Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

Is nail and toenail fungus a contagious disease? The short answer to that question is "yes". If you are seeing signs of a toenail fungus, yellowing of the nails, green, crusty or bumpy in appearance, chances are, you picked up an infection from someone else.

Many people think toenail fungus is not a contagious disease and don't worry too much about taking extra precautions of spreading it. But if you have it, you should be extra cautious especially amongst family members. You could spread it to anyone living at home and to any one in public.

Your responsibility as a toenail fungus sufferer should be to maintain a high level of hygiene. Refrain from visiting public facilities such as a community swimming pool. At your local gym for example, wear protective footwear. Don't use the showers or walk around bare feet in places where others can come in contact with fungus bacteria. Manicures and pedicures should be out of the question especially if your routine is to visit nail salons often.

The highly contagious nature of nail and toenail fungus is spread to others in the form of bacteria (spores). The latest estimates say that over 35 million people are affected. If you're wondering how you contacted this nasty disease, think about all the possible reasons where you could have contacted toenail fungus. Do you have a habit of visiting the same old nail saloon year after year? Did you visit a public facility where you walked around without shoes? Maybe someone else in your family has had toenail fungus recently. Its just like any other contagious disease for e.g. the flu, which is spread more often on surfaces that was touched by somebody who was sick. The same is true for toenail fungus.

Here are some important tips to remember in regards to the contagious nature of toenail fungus;

How not to re-infect yourself and others:

Don't share your shoes, especially your flip flops with anyone.

Avoid walking in public places bare foot e.g. poolside, showers, public baths, around the house wear cotton socks so others do not contact the disease.

If you have to wear socks, change your shoes and socks frequently.

Dry feet thoroughly after showers or baths, and use an anti-fungal powder in your shoes then use a topical solution applied directly to the infected nail.

Avoid using nail polish.

Try to air your feet as much as possible - oxygen thwarts the growth of fungus.

Are Medications Effective for Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) affects 4 million people in this country alone, and is associated with memory loss, confusion, special orientation problems, mood swings, delusions, and language difficulties, among other symptoms. Alzheimer's is most common in older patients, and lasts on average 10 years (largely related to the effect Alzheimer's has on limiting survival). Before the age of 65 1 in 1000 people will develop Alzheimer's. After 65, it affects 1 in 50, and after age 80 the risk is 1 on 5. Nursing home care is necessary at some point, often at the 6-year mark. Risk factors for AD are family history, age, and Down's syndrome.

The condition is caused by the development of plaques in the brain that are filled with something called amyloid. These plaques are concentrated in parts of the brain involved in learning and memory, including the hippocampus, frontal lobe, cingulate, temporal and parietal cortex. On a chemical level, there is damage to the acetylcholine system, which plays a role in memory, i.e., a loss of receptors for this chemical in the hippocampus and other areas.

While AD is present in 60% of patients with dementia, it must be differentiated from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which may or may not progress to Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's must also be differentiated from fronto-temporal dementia, vascular dementia (from small strokes, seen in 15% of patients), and depression, which are not necessarily associated long-term with the development of Alzheimer's. Unlike Alzheimer's, dementia if often caused by deficiencies of the vitamins B12 and folate, which can happen in the elderly and can be treated with vitamin supplementation. However diagnosing Alzheimer's in the early stages of the illness is often difficult.

One of the factors weighing most heavily on families dealing with a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer's is its cost: $16,000 per year for the care of affected patients, including the costs of nursing homes, doctors, and medications . Once a patient with Alzheimer's loses the ability to care for him or her self, the disorder quickly progresses to a total loss of function and eventual death. Alzheimer's takes a particularly heavy toll on families of affected patients; studies show that 80% of caregivers are under heavy stress, and 50% suffer from depression. Given these grim statistics, it is no wonder that families, patients, and their doctors are desperate for treatments for this disorder.

In spite of the fact that there is no cure for Alzheimer's and if the diagnosis is accurate, there is no hope for symptoms to reverse, patients and their families spend billions of dollars on medications each year in an attempt to do what they can to combat the inevitable onslaught of decline. At best the meds available can push memory up a few points on the scale, and perhaps buy a year of time, but not change the rate of decline or its inevitable conclusion because for some, one more year with a loved one can be worth it, however. And I can understand that completely. One year might make all the difference when it comes to a relationship with a parent or spouse. However, I also want you to understand what study results really show for Alzheimer's drugs, so that you understand the limits of what these drugs can really accomplish and for how long.

All of the studies consistently show about a 5-point change on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subsection (ADAS-Cog), a measure of Alzheimer's related cognitive impairment, which translates into about a 7% increase in cognition. Let's take a look at what this really means. Here's an example: if I asked you to buy 10 items at the grocery store, you would remember seven with the drug, and six without it. The increase is just a tweak of the chemical system, and doesn't do anything to stop the underlying disease. To paraphrase a colleague's observation, I don't think it is worth $250 per month to name 11 animals in a minute versus 10 animals."

How Can H Pylori Cause Anxiety and Depression?

It is well known that H. pylori can cause digestive symptoms such as heartburn, reflux, bloating, nausea and vomiting. However, the knock on effects of bacterial and parasitic infections can be profound and may cause seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Research has clearly shown that H. pylori can cause vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia.

Typically, in medical research other nutrients are not studied. However nutritionists who use advanced laboratory testing techniques commonly see deficiencies in vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 when patients have digestive infections. It is also not uncommon to see amino acid and fatty acid insufficiencies.

If the body becomes nutritionally depleted as a result of H. pylori and other digestive infections, symptoms can develop elsewhere in the body.

For example, amino acids are required for the production of thyroid hormone and the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. B6 is required for the formation of dopamine. If these chemicals are low in the body, depression, anxiety and fatigue can easily set in.

Typically SSRI antidepressant drugs will be prescribed in these situations but the key to successful treatment is actually to ensure the gut is functioning properly. This means removing H. pylori, other infections and ensuring proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Convenient and inexpensive urine testing can be employed to evaluate nutritional status and short-term supplementation can be used to replenish specific nutrient levels.

It is known that H. pylori and other digestive infections cause inflammation in the digestive tract. H. pylori is well known as a major cause of gastritis.

Inflammation always requires an anti-inflammatory response. The body's anti-inflammatory hormones are cortisol and cortisone. High levels of inflammation lead to higher than normal levels of cortisol. Because cortisol is a stimulatory hormone, high levels can lead to anxiety and panic.

An increased demand for cortisol also leads to a reduction in the sex hormones - progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone. Imbalances in these hormones can cause a multitude of symptoms, including depression, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, period pains, acne and more.

If the H. pylori is not dealt with and the inflammation continues, the cortisol levels will start to drop as the adrenal glands where it is made become fatigued. Low cortisol can also cause mood symptoms.

Doctors tend to overlook digestive infections as a cause of mood problems but the reality is that if a patient cannot absorb nutrients and has imbalanced hormones, mental and emotional symptoms are almost inevitable.

Lupus & Chronic Fatigue - The Hidden Link Between Lupus & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Did you ever wonder why so many people are being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and lupus lately? Is it because we have better tools to recognize these illnesses or did something from the past trigger them? Or both? Read more to find out what these two debilitating illnesses have in common.

Make sure you read to the end because you'll learn some bonus information pertaining to fibromyalgia also. If you have been doing your homework on lupus or chronic fatigue syndrome, you probably know that these illnesses may be linked to the following:

1. Genetics

• Typically females between the ages of 14-44 (but can occur at any age)


• Typically African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanic are at higher risk than Caucasians

2. Hormone Related

• Lupus has a tendency to show up more frequently when our estrogen levels are higher - pregnancy and before menstrual periods.


• Since men produce estrogen but at a lower level than women, this may be why fewer men have lupus than women

3. Ultraviolet Rays

• Ultraviolet rays for the sun


• Ultraviolet rays from fluorescent bulbs


• Sulfur drugs that can increase the body's sensitivity to sunlight

4. Stress

• Stress caused by pregnancy or child birth


• Stress caused by virus


• Stress caused by fatigue

Although chronic fatigue syndrome and lupus both share characteristics of many of the items shown above especially #4, you may not have known that both show signs linked to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) earlier in life.

Almost everyone is exposed to EBV sometime in their early life. As a young child it may just be a sore throat or as a teenager it may be mononucleosis (mono). Typically the people who are suffer from both of these autoimmune diseases, when asked will say "Yes, I have had mono - possibly even more than once."

Why does this matter?

For two reasons. First, if we know this virus is a culprit of these two illness and possibly even more, then we can take precautions from getting them in the first place. How? By reducing our stress, fatigue, and exposure we can reduce the risk of getting mono in the first place. Furthermore, if we reduce the toxins around us and build our bodies to the strongest immune system possible, we will be stronger to resist the initial contact with the mono virus.

However, this doesn't help the people who already have these illnesses. But you'll be happy to know that we didn't forget you. It is not too late. In fact, the same solution will help you fight these illnesses and quite possibly win. Thousands of people have done just that by reducing the toxins around them - through nontoxic cleaners, paraben free skin care, healthy air and water, and safe personal care products. You'd be amazed at what your body is exposed to just by cleaning your bathroom.

