LOS DESEOS DE LAS MUJERES

What Women Want Based on Their Prettiness

AUSTIN, Texas (UPI) -- Women want men who are good providers, attractive and devoted, but they calibrate their standards based on how attractive they are, a U.S. study suggests. David Buss of The University of Texas and Todd Shackelford of Florida Atlantic University found four categories of characteristics women seek in a partner -- good genes, reflected in desirable physical traits; resources; the desire to have children and good parenting skills and loyalty and devotion.

"When reviewing the qualities they desire in romantic partners, women gauge what they can get based on what they got," Buss says in a statement. "And women who are considered physically attractive maintain high standards for prospective partners across a variety of characteristics."

The study, published in the Evolutionary Psychology, also says most women attempt to secure the best combination of the qualities they desire from the same man, but the researchers say a small portion of women who do not find a partner with all the qualities may trade some characteristics for others. The researchers said the characteristics men desired in a partner did not vary based on their own physical attractiveness.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

EL PARKINSON'S IMPEDE LA POSSIBILIDAD DE OLER

Smell Sense loss linked to Parkinson's
HONOLULU (UPI) -- Impaired sense of smell may occur in the early stages of Parkinson's disease and be an early indicator of the disease, a U.S. study found. The study, published in the Annals of Neurology, found smell impairment can precede motor symptoms in men by at least four years. Study leader G. Webster Ross of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System and the Pacific Health Research Institute in Honolulu said those with the lowest olfactory scores -- those with poorest odor identification -- had a five times greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease than those with the highest scores. "One interpretation of this finding is that the relationship of olfactory deficits to higher risk of future Parkinson's disease begins to weaken beyond a threshold of approximately four years between testing and diagnosis," the study authors said in a statement. This study and findings from earlier studies suggest that olfactory impairment begins between two and seven years prior to diagnosis and estimates from neuroimaging and pathological studies suggest that there is a period of about five to seven years between the onset of nerve loss in an area of the brain affected by Parkinson's disease and diagnosis of the disease, the researchers said. Copyright 2008 by United Press International

LA INSOMNIA EN LOS ADOLESCENTES AFECTA MAS QUE SOLO NO PODER DORMIR

Teens with Insomnia Lose More Than Sleep
HOUSTON (UPI) -- Insomnia in teens costs them more than sleep -- it can harm adolescents physically, psychologically and in interpersonal relations, a U.S. study found. Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have completed what they describe as the first prospective study demonstrating the negative impact of chronic insomnia on teens ages 11 to 17. Lead author Robert E. Roberts said more than one-fourth of the youths surveyed had one or more symptoms of insomnia and almost half of those youngsters had chronic conditions. The findings are based on interviews of one to two hours with 3,134 adolescents in metropolitan Houston, part of Teen Health 2000 -- a community-based, prospective study of the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders among adolescents that involved a structured psychiatric interview. The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found adolescents with chronic insomnia were much more likely to have problems with drug use, depression, school work, jobs and perceived health. "Almost half of the adolescents who reported one or more symptoms of insomnia during the initial screening had similar issues a year later," Roberts said in a statement. "Twenty-four percent met the symptom criteria for chronic insomnia as defined by the American Psychiatric Association -- insomnia is considered a psychiatric disorder."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

EL EFECTO DEL CANCER EN DIFERENTES PERSONAS

Black, White Breast Cancer Death Disparity
ATLANTA (UPI) -- Breast cancer death rates have decreased for white women in every U.S. state, but are flat or rising for African-American women, a study said. The study, published online ahead of print in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, found breast cancer death rates among African-American women decreased in 11 of 37 states with sufficient numbers for analysis and in the District of Columbia. However, death rates were flat in 24 states and higher in Arkansas and Mississippi. American Cancer Society researchers led by Carol DeSantis analyzed mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics from 1975 through 2004 by state and race. At the national level, death rates began to decline in 1990 for white women and in 1991 for African-American women. However, the death rare decreased far slower in African-American women. In 1991, death rates among African-American women were 18 percent higher compared to white women; by 2004, they were 36 percent higher, DeSantis said. Access to and utilization of screening as well as regional variations in the quality and timeliness of treatment likely play important roles in the disparity, the researchers said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

EL EFECTO DEL CANCER ENDIFERENTES PERSONAS

Black, white breast cancer death disparity
ATLANTA (UPI) -- Breast cancer death rates have decreased for white women in every U.S. state, but are flat or rising for African-American women, a study said. The study, published online ahead of print in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, found breast cancer death rates among African-American women decreased in 11 of 37 states with sufficient numbers for analysis and in the District of Columbia. However, death rates were flat in 24 states and higher in Arkansas and Mississippi. American Cancer Society researchers led by Carol DeSantis analyzed mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics from 1975 through 2004 by state and race. At the national level, death rates began to decline in 1990 for white women and in 1991 for African-American women. However, the death rare decreased far slower in African-American women. In 1991, death rates among African-American women were 18 percent higher compared to white women; by 2004, they were 36 percent higher, DeSantis said. Access to and utilization of screening as well as regional variations in the quality and timeliness of treatment likely play important roles in the disparity, the researchers said.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International

