Dr. Oz: Mehmet C. Oz, M.D.

I've never been a fan of "talk shows", no matter the genre, not to mention the lackluster garbage most television networks produce of late.  Despite my usual lack of interest, the Dr. Oz Show has more than peaked my interest since the initial broadcast in the fall of last year (2009).  I can't get enough of the show.  I find it so adorable that all the women who join Dr. Oz from the audience on stage are so taken with Dr. Oz.  The admiration reminds me of stories I've heard from family about the fanfare that followed Elvis Presley, except instead of teenagers, these are mature women.  Okay, maybe not quite the level of crazed hormonal teenagers, yet it would appear that Dr. Oz, has become, a sex symbol to many.  I digress.  I wish I lived within a reasonable distance to be a patient at New York Presbyterian Hospital, moreover, the Complementary Care Center.  I first learned of the Complementary Care Center in one of the books I am currently enjoying, 'Healing from the Heart' by Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. with Ron Arias and Lisa Oz (1999).  Please take note, this book has a copyright date of 1998.  While the book is now twelve years old, it remains years ahead of Western medicine.  

I bought this book shortly after the myocardial infarction I had two years ago.  I am embarrassed that I only began reading it a couple of weeks ago.  It is an easy read as the saying goes.  I don't know why it took me so long to open; maybe I was scared of the reality.  'Healing from the Heart' is nothing to be frightened of though.  Reading it as a heart attack survivor has brought me comfort.  Every heart attack/disease survivor should read this book.  Dr. Oz isn't just concerned with the mechanics of Western medicine as evident in each chapter.  Factual medical information explaining the "biology of an MI" begins in chapter one, followed by the exploration/comparison of various non-traditional or "complementary medicine" as referenced by the author.  Dr. Oz clearly wishes to treat and benefit patients not only physically, but emotionally as well.  His writing should be required reading for all medical students.  The healing ideas discussed should be heeded by all persons wishing to enter into the medical field, and if not, I myself would never want that person as a physician.  


Please excuse me while I bird-walk over to the topic of health insurance.  It is well past the time that the Western world and insurance companies remain open minded about approaching health as complementary medicine describes - prescription pills and surgeries alone are not the answer.  Perhaps this is why insurance companies continue to deny therapies.  If these therapies were available, they just may heal people to the point that there is no longer the need for a battery of prescription medicine or unnecessary treatment(s)/surgery(s).  Where would the insurance companies be without repeat patients:  having only received traditional medical care, still lacking, universal, whole body and mind care!?  

Personally, I've explored some of the therapies shared in Dr. Oz's book prior to reading it.  While not coming out and labeling the various therapies discussed, it's clear to me that processes such as Reiki are described.  (I'm on page 129, so forgive me if I am wrong.)  When I met with a Reiki practitioner (or energy healer), I felt a tremendous improvement emotionally and physically.  Whether or not this was a placebo effect, what does it matter if overused Western therapies are not proving beneficial?  I honestly don't care if it is in my mind or an actual result of Reiki, I feel better!  I doubt others who experience chronic pain would (having benefited) state, oh no, this might not truly be effective treatment, and return to therapies that produce less satisfactory physical/emotional results.  The same can be said with acupuncture.  I found acupuncture to be very beneficial.  


Again, I fail to understand why insurance companies do not offer coverage for these types of medical therapies (at least mine doesn't).  I can only assume it comes down to their financial situation being more advantageous by having frequent customers.  Since this is the case, I'd like my frequent flyer card issued immediately.  I 'fly' the standard, repetitive, western medicine skies all too much not to receive a freebie or upgrade at some point.  No frequent flyer card available?  Okay, I'd much prefer to have my insurance company cover complementary medical treatments in the end anyway.  It's ridiculous the insurance hoops patients have to jump through to get the health care they desire.  It's a shame in a country that is supposedly so forward thinking.  Dr. Oz is a forward thinker (and that doesn't even give his approach justice).  I could go on about the book, but like many medical situations, suffering a trauma is pretty personal.  Interpretation (by reader) will be individual and personal also.  

