Secondhand Smoke Can Cause Tooth Decay

If you’d like your kid to grow up cavity-free with a good smile, don’t smoke around him or her. Exposure to secondhand smoke even at 4 months old can increase their risk for tooth decay by 3 years old, researchers say.

In a recent study, children whose parents smoke are twice as likely as kids whose parents do not smoke to have cavities. Tobacco use during pregnancy though, was not a factor in the study. Data was collected for nearly 77,000 kids born from 2004 to 2010. The participants were examined at birth, at 4, 9, and 18 months, and again at age 3.

The mothers of the participants also completed surveys regarding smoking at home, their child’s exposure to it, and their family’s dietary and dental care habits.

Based on the survey responses, about 55 percent of parents smoked and 7 percent of kids were exposed. Of the 77,000 kids, there were 13,000 cases of cavities.

Exposure to secondhand smoke is common; 40 percent of kids worldwide are exposed. It remains a largely unsolved health problem.

In the study published in BMJ, researchers proved an association between cavities and exposure to secondhand smoke. The study’s findings do encourage education on the harms, particularly for dentists. The opportunity for dentists to educate their patients on the risks is huge.

Evidence against secondhand smoke continues to mount. It puts kids at risk for breathing difficulties, heart disease, and now, it appears, for cavities as well.

Depression, Find the Cause that May Surprise You

Could depression really be all in your head? New research reveals that brain inflammation may be to blame for your depressed feelings. Those who are depressed have 30 percent more markers of inflammation compared to those who do not. The study, which was performed by the University of Toronto’s Center for Addiction and Mental Health, used PET scans to measure immune cell activation and inflammatory responses. Those who were severely depressed were found to have the highest amount of inflammation. In the past, researchers had found that inflammation associated with other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disease and other chronic illnesses could trigger inflammation in the brain and depressed feelings.

This is the first link between inflammation in the brain without other illnesses and a depressed mood. While this new research shines a powerful light on what causes this perplexing, often disabling illness, we also know that it is a complex mental condition that involves biological changes such as hormones or variations in brain chemistry and environmental and genetic factors. Some people may have a single trigger, such as a job loss or death in the family, while others may experience a cycle, such as those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

 Other factors in feeling blue can include diet, lack of sleep, too much sitting and cold weather or temperatures where you live. Smoking, excessive drinking and a poor diet can make it worse. Even social media can play a role in our mental and emotional wellbeing. If you are feeling depressed, you can take steps to feel better. Many people find relief in simple lifestyle changes. Try to spend some time outside in the sun every day, preferably while being physically active. Eat a nutrient-rich balanced diet, and kick the bad habits that may be holding you back.

 Evaluate your sleeping habits to identify those things that could be keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. Find a hobby, learn something new, get involved in your community and spend some time doing something you really love. Changing your lifestyle can help you feel better but may not be enough for all depressed people. You may benefit from anti-inflammatory supplements, such as vitamins A, B6, C, D, E and K. Talk to your doctor about prescription medications. Because about 25 percent of people experience no relief from the first medication they try, let your doctor know if your medication does not seem to be working within a reasonable amount of time.

Spreading the Gift of Appreciativeness and Finding Happiness

The holiday season is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year for many people. There are many different types of celebrations happening during the five week span between the end of November and the beginning of January. Most of them involve some sort of gift-giving traditions. Those traditions have become more and more commercial through the years, to the point where our ancestors probably wouldn’t recognize the festivities as the same ones they enjoyed. Part of giving a gift is honoring the ideals behind the celebration itself. It is a time to look around and take stock of what we have, be appreciative for the many blessings in our lives and for sharing with those who are less fortunate. It doesn’t take more money, but it does take a little more effort.

 Giving Gifts That Matter Because the holidays are so busy, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Holidays add to the everyday stress we already feel; we’re busy enough with school, family chores and work. Life can just get in the way and make it hard to find the time to really think about special gifts. That makes it easy to forget the reason we are giving people gifts in the first place when we just grab the first shiny object that we see and toss it in a cart.

 What we sometimes fail to understand is, even if taking the time to stop and look at the bigger picture, and find special presents that have deeper meanings for those we love means buying fewer gifts, it will be worth the time spent. Appreciating Each Gift Having a few less gifts will help family members, especially younger children in the family, learn to be more appreciative. Instead of going from gift to gift in an almost mechanical process of opening and discarding each item, they can learn to really enjoy and be appreciative of the gifts they receive. Teaching younger family members to appreciate their gifts and to be grateful is one of the best gifts we can give them. Setting an example for the youngest family members by always taking the time to write out thank you cards, and to show gratitude with an embrace or hug when receiving gifts gives them the foundation to build on and learn from as they become adults.