EL EFECTO DEL CANCER ENDIFERENTES PERSONAS

Black, white breast cancer death disparity
ATLANTA (UPI) -- Breast cancer death rates have decreased for white women in every U.S. state, but are flat or rising for African-American women, a study said. The study, published online ahead of print in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, found breast cancer death rates among African-American women decreased in 11 of 37 states with sufficient numbers for analysis and in the District of Columbia. However, death rates were flat in 24 states and higher in Arkansas and Mississippi. American Cancer Society researchers led by Carol DeSantis analyzed mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics from 1975 through 2004 by state and race. At the national level, death rates began to decline in 1990 for white women and in 1991 for African-American women. However, the death rare decreased far slower in African-American women. In 1991, death rates among African-American women were 18 percent higher compared to white women; by 2004, they were 36 percent higher, DeSantis said. Access to and utilization of screening as well as regional variations in the quality and timeliness of treatment likely play important roles in the disparity, the researchers said.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International

SUBSTITUTOS DE AZUCAR Y SUS EFECTOS

Your Health: Sugar Substitute Offers Sweet Taste -- Minus the Bitter Consequences
Rallie McAllister, M.D., M.P.H.
America's insatiable sweet tooth is taking a super-sized bite out of our nation's health. Over the past three decades, annual per capita sugar consumption in the United States has risen from 113 pounds to nearly 150 pounds. During the same time frame, obesity and diabetes have become national epidemics. For folks who want to enjoy the sweet taste of sugar without suffering the bitter consequences, an alternative sweetener known as xylitol is an excellent choice. Discovered in 1891 by a German chemist, the substance became popular in Europe during World War II, when sugar was in short supply. Since the 1960s, xylitol has been used as an FDA-approved nutritive sweetener in diabetic diets. These days, it can be found in a few brands of baked goods and beverages, as well as in chewing gum, mints and toothpaste. Xylitol isn't a true sugar, but rather a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many plants, including some fruits and vegetables. Although it was originally derived from birch trees, corn is now the primary source of commercially produced xylitol. In its pure form, the sweetener is a white crystalline substance that looks, tastes and measures like sugar. Unlike table sugar, which has 15 calories per teaspoon, xylitol provides just 9.6 calories per teaspoon. Because the human body metabolizes sugar alcohols in a unique manner, xylitol doesn't produce spikes in blood glucose and insulin levels that commonly occur following the consumption of regular sugar. While sugar is known wreak havoc on dental health, xylitol has the opposite effect. The natural sweetener has been shown to prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria primarily responsible for causing dental cavities. Over the past two decades, a number of studies have shown that when children chew xylitol-sweetened gum three times daily following meals, they develop significantly fewer cavities than those chewing sugar-sweetened gum. Similar findings have been observed in adults. In addition to deterring cavity formation, the use of xylitol-containing gums and mints can help control bad breath, reduce the frequency and severity of mouth sores, and improve oral health in individuals with periodontal disease. Not only does xylitol inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, it also puts a damper on the proliferation of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacterial source of most middle ear infections in children. In a study published in British Medical Journal, researchers examined the effects of the sweetener in more than 300 children in daycare settings, most of whom had suffered repeated ear infections. Half of the children chewed xylitol-containing gum five times a day, while the other half chewed regular sugar-sweetened gum. During the two-month study, 21 percent of the children chewing regular gum had one or more ear infections, while only 12 percent of the children chewing xylitol-sweetened gum experienced one or more ear infections. Preliminary research suggests that the sugar alcohol also may play a role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. When fed to aging rats, xylitol not only reduced bone loss, it actually increased bone mineral density by an average of 10 percent. Scientists speculate that the sweetener may enhance bone health by boosting the body's absorption of calcium. While the optimal dose necessary to promote bone health is still unknown, a daily intake of six grams of xylitol has been shown to help prevent dental cavities. For best results, two pieces of gum, each containing one gram of xylitol, should be chewed three times a day following meals. To reduce the risk of middle ear infections, children should chew two pieces of the gum five times daily. In these amounts, xylitol is generally well tolerated by both children and adults. At doses greater than 30 grams a day, however, the sugar alcohol may have a laxative effect. While xylitol is perfectly safe for humans, canines can't properly metabolize the sugar alcohol. Dogs ingesting the substance can experience a life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels, necessitating immediate veterinary attention. Like regular sugar, xylitol can be purchased in bulk, as well as in single-serving packages. Unlike sugar, xylitol isn't widely available in supermarkets: it's more likely to be found at stores and shops that sell natural foods and nutritional supplements. Xylitol is more expensive than regular table sugar, but if you're looking for a reduced-calorie sweetener with a few bonus benefits, it's an excellent investment. ======== Rallie McAllister, M.D., M.P.H., is a family physician in Kingsport, Tenn., and author of "Healthy Lunchbox: The Working Mom's Guide to Keeping You and Your Kids Trim." Her Web site is http://www.rallieonhealth.com/. To find out more about Rallie McAllister, M.D., and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at http://www.creators.com/.
Copyright 2007 Creators Syndicate Inc.