Alright, that is step 1. Ready for step 2. You probably are already trying to do this, but you may be surprised at what is hiding in your vitamins. Are you currently taking vitamins to improve your health. Common vitamins for people with lupus and chronic fatigue syndrome are B complex, Multi, Glucosamine, and Calcium. Make sure the brand you are using is established, scientifically proven, ideally natural with no animal testing, and 100% absorbed. These things are critical to your success because you are trying to remove harmful toxins: the last thing you want is your supplement program to add harmful toxins to your body.

Bonus Information:

The outstanding news is the same information that you learned in this article will apply for Fibromyalgia too. In fact, even though not all illnesses are linked to the EBV the solution of removing the toxins and building your immune system will still work for thousands of health problems - major ones like we discussed or even minor ones like just allowing a person to feel better. That is why it is so critical that we take care of our bodies because it is always easier to maintain good health than to retrieve our good health.

What Happens in the Brain of an Alzheimer's Patient?

What happens in the brain of Alzheimer's patient to cause all of the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of the sickness? Alois Alzheimer was the first to find the strange plaques and tangles; characteristics of sickness in the brain of one of his patient during an autopsy. For years, Alzheimer's disease could only be diagnosed with a high degree of accurate post-mortem. Now researchers are learning more about what exactly is happening in the brain of Alzheimer's patient to cause sickness.

The brains of Alzheimer's patient contain neurofibrillary tangles inside neurons and clumps of fibers called neurotic plaques outside of neurons. These tangles and plaques, first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1907, are the main cause of Alzheimer disease. Brain damage occurs as a result of neurons being clogged with microscopic filaments, which are made up of an abnormal type of Tau protein. Clogged neurons are no longer able to do their job and pass along the impulses they receive from the environment. Therefore, disabled neurons are one cause of cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer's disease. Brain damage due to neurofibrillary tangles is also found in associated disease such as Parkinson's disease.

However, tangles and plaques are not unique for the development and progression of Alzheimer. Studies now indicate that dementia in Alzheimer's patient is caused by the shrinkage and death of neurons and synaptic loss, not by tangles and plaques themselves. However, according to a leading hypothesis, amyloid deposits play an early role by setting in motion a cascade of biochemical events that cause the cells to shrink and die.

Experts also believe that decreased levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical that bridges synapses between neurons that effect memory, also contributes to memory loss of Alzheimer's disease.

Hiatal Hernia, Acid Reflux, GERD, Heartburn: The Causes And The Symptoms

Causes

Hiatal hernia can be caused by a number of things, often unique to each sufferer. One common cause, however, can be described as "mechanical": that is, caused by lifting improperly, heavy bouts of coughing, attacks to the abdomen, tight clothes, or poor posture. Lifting a heavy item whilst holding your breath (which happens often amongst people not trained in proper lifting techniques) can force the stomach into the esophagus and cause a hiatal hernia.

Another common cause of hiatal hernia is to do with the ileocecal valve. This is situated between the small and large intestines. Its function is to allow material to pass from the large intestine into the colon, but not vice versa. The ileocecal valve can become swollen and irritated; this causes it not to close properly, and permit material to travel back into the small intestine from the colon.

Although it cannot be determined whether a faulty ileocecal valve or hiatal hernia occurred first, a problem with this valve is known to further aggravate a hiatal hernia. Diet is a major factor in this: overeating, eating when upset, and poor combination of food can lead to this condition.

Interestingly, as well as "eating when upset" as being a contributory factor, emotional stress in itself has been raised as a possible cause of hiatal hernia - particularly the emotion of anger. One theory states that when some people get angry, they breathe and suck air upward, and then fail to release it properly. This results in the stomach remaining up, and repeated instances causing a hiatal hernia.

Symptoms

The stomach is forced into the sphincter that is designed to stop acid or food returning into the mouth or throat. The sphincter does not close properly and its function is compromised. This allows acid to travel into the esophagus and cause burning sensations, also known as heartburn or acid reflux.

The condition can also cause stress to the vagus nerve. Its function is to control the release of hydrochloric acid. As it may not work properly, this can cause either too much or too little acid to be secreted.

The diaphragm muscle's movement is impeded. Its function is to pull downward to cause the chest capacity to expand and fill the lungs with air. A hiatal hernia sufferer may find that their diaphragm muscle is affected to the degree that they experience shallow breathing unless they help the process consciously using their chest shoulders and take a deep breath.

The esophagus has been known to form a kink. This would then cause difficulty in swallowing. Sufferers may get the sensation that material is often stuck in their throat.

Through the vagus nerve, which has significant links to a number of other organs in the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and even the external genitalia, imbalances can be spread throughout the patient's body and other important systems.

Hiatal hernia sufferers often experience poor digestion. This leads onto rotten food staying in the body longer than it should be, and causing toxicity in the patient. Naturally, there is a lack of nutrition and the usual symptoms of this, such as constipation, allergies, and immune weakness.

Hiatal hernia can also aid the development of asthma and heart disease. As previously mentioned, the lungs' capacity is affected. Intestinal gas can put pressure on the hernia and then the heart, and can in severe cases bring on a heart attack.

There are ways to treat a hiatal hernia and acid reflux naturally and safely. For more information visit: http://www.hiatalherniahelp.com

Dermoid Cysts and the Vanishing Twin Syndrome

A client writes:I have a question about vanishing twins and was wondering if you could answer it for me:

I have a 10-month old boy. When I got pregnant with him, about five weeks into my pregnancy, I had an ultrasound and they told me that I had two sacs and that it was twins. At the time they couldn't get a heart beat, so I went back to the Dr. and she told me then that I had one baby. The other was what they called a vanishing twin. She told me that the one twin absorbed the other?! Anyway the other sac disappeared and I have the one baby boy.

Since all that, I have seen several stories on the Discovery Channel that talked about if one twin absorbed another one, that later on, when the surviving twin reached the age of six, seven, or eight...that they could develop a tumor in their stomach where they had absorbed the other baby. This doesn't even sound right. I can't figure out how this would or could happen, but I have seen a lot of stories on this. I wanted to ask someone who might really know about this. If you could help, I would really appreciate it. Thank you, Margaret

Answer: Margaret. I wouldn't be overly concerned about a cancer starting in his abdomen as this event is extremely rare, but do note it in his history that he has a vanishing twin so he knows of it.

On rare occasion one twin can absorb another, but that's not usually how it works. A close friend of mine has a vanishing twin (I never told him this.) I could tell, because he had what is called a dermoid cyst on his forehead. A dermoid cyst is a growth that has every conceivable type of cell in it. My friend actually had a little piece of nail growing out of the center of the cyst. He had the entire cyst removed, but some of it grew back!

I have heard where a vanishing twin will grow inside the abdomen. Most are just absorbed by the mother's body and are a part of the mom's uterus. This happens all the time in veterinary medicine. Once I did have a client who was taking an oral HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) spray, and the spray enticed the benign dermoid cyst in her uterus to grow and turn into cancer.

What I think you will see as he grows older are those personality characteristics that seem to occur often in the vanishing twin syndrome such as low self-esteem, lack of self love, self-sabotaging, the ability to make lots of money but not save any, searching for someone who is "just like him", and an aversion to competition. Pay particular attention to helping him build self-love, self-worth, and self-esteem from an early age.

There is an excellent book coming out in 2007 by Althea Hayton that discusses, in depth, all the aspects of the vanishing twin syndrome through the eyes of many, many professionals who have researched and have been aware of the vanishing twin syndrome for many years. Watch for that.

Most importantly though, enjoy your son. Life is precious. It was the vanishing twin's decision to come into your body and to leave, giving your son a set of some very special spiritual lessons. The twin--and I'm sensing that his twin is a female--usually hangs around for the life of the child. She will watch over him and protect him, so please don't discourage him when he interacts with his "imaginal friend" as most likely he will be able to see her and talk to her. I bet he will feel more comfortable with women than men in this lifetime and search for a woman "just like him." You watch, and keep in touch. Namaste. Dr. Moffat

Using Herbs in Fantasy Writing

In medieval times, whether in Europe, China, or elsewhere, the most common medicine came in the form of herbs. Though what was believed to work back then doesn't always hold up to modern research. An herbalist is a professional trained in herbalism (the use of herbs). A midwife, a woman who cares for pregnant women from prenatal stage through birth, would often use herbs in her craft. An apothecary is one that prepares and sells drugs and medicines, similar to a modern pharmacist.

Medieval folklore vs current research

Folklore surrounds herb lore. Angelica fennel and basil were said to protect against witches, and garlic would of course keep werewolves and vampires away. In some cultures, basil is associated with scorpions; they feared that scorpions would grow under pots of basil and that smelling the aroma would actually cause scorpions to grow in the brain. Yet in Italy, suitors signaled their love by courting with a sprig of basil in their hair.

Sage was considered the cure-all of medieval times, believed to cure anything from snake bite to mental illness. In truth, it doesn't help with all problems, but it does have many positive properties. It reduces excessive perspiration, helps digestive problems, sore throats, premenstrual cramps, and high blood sugar. It also helps prevent depletion of a neurotransmitter in the brain that is crucial to brain function and combined with ginkgo, biloba, and rosemary may help prevent or slow Alzheimer's.

Fantasy Purposes

In your own world-building, you can choose to use existing herbs, or create your own. I prefer a mixture. I'll use common herbs in many cases, but then make one up if I can't find one that has the properties I need. You can use the unproven folklore for your inspiration, or go with the proven properties. The most important part, at least in a fantasy or medieval set world, is that those treating the sick believe in the treatment, not whether that treatment is medically sound.