 Giving Gifts That Give Back Another way to spread joy, instill values and find happiness for our own lives is by giving gifts that give to others. We all have problems, but when we really step back and take stock of our lives; we have it pretty good compared to many who are less fortunate. It’s easy to see how lucky we are. The gift of time; time spent at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter or even visiting hospitals and nursing homes on the holidays can spread support, love and friendship that is worth far more than any toy, piece of jewelry or sweater will ever give. Taking the time to share with someone in need is the best way to express our love for each other, help out people and give them the gift of happiness on the holidays.

Information about E-cigarettes

The use of e-cigarettes, also known as "vaping" has increased exponentially in recent years. These devices were originally marketed as a safer alternative to regular cigarettes. They were also marketed as a way for smokers to perhaps quit smoking. There are both positive aspects and drawbacks to the e-cigarette craze, but many people in the medical field still warn against the possible health effects associated with them. 

There are so many risks involved with smoking yet people still do it. This addiction can lead to several diseases such as cancer of the throat and mouth, emphysema, and myeloid leukemia. This insidious disease is a fast moving and fast growing cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood. It is rare and often isn't caught until later stages because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses, including the flu. After diagnosis, treatment often includes chemotherapy and perhaps a stem cell transplant. Neither methods are pleasant and both often require long bouts of hospitalization. 

If you want information on the effects of what's actually within the liquid cartridges in e-cigarettes, the area is still a little unclear. There haven't been too many studies on these devices, but researchers from a study associated with the U.S National Institute of Health have warned that teens who use them are at higher risk to becoming addicted to nicotine. And while the e-cigarettes may not have all of the other cancer causing chemicals in them, they certainly do have nicotine - and that's certainly just one danger of cigarettes. 

Basically the only real way to avoid illness associated from nicotine use is to avoid it altogether. "Smoking" an e-cig or vapor cigarette still allows for a risk of disease and serious illness. The only real way to to cut the number of deaths associated with tobacco use is to just never start smoking at all, no matter if it's regular cigarettes or e-cigarettes. However, if you must smoke, it may be beneficial to switch to e-cigarettes to help you kick the habit and/or to lower your risk of developing some diseases. It is a risk that only you know for sure if you want to take - just be sure to be an informed consumer.

Benefits of a Homemade Herb Garden

Gardening is a good way to enjoy nature, help younger family members learn about food, and create a beautiful landscape. When people think about gardening, they usually think either vegetables or flowers. Herbs are a third of the garden varieties that have many great health and wellness benefits. Here are just five of the many benefits of a homemade herb garden.

1) Easy to Do – There are many types of herbs, and some do require a little experience to get them to thrive. Many, however, are simple to start and grow into big, healthy plants. Of the easiest, several are among the most popular store-bought herbs: sage, thyme, rosemary, lemon balm, parsley, mint, chives, cilantro, oregano and tarragon. 

Herbs can be used fresh, but like vegetables, the extra produce that can’t be used immediately can be preserved. Rather than freezing or canning, herbs are most often dried and ground into powders or flakes. Drying them is easier than most vegetable processing, and anyone can learn how to do it quickly.

2) Financially Beneficial – Anyone who has priced herbs in the store, fresh or dried, knows that it is expensive to buy them. The seeds, however, are relatively cheap, and it doesn’t even take a lot of time to create and maintain an herb garden. Growing your own herbs will save money quickly and you can feel great knowing the food you are making is healthier for you and your family.

3) Herb Gardens are Beautiful – You can grow an herb garden just about anywhere. If you need to save space, you can even grow them indoors. There are inventive ways to add a touch of beauty and class with a healthy twist by adding trellis herb gardens, window box herb gardens or even unique designs in barrels and PVC structures designed to create an eye-catching display of lush foliage. Herb gardens create a beautiful backdrop for any room, and add a lot of curb appeal to the outside of a home while giving you all of the health benefits of eating fresh cut herbs added to your recipes.

4) Great Hobby – Taking the time to smell the herbs, and breaking away from boring routines like watching television or sitting around playing video games is healthier all around. Growing a herb garden gets you moving, helps you enjoy learning new things and provides you with additional sources of health such as the supplies for aromatherapy. Working in a garden is stress relieving and watching the beautiful plants grow, knowing that you made it happen is empowering and makes you feel proud. Growing herbs is a good hobby for everyone in the family, and offers educational value for even the youngest members.

