include medical instruments and devices, homeopathic services, hyperbaric therapy, treatments for respiratory and sleep disorders, ambulance vehicles, retractable syringes, therapeutic products, hospital beds, hospital and laboratory accreditation, acute trauma management, imaging products, and medical sheepskins.

Come and see some of the best products and services for the healthcare sector at the Australian pavilion at Arab Health 2010 (25-28 January) in the newly opened Sheikh Saeed Hall at Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre
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