SI EL TRATAMIENTO PARA EL CANCER NO FUNCIONA, ESTA BIEN DECIR "NO"

Lifelong Health: If Cancer Treatments are Futile, It's OK to Say No
Dr. David Lipschitz
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.4 million people developed some form of cancer in 2007. Though the technology to treat and cure cancer has improved immensely in the last few decades, cancer is still the second leading cause of death, with more than 1,500 Americans dying per day. Thousands of patients and families across the nation face the wrenching challenge of fighting a losing battle. So, how do you react when the prognosis is dire? Keep fighting? Even when the evidence does not support it? Even when your insurance stops paying? How do you navigate the system with terminal cancer? With the majority of health care costs spent in the final months of life, it's vital that Americans begin to understand the many challenges, dilemmas and options of treating a terminal illness. First, it begins with the patient. Do your homework! Consult with a physician you trust, and find a strong patient advocate to help. Get second opinions and be educated about the specific form of cancer. The more you know, the easier it will be to make informed choices. Patients and families must be very cautious and tempered when deciding on treatment plans. Always ask the oncologist whether the planned therapy will be of any benefit. Is there scientific evidence? Research may show that the planned treatment causes the tumor to shrink, relieves symptoms, or even prolongs life. However, just as frequently there may be absolutely no evidence of benefit. Often the physician will say there is a one in 1,000 chance that the tumor will shrink. This provides some hope, but sadly, it's false. A one in 1,000 chance is no chance at all. Despite the poor odds, many people still elect to have treatment. If therapy is selected, make sure that you communicate with the responsible physician and understand your choices, the details of the therapy, possible benefits, side effects and how success or failure of the planned treatment will be determined. Know how long the therapy will take and the amount of time you will need to stay in the hospital. Understand how long care in the hospital will be covered by your insurance policy, and make sure there is a plan for what will happen once continued stay in the hospital is either no longer needed or insurance will no longer cover the cost of care. Always be aware that your insurance company may elect to stop coverage if the treatment is deemed unsuccessful, inappropriate or futile. When insurance is denied, don't be surprised if you hear it from a hospital administrator first. In the worst-case scenario, a hospital may actually give patients a 24- or 48-hour window to leave because of the insurance company's refusal to pay. This is an important warning -- you must understand and track the progress of the disease and the therapy. Is the patient improving and, if not, is there anything else that should be done? You cannot count on staying in the hospital indefinitely. Post-hospital treatment requires a completely different care plan. Where will you go? Who will provide care and treatment? Unfortunately, most care plans only account for the time spent in-hospital. Upon admission to the hospital, meet and develop a relationship with a hospital social worker, who is far and away the most knowledgeable about discharge planning, and the choices available to you once you leave the hospital. Finally, whenever a patient confronts terminal cancer, the issue of hospice care must arise. Hospice and palliative care are excellent options for many patients. Choosing hospice care is not about "giving up" or "not fighting" -- it is an expression of how you choose to live out your final days. The goal of hospice care is to minimize pain and any negative side effects, making it as easy as possible for the patient. For many people, hospice care is the key to a peaceful, dignified death. Regardless of how you battle terminal cancer, you must take an active role in determining your path. Do not rely on your physician to create the best, most optimal treatment plan. As an empowered consumer of health care, you must learn to navigate our complex and dysfunctional health care system -- especially when battling terminal illness. ======== Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at http://www.creators.com/. More information is available at http://www.drdavidhealth.com/.

Copyright 2008 Creators Syndicate Inc.

VINO Y LA NUEVA MAMA

Wine Allowed for Breastfeeding Moms
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (UPI) -- Swedish officials say women who are breastfeeding their children can have a glass of wine or two without harming their infants. The National Food Administration wants to make the revision in nutritional directives, which previously called for women to abstain from alcohol while nursing, the news program Aktuellt said. "There has been much greater interest in dietary advice in general during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And we have been told that much of the advice is considered tricky to follow. There was a need to modernize it," the agency's head dietitian Annica Sohlstrom told the Swedish news agency TT/The Local. The administration said one or two glasses of wine once or twice a week shouldn't create a health problem. Officials plan to present the new recommendation this summer. Copyright 2008 by United Press International