5) Healthy Food Source – The most important benefit of growing your own herb garden is that it is healthier for you and your family. You can be sure that the herbs you grow are pesticide-free and at their peak nutritional value. Herbs are good for you and packed full of flavor. Growing them also makes you feel good about yourself. You can even spread the joy by sharing with neighbors and friends.

Turning Big Tragedies Into Positives

Almost everyone at one time or another experiences tragedies in their lives. It can be in the form of a loss of a job, the loss of loved ones, or perhaps the diagnosis of a serious disease. It doesn't matter whether these life events are expected or unexpected, the impact they have is substantial. And while at the time the tragedy can seem insurmountable, we often come out on the other end with a sense of purpose and strength that we lacked before. We have the ability to turn a frightening life event into something we can learn from and perhaps even help others.

All of us unfortunately deal with some type of difficult events throughout our lives. However, how we react when these happens can seriously help or in some cases, hurt us more. It is important that we don't deny the importance the event or downplay it either to ourselves or others. We must face it and be a part of it - suppressing our feelings and reactions just isn't healthy. Don't act like nothing happened or pretend that you're fine - doing so won't help you process things or move forward in a healthy way.

As we get older we often find that personal growth is often borne from tragedy. We find we can learn from certain events, even if we don't understand how at the time. These events can teach us patience, perseverance, kindness, and empathy. We can take what happens to ourselves and our loves ones turn them into positive things that have the ability to help others.

There are certain events that have the ability to lead to the expansions of our hearts and our minds. The lessons gained from a loss can make us stronger. Those lessons can turn us into a better parent, child, friend, or spouse. The knowledge that is often found in the aftermath of these tragedies can change the direction of our lives and lead us onto paths we never expected. And while these events often shake us to the core, we realize we are stronger than we ever believed.

The Real Benefits of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a substance known as an antioxidant. It has been shown to have a positive effect on the body including the cardiac system as well as endurance during exercise. These substances are thought to have properties that fight free radicals, which are basically rogue cells within the body that mutate and cause diseases such as cancer and other inflammatory diseases. These cells also are associated with appendicitis, peritonitis, systemic sepsis and damage to the endothelial lining. Antioxidants attack those cancerous cells and otherwise damaged cells to help repair them.

If you're looking for ways to boost your skeletal muscle benefits and associative metabolism than resveratrol might help. And getting your daily dose from one to two glasses of red wine can be beneficial. However, we must remember that we can't enjoy perfect health by just taking some "magic pill." We must do the work to keep improving our bodies and fight off certain diseases. But there have been studies regarding the atherosclerotic tendencies of resveratrol - such as lowering bad cholesterol and keeping the arteries unclogged. That can also contribute to low blood pressure and decrease in the chance of Alzheimer's disease. This is yet another reason we should watch what we eat - as our diets contribute directly to many disease processes. Resveratrol is found in more than just red wine - it is also found in berries and some nuts - foods that have long since been considered healthy for the body in general.

Cancerous tumors need a blood supply to grow and invade the body. The growth of blood vessels is called angiogenesis. Reducing or cutting off blood supply in tumors can help the body fight cancer by effectively killing the tumor. Research is ongoing on how certain substances can effectively fight tumors.

Another benefit might be linked to memory and mental function. Mental sharpness is something we all strive for. As we get older we often feel as if we're losing it - we may feel more "scattered" than usual. There have been numerous studies that point out the benefits of antioxidants improves mental clarity. Another benefit of these substances is that they can increase testosterone levels in men.

Hurricane Preparation: Protecting the Ones We Love

If you live in an area that is at risk for hurricanes, you owe it to yourself and your family to be responsible and prepared for such an event. Have a plan in place and have the things you need in case disaster strikes. Flashlights with fully charged batteries, blankets, and extra food and water to last you for at least a few days - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Make sure you also have enough medications and vitamins to last you for at least three days.

Technology can become vital after a storm. Prepare yourself and download apps to notify others your location so that you can find each other. There are apps that can alert you to others around you that can help you or in need of help. Along with various weather apps, the Red Cross has a first aid app that can be extremely useful before, during, and after a damaging storm.

There are also things you can do to your home to help protect it. Hurricane shutters are an obvious safety choice. However, if you don't have them you can use plywood to cover the windows. This can help keep them from shattering and causing damage. Make sure to clear gutters. This can reduce damage from heavy rains. Talk with your family about an evacuation plan. Talk about where to meet and how to find each other in the event of an emergency. Find out your nearest shelter location.