Whether using real herbs or invented, you'll want to make note of where the plant grows, what it looks like, and its medical properties. I keep a chart that lists the herbs I mention in my book along with their descriptive notes. There are many herb guides in both book and online form. A search for 'herbs' will come up with a good long list. If you're going the realistic approach, you will want to check the online pages to make sure it's not a role-player's or writer's list of herbs in their own created worlds.

Definitions

When thinking of herbal remedies, the first thing that comes to mind is herbal tea. But there are many different treatments for plants and other medicine. The following definitions were culled from their entries on Wikipedia.

An ointment is a viscous semisolid preparation used topically on a variety of body surfaces. An ointment may or may not be medicated.

A poultice is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread on cloth over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body. Poultice should generally not be applied over an open wound, as it may slow the healing process or cause infection.

An herbal tea, tisane, or ptisan is an herbal infusion not made from the leaves of the tea bush. (Varieties of "real" tea include black, oolong, green, yellow, and white tea.) Tisanes can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots, generally by pouring boiling water over the plant parts and letting them steep for a few minutes. Seeds and roots can also be boiled on a stove. The tisane is then strained, sweetened if so desired, and served.

A potion is a drinkable medicine or poison. Usually related to magic.

A tincture is an alcoholic extract (e.g. of an herb) or solution of a nonvolatile substance.

An infusion is a method of preparing herbs in which 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb or 2 to 4 fresh herbs (flowers and berries are substitutable) is "infused" or placed in oil or boiling water, and then, after about ten minutes, is strained. Waiting too long before straining results in bitter tasting herbs. The herb/botanical is then removed from the oil and the oil is used in the many formulas that call for short-term infused oils.

When looking at descriptions of herbs, the following terms from an herbal glossary may help:

Antiseptic: This herb combats and neutralizes pathogenic bacteria and prevents infection

Astringent: This herb has a constricting or binding effect, for example: one that checks hemorrhages or secretions by coagulation of proteins on a soft surface

Hemostatic: This herb stop bleeding

Parasiticide: This herb kills parasites and worms

Tonic: This herb restores, nourishes, and supports the entire body; it exerts a gently strengthening effect on the body

To use herbs effectively in your fiction, you'll want to do your own research to decide which ones fit your purpose. Even with a world where all the herbs of your creation, it would benefit you to be familiar with the terms I've mentioned.

The Color of Happiness - How Colors Can Affect Your Mood

The exact color that represents happiness is debatable. Is it red for igniting feelings of passion and desire? Yellow, bright as the sun, bringing warmth, cheerfulness and optimism? Or maybe it's sky blue which reminds me of a clear sky, expansive and full of endless possibilities. It could be any color of the rainbow and any shade in between. This article will help you understand how colors affect your mood and find out your color of happiness.

You're still wondering what the color of happiness is right?

The color of happiness is determined by you. It really is the color that makes you feel good in the moment. I could try to define it, but you would not be able to agree with my answer all the time. Trying to define the color that makes us happy is like trying to define what kind of blue the sky is when it changes throughout the day from dusk to dawn. You just cannot pick one that will be true under all circumstances. The color that makes you happy may change over time and it is likely that you have more than one color of happiness at any point in time.

How to find your personal happy color?

We can figure out our color of happiness by looking at different colors and seeing which one causes any of the responses below:

• your eyes are immediately drawn to it


• you feel better looking at it


• it reminds you of fond memories


• it makes your body feel different


• tension leaves your body

Because our moods are ever changing and our responses to different colors vary, the color of happiness changes under different circumstances and often will not even be the same for two people. Most commonly, the color that makes us happy is our favourite color. However, it is not the only color that represents happiness to us. We could have many colors of happiness. A rainbow if you like.

How does color affect your mood?

Colors trigger emotional responses based on what it is usually associated with as well as your experiences with that color. So colors can affect our mood in two ways. It can accentuate what your feeling if the color elicits memories and emotions that coincide with the kind of mood you are in. On the other hand, it can change the mood you are in by triggering a different emotion.

Why search for your color of happiness?

Finding the colors that makes you happy is about understanding yourself better and improving the relationship with yourself. Colors of happiness are useful in that you can wear them, accessorize with them and surround yourself with them. They can help you to maintain a pleasant mood and improve a lousy mood.

Finding happiness is not about reaching an end goal or chasing the ideal of being a happy person. It is about maintaining a good relationship with yourself, the most important person in your life. Being happy is something that comes from within. It is a personal choice to find ways of being happy as much as possible. Seek to find internal happiness daily and in the little things. Internal happiness becomes much more rewarding than relying on external sources of happiness.

Alzheimer's Disease: The Battle for Awareness, Funding and a Cure

Alzheimer's is a dreaded diagnosis, impacting not only the afflicted, but all those associated with that person. It is feared due to its debilitating nature, causing a steady decline of mental faculties, while the body continues to support life. This allows someone to be physically alive, while not being aware of their surroundings, able to care for themselves, or recognize and communicate with loved ones. This slow decline can devastate families. The duties of care giving can become overwhelming, and in many cases impossible to manage at home. This takes an emotional and physical toll on all involved.

Its prevalence is startling, more than 5 million Americans age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 with early-onset, are estimated to live with this disease. Current statistics show that 11% of those 65 and older, (one in nine) have Alzheimer's disease. This increases to 32% of those ages 85 and older (near one-third). Statistics also show that women are two-thirds more likely to have Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The reason for this is largely unknown, however the fact that on average, women tend to live longer than men, could account for this higher proportion.

The baby boom generation, making up close to one-third of society, is now turning 65. As that population continues to increase, so will the number of Americans afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Current estimates show that one in eight baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's disease, and even if they do not, they will be caregivers for someone who has it. Predictions indicate that by 2025, 7.1 million people age 65 and older will have Alzheimer's disease. That is a 40% increase from those currently affected. Without any breakthroughs to slow, stop, or prevent the disease, that number could triple by 2050, to a projected 13.8 million.

According to the Alzheimer's Association's 2013 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, "Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States." It is the fifth, for those aged 65 and older. This number is expected to rise by more than 50% over the next 20 years. "One in every three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. Today, an American develops Alzheimer's disease every 68 seconds. In 2050, an American will develop the disease every 33 seconds." This puts Alzheimer's in the top 10 causes of death in America. However, it is the only disease on that list without a way to slow its progression, prevent it, or cure it.

The sad reality is that Alzheimer's deaths went up 68% between 2000 and 2010, while deaths from other major diseases went down. These numbers could be even higher than reported, as many deaths occur because of decline caused by the advanced symptoms of Alzheimer's, but not the disease itself. Like many chronic diseases, Alzheimer's needs money to fund research. The money spent on Alzheimer's research is relatively low. At only half-billion dollars annually, it pales in comparison to the money available to fund research for other, more publicized diseases.

Much progress has been made in the treatment and understanding of these better-funded diseases, due to the development of research infrastructure necessary to support the work of finding treatments and prevention tools. With the extra research money, comes advances in treatment and prevention, like those seen in cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS, where there was significantly more funding available, $5.4 billion, $4 billion, and $3 billion respectively. Such funding shows the discrepancy between what it takes to make advances and what is currently available to fund the important Alzheimer's research.

It is time to raise a red flag and put this disease at center stage to get the publicity necessary to obtain more research funding. In April 2012, the Alzheimer's Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care and Services described an urgent need to fund a strategic Alzheimer's research plan to achieve the breakthroughs "essential to the saving of millions of lives and trillions of dollars." The costs of Alzheimer's are both fiscal and human. It is common for caregivers to suffer from anxiety, depression, and numerous other physical health problems. Because Alzheimer's has a hereditary factor, finding a way to prevent and treat this disease is critical to both current and future generations.

As a result of the costly care required for this disease, there will be a remarkable rise in Medicare and Medicaid spending. Estimates show that close to 30% of Alzheimer's and dementia patients are on both Medicare and Medicaid. That is compared to only 11% of those without these conditions. This type of increase could cripple an already struggling healthcare system. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that, "In 2013, Alzheimer's will cost the nation $203 billion. This number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050." To prevent this from becoming reality, we must act now.

Awareness is essential to stopping the escalation of this disease. Each person must do their part to speak out on behalf of increased funding for the research and development of a cure. The consequences for not acting are clear. There is still time to turn these numbers around, but it will take increased education and funding. If everyone uses his or her voice and resources, finding a cure could be nearby. The future of Alzheimer's research is still unknown, whether people choose to take action or do nothing will determine that outcome.

Montessori Schools for ADHD Kids

For most children with ADHD, the traditional school system cannot address their needs or unique learning styles. The typical classroom requires children to stay still and listen to the teacher's lecture, but kids with ADHD have trouble focusing on the discussion unless it is one that interests them. They also have difficulty containing themselves, and may disrupt class by blurting out answers or being unable to remain in their seats. Although some teachers do not mind making concessions to ADHD kids, your child might have better performance in a school with a completely different approach to teaching.

Consider placing your child in a Montessori school. The Montessori method was developed by an Italian medical doctor named Maria Montessori, who made the observation that children can teach themselves from the things in their environment. Unlike the traditional classroom, children engage all their five senses instead of just listening, reading, and watching. They can learn at their own pace and choose the activities that interest them. Some parents worry that this lack of structure might only worsen the symptoms of ADHD, but this is a common misconception. Children in Montessori schools have to complete homework assignments and tests just like in traditional schools. The only difference is that students can take their time accomplishing their tasks, and teachers can use different methods to teach them new concepts and stimulate their interest. Studies also show that graduates of Montessori schools have no problems adjusting to college life or entering the workforce.