If you are cardiac patient or have a loved one who is, don't pass up Dr. Oz's book.  If you want my copy when I'm done, let me know, I'd be happy to pass it along!  If you have television, don't pass up the Dr. Oz Show either, it could positively increase your lifetime.  Incidentally, I'd be irresponsible if I didn't mention talking with your own doctor prior to making changes to your health care.  Everyone is different and your medical providers should always be kept in the know.

Mud

Wow, I demonstrated shocking restraint tonight.  Trader Joe's hasn't carried their Mud Pie in forever.  Of course I was able to spy it immediately.  I honestly walked around the store, continuing to shop, debating in my head about buying it.  I knew if I bought it, it would be gone by the time the weekend is over - I am that bad (no self control).  I never even knew what Mud Pie was until a few years ago - my mom was a health freak with me in my younger years and my dad was a healthy food control freak.  I thought I had discovered this fantastic dessert that you could only get at one restaurant (duh, I have my um, moments).  Oh, how I wish this were true, however as most people know, Mud Pie is everywhere!!!  Long story short, I don't know if I was saved-by-the-bell (the store was closing) or I actually exercised (no pun intended) a little self control for once, but I didn't buy the Mud Pie.  It is still haunting me right now, but I am sharing this with the "world" to keep myself in check - and because I should be a little proud, right?  I mean, Mud Pie to me is eat-in-a-dark-corner-by-myself-good.  I digress; I did buy a substitute to sooth my Mud Pie fervor:  Trader Joe's Gluten Free Brownie Baking Mix (previous link is from BakingBites.com).   I'm curious to see how it turns out.  I've been trying more gluten free items of late.  It seems the girl who can and will eat anything, finally can't (blessing in disguise?).  As I type this I'm realizing I hope my mother doesn't read this - she is convinced I have Celiac Disease (and that there is a correlation between it and the blood clot that lead to my heart attack).

Today is the day! April 7th: National Start! Walking Day!!!!!

Wherever you are, sometime before the clock strikes midnight, get out and walk for  thirty minutes today - even twenty minutes if it comes down to squeezing it in while you're at work (on your morning or afternoon break?!).  Start walking for a healthier lifestyle (yup, I stole that last phrase from the American Heart Association website, but it's soooo true and simple).  You have to make the time for yourself.  Your well-being and health are priceless; you'll even feel a little less stressful after going for a thirty minute walk (I can pretty much guarantee it).  The American Heart Association even has a nifty online tracker, if you're like me, and prefer to see your progress in the days and months to come.  There is no time like the present!  I'll be doing the same thing today - I confess, I've slacked off ;-)  Begin the change today.  

More Reasons To Walk, Not Only For Your Heart, But For Your Brain! From HealthDay News

With the American Heart Association's (AHA) National Start! Walking Day fast approaching this Wednesday (just two days away!), read the article below to learn about another great reason to start walking regularly.   Participate in National Start! Walking Day wherever you are this April 7th!  Check out the details here.  When it really comes down to it, all you need is yourself, 30 minutes and a pair of comfortable shoes!!! 

Exercise May Stave Off Mental Decline

Monday,January 11, 2010 (Healthday News)

FRIDAY, Jan. 8 (HealthDay News) -- Exercise appears to help prevent and improve mild cognitive impairment, two new studies show.

Researchers found that people who did moderate physical activity in midlife or later had a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and that six months of high-intensity aerobic exercise improved cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment is an in-between state between the normal changes in thinking, learning and memory changes that come with age and dementia, one of the studies explained. Up to 15 percent of people with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia each year, compared with 1 percent or 2 percent of the general population.

The first study included 1,324 dementia-free volunteers taking part in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. The participants completed a physical exercise questionnaire and were assessed and classified as having normal cognition (1,126) or mild cognitive impairment (198).

