HIGH HEELS -ARE THEY KILLING YOUR FEET

MORTON’S NEUROMA

The number of middle-aged women with condition linked to high-heeled shoes doubles in the last ten years

• The condition is thought to be caused by years of wearing high heels
• Women are up to ten times more likely than men to suffer the condition
• Sufferers say symptoms include pain akin to 'walking on razor blades' 

The number of middle-aged women suffering from a painful condition linked with wearing high heels has more than doubled in ten years.

Cases of Morton’s neuroma have risen by 115 per cent since 2004 among women aged 40 to 69, according to figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre.

Women are up to ten times more likely than men to suffer from the condition, which is thought to be caused by years of wearing high-heeled or ill-fitting shoes.

The number of middle-aged women suffering from a painful condition linked with wearing high heels has more than doubled in ten years.

'Morton’s neuroma is a historically well documented, but poorly understood phenomenon that can be tackled in a few different ways.

'We have known for a long time that the condition seems to predominantly affect females of a middling age, with speculation that high heels and other such tightly fitting and unnatural footwear - despite looking fabulous, I’m sure - may play a role.' 

Other treatment options include special insoles and steroid injections.
Sometimes surgery will involve complete removal of the compressed nerve, leaving the patient with no feeling between the affected toes. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION WATCH THIS VIDEO

 

DIABETICS, IS GLUTEN FREE FOR YOU

I LOST OVER 20 LBS AND IMPROVED

MY BLOOD SUGAR NUMBERS

 

 

 

I strongly believe that many ailments are directly attributable to our modern diet and processed foods.

 

BOTTOM LINE... IF IT CAME FROM A BOX, A CAN OR A PACKET IT'S PROBABLY NOT GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH IN THE LONG RUN.

 

TAKE A LOOK AT THE PALEO DIET ALSO. THE COMBINATION OF THESE TWO BOOKS PUT MY PERSONAL HEALTH BACK ON TRACK. I HAVE MORE ENERGY, STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE AS A RESULT.

 

CHECK IT OUT!

 

BE HEALTHY AND ENJOY LIFE!



Acid Reflux is No Joke

Five Things You Should Know About Acid Reflux

1. Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus.


Food, acid, bile and other secretions back up into the esophagus instead of going out the duodenum, the short portion of the small intestine that connects to the stomach. The problem might be a faulty lower esophageal sphincter (the gatelike mechanism that opens and closes to help us swallow). Or stomach ulcers or tumours may be to blame.

2. Acid reflux is more common among the overweight and those over 40.

The mechanism that prevents acid reflux deteriorates as you age. Excess weight puts extra pressure on the stomach and diaphragm, forcing open the lower esophageal sphincter and allowing stomach contents to back up into the esophagus.

Acid reflux is also more common among females. Women who are pregnant may be at increased risk because of the greater pressure being put on the stomach and a higher

production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the esophageal sphincter.

3. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol may increase your chances of getting acid reflux.

These habits tend to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Other risk factors include:

• drinking coffee and eating mints after a meal (again, they relax the esophageal sphincter);

• eating fatty foods (since it takes the stomach longer to digest fat, the emptying of the stomach is delayed, causing stomach acid to build up and back up into the esophagus); and

• lying down soon after eating

4. Lifestyle changes are the most effective way to reduce – even eliminate – acid reflux.

Here are some tips to do that:

• If you're obese, lose weight.

• Control your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

• Eliminate other heartburn triggers (common ones include fried foods, spicy foods, garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppermints, chocolate and carbonated beverages).

• Wear loose-fitting clothes to reduce pressure on your abdomen.

• Avoid bending over for long periods soon after eating.

• Wait at least two hours after eating before going to bed, and try elevating the head of the bed about four to six inches.

• Don't smoke, not even an occasional after-dinner puff.

5. Check with your doctor if you have persistent acid reflux symptoms.

Chronic reflux can lead to changes in the lining of the esophagus that, in rare cases, can become cancerous, says Cohen. He adds that if you've had reflux symptoms for five years, or you're 45 or older and had a recent onset of persistent acid reflux, you should speak with your doctor about undergoing a gastroscopy (an easy examination of the inside of the stomach using a thin flexible tube equipped with a tiny light and camera).



Get relief

A range of over-the-counter medications are available for the symptomatic relief of occasional acid reflux. They include:

• Antacids, such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Gaviscon and Gastrocote, neutralize stomach acid but won't heal the damage it causes. Overuse can cause diarrhea or constipation. Also, the bismuth in Pepto-Bismol can turn the tongue and stool black.

