DrWELLderly News

WEEK 16, 2010

WELLderlynews.blogspot.com or to request weekly email delivery contact Dale Anderson, MD dr@acthappy.com

WEEK 16, 2010 Media News Health Bits

Recent health articles are proof--That an UP-Beat performance that is staged and IN-ACTed can open a cellular pharmacy that dispenses the CHEMISTRY of Health, Happiness & Success. You can bank on IT!

Custom-designed robots, human therapists help patients improve movement long after stroke.

The Providence Journal (4/17, reported, robotic assisted and human assisted physical therapy improved movement in people whose strokes occurred many years earlier."

"Significant gains in both basic motor function and the time to complete everyday tasks were observed at 36 weeks compared with usual care. There were, however, "no significant differences between the robot-assisted and human-assisted groups on any outcome at any time." Some previous research "suggested that long-term physical therapy doesn't help patients if it's given more than six months after a stroke," but "recent research has contradicted those findings." HealthDay (4/16, Dotinga) reported. This new study "offers the strongest evidence yet that stroke sufferers can regain limb movement long after the injury.

Dr. WELLderly: More good NEUROBIC news. New neurons and nerve branching can be RE-gained and RE-trained. But the ultimate success is due to THE patients’ effort and persistence. This article does not give enough credit to the determined motivated patient, METHOD ACTOR. William James would say “act as if!” Norman Vincent Peale would suggest the “Power of Positive Thinking.”

Depression associated with heavy smoking.

The Los Angeles Times (4/14, Roan) "Booster Shots" blog reported, "Despite the now well-known and far-reaching effects of smoking, more than one-fifth of Americans still smoke," and many may find it "hard to quit because they also have depression." In fact, data compiled by the CDC indicate that "43% of adult smokers age 20 and older" are dealing the condition. "Among men ages 40 to 54, a whopping 55% of those who smoke have depression," while "among women ages 20 to 39 who smoke, 50% have depression."

After analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, investigators also noted that "the number of cigarettes people smoke increases as their depression deepens," WebMD (4/14, DeNoon) reported. In fact, "nearly twice as many depressed smokers as non-depressed smokers average more than a pack of cigarettes each day (28% vs. 15%)." What's more, "smokers suffering depression grab for that first cigarette of the day sooner than smokers who aren't depressed."

Dr. WELLderly: Smokers know that they are being trapped by others and robbing themselves of happiness and health by a self inflected chemical poisoning. They are burning out. And as their life spark is going DOWN—they are going UP in smoke. But, But, Wow! Applaude, this damage can be reversed. Professional help and self DETERMINATION to STOP will rekindle health and happiness. Bring ‘em back a LIFE! Act Now!

Physical activity may strengthen the brain.

ABC World News (4/14, story 11, 2:10, Sawyer) reported, "Federal health experts released a report today showing physical activity strengthens the brain. A study of school kids showed improved grades and test scores." ABC (Wright) added, "At the University of Illinois, Dr. Charles Hillman's research shows that after a 30 minute stint on the treadmill, students actually do up to ten percent better at problem solving." Dr. Charles Hillman, University of Illinois: "It's good for attention. It's good for how fast individuals process information." Wright added that at one school that emphasizes physical education to strengthen the brain, a program has "been in place five years.

Dr. WELLderly: Keeping body parts in use and in good repair is healthy treatment at ALL AGES. This Good CHEMISTRY of being active (mind/body) is dispensed from our own, inner cellular pharmacy. On demand! No co-pay.

Boost in mobility-related problems among people 50 to 64 noted.

The Los Angeles Times (4/6, Stein) study in Health Affairs "that saw a boost in mobility-related problems among people 50 to 64 years old." After taking part in the 1997-2007 National Health Interview Survey, certain functions saw an uptick over the 11 years: stooping, bending and kneeling; standing for two hours; walking a quarter mile; and climbing 10 steps without resting." More than 40% of people surveyed said that due to a health problem they had trouble with at least one of nine physical functions.

Dr. WELLderly: Here it is again—exercise and weight. Just a little bit MORE than what is being done now—is a great start. Instead of trying to shed 30 pounds, settle for 3. You can request two articles by email dr@acthappy.com or at www.ActHappy.com. One is the LIQUIDATION DIET and the other is CONDUCT YOURSELF WELL! Why orchestra conductors live 5 years longer. They Jog with the Arms. They J’ARM.