One other advantage of a Montessori school is the small student-to-teacher ratio. The typical Montessori classroom has only fifteen students to one teacher. This allows the teacher to pay more attention to individual children, keep track of their progress, and help them with problem areas. The small class size is also more conducive to fostering long-term friendships and social skills.

Although Montessori schools can foster a love of learning for children with ADHD, it seems that this less-structured approach can benefit only those who already have some control over their symptoms. Montessori students are taught to be independent and choose a task with little instruction or direction. Children who have not yet learned to manage their ADHD might well end up jumping from one activity to the next, unable to concentrate due to the wide variety of options and new stimuli. But if you think your child might be suited to the Montessori school system, consider picking up brochures from nearby schools and asking questions about their experience with ADHD children.

Alzheimer's Death Or Was it Really?

What did Grandma die of when she had Alzheimer's? Family caregivers want to know. Did she die of Alzheimer's, like her death certificate says? Or what?

In my 20 years as an Alzheimer's caregiver, I've seen a number of elders die. Of course. You'd expect that. Old frail ill people die. But very seldom did it seem that they died of anything you'd identify as the Alzheimer's they were diagnosed as having.

No, most people died of the usual suspects in the world of elders. They had fragile hearts which finally stopped beating -- heart failure. Congestive heart failure. Rarely, an actual heart attack. They had pneumonia. Lung disease of various kinds. Cancers. Those kinds of causes.

I began reading more about what people with Alzheimer's die of. What I gradually realized was that, once you had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia, then it was almost sure to be listed as the cause of death. Even if it really might not have been.

Does it matter? Well, since Alzheimer's surrounded by myths, legends and downright lies, I think it does matter. Shouldn't it matter if we are falsely attributing death to a disease which actually may not kill most people who have it?

I can imagine families saying, "What does it matter to us -- we've still lost our Mom?"

And they're right. But in medicine, shouldn't it matter that we really know what killed people -- and what didn't?

When does Alzheimer's kill people? Well, probably like you, I've read that the commonest cause of death in elders with dementia is choking. I never met, saw or heard of one elder who died of choking, though I'm sure it happens.

Another thing I read is that people with Alzheimer's become so overcome by the their disease that they actually forget to breathe. The autonomous nervous system controlling breathing can't do its job.

Is this is really due to Alzheimer's or some other brain affecting disease? Again, does it matter? Well, when we rely upon knowing which disease brings about what death, surely it matters.

I'm not pretending here that I'm a medical expert or doctor. But I do like clarity in my facts. I don't hear that for Alzheimer's. Supposing much of what we see may not even be Alzheimer's?

Our modern version of Alzheimer's disease is certainly not what Doctor Alzheimer spent his l career studying. He made his life work the study of what was then called pre-senile dementia. He didn't study old people's brains, but the brains of people under 60. What we now call early-onset Alzheimer's.

So, if our Alzheimer's is not really Doctor Alzheimer's Alzheimer's disease -- isn't that weird?

Throw in a few other items I've gathered in my reading about Alzheimer's. That a number of people exhibit what is diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease even though it is linked with specific genetic chromosome damage. Chromosomes 13 and 14, 19 and 21, among them, and you can count on it that many more chromosome issues are out there to be discovered.

Now why would we not be calling these Chromosome 13 Dementia, Chromosome 14 Dementia and so on? We do that with other dementias -- Korsakoff's Syndrome, Pick's Disease, vascular dementia, multi-infarct dementia. These each have their own name, even if the outward manifestations of these dementias may share many similarities.

I just think that, given that Alzheimer's is the single disease most dreaded by elders, we need a bit more accuracy about the name and the terms we use.

Isn't that important? Very important?

Why Knowing About Schizophrenia is Important

The scary thing about schizophrenia is that sufferers may be so confused by the symptoms that they are unable to tell what is real and what is fantasy. For instance, when serial killer David Berkowitz saw black dogs barking out orders to kill, he believed they were actually there.

Many schizophrenics keep their voices and thoughts to themselves, for fear of being labeled "crazy." Another schizophrenic, Janice Jordan, mentioned being unable to tell her counselors about a delusional figure known as "The Controller" who barked orders at her during psychotic episodes.

The more patients learn about the illness and its many effects, the better equipped they are to handle the symptoms. Unfortunately, taking life-long medication is also a realistic assumption on the road to recovery.

Schizophrenia research reports some interesting findings. For instance, the mental illness is largely caused by a neuro-chemical imbalance of Dopamine, Seratonin and Norepenephrine.

In a normal brain, the frontal lobe increases its blood flow and the "listening" part of the brain diminishes. PET scans reveal that in a schizophrenic brain, the frontal lobe is active but the "listening" part remains just as active.

The sensory overload usually causes a hallucination. People who are born with it generally have irregular brain cell patterns. Drugs and stress do not cause schizophrenia, but they can certainly exacerbate the symptoms. In some cases, family members who understand very little can agitate the symptoms by using an accusing tone of voice or reacting angrily to the sufferer.

Family members who know about schizophrenia can learn to recognize symptoms of an acute attack: a change in personality, social withdrawal, sleeplessness, agitation, using words that do not make sense and seeing things that aren't there. It is important to create an environment that facilitates recovery. Keeping peace and serenity at home, helping the schizophrenic set realistic goals, sharing tasks, gradually increasing independence and encouraging new hobbies can all provide schizophrenia support.

There are many misperceptions about schizophrenia. One is that schizophrenia is the same as multiple personality disorder (MPD), which is simply not true. MPD is often characterized by two or more separate and distinct "personalities" which sometimes go by different names, display different mannerisms and have entire lists of unique likes and dislikes.

By contrast, schizophrenics exhibit different behavior, as well as suffer delusions and hallucinations. However, they maintain a basic sense of self, afflicted by mood swings and fragmented thinking. Another misperception is that sufferers are violent by nature.

Because of cases like David Berkowitz or Herb Mullin, the general public associate schizophrenia with murderers - but the only real danger for 99% of schizophrenics is self-harm. By educating the public, diagnosis and recovery can be more effective.

Complete List of the Super Foods

Here's a Complete List Of the Super Foods, as put together by people like Oprah's doctor, Dr. Weil, WebMD and a host of other nutritionists.

Super Foods, also known as anti aging foods, are foods high in antioxidants as well as high concentrations of crucial nutrients that have been proven to help prevent and in some cases, reverse the effects of aging.

The Super Foods are listed here:

* red wine, water, and green tea

* avocado, broccoli, onions, peppers, soy, spinach, and sprouts, hot peppers, leeks, daikon radishes

* açai, apples, blueberries, pomegranates, pumpkin, kiwi, oranges,and tomatoes

* wild salmon, turkey, eggs

* beans, barley, seeds, nuts, lentils, oats, walnuts and buckwheat

* cinnamon, dark chocolates, garlic, honey, extra virgin olive oil ("cold pressed"), sea salt, yogurt & kefir

* sea vegetables, irish moss, umeboshi plums, wheat grass, miso

The problem with this complete list of Super Foods is that they are almost entirely recognizable. Perhaps daikon radish, kefir and umeboshi plums are new to you but the rest are likely to be common foods.

Is it possible that the world's superfoods happen to be the ones we regularly eat OR could it be that the people who collectively compiled this list over time only took the time to explore within their comfort zone.

It's nice to see exotic fruits like açai, foreign fermented foods like miso and crazy vegetables like daikon radish are finally making it to the forefront. The world is a big place for all the superfoods to be concentrated here. Hopefully one day the foods we most commonly recognize will be just a small percentage of the list OR we expand our palette so they're all common place.

Food Additives Exposed - What's in Frozen Pizzas

Cheap Pizza

Ferrous Sulfate:

Is a waste product of steel after being washed with sulfuric acid. It was given to slaves in the 18th and 19th century to "cure" them of aliments. Many slaves died from this practice, its also used in Inks and Wool Dyes.

Ferrous Sulfate is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, people after treatment felt nausea & epigrastric (Epigastric problems may cause tension with Asthma)

Mozzarella Cheese Subtitute:

Is made with (See hydrogenated oils) partially hydrogenated oils.

Sodium Aluminum Phosphate:

Autopsies on a large amount of people who have died of Alzheimer's disease showed accumulations of up to four times the normal amount of aluminum in the nerve cells in the brain, especially in the hippo campus which plays a central role in memory. Also increased aluminum can cause low **reproduction development of the ovarian lesions.

Aluminum in the body can cause kidney damage this is because it can interfere with phosphate metabolism.

Things to look out for in Aluminum based products

Antacids (There is some without check the labels) Antidiarrheal Products (There is some without check labels)

Buffered Aspirin (Regular Aspirin does not have aluminum)

Containers (Aluminum coated waxed containers, used especially for orange and pineapple juices, causes juices inside to absorb aluminum. Beer and SOFT drinks that are stored in aluminum cans also absorb small quantities of aluminum. Bottled beverages are better.