VITAMINA D PARA MEJOR SALUD Y LARGA VIDA

Vitamin D Supplementation Linked to Better Health, Longer Life
Rallie McAllister, M.D., M.P.H.
The good news about vitamin D just keeps getting better. Researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, recently announced that vitamin D supplementation is linked to lower mortality rates among healthy adults. The French scientists analyzed the results of 18 separate trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation in more than 57,000 individuals. They found an 8 percent reduction in all-cause mortality among those subjects taking the vitamin for at least three years. How does extra D boost longevity? The answer may lie in our genes. Genes are situated on twisted, double-stranded molecules of DNA known as chromosomes. At the ends of the chromosomes are structures called telomeres. Telomeres have been likened to the plastic tips on shoelaces because they prevent chromosome ends from fraying. This type of damage could scramble DNA and lead to cancer or other serious diseases. Unfortunately, telomeres aren't indestructible. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter. When they become too short, the cell can no longer divide. The end result is the deterioration of cells and tissues, accompanied by a higher risk of death. The findings of a study recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that vitamin D may somehow reduce the rate at which telomeres shorten. In a study of more than 2,000 female twins aged 18 to 79, British researchers found that high blood levels of vitamin D corresponded to greater telomere length, protecting the chromosomal structures from the equivalent of five years of aging. In addition to its apparent anti-aging effects, vitamin D has been shown to deter the growth of cancer, preventing the out-of-control cell division that makes it such a dangerous disease. In humans, higher blood levels of the vitamin have been linked to lower rates of cancer of the prostate, breast and colon. Researchers at Creighton University recently demonstrated the importance of vitamin D in breast cancer prevention. In a four-year study of more than 1,000 healthy menopausal women, those who took daily doses of calcium plus 1,100 International Units (IU) of vitamin D experienced a 60 percent reduction in breast cancer compared to women taking placebo pills. Adequate intakes of vitamin D have long been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. A study conducted by Harvard researchers revealed that men with low blood levels of the vitamin were significantly more likely to develop colon or rectal cancer than those men with higher levels. The results of several small clinical trials suggest that vitamin D also may thwart the progression of prostate cancer. In men diagnosed with the disease, supplementation was shown to slow the rise in blood levels of prostate specific antigen, a biological marker for the condition. Vitamin D deficiency appears to contribute to autoimmune disorders, conditions in which the immune system attacks the body. Autoimmune diseases linked to a deficiency of D include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. While much remains to be learned about the role of vitamin D in aging, cancer and autoimmune diseases, scientists have long known that the nutrient is critical to bone health. In the absence of vitamin D, only about 10 to 15 percent of dietary calcium can be absorbed by the body. Higher blood levels of D are associated with greater bone mineral density and a reduced risk of osteoporosis in older adults. In light of the fact that vitamin D deficiency is relatively widespread in the United States, many experts believe the recommended daily allowance should be increased to at least 800 IU to 1,000 IU. Currently, the recommended daily intake is 200 IU for folks younger than 50, 400 IU for adults 51 to 70 years of age, and 600 IU daily for those 70 and older. Although some foods, including milk, orange juice and a few grain products are fortified with the vitamin, the amounts they contain are rather low -- typically less than 100 IU vitamin D. With about 350 IU per serving, oily fish, including salmon and mackerel, are excellent food sources. If your eating habits leave something to be desired, there's a good chance that you're not getting enough vitamin D for optimal health. Although there's no substitute for a wholesome, balanced diet, a daily dose of vitamin D could lower your risk for many diseases, and it might even help prolong your life. ======== Rallie McAllister is a board-certified family physician, speaker and the author of several books, including "Healthy Lunchbox: The Working Mom's Guide to Keeping You and Your Kids Trim." Her website is http://www.rallieonhealth.com/. To find out more about Rallie McAllister, M.D., and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at http://www.creators.com/.

Copyright 2008 Creators Syndicate Inc.

COMO VEMOS PHOTOS Y DIBUJOS

Picture Recognition Read via Electrodes
LEICESTER, England (UPI) -- It is possible to read neurons in the human brain signaling conscious perception, a bio-engineer in England has discovered. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found neurons in the brain responded in an "all-or-none" way -- dramatically changing their firing rate -- when pictures were recognized even if the picture was flashed very briefly. "For example, a neuron in the hippocampus -- part of the brain involved with memory -- of one patient fired very strongly to a picture of the patient's brother when recognized and remained completely silent when it was not," study leader Dr. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga of University of Leicester said in a statement. "Interestingly, based on the firing of these neurons it was possible to predict far above chance whether a picture was recognized or not." Quiroga's work has implications for neurologic diseases, as well as applications to the development of prosthetic devices that "read" commands directly from the brain. The study documented epileptic patients in whom intracranial electrodes were implanted in preparation for possibly curative surgery. This sometimes two-week process gives researchers an opportunity to study how neurons in the human brain respond to different perceptual and behavioral tasks.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