Avoid Back Pain by Strengthening Your Core Muscles

Causes of Back Pain

Being overweight is a common cause of neck or back pain. Excess weight forces the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs of the spine to support more bulk than they’re intended to, sometimes leading to muscle strain or injury. Additionally, our intervertebral discs tend to deteriorate as we age, which means that our body struggles even more to support added weight the older we get. There are situations for which people can't do much about their back pain. Whether it's genetic or because of a trauma such as an auto accident, strengthening muscles will only help to a degree if you deal with spinal stenosis, degenerative disks, or osteoporosis.

Even so, the abdominal and lower back muscles support the spine. The problem is those muscles become weak as we age. The good news is that strengthening those core muscle groups in the abdominal area and lower back has positive effects. The goal is to get those core muscles working to stabilize and support the spine which promotes movement and reduces pain.
 
Working with a physical therapist so that you exercise correctly, and swimming in a heated pool with weights will help. Exercise combined with better body mechanics can lessen the strain. Also avoid spending long periods of time sitting in slumped positions. Think about that when you're watching TV, playing cards, or working on your computer.


Lie on your back with your knees bent. Place your palms on your upper thighs with your elbows close to your body. Your shoulders should be relaxed. Use your abdominal muscles to push your thighs against the palms of your hands. Count to 5 each time breathing normally and repeat 10 times. I find this one difficult to do but I do put in a lot of effort in the abs and that's good.

This exercise is easier for me. Get on your hands and knees with your hands about shoulder width apart and knees about hip wide. Keep your back straight and level and your neck in line with your back. Draw your abdominal muscles in towards your spin without arching your back. Hold for the count of 10 while breathing normally. Repeat 5 times.

These should help but also talk to your doctor if your back pain becomes worse and isn't relieved by changing position or resting. It doesn't happen very often but back pain may be caused by an infection or disease such as cancer. It's worth the time to cross that off your list.

Be well, stay young and healthy.

Are You Getting Enough Protein?

Why is protein important?

From hair to fingernails, protein is a major functional and structural component of all our cells. Protein provides the body with roughly 10 to 15 per cent of its dietary energy, and is needed for growth and repair.


Proteins are large molecules made up of long chains of amino acid subunits. Some of these amino acids are nutritionally essential as they cannot be made or stored within the body and so must come from foods in our daily diet.


Although all animal and plant cells contain some protein, the amount and quality of this protein can vary widely.

Animal protein

Protein from animal sources contains the full range of essential amino acids needed from an adult's diet. But red meat, in particular, should be eaten in limited amounts due to the high level of saturated fat it contains, which may raise blood levels of 'unhealthy' LDL cholesterol.


A high intake of saturated fat can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other related disorders. As an alternative source of animal protein, choose poultry, fish and shellfish.

The 2007 World Cancer Research Fund report recommended meat eaters limit their consumption of red meat to no more than 500g a week, with very little processed meat, as these have both been linked to certain forms of cancer.


Fish is a good source of animal protein. Oil-rich fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, trout and sardines are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.


Shellfish is also a good source of protein and is low in fat.

Aim to eat a couple of portions of fish every week, with at least one portion being an oily fish.


Eggs contain all eight essential amino acids, making them a perfect source of protein. However, you'd have to eat at least eight eggs a day to get all the protein you need. Be sensible; include them as part of a balanced and varied diet.


How much is enough?

Health professionals suggest men should eat 55.5g protein a day and women 45g. In practical terms, eating a moderate amount of protein - in one or two meals every day – should give you all the protein you need. Most people in North America eat far more protein than they actually need.


Serving size

You should eat two to three servings of protein every day from both plant and animal sources. Here are some examples of one serving (about the size of a standard pack of playing cards):


100g boneless meat (eg lean beef, lamb or pork)


100g boneless poultry (eg chicken or turkey breast)


100g fish (eg salmon, sardines or tuna)


2 medium eggs

3 tablespoons of seeds (eg sunflower or pumpkin seeds)


3 tablespoons of nuts (eg almonds or walnuts)


Choosing the right protein


If you can, choose to eat low-fat protein foods as these will help to:


Keep your heart healthy


Keep cholesterol low


Minimise the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other related disorders

Protein and weight management


High-protein diets are sometimes popular with people wanting to lose weight, and there have been many studies looking at the effect of such diets on weight loss.


Regardless of the composition of the diet, weight loss will only occur if you expend more energy through activity than your body produces from food.

Protein-rich foods tend to make people feel fuller than foods rich in carbohydrates or fat. This can have a knock-on effect on appetite, minimising feelings of hunger, and helping to reduce overall energy intake.


