Health
Thyroid Condition Linked to Heart Problems
Risk was especially elevated for atrial fibrillation.
By Randy Dotinga
HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, April 23 (HealthDay News) — New evidence suggests that a type of overactive thyroid condition appears to boost the risk of heart problems, especially atrial fibrillation (a form of irregular heartbeat) and premature death.
Patients sometimes are reluctant to do anything about the condition, known as subclinical hyperthyroidism, because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms. The findings show, however, that “physicians and patients should take it seriously and consider the appropriate way to treat it to prevent increases in heart disease, bone problems and death,” said Dr. Kenneth Burman, chief of the endocrine section at Washington Hospital Center, in Washington, D.C.
[Read: Thyroid Surgery Riskier for Older Patients.]
Patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism have too much of the hormone created by the thyroid gland, which helps control people’s metabolism. An estimated 10 percent of the population has the condition, which is considered to be less serious than overt hyperthyroidism.
Researchers have wondered for years whether subclinical hyperthyroidism puts people at risk of a variety of health problems. Previous research has suggested it does, and a new study takes a closer look and finds more reasons to suspect the condition is dangerous.
The report authors examined the results of 10 studies, which included nearly 53,000 participants. After adjusting their statistics so they wouldn’t be skewed by high or low numbers of participants of certain ages or genders, the researchers found that those with subclinical hyperthyroidism were 24 percent more likely to die during the study periods, 29 percent more likely to die of heart-related problems and 68 percent more likely to have atrial fibrillation.
Read Full Article Here
Celiac disease linked to infertility
By Nate Curtis, April 25 2012
(NaturalNews) For couples who are struggling to get pregnant, discovering the underlying cause of infertility can be a lengthy and frustrating process. In the past, infertility issues were considered a female problem, but today’s research shows the causes are pretty evenly split with one third being female reproductive problems, one third male reproductive issues and one third either unknown or a combination of the two. Recently there has been some debate about the role celiac disease may play in…
Bourbon, Indiana ends water fluoridation
By Ethan A. Huff,
(NaturalNews) The latest community to stop poisoning its water supply with toxic fluoride chemicals is Bourbon, Indiana. According to The Pilot News, the town council recently voted unanimously to stop lacing the water supply with the known neurotoxin after conducting much research on the subject, and after learning that water fluoridation is not mandatory in the first place. “I see no reason to continue with it,” said council president Les McFarland, who also explained how he conducted extensive…
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Holistic Health
Boost Nutrition With These Food Pairings
From blueberries teamed with walnuts to eggs mingling with cheese, try these 21 food duos that bring out the nutritional best in each other, a science known as “food synergy.”
By Tyler Graham and Drew Ramsey, M.D.
What if you discovered that the best place to begin your pursuit of happiness was at the end of your fork? Happiness is largely a biological event, and emerging research in neuroscience and nutrition shows a substantial link between how we eat and how we feel. In “The Happiness Diet,” you’ll find out why and how to avoid the sugars, fats and toxins rampant in the modern American diet while also discovering the best foods for a sharp brain, balanced mood and energized body. Authors Tyler Graham and Drew Ramsey, M.D., provide a comprehensive gastronomical guide to a happier you, serving up sound food science, shopping advice, meal plans and delicious, healthful recipes — yes, even one for that all-American burger on the book’s cover!
What if you discovered that the best place to begin your pursuit of happiness was at the end of your fork? Happiness is largely a biological event, and emerging research in neuroscience and nutrition shows a substantial link between how we eat and how we feel. In “The Happiness Diet,” you’ll find out why and how to avoid the sugars, fats and toxins rampant in the modern American diet while also discovering the best foods for a sharp brain, balanced mood and energized body. Authors Tyler Graham and Drew Ramsey, M.D., provide a comprehensive gastronomical guide to a happier you, serving up sound food science, shopping advice, meal plans and delicious, healthful recipes — yes, even one for that all-American burger on the book’s cover!
2,000-year old Chinese herbal remedy could be used to treat autoimmune disorders, Harvard scientists find
By Jonathan Benson, April 24 2012
(NaturalNews) Chang shan is a root extract of a specific type of Himalayan hydrangea plant, also known as hortensia, that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat malaria and other maladies. And a new investigation conducted by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), and elsewhere has revealed that this powerful natural medicine is also useful in treating autoimmune disorders. In an effort to better understand the…
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Pet Health
The Terrarium: A Basic Guide
How to Setup a Reptile Terrarium
If you’re interested in owning a reptile (or even a tarantula), you’re going to need a terrarium to keep it in.
A terrarium is simply a container designed to hold small plants or animals in a controlled environment. It’s like having a small piece of an alien landscape in your home, one in which you can watch that landscape from your side and view something in its natural habitat.