Those who said they did moderate exercise -- such as swimming, brisk walking, yoga, aerobics or strength training -- during midlife were 39 percent less likely to have mild cognitive impairment, while those who did moderate exercise later in life were 32 percent less likely to have the condition.

The Mayo team said exercise may guard against mild cognitive impairment through production of nerve-protecting compounds, increased blood flow to the brain, improved development and survival of neurons, and decreased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.

The second study included 33 adults, average age 70, with mild cognitive impairment. Some were randomly assigned to do high-intensity aerobics for 45 to 60 minutes a day, four days a week. Others were put in a control group that had the same workout schedule, but did stretching exercises and kept their heart rate low.

After six months, the patients who did high-intensity aerobic exercise had improved cognitive function compared to those in the control group. The beneficial effects were more pronounced in women than in men, possibly because the body's use of and production of insulin, glucose and the stress hormone cortisol differed in women and men.

"Aerobic exercise is a cost-effective practice that is associated with numerous physical benefits. The results of this study suggest that exercise also provides a cognitive benefit for some adults with mild cognitive impairment," wrote Laura D. Baker, of the University of Washington School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, and colleagues.

The studies appear in the January issue of the Archives of Neurology.

More information

The Alzheimer's Association has more about mild cognitive impairment.

Are You Properly Storing Vitamins & Supplements?

I'm guilty! Vitamins and prescriptions that I take on a daily basis have been in a basket on a kitchen counter (I don't have children in my home). Fortunately, I had already moved items everyone hopes to avoid anyway - you've got bigger problems if you need any of these - (cough drops, tablets, cold medicine tablets) used on a non-regular basis into a hallway storage area. That was the germ freak in me in action. Who knows that happened to the germ freak who didn't worry about the daily vitamins and prescriptions and all that takes place in the kitchen, go figure!

Kitchens, Bathrooms No Place for Vitamins

By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Humidity in Kitchens and Bathrooms Degrades Shelf Life of Vitamins, Study Finds

March 4, 2010 -- The kitchen or bathroom may be the worst place in the house to store your vitamins.

A new study shows high humidity and temperatures, such as those found in the bathroom and kitchen, can quickly degrade the potency of vitamin C and shorten the shelf life of vitamin supplements -- even if the bottle cap is on tightly.

Researchers found the most common types of vitamin C used in vitamin supplements and other fortified products are prone to a process called deliquescence, in which humidity causes a water-soluble substance to dissolve.

"Opening and closing a package will change the atmosphere in it. If you open and close a package in a bathroom, you add a little bit of humidity and moisture each time," researcher Lisa Mauer, associate professor of food science at Purdue University, says in a news release. "The humidity in your kitchen or bathroom can cycle up quite high, depending on how long of a shower you take, for example, and can get higher than 98%."

"If you get some moisture present or ingredients dissolve, they'll decrease the quality and shelf life of the product and decrease the nutrient delivery," Mauer says. "Within a very short time -- in a week -- you can get complete loss of vitamin C in some products that have deliquesced."

Humidity and Vitamin C Don't Mix

Powdered vitamin C is a popular ingredient for food fortification and is one of the most commonly added nutrients to vitamin supplements. Researchers say because vitamin C is very unstable and its content must be declared on nutrient labels, it is commonly used as an indication of the shelf life of foods and supplements.

For example, monitoring deterioration of vitamin C until it no longer meets its declared label value is one way to determine a product's shelf life.

Researchers say temperature and water are the two most frequently cited factors affecting shelf life. But information on deterioration and shelf life of vitamin C is based on models in which temperature and relative humidity were varied at the same time.

In contrast, this study looked at how various changes in relative humidity and temperature, such as those found in a bathroom or kitchen, affect the deterioration of two common forms of powdered vitamin C, ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate.

The results, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, showed relative humidity had the largest impact on vitamin C degradation, and this effect was magnified at elevated storage temperatures.

The study showed that at room temperature, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid deliquesce at 86% and 98% humidity, respectively. Once the humidity or temperature level was brought back down, the product will solidify again, but researchers say the damage has already been done.

