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Category Archive: Quick Tips for Healthy Living

1. QUICK TIPS – New Health Benefits from Aspirin

   March 21, 2012 6:41 AM Leave a Comment

   Many people take aspirin for heart health, but recent research suggest it may have several other health benefits. Studies published in the Lancet, and conducted by Professor Peter Rothwell and his colleagues at Oxford University found a daily dose of aspirin may significantly reduce the risk of several cancers. Subjects studied were found to have a 25 – 37% reduced risk of cancer. A separate study of more than 100 people, conducted over 5 years found scores on a standardized tests of memory and other cognitive skills increased slightly in women who took 75 to 150 milligrams of aspirin a day while test scores went down in those not taking aspirin. This preliminary cognitive research was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference last year, but has not yet been subjected to further peer-reviewed study.

   Always talk with your doctor before starting a daily aspirin regimen and make sure he or she is aware of all medications and supplements you’re taking. Your physician can best  determine if it is appropriate for you. He or she will need to evaluate any potential interactions, possible side effects and any other concerns. If you’ve previously consulted with your Doctor and are already taking a daily aspirin daily to reduce your risk of heart attack & stroke, it’s nice to know it may have other benefits.

   SOURCES:

   
   

   http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500368_162-20080475.html

   http://www.alz.org/

   http://www.thelancet.com/

   The information found in “Quick Tips for Healthy Living” and throughout the AccuPax blog and website, is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical conditions, symptoms and treatments and to discuss any of the health information found on AccuPax.com, and whether it may be appropriate for you.

2. QUICK TIPS – Lift Your Mood With Good Posture

   February 6, 2012 8:51 AM Leave a Comment

   It’s not uncommon for patients coping with a chronic health condition to struggle with depression. In one study of ten common chronic conditions, researchers found the incidence of depression ranged from 16% of those with asthma to nearly 47% of people with chronic pain.¹ Meanwhile, caregivers juggle multiple responsibilities and have stress & frustration levels well above average. So, it’s no surprise that 40 – 70% of caregivers have symptoms of depression.²

   Depression is a serious medical condition that certainly warrants discussion with your doctor. But, there are fairly simple things you can do that may also help boost your mood (along with any treatment your doctor may recommend.) Cognitive Therapists and others promote the benefits of positive thinking, but did you know that just by sitting up straight, you can increase the impact of positive thoughts? In a recent study at Ohio State University, researchers found that good posture significantly increases your confidence in your own thoughts.³

   SOURCES:

   
   

   ¹Chronic conditions and comorbid psychological disorders; Melek & Norris, July 2008, Milliman Research Report.

   
   

   ²Caregiver Statistics, Zarit, S. (2006). Assessment of Family Caregivers: A Research Perspective. Caregiver Assessment: Voices and Views from the Field, (Vol. II) (pp. 12 – 37). Family Caregiver Alliance.

   
   

   ³OSU, “Body Posture Affects Confidence In Your Own Thoughts, Study Finds.” ScienceDaily, 5 Oct. 2009.

   
   

   SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING:

   
   

   – For more about depression, and it’s link with chronic illness, see this summary from the Cleveland Clinic website:  http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Depression/hicChronicIllnessandDepression.aspx

   
   

   – For more on depression in caregivers: http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=393

   
   

   The information found in “Quick Tips for Healthy Living” and throughout the AccuPax blog and website, is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical conditions, symptoms and treatments and to discuss any of the health information found on AccuPax.com, and whether it may be appropriate for you.

3. QUICK TIPS – Generosity Can Help Strengthen Your Immune Response

   October 16, 2011 7:56 PM Leave a Comment

   

   It turns out, doing good for others is good for you, too! Volunteering, doing good deeds, donating to charity or even just thinking about giving can improve your health. In one Harvard study, participating students watched a video of Mother Teresa, while a control group saw a video of people peeling potatoes. They were tested for levels of immunoglobulin Aa, a marker for immune function, and students who watched the Mother Teresa video had higher levels. Students were then asked to just think about helping others and their markers were also higher than the control group!

   Both patients and caregivers can benefit from this research, even if you feel like you don’t have the time or the energy to do anything for anyone right now. Just think about something you’d like to do in the future; for someone you care about, or a way you’d like to help a charity or cause you support.

   FOR DETAILS: For more on the health benefits of helping, see this article from Science Buzz. The source for the original Harvard study is:  McClelland, D., and C. Kirshnit. 1988. The effect of motivational arousal through films on salivary immunoglobulin. Psychology and Health 2:31-52.