SI LOS CHICOS COMEN MENOS SAL, EL CONSUMO DE REFRESCOS SE REDUCE

Kids Eating Less Salt May Cut Soft Drinks
LONDON (UPI) -- Reducing children's salt intake may lower soft drink consumption and lower the risk of obesity, a British study found. Lead author Dr. Feng J. He of St. George's University of London said studies have shown that dietary salt intake increases fluid consumption in adults but this study was the first to examine whether the same was true in children. The researchers analyzed data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey in Great Britain, conducted in 1997 in a nationally representative sample of more than 2,000 children ages 4-18. "We found that children eating a lower-salt diet drank less fluid," He said in a statement. "If children ages 4 to 18 years cut their salt intake by half -- i.e., an average reduction of 3 grams a day -- there would be a decrease of approximately two sugar-sweetened soft drinks per week per child." Not only would reducing salt intake lower blood pressure in children but it could also play a role in helping to reduce obesity, He said. The findings are published in the Journal Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association. Copyright 2008 by United Press International

HOY HAY DOS ENTRADAS EN MI BLOG. LEELAS Y MANDEN COMENTARIOS A LA SEGUNDA, POR FAVOR

Car Maker goes Holistic to cure Back Pain
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (UPI) -- An automobile manufacturer has found providing a holistic approach to treating back pain in its U.S. workers lowers its healthcare costs. More than half of the employees involved in the pilot program of Chrysler LLC, Health Alliance Plan, a Detroit-based nonprofit health plan, and the Henry Ford Medical Group provider network reported their back pain had been eliminated. The "We've Got Your Back" program involved 200 employees randomized to either intervention or an untreated control group. Their health status was measured at the start, middle and end of the five-month project period. The treatment program combined the convenience of the workplace and advantages of a group setting with a holistic medical approach using both complementary and alternative methods, the Health Alliance Plan said in a statement. The program included guided relaxation and somatic movement reduction -- teaching the brain to maintain nerve and muscle system control and release over-contracted muscles. Chronic back pain was eliminated in 55 percent of employees in the treatment group as well as significant reductions in disability, stress, sleep problems and depression symptoms. Zero improvement was reported in the control group.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International

LIBERTAD PARA MIS BLOGS Y WEBSITE

A CALL TO ARMS

The unexpected has finally come to past. The day when someone will look me in the face and say on of my blogs is an abuse of my position. People, the last time I checked I lived in a free society in a free world and I was allowed freedom by the blogspot on the internet to voice my opinions and to try to help others to learn. I pray the readers out there will see what I am saying and tell me if there has been anything on these blogs of mine that has misled anyone. I am a teacher by profession and director of the school in which I teach and one I am ashamed of my profession at the moment. You will ask why I am ashamed. My answer is because if a colleague can look me in the face and write on paper that I am abusing my position with the use of these or any of my blogs or website when all I set out to do was to help my students and to give some colour to their little Corozal Town lives, then there is something wrong with the educational system in which I live. Either it will have to go or I will.

This is the why wars begin. People misunderstand things because they are told a lot of rubbish and ideas are pushed into their already packed brain. I urge each and everyone to stop and think before they listen to others. Ask yourself why is this person doing this and what is the hidden agenda? People do things for different reasons. Think. Why would someone who is supposed to be a friend or was a friend at one time, of another person, suddenly turn on him or her?

I will tell you right now if I am told that this entry was wrong to write there will be a lot of changes in Belize very soon. My democratic right as a citizen in a free country must never be taken for granted. I may be a lot of things to different people, but I am a caring, honest teacher and Director. I fight for the right to learn and to have choices that will assist students to become strong men and women of Belize. It was my hope that one day someone out there would see these blogs and want to assist the school or students. THAT WAS MY HOPE. IT IS STILL MY HOPE AND I WILL TRY MY BEST TO SEE SOMETHING POSTIVE IN REGARDS TO THE BLOGS so they are not WRITTEN IN VAIN.

If you asked me why I began the blogs I would have to honestly say because Mr. Abel Lopez Rodriquez showed me how to do them. Abel is a person who sees the good in everything and everyone. I have had to tell him more than once that there are people who are around who are dangerous, conniving and just plain mean. All that sea breeze must be getting to the brain and causing a deficiency called “deception”. Trust me there will be no forgiving from now on.

Write me at http://cccandcjc-ace.blogspot.com and visit my website http://brendaysaguirre.galeon.com and tell me if I am abusing my connections with my school. I am calling on all bloggers to give me a hand on this. Give me the ammunition I need to fight back to save my blogs and myself. Today it is me, but tomorrow it can be YOU.