Diets rich in protein at the expense of carbohydrates, for example, have been associated with slightly greater losses of weight in the short term compared with the recommended high-carbohydrate, low-fat eating plans. But after one year, studies have found there is no difference in weight loss between the two diets.

To control your weight it's important to find an eating pattern that suits your lifestyle and that you can sustain over a long period.

Boost Your Immune System With Regular Exercise

The immune system, our body's ability to protect itself from foreign invaders such as viruses, disease and infection, can get a serious boost from exercise.

Your white blood cells are the small army within your blood that go to battle whenever a potential infection is introduced. It is important that your white blood cells are plentiful and fresh

If your immune system is weakened or diseased, then you need more help than exercise will give, but, a wide range of studies confirm that moderate exercise can help sustain and strengthen it, even when the effects are indirect.
Moderate, regular exercise helps the immune system by moderating the effects of stress. Lowered stress has a beneficial effect on your health. High, constant stress is detrimental to your health.

Most studies carried out over the last 25 years agree: a continual high level of stress has a number harmful effects on overall health. People who experience high stress get more colds, suffer more digestive tract problems and have more frequent bouts of fatigue. Part of the latter is indirect, since it tends to lead to lowered amounts of restful sleep.

Regular exercise helps relieve stress. It does so directly, by providing an outlet for, and consuming much of, the nervous energy produced by stress. It also helps indirectly by shifting one's focus away from the external factors producing the stress.

Exercise helps the cardiovascular system, improves blood flow, flushes away toxins from muscles and organs, and helps keep the kidneys and endocrine system working well. It helps remove germs and circulate antibodies.

All those promote a healthy immune system by lessening the body's susceptibility to disease, while increasing the strength of the immune system itself.

Exercising increases the body temperature slightly. This, as anyone who has suffered from a cold knows, is the body's natural response to colds, flu and other diseases. The increased temperature helps kill the infecting organisms.

Studies suggest that moderate exercise helps prevent colds as well. It showed that individuals are less likely to get sick after stressful situations when they had engaged in a regular program of moderate exercise. The secret is to exercise regularly.

Exercise programs, undertaken consistently and correctly, help improve body image - that's one of most individuals primary goals in making the effort, after all. That improved body image often leads to higher levels of confidence and relaxation in social situations. That in turn helps reduce stress and enhance the immune system.

Whether the effects are direct or indirect, exercising can help you support and enhance your immune system. That leads directly to better overall health.



Your immune system is also strengthened with good nutrition:

Vitamin C is a big-time immune booster

Vitamin E.
This important antioxidant and immune booster doesn't get as much press as vitamin C, yet it's important to a healthy immune system.

Carotenoids.
Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, as well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals that accelerate aging.

Bioflavenoids.
A group of phytonutrients called bioflavenoids aids the immune system by protecting the cells of the body against environmental pollutants.

Zinc.
This valuable mineral increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection and helps them fight more aggressively.

Garlic.
This flavorful member of the onion family is a powerful immune booster that stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural killer cell activity, and increases the efficiency of antibody production.

Selenium. This mineral increases natural killer cells and mobilizes cancer-fighting cells.

Omega-3 fatty acids.
A study found that children taking a half teaspoon of flax oil a day experienced fewer and less severe respiratory infections and fewer days of being away from work.

Eat Well Stay Slim The French Way

The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook

With French Women Don’t Get Fat, Mireille Guiliano wrote the ultimate non–diet book on how to enjoy food and stay slim, sparking a worldwide publishing phenomenon. Now, in her first-ever cookbook, she provides her millions of readers with the recipes that are the cornerstone of her philosophy—mouthwatering, simply prepared dishes that favor fresh, seasonal ingredients and yield high satisfaction.

HOW TO EAT LIKE A FRENCH WOMAN

According to Mireille Guiliano, the rules of healthy, delicious eating come in threes:

Eat three proper meals – breakfast, lunch and supper – but don't snack in between. Limit carbohydrates and sugar (including fructose-laden fruit juice) at breakfast and don't skip lunch or you'll overeat at supper.

Make dinner a three course affair. Changing plates helps the meal last longer and feel more special, and the first and last course can be no more than a chopped tomato and a sliced pear.

Make sure the main course has three colours on the plate. It makes nutritional sense and "food should be enjoyed visually too", Guiliano says.

Include some protein, fat and carbohydrate in every meal.

Consider the three Ps – Pleasure, Portion and Plan. Enjoy your food, eating slowly, keep portion size sensible, bearing in mind that the first three mouthfuls are the most pleasurable. Exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.