Deodorants (Natural Deodorants do not add Aluminum) Douches (Natural Douches do not add aluminum you can also use vinegar and water)

Food Additives (Like The processed cheeses used on cheese burgers at fast food restaurants, which contain aluminum, which is added to make the cheese melt better. To self-rising dough and processed cheese food.)

Shampoos (Some add aluminum some don't check labels to make sure)

Potassium Chloride:

The chemical compound potassium chloride (KCl) is a metal halide salt composed of potassium and chlorine. In its pure state it is odorless. It has a white or colorless vitreous crystal, with a crystal structure that cleaves easily in three directions. Potassium chloride crystals are face-centered cubic. Potassium chloride is also commonly known as "Muriate of Potash".

Potash varies in color from pink or red to white depending on the mining and recovery process used. White potash, sometimes referred to as soluble potash, is usually higher in analysis and is used primarily for making liquid starter fertilizers. KCl is used in medicine, scientific applications, food processing and in judicial execution through lethal injection.

You can also find Potassium Chloride in waters as well, although Potassium Chloride is a used substance in the human body, consume it naturally!

From personal experience potassium chloride in my water caused irregular heart beat when I worked out, it also caused retained ear-pressure.

Sodium Benzoate:

Benzene in soft drinks (and food additives) has received some scrutiny because benzene is a carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent. Its levels are regulated in drinking water nationally and internationally, and in bottled water in the United

States, but only informally in soft drinks. Within recent years, some soft drinks have been found to contain high levels of benzene. Benzene contamination of soft drinks is a public health concern and has caused significant outcry among environmental and health advocates.

In combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300), sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate may form benzene, a known carcinogen. Heat, light and shelf life can affect the rate at which benzene is formed. Other factors that affect the formation of benzene are heat and light. Storing soft drinks in warm conditions speeds up the formation of benzene.

Sodium Phosphate:

Some foods contain phosphate but are not labeled as such (i.e. dehydrated onions). Other symptoms of phosphate intolerance may include severe and sudden diarrhea, vomiting, skin eruptions, bladder infection, bloating and abdominal cramping.

(common)

Phosphate additives have also been linked to ADD in children in Australia.

Retrieved from:

Wikipedia

Titanium Dioxide:

Used as a white food colouring it also acts as a pigment to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, foods, medicines (i.e. pills and tablets) as well as most toothpastes.

Its also used in sunscreens & if you are not aware most cases of skin cancer are formed from the Sunscreen we use in combination of not being able to absorb energy from the Sun which is very important, recently I heard there is more suicides in the winter because there is a lack of sunlight and the energy is like a anti-depressant so to say keeps your psychically and mentally healthy, so if you ingest Titanium Dioxide it could settle in your skin and you be putting on a shield against your Sun energy (which I believe is a certain vitamin D).

Magnesium Oxide:

May cause irritation in eyes or respiratory tract May lead to muscle weakness, lethargy and confusion. This is in its real form why would you want to eat this?

Sodium Nitrite:

Recently, sodium nitrite has been found to be an effective means to increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels, acting as a vasodilator. While this chemical will prevent the growth of bacteria, it can be toxic for mammals. A principal concern is the formation of carcinogenic N-nitrosamines by the reaction of sodium nitrite with amino acids in the presence of heat in an acidic environment. Sodium nitrite has also been linked to triggering migraines.

Recent studies have found a link between high processed meat consumption and colon cancer, possibly due to preservatives such as sodium nitrite. On top of this I believe Sodium Nitrite acts as a catalyst (from the dilation is does to your veins) which aids in all these other nasty ingredients to hurry themselves through your body just like Cayenne pepper and other foods with sculville units in them (hotness).

BHA, BHT & TBHQ:

In high doses, it has some negative health effects on lab animals, such as precursors to stomach tumors and damage to DNA. A number of studies have shown that prolonged exposure to TBHQ may induce carcinogenicity. Other studies, however, have shown protective effects for TBHQ and other phenolic antioxidants.

BHA, BHT & TBHQ are petroleum based that's why it keeps food preserved (it will preserve your body which is bad times).

Partially Hydrogenate Oils:

Trans fats are neither essential nor salubrious (useful) and, in fact, the consumption of trans fats increase one's risk of coronary heart disease by raising levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of "good" HDL cholesterol. 1 gram of trans fat a day has been linked to a 33% higher chance of catching the coronary heart disease. A 6 piece of chicken nuggets has 6 grams of trans fat, fries have 4 grams of trans fat.

Its common name is monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat.

The human lipase enzyme is ineffective with the trans configuration, so trans fat remains in the blood stream for a much longer period of time and is more prone to arterial deposition and subsequent plaque formation. While the mechanisms through which trans fats contribute to coronary heart disease are fairly well understood, the mechanism for trans fat's effect on diabetes is going to find that it increases symptoms.

Monocalcium Phosphate:

Calcium dihydrogen phosphate (also called mono-calcium orthophosphate) Ca(H2PO4)2 is a chemical compound. It is commonly found as the dihydrate, Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O, which releases a water molecule before it melts at 109 °C. It decomposes at 203 °C.

Phosphorus is an important nutrient and so is a common component of fertilizers Calcium dihydrogen phosphate is also used in the food industry as a leavening agent to cause baked goods to rise. Because it is acidic, when combined with an alkali ingredient - commonly sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or potassium bicarbonate

- it reacts to produce carbon dioxide and a salt.

Xanthan Gum:

(Allergy Warning)

Some people are allergic to xanthan gum, with symptoms of intestinal gripes and diarrhea. Workers exposed to xanthan gum dust exhibit nose and throat irritation as well as work-related illness, with symptoms becoming more prevalent with increasing exposure.

Also, since xanthan gum is produced by a bacterium that is fed corn to grow, some people allergic to corn will also react to it.

MSG/Natural Flavors:

The 1987 Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization placed mono sodium glutamate in the safest category of food ingredients.

A 1991 report by the European Community's (EC) Scientific Committee for Foods reaffirmed mono sodium glutamate safety and classified its "acceptable daily intake" as "not specified", the most favorable designation for a food ingredient. In addition, the EC Committee said, "Infants, including premature, have been shown to metabolize glutamate as efficiently as adults and therefore do not display any special susceptibility to elevated oral intakes of glutamate."

A 1992 report from the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association stated that glutamate in any form has not been shown to be a "significant health hazard".

A 1995 FDA-commissioned report acknowledged that "An unknown percentage of the population may react to mono sodium glutamate and develop mono sodium glutamate symptom complex, a condition characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:

Burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest Numbness in the back of the neck, radiating to the arms and back Tingling, warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms Facial pressure or tightness,Chest pain, Headache, Nausea, Rapid heartbeat, Broncho spasm (difficulty breathing), Drowsiness, Weakness Sweating.

A 2002 report from researchers at Hirosaki University in Japan found rats fed on diets very high in glutamate (up to 20%) suffered eye damage. Lead researcher Hiroshi Ohguro said the findings might explain why, in eastern Asia, there is a high rate of normal-tension glaucoma.

Monosodium glutamate has been shown to indirectly cause obesity in lab rats by down regulating hypothalamic appetite suppression and, thus, increasing the amount of food the lab rats consumed Because glutamate is absorbed very quickly in the gastrointestinal tract (unlike glutamic acid-containing proteins in foods), glutamate could spike blood plasma levels of glutamate.

Glutamic acid is in a class of chemicals known as excitotoxins, high levels of which have been shown in animal studies to cause damage to areas of the brain unprotected by the blood-brain barrier and that a variety of chronic diseases can arise out of this neurotoxicity.

The debate among scientists on the significance of these findings has been raging since the early 1970s, when Dr. John Olney found that high levels of glutamic acid caused damage to the brains of infant mice.

Updated Information 04/02/09:

Keep in mind that the MSG/excitotoxins also contribute to addictive behaviors (gambling, overeating, violence, mood swings, depression, etc.) since the excitotoxins stimulate other hormones in the brain. when they're stimulated, your dopamine and other hormone levels go haywire.

changing your diet is all it takes to snap out of it. its amazing how simple it is, but so many are hooked on junk food and processed foods.

Sorbitan monostearate (also known as Span 60):

Is an ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax. It is primarily used for emulsifying water and oils together. Sorbitan monostearate is used in manufacture of food and health care products, and is a nonionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties.

It is also employed to create synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, brighteners in the leather industry, as an emulsifier in coatings, in pesticides, and various applications for the plastic, food and cosmetics industries.

Cures For Gout

Gout can be a painful and inconvenient condition. Anyone who has it would naturally want to look for effective cures for gout. These days though, one should be even more careful about using just any potential cure. Here are some important tips that can help you find the right treatment for gout:

Be Careful of Miracle Cures

It is true that not every medicine for gout can be effective for all patients. It is also true that finding effective medical cures for gout may take a lot of effort and visits to the doctor. Medicines can also have some side effects. This is probably why more and more people are turning to natural products and methods of dealing with gout.

There are real products and remedies that may actually work but one should be careful. There are also some manufacturers who are just simply riding the wave of some initial clinical study about natural cures for gout. In other words, some products dish out purely empty claims. These products may not only fail to cure your gout but they can also delay proper treatment and may make your condition worse.

Do Some Research

The best way to find the most effective cures for gout is to find out for yourself. Before believing in any product or remedy claim, do your own research online. Find out what studies clearly show which remedies really have a potential to work. You should also make it a habit to read numerous product reviews. Many users will truthfully tell you which cures for gout are hoaxes. Most importantly, make it a point to look out for government warnings about disreputable products.