Hurricanes often have a path they follow and weather experts can often predict their paths. However, they do change course. If you are in the path or might be at risk, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If a storm is on the horizon, put as many perishables as you can into a cooler filled with ice. Use cooler to keep from opening freezer, especially if the power goes out. Fill bathtub with water to use for washing, drinking, and flushing the toilet. Water supplies are often compromised in the days after a storm. Make sure you have plenty of gas on hand for your generator. Turn off electricity gas and water.

Make sure to have a hand held can opener, a weather radio, extra batteries, and a first aid kit. Listen to NOAA weather radio for important updates. Keep your cell phone and chargers close by. Know where a set of extra house and car keys are located. Don't forget to store important documents in watertight container for safekeeping. And last but not least, be patient

How to Add Sweetness to Your Meals – With Little or No Added Sugar

Sugar is everywhere. It’s in our cereal, milk, crackers, jelly, even our kids’ vitamins! You’ll even find sugar under different names such as maple syrup, molasses, agave nectar, coconut sugar, corn syrup, and many more. Sugar serves many purposes; in food, it’s used to give color, texture and flavor to baked goods. In our bodies, sugars fuel red blood cells and the brain.

However, there’s a downside to sugar. It’s not bad per se, but most of us consume too much of it. According to survey data, the average person in America gets up to 20 teaspoons of the sugar every single day. The medical community is up in the arms about this because the daily recommended amount if 9 teaspoons for men and 6 teaspoons for women.

No one is telling you to cut your sugar intake completely, but there’s no harm in cutting back especially if you are having more than the recommended amount. Don’t fret; there are ways to sweeten your meals without adding sugar. For instance, unsweetened cocoa powder is a great addition to coffee and it provides a boost of antioxidants at the same time. Sweet vegetables and fruits like melons, peaches, sweet corn and sweet peas are great for sweet salad dressings or as a quick snack. Add a few dried figs or dates to smoothies for added nutrition, fiber and sweetness. Cinnamon is also a great way to add calcium, fiber and sweetness to things like baked goods, oatmeal and even coffee. It also has the added health benefit of slowing down the rate of digestion, which prevents blood sugar spikes.

Pink grapefruit or ripe tomatoes are great salad toppers, but they could also be blended down into a sour-sweet salad dressing. For more sweetness, ripe bananas are a baking favorite because they also add moisture to baked goods. Simply wait until the peels are showing black spots and they are good to go.

Dried fruit with no sugar added is another great snack option and sweetener for foods like granola, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. Simply soak some raisins or dates in water and puree before adding to a smoothie, or munch on them as is. Presto—you have vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients in one.

A New Alzheimer's Test is on the Rise

Detecting the early onset of Alzheimer's disease will be able to help hundreds of thousands of patients around the globe, and it's a lot more easily done than you'd think. All doctors will need to do a test is a patient's saliva, it's that easy.

The Progress with the New Test

Doctors are already able to look at the difference between a brain that is affected by the disease and a healthy one, but they were never able to determine whether or not the disease would onset early.

During the 2015 Alzheimer's Association International Conference located in Washington, this saliva test was presented. During initial research, the test using saliva is representing a future of diagnostic tools when it comes to the development in detection for the neurodegenerative disease.

Heather Snyder, the director of both scientific and medical operations in the Alzheimer's Association, had this to say on the topic of the saliva test;

"As the field has continued to mature over the last decade or so, we now have research and evidence that suggests that the underlying biology of Alzheimer's disease is changing a decade or more before someone experiences the memory or function changes associated with Alzheimer's. This test examines saliva samples and looks at changes in saliva as the potential way to detect changes in Alzheimer's."

Shraddha Sapkota, a graduate student in neuroscience from the University of Alberta, Canada, had this to say when the study was presented;

Salivary metabolomics analyses will advance the cause of early detection of Alzheimer's disease, and promote our understanding of the mechanisms from normal aging to Alzheimer's. Saliva is very easy to collect and transport, which will enhance participation in remote centers and diverse populations. In science, the key is replication. The study has to be replicated, and it has to be replicated in a larger population."

The Bountiful Benefits of the Test

Because this progressive brain disorder affects approximately five million Americans, and is the sixth leading cause of death, this test is exciting for the science world and will save lives. Though there are no tests to determine fully if a person will get Alzheimer's disease, the saliva test will be the perfect place to start, as a screening tool.

It will indicate whether or not a patient should receive more invasive testing, and will be the perfect test to bring into community and clinical settings.