All Things Are Not Equal
Before purchasing the reptile, choose the terrarium. But remember, different reptiles have different environmental needs, so make sure the terrarium will accommodate the type of reptile you seek.
Size Matters
Some snakes and lizards can grow quite large, and others like to have a lot of space in which to move around, as well as have different areas for sunning and areas to hide, cool off in, and even swim. So pick the terrarium according to how large your pet will become, not how large it is now.
Read Full Article Here
Caring for a Corn Snake
Snake Bytes: Corn Snakes
If you’re thinking that corn snakes are snakes made of corn, we’ll give you points for imagination, but unfortunately, you are wrong. A corn snake is, in fact, a relatively small and harmless North American snake that gets its name from the corn-like pattern on its skin.
For a responsible kid that has a keen interest in snakes, a corn snake makes a great first pet. Once fully grown, they usually range from 2.5 to 5 feet in length, and have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. They can even live longer when given proper care, so please make sure you are ready for a long-term commitment.
Additionally, when choosing your corn snake, look for one with no cuts or abrasions, and with bright, alert eyes and a flicking tongue. These are all signs of a healthy snake. Now, on to the nitty-gritty: caring for a corn snake.
Tank You Very Much
Remember that reptiles, like other creatures, will grow to their proper size, regardless of whether you have a big or small space for them. As no one (particularly your snake) enjoys cramped quarters, a roomy home is of utmost importance. A 30- to 40-gallon tank should be large enough for your corn snake to move and grow in.
As with any snake tank, however, you’ll need to have a secured top to prevent any great escapes by your snake. A mesh lid is probably best, so that the tank will have appropriate ventilation. Corn snakes need to be kept in a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty easy to achieve with a warming lamp set over the tank. Your local pet shop will have a selection to choose from. Heat rocks, meanwhile, are generally not recommended because snakes have sensitive skin that is prone to burns.
To keep your corn snake happy and stress free, it’s a great idea to fill the tank with plants, branches for curling around on, and boxes to hide in. Snakes can get traumatized when they have no place to hide, so give your snake both room to move and accessories to feel secure.
Read Full Article Here
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Animal Rescue Stories
Punkin’s Smile
Share your rescued animal stories with others
Punkin’s Smile
Place: Cornucopia, Wisconsin
Date: 11 February 2010
Time: 3:45 pm
Temperature: six degrees below zero
As I came over the top of the hill, a quarter of a mile ahead of me at the bottom of the hill, I saw a car stop, the door open and something thrown out and into a ravine through which a small river flows. The car sped off.
I drove to the spot and looked down into the ravine. I thought I saw something down there,, so I got out; fortunately I was still wearing my severe cold weather outdoor gear on my way home from work. When I approached the side of the road I saw a small orange bundle on the ice at the edge of the water. It took a few seconds before I realized that it was a cat–or rather it was a kitten.
In the ensuing half hour of sitting in the snow and gently coaxing, I got the little guy to creep up the hill and slowly come towards me. When he was about six feet away he took a mighty leap and landed in my lap. He was very content to let me fold him into my jacket and was happy to be in the truck. I called my wife and said: “Guess who’s coming to dinner?”
Punkin has essentially run our lives and the lives of our other two rescue cats ever since. He is the quintessential Orange Cat. I have it in mind that the Cheshire Cat must have been a distant relative–sometimes all that is left is his smile.
BnB Sloan
Cornucopia, WI
Your Actions Here Fund Food And Care For Rescued Animals.
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Positivity Mind and Body
Handle criticism and verbal attacks with these Jedi communication skills
by: Mike Bundrant
(NaturalNews) The initial anger, shock or fear that arises when verbally attacked seem to be automatic and hardwired for the average person. Once fear and resentment take hold, they quickly succumb to hatred. Thus, the Dark Side leads you into the eternal trap of fault finding. Soon, your foolish defensiveness leads you to engage in a circular battle of wills to prove your innocence and the obvious evil intentions of your accuser. This dance of hatred is no place for a Jedi!
Most people do the exact opposite of what is helpful when attempting to handle verbal attacks or criticism
Let us handle this one as only the Jedi can! For the sake of establishing a starting place, we will classify all communication into just four categories. The Jedi do not suggest that this model is “true.” It is merely useful for our purposes today. Here are the four categories.
1. We seek information (ask questions)
2. We give information (make statements)
3. We attack (aggressive statements or questions)
4. We abandon (refuse to communicate verbally)
Most people, when attacked, respond by giving information. Often, the information given is intended to prove the attacker wrong. This often backfires and serves to stoke the Dark Side’s fire of hatred and collusion. A typical scenario:
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