Thank you,
Brenda A. Ysaguirre
Director, ACE

EXAMEN PERSONAL PARA LA GLAUCOMA PUEDE SALVARLE LA VISION

Self-test for Glaucoma can Save Vision
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (UPI) -- A U.S. eye surgeon and medical missionary says tens of thousands of cases of glaucoma could be detected annually with his new "self-test." Undetected and untreated glaucoma leads to permanent damage of the optic nerve and resultant visual field loss, which can progress to blindness. Dr. Robert Welsh of Coral Gables, Fla., said his Welsh Self-Test may be awkward but is accurate. The test involves holding one hand over the opposite eye and then using the free hand for "finger-wiggling" to detect reduced or lost "nose-side side-vision," called a 95 percent glaucoma diagnostic "nasal-step" loss, Welsh said. "Elderly blacks are nine times more gene prone to developing totally blinding glaucoma than other population groups," Welsh said in a statement. "Early glaucoma diagnosis and treatment can be made by working with pastors at black churches throughout America." More information on the test is at the Web site: glaucomaselftest.org.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

LOS EXPERTOS ARGUMENTAN SOBRE COMO COMBATIR LA OBESIDAD

Experts Argue on how to Fight 'Globesity'

BOSTON (UPI) -- U.S. researchers disagree on how best to address "globesity" -- more than 1 billion overweight adults and 300 million clinically obese worldwide. Rena Wing, a professor of psychiatry at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, R.I., said that to address global obesity large lifestyle changes are necessary, such as exercising 60 to 90 minutes a day. "We live in an obesogenic environment that relies heavily on fast food, automobiles and remote controls -- all which can be labeled as 'toxic' to maintaining a healthy body weight," Wing said in a statement. "We've found that bigger changes are needed for success." However, James Hill of the University of Colorado Denver said small daily changes, such as using the stairs, are enough to prevent incremental weight gain that can lead to obesity. Both researchers discussed how to best stave off weight gain at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston. Copyright 2008 by United Press International

EL DESAYUNO AYUDA CON LA PERDIDA DE PESO

Eating Breakfast Boosts Weight Loss Efforts

Rallie McAllister, M.D., M.P.H.

If you're skipping breakfast in an effort to slim down, you might want to rethink your weight loss strategy. A growing body of scientific evidence supports the notion that folks who routinely eat breakfast tend to be thinner -- and healthier -- than those who don't. Although it may seem counterintuitive, skipping meals seems to promote weight gain, rather than weight loss. Breakfast skippers are more likely to give in to midmorning munching or extra-large lunches. Either way, they typically consume far more calories than they would if they had eaten breakfast in the first place. The results of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that when dieters ate breakfast, they lost significantly more weight than those who routinely missed the morning meal. The study, led by David Schlundt, Ph.D., at Vanderbilt University, included 52 moderately obese women. The women were asked to follow a calorie-restricted diet and were assigned randomly to one of two groups. The women in both groups consumed an equal number of calories each day, but those in one group ate breakfast, while the other did not. Women assigned to the breakfast-eating group lost an average of 19.6 pounds in three months, while those assigned to the breakfast-skipping group lost an average of 13.6 pounds. The results of the Vanderbilt study suggest that eating breakfast promotes weight loss in several ways. The women in the breakfast-eating group ate less at lunch and dinner, and they were less likely to engage in mindless snacking. According to Dr. Schlundt, "When you eat breakfast, you're not as hungry later in the day. It's hard to stay on your diet and make wise food choices when you're feeling ravenous." The breakfast eaters also had a lower intake of dietary fat when compared with the women who bypassed breakfast. Schlundt attributed the reduced fat intake to the wide variety of low-fat breakfast foods available. "A lot of low-fat foods are commonly eaten at the morning meal, including oatmeal, cereal and fruit," he said. "Most of the foods that Americans eat at lunch and dinner have a much higher fat content." Although the women in the study assigned to the breakfast group were given sample menus, Schlundt noted that the subjects were ultimately responsible for deciding what they would eat for breakfast.

"We told them to try to eat just enough to avoid getting hungry before lunchtime," he said. "We didn't tell them what to eat, but we did ask them to stay away from foods that were high in calories and fat."

Staying away from foods rich in fat and calories means that the "traditional" breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes is off-limits.

"Unless you're a serious athlete or you do some type of strenuous manual labor, you don't need a big, heavy meal," said Schlundt. "You just need to eat something light and nutritious to start your day off right."

For some folks, getting out of bed each morning is a challenge in itself, without the added hassle of worrying about what to eat. The good news is that preparing breakfast doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming; it can be as quick and easy as splashing a little milk over some cold cereal. Whole-grain cereals are an excellent choice. Like most varieties of cereal, they're low in fat and they're fortified with the entire alphabet of vitamins and minerals. But unlike highly refined cereals, whole-grain products are naturally high in fiber, an ingredient known to facilitate weight loss. Fiber-rich foods provide substantial bulk, filling your stomach and satisfying your hunger. Because they take longer to digest than low-fiber foods, they keep you feeling fuller longer and help you avoid nibbling throughout the day. Cereals made of bran and shredded wheat are rich in roughage, providing 5 grams of fiber or more per serving. Cereals made of rice puffs or cornflakes typically offer only 1 gram of fiber or less per serving. Pouring low-fat or skim milk on your breakfast cereal gives you an added weight loss benefit. Regular consumption of calcium-rich dairy products, including milk, has been shown to accelerate the loss of body fat, especially from the abdomen. Schlundt believes that the morning meal can be a very important part of any weight loss program.