WEEK 13, 2010 Health Media News Bits

Dr. WELLderly News

for weekly email delivery contact Dale Anderson, MD at email:dr@acthappy.com

WEEK 13, 2010 Health Media News Bits

Recent health articles are proof--That an UP-Beat performance that is staged and IN-ACTed can open a cellular pharmacy that dispenses the CHEMISTRY of Health, Happiness & Success. You can bank on IT!

Mediterranean Diet and Reduced Depression

HealthDay (10/5, Edelson) reported that "the overall incidence of depression for those who most followed the diet was 30 percent lower than for those who most ignored the dietary rules. Even lower rates of depression were associated with intake of specific elements of the Mediterranean diet, such as fruits, vegetables and olive oil." The study authors theorized that the "Mediterranean diet improves the function of the endothelium, the delicate inner lining of blood vessels, which is involved in the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule that is responsible for the growth and function of nerve cells." Notably, "dysfunction of BDNF is thought to be responsible for some depression cases." MedPage Today (10/5, Walsh) and WebMD (10/5, Warner) also covered the story. Dr. WELLderly agrees that the Mediterranean diet has proven best for all weights and ages if we don’t overdo on the pasta carbohydrates. Those 75% of population who are over weight should follow the Liquidation Diet. see article on www.ActHappy.com

Researchers associate childhood confectionary consumption with later aggression. Bloomberg News (10/1, Torsoli) reports that, according to a study published in the Oct. issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, youngsters "who eat candy and chocolate every day are more likely to be violent when they grow up because the instant gratification can nurture impulsive behavior."

The AP (10/1) reports that investigators from the UK's University of Cardiff "studied more than 17,000 children born in 1970 for about four decades. Of the children who ate candies or chocolates daily at age 10, 69 percent were later arrested for a violent offense by the age of 34."

Dr. WELLderly worries that too many role model grandparents use a pocket full of candy and a spoonful of sugar to extract “love” from grandkids. What a price we AND THEY pay later!

CDC data indicate most Americans fail to consume recommended fruit, vegetable servings. USA Today (9/30, Anderson) reports that CDC data indicate that "only 14 percent of adults eat the recommended number of servings of fruit and vegetables a day."

The at the end of the rainbow of health is a pot of fruits and vegtables that that makes the golden years rich. Dr. WELLderly suggest a rainbow colored diet.

Researchers uncover significant level of binge drinking in middle-aged, elderly people.

USA Today (8/17, Thompson) reports that a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry "shows a significant, worrisome level of binge drinking among those age 50 to 64." The investigators found that "19 percent of the men and 13 percent of the women had two or more drinks a day, considered heavy or 'at-risk' drinking -"that level of drinking places the older group at more of a health risk than younger counterparts." Notably, "the survey also found binge drinking in those over 65: 14 percent of men and three percent of women.

Dr. WELLderly has treated many in their vintage years who over drink, didn’t watch their step, lost their balance, fell, and major health consequents ensued. Red wine in moderation is prescribed, BUT, a little bit will do ya!

Exercise may offset muscle mass loss, prevent hospitalization among elderly.

In the Los Angeles Times (7/30) Booster Shots blog, Jeannine Stein wrote that a study appearing in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that "older people who have less strength, lower muscle density, and overall poor physical function are at greater risk for being hospitalized. As people age, they "typically lose about one percent of muscle mass a year -- not a huge amount, but it adds up over time.

Dr. WELLderly retorts that folks over 30 (do not lose) but throw away 1% of muscle mass each year. We know that muscle loss is not a given, and that even when we let it wast away IT can be RE-tained and RE-gained. For men testosterone level is related to muscle mass! And you know what that means!

Don’t Worry, Be 80: Worry and Stress Decline With Age

WEEK 12, 2010 Health Media NewsBits from Dr. WELLderly

Recent health articles are proof--That an UP-Beat performance that is staged and IN-ACTed can open a cellular pharmacy that dispenses the CHEMISTRY of Health, Happiness & Success. You can bank on IT!

Alzheimer's disease "a public health crisis”

NBC Nightly News (3/9, story 8, 2:20 Williams) "The Alzheimer's Association says the number with the disease will jump 50% to 7.7 million in the next two decades unless scientists find a truly effective treatment or a cure."A high rate of diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease probably are linked to increased rates of dementia."

Dr. WELLderly feels that an individuals Daily Performance (not genetic programing) is mostly responsible for diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease. So, get the healthy, HappyAct together WELL! The sooner the better!

BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH

(Magazine AARP, March/April 2010 by P. M. Doraiswamy, MD)

*“Cognitive Reserve” Helps keep the brain alive. New neurons and neuronal connections are made and stimulated by doing diverse, new and novel neurobic exercise.

*In a study of 2500, 70-79yo, 30% of cognitive strength was maintained or gained, if the person exercised, had an educational degree, was non smoker, worked or volunteered and lived with another person.

Age has a way of filtering out negative thoughts and bad memories.
Some suggest that up to 20% of people at autopsy show Alzheimer brain pathology but had no documented memory problems.

Dr. WELLderly suggests that by Neurobic and Aerobic Exercise one can Maintain, Re-gain and Re-train the Brain.

ACT ON the age-less good medicine of Happiness. Self dispense from YOUR cellular pharmacy and Treat YOURSELF WELL.

Exercise may increase longevity, protect against heart disease.

The Wall Street Journal (3/9, Winslow) reports that, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's annual epidemiology and prevention conference, regular exercise may help protect against heart disease and increase longevity.

Dr. WELLderly ponders? How is this NEW news? BUT— the next is—new

Endurance training may increase risk of BP and heart complications.

Bloomberg News (3/13, Thomas) according to the American College of Cardiology meeting, "marathon runners are at risk for high blood pressure and heart complications, as endurance training can stress the cardiovascular system." Indeed, "moderate exercise has a protective effect and people who don't exercise have a higher risk of developing heart-related problems." “But, if you run it too fast for too long, you might burn it out.

Dr. WELLderly suggests don’t exceed the FEED or the SPEED LIMIT if you plan to arrive at age 100, ON TIME! And Keep playing in OVER TIME.

And a WELLderly suggestion, “Don’t BURN OUT either.”

Smokers who quit may experience better arterial health in one year.

NBC Nightly News "big new study...says quitting can improve artery function" and "actually make blood vessels healthier."— according to the paper in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. In fact, the "benefit was the equivalent of a 14% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease,"

Increasing vitamin D levels may cut heart disease risk.

The Los Angeles Times (3/16, Roan) reports, "Raising the amount of vitamin D in the blood were 33% less likely to have a heart attack, 20% less likely to develop heart failure, and 30% less likely to die between" visits to their physician.

Dr. WELLderly supports the recent interest in the SUNSHINE Vitamin D3. Keep the skin healthy and take a D3 supplement---as a 77yo, I take 4000u/d.

One in six Americans infected with genital herpes.

The New York Times (3/15, D6, Rabin) reported that the latest CDC figures indicate that "one in six Americans aged 14 to 49 are infected with genital herpes, making the virus -- herpes simplex 2 -- one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States." Individuals infected with genital herpes are at greater risk for" HIV infection.

Dr WELLderly points out: the STD statistic for the WELLderly population is likewise, increasing, alarmingly. Medication for Erectile Disfunction has had a positive impact on senior sexuality, health and happiness but “playing it SAFE” protects against INFLAMMATION causing STD’s.

Light to moderate alcohol intake may be good for the heart.

The Los Angeles Times (3/22, Roan) reports that new research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology lends "credence to the idea that light to moderate alcohol intake appears to be good for the heart." In one report, investigators "analyzed eight studies encompassing 16,351 people with a history of heart disease." The researchers "found that those consuming five to 10 grams of alcohol per day (about one-half to one drink) had the lowest incidence of death from heart disease and all causes of death."

Dr. WELLderly, says “CHEERS! I’ll drink to that, in MODERATION!”

Growing number of children now extremely obese.

NBC Nightly News "Startling new numbers tonight on childhood obesity in this country: children ages two through 19 shows a large number are now considered extremely obese and may face a shorter life span than their parents."

"Without major lifestyle changes, these kids face a 10 to 20 years shorter life span and will develop health problems in their twenties that we typically see in 40-60 year olds."

and now

Developing obesity prevention recommendations for children five and under.

The New York Times (3/23, Rabin) reports, "More and more evidence points to pivotal events very early in life...that can set young children on an obesity trajectory that is hard to alter by the time they're in kindergarten."

If we aspire to Healthy, Happy, WELLderly grand-kids, hide grandma and grandpa’s cookie jar and candy drawer and LIQUIDATE pop, and juice treats. If you say NO, then you’re part of their PROBLEMED future. That’s, mean to say, but TRUE!