"Any chemical changes or degradation that have occurred before resolidification don't reverse. You don't regain a vitamin C content after the product resolidifies or is moved to a lower humidity," Mauer says. "The chemical changes we've observed are not reversible."

They say keeping vitamin supplements away from warm, humid environments is the first step to maintaining their effectiveness.

The first signs of nutrient degradation are usually brown spots, especially on children's vitamins. Maurer recommends discarding any vitamin supplement that is showing signs of moisture in the container or browning.

"They're not necessarily unsafe, but why give a vitamin to a kid if it doesn't have the vitamin content you're hoping to give them?" Mauer says. "You're just giving them candy at that point with a high sugar content."

Thank You for Spreading Heart Disease Awareness, Better Homes & Gardens!

Article (2004) below republished online at Better Homes and Gardens magazine, regarding nutrition and heart disease.  I love viewing media in non-health specific magazines regarding heart disease:  thank you for getting the word out to a larger audience!  From one heart attack survivor, thank you, Better Homes and Gardens!  

Now, a 'recipe':  I've always loved oatmeal.  I'd say 97% of my life, my mornings have begun with oatmeal.  Since my heart attack, I've made it even healthier by no longer having honey (I used to have honey - no butter, but tons of honey).  My favorite recipe now is to begin with Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Spice and add a hefty scoop of old fashioned oatmeal (not instant).  Add water.  Microwave for approximately 1 to 2 minutes (depending on amount of oatmeal).  While microwaving, dice up whichever fresh fruit is in season.  My favorite are pears!  Amazing flavor paired with the pumpkin pie spice.  Once the oatmeal is done, add the fresh fruit and sprinkle in a few dried cranberries for color & taste.  Last, top it all off with a few walnut pieces (or your favorite heart friendly nut).  Give it a try for what I consider a heart healthy breakfast.  You can even make it ahead of time and take to work and reheat (or eat cold if you are a diehard fan like me).  Try other fresh fruits - let me know what you come up with!!!

10 Superfoods for Heart Disease

Nutritious foods for lower cholesterol and a healthy heart.

By Dorie Eisenstein

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women and men in the United States. We all know a healthy diet can help reduce your risk, especially when coupled with regular exercise and maintaining a reasonable weight. But what really are the best foods to include on your weekly menu to keep your heart healthy and strong?

"When it comes to prevention, increasing total dietary fiber and unsaturated fats is the way to go," according to Linda Van Horn, PhD, registered dietitian (RD), member of the American Heart Association's nutrition committee, and professor of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern Medical School in Chicago.

Eating unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil, can help to reduce triglycerides, which inhibit blood from clotting and our arteries from becoming clogged with plaque. And a diet rich in soluble fiber, which is often found in legumes and some fruits and vegetables, helps to lower your LDL cholesterol. Here are 10 foods that are rich in heart-healthy nutrients.

Sardines

Although these little fish tend to have a bad reputation, they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, along with calcium and niacin. Try them fresh on the grill or use canned sardines packed in oil on salads, in sandwiches, or in sauces.

Recommended serving size: Fresh, 3 whole sardines: 281 calories Canned in oil, 3.5 ounces drained: 220 calories

Oatmeal

If you're looking for a comforting breakfast, start your day off with oatmeal for an instant boost of fiber. Oatmeal also has a low glycemic index, which helps to provide lasting energy and keeps hunger at bay. Look for rolled oats, and add some raisins, apples, and honey for flavor. Try to avoid instant oatmeal, since it is loaded with sugars that you don't need.

Recommended serving size: Raw, 1/3 cup: 113 calories Made with water, heaping 3/4 cup: 98 calories

Mackerel

Sick of salmon, but always eating it for the health benefit? Try mackerel instead. An excellent source of omega-3s, mackerel is also packed with the antioxidant mineral selenium, which may help protect the body from heart disease and cancer.