Look for Good Doctors

You should only seriously consider cures for gout after taking them up with your doctor. It may be dangerous to pursue a cure that hasn't been sanctioned by your doctor. You may be using medications that could interact with some remedies that you want to try. This could result in a more serious medical concern. Some gout patients may also have far more serious conditions that require special attention. These include those whose high uric acids levels have led to kidney problems.

If you have second thoughts about your doctor's opinion, then try asking for a second or even a third opinion.

Take Your Treatment Seriously

If you are taking gout medicines, then you have to help them work effectively. You should take your medicines exactly as indicated and as frequently as required. This will at least give your medications a chance to kick in. This is also the only way for your doctor to effectively determine if one kind of medicine works for you or not.

Discipline is the Key

Whether you opt for medical or natural cures, they will both work less effectively if you also do not actively seek to prevent gout attacks. Even the most effective medicines will fail if you continue to eat or do what is specifically prohibited. Eating too much red meat, organ meat, beans and shellfish for example may result in higher chances of a gout attack. Not managing one's weight is also a factor that can go against your search for effective cures for gout.

What Are the Most Effective Teaching Strategies?

Out of all the effective teaching strategies there is one strategy that is more effective than all others. Can there really be a number one effective teaching strategy? You bet there is, because without this strategy you will be met with blank stares from your students day after day.

If I had to decide what my most successful teaching strategy is, what I find to be the most effective teaching strategy, without a doubt it is the connection that I make with students. You see without a connection to your students, there will be little or no content understanding.

Always remember this: connection before content. This should be at the top of your list of effective teaching strategies.

This connection with your students is a two way street - you to student, and student to you. You need to give something of yourself, and in turn your students will give back something of themselves.

This connection applies to teachers at every level and in different learning situations: from kindergarten to fifth grade, high school to college; in seminars, employee training, or sales presentations. The teacher must connect with the students or audience before they will hear the message being delivered, the content.

Think back to situations you have been in, whether it was school or a sales pitch. Who are the teachers or people you connected with? Most likely they were the ones who you felt acknowledged you, wanted to get to know you, enjoyed what they were doing, and were committed to your success. They are the people you want to be around and enjoy talking to. They know and understand that connecting with students is the most important of all effective teaching strategies.

So, as an educator, how do you make this connection? Here are some effective teaching strategies for making that connection:

Be fully present in the moment. When your teaching day starts give your total focus to your students and the task at hand. This will send a message to your students that they are important.

Learn something about each of your students. This is easier for those that teach one group of students. It takes more effort for those at the middle, high school, and college level where you have large groups throughout the day, but it can be done. I think if you really enjoy teaching, you enjoy the interaction with students.

Try this quick check - write down something you know about each of your students. If you are struggling trying to come up with something for particular students make a point to learn something about them. If you have large classes set a goal for a number of students you will make a point to speak to each day. This way over the course of the week you will have connected with each of your students one on one. Sometimes we have those quiet students who slip under the radar and we don't always check in with them as often as others who are more vocal or needy.

Share information about yourself with your students. Very early in the school year my students know about my family, pets, favorite foods, what I do on the weekend (well not everything), my hobbies, and my general likes and dislikes. Sharing this information with students lets them see you as a person, and gives them common ground to connect. Little bits of information are easy to weave into your general teaching and conversations with students. Don't cross the line by giving too much personal information, or boring students with long stories about your kitchen renovation. Give information that is relevant in their lives that they can connect to.

Be in tune with your students each day and for every class. Besides connecting with them individually you also need to connect with the mood of the group. If the group energy is low, get students moving with a game or stretch break. If the group is restless and having difficulty settling down, do some calming activities with them. If students seem stressed extend an assignment deadline, or give a "night off" from homework. Being in tune with your group is such an important teaching strategy and most often students will be more productive when you respond to their needs.

Remember, each student and class is different. Respecting and acknowledging those differences will go a long way to achieving a personal connection with your students.

When you connect with students and they connect with you, they trust you and are invested in their learning. Your students will be able to hear the content you present to them because they know you are invested in their success.

There are several classroom activities which are effective teaching strategies for connecting with students.

The Forbidden Twilight Zone of Alzheimer's and Diabetes

When I was growing up I would always hear comments from my father mostly, but even from my mother, along the lines of: "...When I die, just throw my body in a ditch..." and of course "...I will never go into a nursing home!" But then, the reality of chronic conditions and progressive diseases along with old age came. What happened next was every bit as excruciating a crucible as any military training or life-and-death situation could ever be. Finding myself on what at first seemed like the wrong or "Forbidden" side of everything my parents had expressed and explained earlier in life, I soon realized that the reality of chronic conditions just do not allow for any comfortable decisions by anyone.

Starting with my father, diabetes was something he had coped with all the time I was alive but apparently he was slipping further and further into the non-compliant type of diabetic who thought he could will his way through needing to monitor his insulin or glucose levels and watch what he ate. Little did anyone know, at least any one in my family, that diabetes causes other side effects just as deadly as the disease itself, specifically artery blockages due to plaque build-up. Even the most compliant, disciplined diabetic must watch for this and keep regular check-ups with both his doctor and most likely a cardiologist to avoid massive heart attacks. My father found this out in Las Vegas when a massive heart attack hit him while he was eating dinner. The eventual prognosis was near total blockage of one coronary artery and significant blockages in the other three.

A massive chest-splitting bypass surgery later, and that problem was alleviated only to run into the other thing diabetes does to you: hampering of the body' ability to heal itself. At this point a staph infection made it necessary to amputate his big toe thus rendering him barely mobile. All this happened to a man who was still not a pound over weight, who swam mile long races as a boy, and had the most amazing bone-crushing grip of any adult male I have ever known. All this culminated in a prolonged period of about 13 months where his blood sugars would flux between low readings of about 15 to near comatose states of 1400. These ranges of blood sugar were not possible without permanent coma and death but fortunately for him, the most amazing modern advance for diabetes treatment are computerized insulin & glucose pumps that are nearly impossible to flumox and on 10 different occasions brought my father back from the abyss. But eventually even this was not enough and he finally slipped into a diabetic comma one October day and never came back. The amount of specialized care, doctor's visits, on-site nursing at home and other services we willingly did and of course the act of actually burying him all flew in the face of the bravado of previous years.

My mother's fate was quite possibly worse: Alzheimer's. With her, there were no sudden calls to 911, no dramatic metabolic problems, and no violent swings of behavior or massive heart attacks. Instead there was just a progressive yet extremely cruel fade-out that began with occasional confusion in between long periods of knowing exactly what was going on in life that led to the eventual dismantling of all mental faculties ending with a person laying in bed mentally unable to summon any will power or focus to even lift a hand. My mother was also a very active person, having done snow skiing, water skiing, and being a fan of ballet and broadway. It was during the in-between zone of this cursed disease process that the real boogey-man came: wandering off either on foot or in the car and ending up completely lost. That was the most scared any child will ever be, realizing a parent - quite possibly your first concept of God as a child - has wandered off to points unknown and may be confused, frightened, or already dead - an especially likely outcome if an Alzheimer's sufferer is driving when they become confused.

Skilled nursing homes were the only means I then had to safeguard what was left of my mother's well-being and health. No one can be mentally acute enough to go to work during the day and be able to chase someone around the yard or neighborhood at 2:00 am, 3:15 am and then 4:30 am and then 5:00 am. Alzheimer's leaves no room to negotiate. It is a case of you either make that choice to do the unthinkable and place your parent in the Forbidden Twilight Zone of a nursing home with an Alzheimer's care unit, or be exposed to the certain reality that they will kill or severely injure their persons and quite possibly other people as well and that blood would all be on your hands.

The outcome of all this is that I for one am no longer worried about having had made decisions that in earlier years would have flown in the face of what my mother and father said they'd want to have happen. As the one who had to provide the care and protection, any consideration besides what would keep both them and the general public safe was irrelevant. That did not make the decisions any easier to cope with at the time. But in hindsight there is a kind of peace in knowing that when faced with seemingly forbidden decisions, the right choices were made. Many forbidden zones have to become practical options when faced with diseases that do not allow you or anyone the luxury of any easy choices.

The Benefits of Reading

For many, reading has many benefits that continue to enhance their lives. Their lives are bettered in some the following ways: mentally, spiritually and sociality. Also, if we develop a habit reading will we become more confident and self assured in abilities to comprehend and understand all types of information. Let's further examine some of the benefits of reading.

One of the other main benefits of reading is that it exercises your mind. Your mind begins to bend and flex mentally, It stays lose and limber so to you can flow easier through the course of the day. The regular routine ensures that the reading muscle stays in good shape as well as the mind. Just like physical exercise, there has to be a determination to make reading part of your life. If you understand the many benefits of reading, you will have no trouble adopting a regular habit of reading.

Reading has other benefits to the regular reader which is the ability to focus. When the mind is trained and channeled, it begins to pay attention more thoroughly. For example, when you are faced with some of life's difficult and challenging assignments, you will have the ability to stay calm and objectively look at the problem, circumstances or required task. If you continue to read, you continue to stay focused; bottom line.