Consuming large amounts of fat may raise stroke risk for women over 50.

The AP (2/25, Marchione) reports, "Eating a lot of fat...can significantly raise the risk of stroke for women over 50," data collected on 87,230 individuals. "Those who ate the most fat had a 44 percent higher risk of the most common type of stroke compared to those who ate the least." And a "30 percent greater risk of stroke among women eating the most trans fat, which is common in stick margarine, fried foods, crackers, and cookies."

Dr. Wellderly, suggests that FAT&SALT share “high billing” in most “snack” foods. Along with a caloric beverage, you have the modern FOUR FOOD GROUPS——Sugar, Salt, Grease and a Beverage.

Lower salt consumption may cut cases of heart disease, stroke.

ABC World News (1/20, story) "new research says" cutting salt consumption to "no more than one rounded teaspoon, every day in everything" would "prevent up to 120,000 heart disease cases, 66,000 strokes and save 92,000 lives in this country every single year."

Dr. WELLderly says, “ Let this shake you up don’t just take it with a grain of salt,

Geriatric experts promote upsides of aging.

Washington Post (2/9, Brown) "getting older has its upside," and the enjoyment of aging is all about "framework and perspective." "if you look at aging as a series of losses -- strength, hearing, eyesight, friends, time -- people will get depressed and see it as a negative." However, "if they see it as new opportunities, they will embrace it."

WELLderly WISDOM again confirms “Happiness is an INside Job”.

Sizeable breakfast may lead to lasting weight loss.

The Los Angeles Times (2/2, Stein) Endocrine Society" last year "showed that people who ate a sizable breakfast lost more weight and kept it off, compared with those who ate a small breakfast." The premise " eating a heavier meal in the morning that was high in quality carbs and protein would control cravings and tamp down one's appetite later on in the day."

Dr. WELLderly’s LIQUIDATION DIET says “stick to and chew on solids”. If you can SWILL it, SPILL it! Liquids do not register as FILLing foods, only as unsatisfying, subversive calories that attack the belt line.

Week 10 of 2010 Health Headline News

Recent health articles are proof--That an UP-Beat performance that is staged and IN-ACTed can open a cellular pharmacy that dispenses the CHEMISTRY of Health, Happiness & Success. You can bank on IT!

Happiness may be linked to reduced risk of heart disease.

Bloomberg News (2/18, Cortez) reports that "people who are naturally happy appear to have a lower risk of developing heart disease or dying from heart attacks, according to" a study published in the European Heart Journal.

The Washington Post (2/17, Huget) "The Checkup" blog reported that investigators "analyzed 10 years of data about 1,739 healthy adults who participated in the 1995 Nova Scotia Health Survey."

The AP (2/18, Cheng) reports that the researchers "used a five-point scale to measure people's happiness." The investigators found that "for every point on the happiness scale, people were 22 percent less likely to have a heart problem." The research "was paid for by the US National Institutes of Health." Dr. Dale wonders, "isn't this grandma-wisdom?" She'd said, "smile, ACT glad, and you' ll be happy at heart, all day long"

Feeling younger may help older people retain cognitive abilities.

US News and World Report (3/5) reports that "if you feel old beyond your own chronological years, you are probably going to experience a lot of the downsides that we associate with aging," but "if you are older and maintain a sense of being younger, then that gives you an edge in maintaining a lot of the abilities you prize," according to Markus H. Schafer, co-author of a new study. During the study, researchers "compared people's chronological age and their subjective age to determine which one has a greater influence on cognitive abilities during older adulthood." They found that "people who felt young for their age were more likely to have greater confidence about their cognitive abilities a decade later," and while "chronological age was important...the subjective age had a stronger effect." Dr. WELLderly's Quote of Sachel Paige, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?"

Placebo treatments may have actual biological effect in the body.

The AP (2/19, Cheng) reports that, according to a review published online Feb. 19 in The Lancet, "there is increasing evidence that fake treatments, or placebos, have an actual biological effect in the body." In a "review of previous research on placebos," researchers found that "the doctor-patient relationship, plus the expectation of recovery, may sometimes be enough to change a patient's brain, body, and behavior." The review's authors specifically cited studies in which patients with Parkinson's disease who were given a placebo still experienced a dopamine release in the brain, as well as other brain-activity changes. Dr.Dale says, ACTING an UP BEAT, Happy role releases healthful placebo chemistry.