Recommended serving size: 3.5-ounce fillet: 220 calories

Walnuts

Women who are looking for an easy way to get omega-3s on the go can grab a small handful of walnuts for an afternoon snack. "Although they are high in fat, most of it is polyunsaturated fat, which is considered a 'good fat' and, thus, they are fine to eat in moderation," says Rachel Brandeis, a registered dietitian in Atlanta, Georgia, and spokesperson for American Dietetic Association. Add some to your green salad, or give chicken salad a nutrition boost by adding ground walnuts.

Recommended serving size: Shelled, scant 1/2 cup: 344 calories

Tofu

Tofu is made from soybeans, which have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk by lowering LDL cholesterol, says Brandeis. A diet containing 25 grams of soy protein and 50 to 60 milligrams of soy isoflavones can reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Tofu usually absorbs the flavor of whatever else you're cooking with it, so add it to a chicken or beef stir-fry dish, salad, or chili.

Recommended serving size: Firm, 3.5 ounces: 73 calories

Plums/Prunes

Known for their laxative effect, prunes are an excellent source of fiber and iron, and regular consumption has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood. Prunes may also help protect you against colon cancer. If you're not a prune fan, plums are also a decent source of fiber and beta-carotene.

Recommended serving size: Plums, two: 34 calories Pitted prunes, five: 71 calories

Kidney Beans/Chickpeas

Like many legumes, kidney beans are a low-fat, high-soluble fiber protein source. These vitamin-rich beans also have a low glycemic index and are cholesterol-free. Add them to salads and chili, as they truly are almost a perfect health food. Both the canned and dried beans are equally high in fiber, but canned varieties are likely to have a higher salt content, so stick with dried varieties for maximum heart benefits.

Recommended serving size: Kidney beans, dry, 1/4 cup: 133 calories Kidney beans, canned, heaping 1/3 cup, drained: 100 calories Chickpeas, dry, 1/4 cup: 160 calories Chickpeas, canned, heaping 1/3 cup, drained: 160 calories

Barley

Whole-grain barley is rich in soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, which is good for combating constipation. A decent protein source, barley also contains a good supply of iron and minerals. Beware when choosing which barley to buy. So-called "pearl barely" lacks the outer husk, and thus, most of the nutrients are removed. Look for whole-grain barley cereals, or substitute whole-grain barley for rice and pasta side dishes once a week.

Recommended serving size: Dry, 1/4 cup: 151 calories

Published on BHG.com, October 2004.

Women's Heart Disease Awareness Still Lacking

Women's Heart Disease Awareness Still Lacking

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

More than 40 percent of women don't know it is leading killer, survey finds

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Despite public awareness campaigns, almost half of all American women still don't know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, new research finds.

Even more concerning, only slightly more than half of women would call for emergency help if they were having heart attack symptoms, according to the latest survey for the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women public awareness campaign.

"We've made a lot of progress since 1997 [when the Go Red campaign first began], but we still have a long way to go," said lead researcher Dr. Lori Mosca, director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

For example, she said, "Only about half of women knew what heart attack symptoms are."

Results of the study are scheduled to be published in the March issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

In 1997, when the survey was first conducted, just 30 percent of women realized that heart disease was the leading cause of death in women. In 2009, that number was 54 percent. However, that number is down slightly from 2006 when 57 percent of women said that heart disease was the biggest threat to their health.

Young women were more likely to believe that breast cancer was their biggest potential health threat. Thirty-four percent of women between the ages of 25 and 34 thought breast cancer was more of a threat than heart disease, compared to 22 percent of women over 65 who felt that way.

Racial disparities still exist, though the racial gap in awareness is narrowing, according to the survey. Just 43 percent of black women and 44 percent of Hispanic women correctly identified heart disease as the leading killer of women. However, those numbers were significantly increased from 1997, when the rates of awareness were 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

Other important findings from the new survey include:

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  Eighty-five percent of women said they had seen, heard or read about heart disease during the past year.

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  Only 53 percent of women said they would call 911 if they were having heart attack symptoms.