There is perhaps no greater avenue to learning then through reading. All people, great and small, have learned more things by reading then practically anywhere other way. When we continue to read, we have the ability to expand our minds tremendously. We review the pages of knowledge left by those who came before us. We than begin to add to the knowledge as the cycle of humanity continue. The regular routine reading has positively chanced the course many peoples' lives.

Finally, when we develop a practice a habit of reading, we are building solid foundation on which to build. This foundation of reading will allow us to accomplish many goals and ambitions we have for our lives. Our habit of continuing to read helps to ensure we will continue to succeed. Reading has a long and distinguish track record for establishing positive and lasting benefits to humanity.

Alzheimer's Disease and Animal Therapy

My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the young age of 51 years old. It was not until the death of her husband that her condition worsened at a faster pace. As her life was gradually taken over by Alzheimer, both her sons discussed the possibility of adopting a dog to keep her company.

She never had a dog before but had displayed patient and a loving attitude towards the neighbor's pet. Despite her objections as she was a woman that did not want anyone to fuss over her as she was used to care for others, both her children decided to get her one anyway.

A puppy to keep her company

As months went by, my husband got tired of waiting for his brother's approval about a certain breed and did some research. He soon discovered that the best breed for his mother may be a Labrador retriever. During a short trip, a bit later, he visited a pet shop and fell in love with a Chocolate Labrador puppy. The next day, the puppy was on the road, excited at the prospect of meeting his new mistress.

From a pet to animal therapy

Despite her repeated objections, like her son, she fell in love with this adorable puppy that she later named Cocoa. As time went by he became more than a pet, he was her best friend. She felt needed and useful again. He was always by her side, comforting her and keeping a watchful eye on her.

When Alzheimer started to take over her world, he never leaved her sight of stopped being affectionate; on the contrary, he was always there for her. He put a smile on her face with his clumsy ways; he forgave her when she was mad at him thinking that he was responsible for the voices that she heard or for her mistakes. He never left her side when she was sick and always included her by making sure that she was not alone and was joining us often. When he felt that something was odd or wrong, he would get our attention and guide us to check on her. Cocoa was solid, strong, patient and loved her unconditionally.

Always part of her world

As her condition worsened, she became more distant, enclosed in her own world. Despite that fact, her dog was always part of it. Even at night, he was keeping a watchful eye on her. He was there to help her mourn the loss of her rabbit. He was there to comfort her through difficult times. Loneliness was never part of her life since the first day she met him. I truly believe that he is the reason why Alzheimer's disease took the slow route with her as her dog made her happier and prevented her to become anxious and depressed and helped her more than any treatment or medication. And he was there for her, good days, bad days...until the end.

The following year, we noticed how much he missed her. Approximately a full year later, he passed on...hopefully back by her side. He was her ray of sunshine and made a difference in her life. That is why I would encourage anyone to not only see an animal as a pet but also be aware of the unlimited benefits of animal therapy. In this case, this young Labrador retriever may not have represented a cure for Alzheimer's disease, but it changed the quality of life of the woman suffering from it, making it worthwhile.

What to Look For in Nursing Home For an Alzheimer's Patient

At some point, most Alzheimer's patients will spend time in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Whether, the stay is a temporary or permanent in nature, the special needs of Alzheimer's patients must be recognized and evaluated before the person is placed into a nursing home environment. There are no specific nursing home regulations in place for people with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Consequently, the burden of selecting an appropriate facility falls squarely on the shoulders of the family or close friends. The following is general 'game plan' that can be used by families of people with Alzheimer's, dementia or traumatic brain injury to aid in the selection of a temporary or permanent nursing home.

Before any change in living arrangements is contemplated, a complete physical and mental assessment of you loved one should be completed. A candid discussion of the individuals needs should be done in the presence of the family and caregivers. Try to decide what the person is really capable of an in what areas the person needs assistance. Honesty is crucial. An open and honest discussion will help with the selection of a facility, but will also help the staff at the facility a baseline get an idea of your loved one's needs.

Initial selection of a nursing home or long-term care facility for an Alzheimer's patient is no different from the selection of a nursing home for a non-Alzheimer's patient. The first step is to do some research about the facilities via friends or on the internet. I suggest the Medicare website as a starting point. You can see on-line where the facilities are located and what services they offer.

After conducting some initial fact gathering about the facilities, a visit to the facility is a must. Do not risk the safety and happiness of your loved one at a facility without physically visiting the facility. Before deciding on a facility at least two visits are in order. The first visit should be a scheduled visit to get a tour from the staff. If the initial visit passes muster, a second unannounced visit should be made. The second visit will likely be more telling than a carefully coordinately tour. Do not hesitate to talk with the staff during your visits. You can learn a lot about the facility depending on their attitude and demeanor. Unhappy staff is usually indicative of unhappy residents.

Unlike most nursing homes that care for the elderly, nursing homes that care for Alzheimer's patients and those suffering from a brain injury needs to take precaution to reduce the risk of residents harming themselves and others. Nursing homes for Alzheimer's patients should have specialized design considerations to help ensure the individual's safety and happiness. Facilities should:

- Place restrictions on in-and-out privileges for residents. Safeguards to prevent elopement and wandering --common sources of injury to Alzheimer's residents.

- Require each visitor to sign in. Mentally impaired residents are disproportionately physically and sexually abused compared with the general nursing home population.

- Bracelets and alarms. Does the facility have a tracking system or alarm for residents who have a tendency to wander? Depending on the mobility of the individual, a surveillance bracelet should be used to keep track of the person.

- The facility should have clearly marked walkways inside and outsides the facilities. The walkways should be well lit, have directional signage with diagrams as opposed to written diagrams.

- Have a circular configuration. Alzheimer's patients get particularly frustrated when encountered by dead-ends and right angles.

Staffing Is The #1 Consideration

'Does the facility regularly handle people with Alzheimer's?' This is an important question to ask, because the most important factor in your loved ones happiness and safety will be dependent on how much experience the facility has in dealing with Alzheimer's patients. Seek out a facility that focuses exclusively on Alzheimer's care or has a specialized unit for residents with Alzheimer's. If the facility houses both Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's patients, precautions should be in place to control both groups access to the other. Though it may seem segregationalist, depending on the level of functionality, most Alzheimer's patients should be kept together for their own safety.

Most incidents involving nursing home injury occur due to staffing problems. Don't be afraid to ask some or all of the following:

- Does the facility require / provide any specialized Alzheimer's training for the staff?
- Does the facility do backgrounds checks on all employees?
- What is the policy for alerting a family member to an incident?
- What is the policy for physical and / or drug restraints?
- What is the facilities toileting policy? Are diapers changed regularly or does the facility only change on a schedule?
- How does the facility ensure that resident's eat? Do they have staff to monitor what is and is not eaten?
- What is the resident / staff ratio? A general rule is 1:6 for staffing during the day.

The Coming Alzheimer's Epidemic

Alzheimer's disease is a disease that strikes terror into many of us, especially as we get older.

Alzheimer's is a very serious brain disease that attacks the parts of the brain responsible for the creation of memory and for thinking.

As the disease progresses, more and more parts of the brain become affected. The patient loses the ability to live independently, and the sense of self and identity disappears. Eventually the patient dies.

Alzheimer's is not the only disease that causes dementia, but it is probably the best known to the general public.

When Alzheimer's strikes someone, we watch as the person afflicted slowly fades away in front of us, and eventually disappears to a place where they can't be reached.

We may personally know people, who have been afflicted by Alzheimer's disease. We may have visited a nursing home where many of the elderly residents sat staring blankly and unaware. We shuddered inwardly, thinking, "I hope that never happens to me."

Part of the reason we fear this disease so much is because it is so mysterious. We don't know what causes Alzheimer's. We don't know how to cure it. We don't even have a surefire test to diagnose Alzheimer's while the victim is still alive.

The incidence of Alzheimer's disease tends to get higher as the population ages. In the age group 65-75, approximately four per cent of the population may be diagnosed with Alzheimer's. In the age group of 85 years or older, about 50% of the population has Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing problem all over the world because the population in most countries is growing older and older on average. In many countries, more and more people are surviving to the age where the incidence of the disease becomes more common.

At the present time, up to four million North Americans are believed to be affected by Alzheimer's disease. In twenty years, that number may go up to ten million. India has the some of the lowest rates of Alzheimer's in the world, but scientists don't know why the rate of the disease in India is so low.

Alzheimer's disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who studied and described this disease in Germany in the early years of the twentieth century. Dr. Alzheimer was the first to discover and analyze the massive destruction of brain cells in a middle-aged woman who had been stricken with dementia and eventually died from it.

When Dr. Alzheimer studied this woman's brain after she died, he noticed that her brain was filled with microscopic plaques and tangles. These plaques and tangles had killed her brain cells.

The disease starts out with small lapses in the ability to make and retrieve short-term memories. With this comes a decline in the ability to reason and the ability to concentrate. The person affected may forget the names of familiar objects, or get lost in a familiar place. Personality changes may become apparent.

This decline in mental processing happens because of the destruction of brain cells that are needed to form and retrieve memories. At the same time, there is a progressive decline in the the brain's supply of neurotransmitters required to carry messages from one brain cell to another.

In the initial stages, it is very hard to differentiate Alzheimer's disease from other types of memory loss.

As the disease progresses, more and more brain cells die. Memory test scores may decline by 10 to 15% each year. Eventually, the patient will have difficulty performing the simplest actions required for daily living. The vocabulary dwindles to a few dozen words, then disappears altogether. Friends and family will not be recognized. The "self" fades away.