"It takes a little extra time and effort to work breakfast into your day," he said, "but it's definitely worth it."

======== Rallie McAllister is a board-certified family physician, speaker and the author of several books, including "Healthy Lunchbox: The Working Mom's Guide to Keeping You and Your Kids Trim." Her website is http://www.rallieonhealth.com/. To find out more about Rallie McAllister, M.D., and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at http://www.creators.com/.

INGLATERRA ESTABLECE UN RECORD CON HACER ABORTOS MAS TARDE EN EL EMBARAZO

Britain Sets Record for Late Abortions
LONDON (UPI) -- Britain set a record for the highest number of late abortions in a year by women who were a minimum of 20 weeks into their pregnancies, a report said. The nearly 3,000 abortions performed on women who were a minimum of 20 weeks pregnant represents a 44 percent increase in less than 10 years, The Sunday Telegraph reported. Most of the late abortions were for "lifestyle" reasons and fewer than 25 percent were due to potential handicap risks in children, annual reports of England and Wales said. "Sometimes it is about women who are living very out-of-control lives, often with alcohol or drug problems, and sometimes it's about women whose lives have suddenly changed, whose guy has suddenly left them, so that a wanted pregnancy becomes unwanted," British Pregnancy Advisory Service Chief Executive Ann Furedi said. Experts reportedly said the increased number of late abortions is due to insufficient sex education programs.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

COMIENZA ESTUDIOS DE LA VACUNA CONTRA CANCER DEL CELEBRO

THE BRAIN CAN GUIDE YOU BUT THE HEART WILL DESTROY YOU IF YOU DO NOT HEED THE MIND. (BRENDA A. YSAGUIRRE)

Brain Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trial Begins
NEW YORK (UPI) -- Two U.S. doctors are seeking candidates for their phase II clinical trial of a personalized brain cancer vaccine. Dr. Patrick Kelly and Dr. Michael Gruber of New York University Medical Center says it is anticipated that the vaccine can increase survival rates by 50 percent. When the initial study of this vaccine was conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, two-thirds of the patients were still alive after two years, compared to one-third who only received standard treatment. In two-fifths of the vaccine-treated patients, who survived two years there has been no evidence of the disease, the study said. The vaccine is made by taking a portion of a patient's brain tumor and combining it with dendritic white blood cells. Once the vaccine is injected beneath the skin of the patient it should create an immune reaction resulting in killing the cancer cells. Patients who are candidates for this phase II trial must be newly-diagnosed, and have not had any other treatment, including chemotherapy and/or radiation. They will first undergo a minimally-invasive procedure to remove the tumor, Kelly said. Copyright 2008 by United Press International

DOLORES PUEDEN CAUSAR ESTRÉS AL CELEBRO

Pain May be Stressing Brain
CHICAGO (UPI) -- Chronic pain keeps areas of the brain active and that may disrupt the brain's equilibrium, a U.S. study suggested. The study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, said the brain's state of equilibrium is disrupted when chronic pain causes the frontal cortex -- linked to emotion -- to never "shut up." "The areas that are affected fail to deactivate when they should" lead study author Dante Chialvo of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine said in a statement. Being stuck on full throttle, causes neurons to keep firing, Chialvo said.

"We know when neurons fire too much they may change their connections with other neurons and or even die because they can't sustain high activity for so long," he said.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to scan the brains of people with chronic low back pain and the brains of healthy volunteers. The people with pain were, Chialvo said, "using their brain differently than the pain-free group." Chialvo hypothesized the subsequent changes in brain wiring may make it harder for those with chronic pain to make a decision or be in a good mood to get up in the morning.

Pain may produce depression and other abnormalities, he said, "because it disturbs the balance of the brain as a whole."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

QUE CAUSA LA PUBERTAD ANTES DE SU TIEMPO??

Toxins May be Linked to Early Puberty
PISA, Italy (UPI) -- Researchers in Italy suggest environmental toxins may be linked to areas where girls have a high incidence of early puberty. The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, looked at whether the naturally occurring mycoestrogen zearalenone, or ZEA, produced by the Fusarium fungus species, may be linked to early onset of puberty, known as central precocious puberty. ZEA can be found naturally in the environment, but it also has properties similar to the female reproductive hormone estrogen and is structurally similar to anabolic growth agents used in animal breeding. The researchers studied a group of girls affected by early puberty in Tuscany -- an area with much higher than average incidence of this condition. Six of the 17 girls studied had elevated levels of ZEA. "Although this finding might be incidental, ZEA may be related to central precocious puberty occurrence in girls exposed to mycoestrogens," lead researcher Dr. Francesco Massart said. Copyright 2008 by United Press International