• 
  

  Just over half of women said the biggest barrier to taking preventive steps against heart disease were family and care-taking responsibilities.

Women are taking important preventive steps such as seeing their doctors and having their blood pressure checked. However, many women are relying on unproven strategies to prevent heart disease, as well. For example, 82 percent said they believed that fish oil would help them prevent heart disease, and 29 percent said aromatherapy could be helpful, according to the survey.

"Although there may be some benefit to alternative and complementary therapies, they pale in comparison to turning off the TV and going out for a walk," said Dr. Pamela Marcovitz, medical director of the Ministrelli Women's Heart Center at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. "When people exercise even moderately most days of the week, they're incredibly more likely to be healthier and live longer."

Both Mosca and Marcovitz said that experts have to find new ways to get the message of heart disease prevention out to more people. Mosca said that having women tell their stories to other women at places like community centers could be helpful. She said it's also important to have information available in Spanish. Marcovitz said that social networking sites may also prove useful for spreading heart health messages.

Both doctors said that if you have chest pain -- and it may not always feel like pain; it could be pressure or a squeezing sensation -- that doesn't go away after a few minutes, you need to call 911. Women also may have more unusual symptoms, such as feeling nauseous or having jaw pain.

"If you're having symptoms, make the phone call," advised Marcovitz. "Take your symptoms seriously. Even if it's not a heart attack, you'll still get the right cardiology work-up."

Mosca echoed that advice. "Most women know something isn't right, but they don't want to bother anyone. We'd rather you called 911, even if it's a false alarm," she said.

Prevent a Blood Clot

Health Tip: Help Prevent a Blood Clot

Friday, January 15, 2010

Don't sit or stand in the same position for too long

(HealthDay News) -- Blood clots most often occur in people who don't move around enough and among people who have had recent surgery or injury. A clot can travel to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests how to help prevent a blood clot:

• Wear clothing and socks that fit loosely.
• Occasionally lift your legs to about six inches above your heart.
• If prescribed by your doctor, wear compression stockings.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations for exercise and take all medications as prescribed.
• Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for longer than one hour.
• Limit your salt intake.
• Avoid crossing or bumping your legs.
• Don't put pillows beneath your knees.
• Elevate the end of your bed about four to six inches.

Pace Picante Sauce May Have to Come Up With A New Commercial!

Anyone recall the Pace Picante Sauce/Salsa commercials? I don't even know if they are on the air any longer:  

According to the news release from the American Heart Association below, kudos are in order to New York City for making food a little healthier by working with the packaged and restaurant industry to reduce salt amounts! I hope other cities (states!!) will follow their example. There are a fair amount of low sodium products available here where I live, however I know in other parts of the country, the selection is often very limited. I actually have always disliked salt/sodium (well, except when I was about three years old, but that's another story). Below is the news release: 

The National Salt Reduction Initiative

American Heart Association comment:

DALLAS, Jan. 11, 2009 -- The American Heart Association (AHA) applauds the efforts of New York City to work with the packaged and restaurant foods industry to reduce the amount of salt in the food supply. These efforts serve an important role in bringing both the public health community and food industry together to create solutions and help Americans live healthier lives.

The AHA is very concerned with the amount of salt Americans are consuming since sodium can have a detrimental effect on health, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Unfortunately, Americans eat about twice the recommended daily amount of sodium.

Only a small fraction of the sodium in our diets is added at the table as salt; almost 80% of it is added to packaged and restaurant foods. As a result, it is extremely difficult for individuals to limit sodium in their diet. The AHA would like to see food manufacturers and restaurants reduce the sodium added to foods by 50% over the next 10 years, for the benefit of public health. By reducing the amount of salt in packaged and restaurant foods, manufacturers could reduce the prevalence of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association receives funding primarily from individuals, foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are disclosed at www.americanheart.org/corporatefunding.

CONTACT: Darcy Spitz, Sr. Communications Manager, American Heart Association

(212) 878-5940

darcy.spitz@heart.org