In the final stages, the patient will be completely unable to look after herself, unable to feed, walk or control the bladder and bowel. Death often occurs from pneumonia or infection.

Alzheimer's may strike people in their twenties, but is very rare in that age group. It becomes increasingly common with advanced aging. As women tend to live longer than men by several years, they are more likely to live long enough to be afflicted with Alzheimer's.

From the initial diagnosis to the time of death may be a period of seven to twenty years. The toll of the disease on the family and on society is very high.

Unless a cure is found soon, the costs of institutionalizing those millions who will fall victim to Alzheimer's in the coming decades will consume many billions of dollars.

The toll on the families of those afflicted is very high. For the person who is afflicted with this disease, the loss of memory, of thinking ability, of the personal sense of self is the greatest tragedy of all.

What is the cause of Alzheimer's disease? Is the cause genetic? Is it environmental? Is Alzheimer's caused by a virus? Does Alzheimer's have only one cause, or are there many contributing factors? Will a cure for Alzheimer's be discovered?

These are questions that scientists are racing to answer.

Alzheimer's Prognosis - Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a degenerative, progressive disease and affects memories, behavior and thinking as it is another type of dementia. It affects the ability of the person to carry out the normal activities. It is a neurogenerative disease which named after Aloi Alzheimer ( the German physician ) who first explained it. There is no treatment for alzheimer's, and it is the seventh leading cause of death in US.

In any dementia type, memory loss is the feature for diagnosis. The advancement rate in each patient differs from each other. The old people are having high alzheimer's developing risks. It is also developed by family history and old age. there are many factors also like:

1- Being women as they live longer than men, so they are prone to develop alzheimer's

2- Head Damage or injury history

3- High homocyteine levels

4- Coronary heart disease, diabetes, very old blood pressure. 

There are two alzheimer's disease types ( early onset and late onset ). The symptoms of early onset alzheimer's are:

1- Mood change

2- Difficulty in doing tasks that take times such as playing complex game and balancing checkbook

3- Loss of interest

4- Personality change such as less spontaneity apathy

5- Forgetting names of people and objects

6- Mislaying items

7- Repeating sentences and statements

Symptoms of late onset alzheimer's are:

1- Can't choose proper clothing

2- Forget their life and their self

3- Fantasy, nervous and dejected

4- Memory loss in current events

5- Difficulty in doing tasks such as driving and preparing meals.

6- Can't perform the basic things like bathing, dressing and eating

7- Can't recognize family members

8- Can't communicate and doesn't understand

How To Get Rid Of Kidney Stones Naturally

There is no getting away from the fact that kidney stones can be very painful. Some people say the pain associated with the symptoms of kidney stones is the most excruciating pain they've ever experienced.

So what are kidney stones?

The medical terminology for kidney stones is Nephrolithiasis or Renal Calculi, and kidney stones is the term used to refer to urolithiasis or the formation of stones, or calculi in the urinary system.

What causes kidney stones?

The precise cause of most kidney stones is not known, however the most common cause of kidney stones is the presence of too much calcium in the urine, closely followed by a person not drinking enough water. There is also a certain amount of research to indicate that if others within y our family group have suffered with kidney stones, then you are more likely to.

The incidence of kidney stones is increasing, and at the moment men seem more likely to develop kidney stones than women, although the amount of women that develop kidney stones is on the up. Presently around one in ten men and around one in thirty-five women are likely to develop kidney stones.

How will I know if I have kidney stones?

Trust me, you will soon know as it is a painful condition. The first symptom is often often sudden, extreme pain, usually in the back and side in the kidney area, or in the lower abdomen.

It is important that these kidney stones are eliminated as soon as possible, because as they get larger it becomes nearly impossible to urinate which can cause severe medical problems.

So how can kidney stones be treated?

Treatment of kidney stones in the conventional way can be painful, with one of the traditional methods being to just let the stone pass naturally. Anyone who has suffered with kidney stones knows that this is not an easy option, as it is extremely painful. Luckily open surgery is not really an option nowadays.

There is now a totally natural treatment that breaks the stones apart and that also stimulates the kidneys into a flushing activity to cleanse the kidney and help to stop new stones from forming - the product is Uriflow. This is the only product of its kind that will target all parts of the treatment that is necessary for eliminating kidney stones.

So if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself, or someone in your family, suffering with kidney stones then you can help yourself immensely by taking Uriflow, or a similar product. Plus ensure that your intake of water increases in future, as lack of hydration is a known contributory factor to kidney stones.

This will act fast to start reducing the stones to gravel, so that they are more easily flushed out naturally.

Please feel free to use this article in its entirety, but keep resource box and all links intact.

Fitness Assessments - An Important Screening Tool Before Starting a Fitness Program

We've all heard the advice before starting an exercise program: "See your doctor before you begin." Often, many adults disregard this advice, presuming that it doesn't really apply to them. However, regardless of your age, your current fitness level, or your health history, it's always important to make sure that exercise is safe and appropriate for you before embarking on a new exercise program.

Fitness assessments -- also known as pre-participation health screenings, or fitness tests -- are important screening tools to determine the presence of risk factors and any symptoms of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases, as well as other health conditions which may be adversely affected by exercise. The fitness assessment provides key information that can be used to develop a prescription of exercise that helps you achieve your health goals quickly, but safely.

These can range from simple self-administered questionnaires, to a physical examination and even complex diagnostic screening tests. Typically, the physician creating your exercise prescription will determine the screening procedures appropriate for his or her patient population.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggests three levels of fitness testing prior to participation in an exercise or sports program. In a Level 1 Screening, only a self-administered questionnaire is completed. The Level 2 Screening is more detailed, and can involve a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Level 3 Screening involves an even more detailed physical examination and exercise stress testing.

Most often, only the first level screening is performed. However, according to the ACSM, it is not inappropriate to perform all three levels of fitness testing, since the information obtained from all three screening steps can actually enhance your exercise prescription's safety and effectiveness.

Fitness assessments typically focus on identifying the presence of major cardiovascular risk factors, looking for symptoms suggesting possible cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disorders. However, other important areas of consideration include your baseline joint range of motion and level of flexibility, since design of your exercise program should ideally take these into consideration in order to be completely safe. Your body composition and a test of your strength and endurance should also be performed, primarily to obtain a baseline so that you can see how much you've improved by the end of your exercise prescription.

Finally, perhaps the most important part of a fitness test is to make sure that those who have demonstrated some risks or health concerns are referred for additional evaluation. The presence of health risks doesn't necessarily preclude you from participating in a fitness program, but your exercise prescription may need to be altered to allow for safe participation and to maximize health benefits.

Copyright Healthy U, LLC. All rights reserved.

What You Should Eat to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease affects over 13 million people worldwide. Many of my patients fear this most common form of dementia, and with good reason. The disease is not completely understood, and it is not possible to predict who will fall victim. With treatment costs for Alzheimer's topping 100 billion dollars in the United States alone, the medical community is eager to unlock the mysteries of this disease.

In my review of recent studies on Alzheimer's, I found plenty of promising news. A handful of studies show that your eating habits in middle age can have an effect on your Alzheimer's risk. Some of you may already be consuming the foods that researchers believe can ward off the disease, particularly antioxidant-rich fruits.

Fruit: The Proven Alzheimer's Foe

Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease of the brain. Many scientists believe that plaque build up causes nerve cell damage from oxidative stress. This leads to the decrease in cognitive function that characterizes Alzheimer's. Fruits contain protective antioxidants called polyphenols that protect the cells from oxidative stress.

A recent study in the Journal of Food Science showed how it works. Researchers treated neuronal cells with extracts from everyday fruits that many of us have in our kitchens, namely apples, bananas and oranges. Then they induced oxidative stress and tested the cells. The cells treated with apple extract were most protected, but bananas and oranges offered excellent benefits as well.

Unpeeled apples with their high antioxidant levels also suppress colon cancer and liver tumor growth. Generally, all fruits and vegetables contain a wide array of antioxidants. Eating a varied selection of fresh produce has long been believed to provide natural protection against disease. Other fruits the researchers found to have high antioxidant activity similar to apples are grapes, cherries and plums.

A separate study uncovered the proven benefits of another superfruit-blueberries. These sweet berries contain flavanols and anthocyanins, antioxidants that appear to improve memory. The researchers believe that these substances strengthen existing neuronal connections and stimulate cell regeneration.

Juice Helps Too

If you are not already eating fresh fruit daily, I hope I've convinced you to start. On days when don't have the opportunity to munch on an apple or peel an orange, juice can provide benefits. A study showed that elderly people who drank fruit or vegetable juice three times per week reduced their risk of Alzheimer's compared to people who drank juice less than once per week.

Polyphenols that provide the protective effect in whole fruit are also present in all-natural juice. Whole fruits and vegetables are preferable to juice because they provide fiber and help fill you up. Whenever they are not available, however, juice is a good option.

Many of my patients have asked if supplements that contain antioxidants such as vitamins E, C and A, have the same effect as food. Research shows that supplements do not have similar protective effects against Alzheimer's. It is best to get the benefits of antioxidants from the fruits I mentioned or from fruit juice. I often say that prevention is the best medicine. If eating a diet filled with delicious fresh fruit and vegetables can actually protect us from a serious disease like Alzheimer's, I am all for it!