POR QUE RASCARSE UN PICOR ES TAN SATISFACTORIO

Why Scratching an Itch is so Satisfying

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (UPI) -- U.S. researchers are learning about the areas of the brain affected when the body is scratched and why scratching an itch is so satisfying. The research, reported online ahead of print in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, revealed to the scientists' surprise -- sections of the brain associated with unpleasant emotions become significantly less active during scratching. "This is the first real scientific evidence showing that itch may be inhibited by scratching," lead study author Dr. Gil Yosipovitch of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., said in a statement. "Of course, scratching is not recommended because it can damage the skin. But understanding how the process works could lead to new treatments." Thirteen healthy participants underwent testing with functional magnetic resonance imaging technology while being scratched on the lower leg with a brush. The scratching reduced brain activity associated with aversion to unpleasant sensory experiences and the area associated with memory, Yosipovitch says. The imaging studies also show areas of the brain made more active by the scratching is a sensory area involved in pain and an area associated with compulsive behavior. "This could explain the compulsion to continue scratching," Yosipovitch says.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

ES DURO QUITAR EL PESO GANADO CUANDO ALGUIEN PARA LOS EJERCICIOS

Exercise Layoff Weight May Be Hard To Lose

BERKELEY, Calif. (UPI) -- Weight gained while taking a break in exercise routines may be hard to shed when exercise is resumed, a U.S. scientist warns. "The price to pay for quitting exercise is higher than expected, and this price may be an important factor in the obesity epidemic affecting Americans," Paul Williams of the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory says in a statement. The study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, shows the key to keeping weight off is exercising "sufficiently and consistently." Williams compared 17,280 men and 5,970 women who decreased their running distance with 4,632 men and 1,953 women who increased their running distance over a 7.7-year period. Runners who decreased their distance from 5 to zero miles per week gained four times as much weight as those who decreased their distance from 25 to 20 miles per week. Williams also found that people who started running after an exercise layoff didn't't lose weight until their mileage exceeded 20 miles per week in men, and 10 miles per week in women. Copyright 2008 by United Press International

HERPES CONECTADO A COMPLICACIONES DEL EMBARAZO

Herpes linked to Pregnancy Complications
ADELAIDE, Australia (UPI) -- Exposure to viral infection -- especially herpes -- may be associated with pre-eclampsia and premature birth, an Australian study found. Researchers at the South Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group at the University of Adelaide and the Women's and Children's Hospital discovered the presence of viral nucleic acid in heel-prick blood samples from 1,326 newborn babies, taken over a 10-year period. Study leader Alastair MacLennan said more than 400 of these babies were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. "This is an exciting finding and further studies are now required to look at the link between viral exposure in pregnancy and genetic susceptibility to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as high blood pressure, premature delivery and cerebral palsy," MacLennan said in a statement. Pregnancy high blood pressure occurs in up to 10 percent of first pregnancies throughout the developed world and if left untreated, it can lead to uncontrolled epileptic fits of eclampsia with loss of baby and mother, MacLennan said. It is a common cause of maternal death in undeveloped countries.

The study is published in the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International

YOU CAN LOWER THE RISK OF HYPERTENSION BY DRINKING FAT-FREE MILK

Fat-free milk may lower hypertension risk
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (UPI) -- Women who drank more fat-free milk and consumed more calcium and vitamin D -- not from supplements -- had a lower risk of hypertension, a U.S. study found. Researchers at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., examined the diets of nearly 30,000 middle-aged and older women and found those who consumed more low-fat milk and milk products and had diets higher in calcium and vitamin D from foods were better protected against high blood pressure. Women who drank two or more servings of fat-free milk each day reduced their risk for high blood pressure by up to 10 percent compared to those who drank fat-free milk less than once a month. However, this did not appear to be true with higher-fat milk and milk products or calcium and vitamin D supplement users, the study said. In the last decade, there has been significant increases in uncontrolled high blood pressure in U.S. women, a condition that puts them at serious risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney failure. The study was published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International

EL AMOR ES BUENO PARA EL CORAZON, IGUAL AL CHOCOLATE!!!

Love is Good for the Heart, and so is Chocolate
NASHVILLE (UPI) -- Healthy, loving relationships do the heart good, but so do chocolate and wine, a U.S. cardiologist says. Dr. Julie Damp of the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute says most people who are married or who are in close, healthy relationships tend to be less likely to smoke, are more physically active and are more likely to have a well-developed social structure -- and as a result have lower levels of stress and anxiety. "There is a theory -- unproven -- that people who are in loving relationships may experience neuro-hormonal changes that have positive effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system," Damp says in a statement. However, giving a box of dark chocolates and a bottle of red wine to your loved one -- or yourself -- won't hurt either, Damp says. Studies show both are good for the heart. Dark chocolate -- the darker the better -- contains flavonoids, antioxidants, which have positive effects on many different body systems including the cardiovascular system. Flavonoids are also present in red wine and moderate alcohol consumption -- not more than one drink a day for women and one to two for men -- is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International