With all this talk of hemp, have you explored it or tried it?  Hemp seeds can be used in cereals, smoothies, baked items, and breads among other things.  There’s even hemp milk and hemp ice cream.

Health Benefits of Hemp:

There are several benefits to hemp.

• Hemp is an amazing source of non-meat protein.
• The omega fatty acids in hemp are a perfect ratio of omega 3′s to omega 6′s.
• Unlike some other exceptional healthy super foods, you don’t need to soak, grind or do anything major to hemp.

Where to Buy Hemp:

You can buy hemp seeds at any health food store. Fresh seeds should be similar to sunflower seeds in smell and taste. Be sure to look for hulled seeds. Once purchased, you can store hemp seeds up to a year at room temperature and longer in the refrigerator.

Cooking With Hemp:

There are a variety of uses for hemp, but it is easily burned, so be careful when cooking it. Here are some ways to enjoy your hemp:

• Sprinkle a tablespoon or 2 over a salad or pasta salad, or even yogurt.
• Mix it into trail mix, cooked grains or hot cereals like oatmeals.
• Use it in smoothie as well (a more powered version works for this).
• Ground hemp seeds can be used mixed with water to replace eggs in a recipe (like muffins or breads) much as ground flax seed can.

Other Uses For Hemp:

It’s not just for food. You can also find hemp in body care creams, lip balms, and salves for it’s superb emolliency. Other uses include:

• Several green companies encourage using hemp instead of cotton for clothing.
• Several car companies are using hemp composites in door panels.
• Energy efficient homes are built using hemp concrete.

With all these health and green benefits, it’s shocking that the grain cannot be grown in the United States. You can take action by visiting HempHistoryweek.com, writing or calling your your State Representative or Senator, or finding an event near you. Imagine if America could grow some of this crop that already has 452 million in U.S. sales?

Aid In Dying Passed In Vermont

Vermont is the fourth state to pass death with dignity: otherwise known as “aid in dying measures.” These laws allow mentally competent, terminally-ill adult state residents to voluntarily request and receive a prescription medication to hasten their death.

Oregon, Washington, and Montana are the other three states who have enacted this process, however Vermont is the first state to have passed the measure via legislature. Oregon and Washington both passed aid in dying with a public referendum. Montana did so via a court ruling. In Vermont, the aid in dying measure has passed both the Senate and the House. Governor Peter Shumlin stated he will sign this, making it a law. This is the first time that a request like this has passed in legislature in any state.

This isn’t a new topic to be introduced in Vermont. The state has been trying to have physician-assisted suicide since the 1990s.  The most recent attempt was defeated in 2007.  While a majority of Vermont voters seemed to have been in favor of this measure, Vermont doesn’t allow voters to introduce ballot initiatives. Because of this, the only way to pass a law providing for aid in dying was through the legislature.

There has been some concern in the past with having the government be involved in the practice of medicine and possible coercion on this deeply personal issue. Because of this concern, the aid in dying law will be rolled out in a slightly different manner than in other states.  There will be a 15 day waiting period between the patient’s first request and second request.  There is also a requirement of a second physician evaluation.  It is hoped that with these safeguards in place, there will be no abuse of this new law. These safeguards will mostly disappear in three years when the decision is primarily one between the doctor and patient.  Proponents are hoping that in three years, this new bill will be overturned.

What are your thoughts? Has your state passed an aid in dying bill? Do you have concerns about the government’s involvement into personal health care decisions?

Keeping Your Eyes Protected

I wear sunglasses whenever I’m driving or outside, and now I make my children grab theirs too.  Some experts say that because children tend to spend significantly more time outdoors than most adults, up to half of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV radiation can occur by age 18. (Other research cited by The Skin Cancer Foundation says slightly less than 25 percent of our lifetime exposure to UV radiation is sustained during childhood.) Teens are also at risk with their increased UV exposure through sports, tanning, and when they start driving.

When purchasing sunglasses insist on protection from UVA and UVB rays, since both can damage vision. Pick a pair that are comfortable, because they are most likely to be worn. Think about your activities – some lenses are frames are better suited to sports or certain types of work. For more tips and information, check out the UV Protection Campaign 2013 report.

Summer isn’t the only time for sunglasses. If the sun is shining in winter, make sure everyone puts on a pair before heading outdoors. And for children that wear prescription glasses, you should make sure their clear eyewear also blocks UV rays. Over time UV damages every part of the eye.

Keeping Your Glasses in Style

With the rate at which children grow, and how finicky they can be about their style, Foster Grant is the perfect place to shop for fashion-forward, affordable glasses. Under $30 each, you can’t beat that! They are the largest and first sunglasses company in the country and were made famous by the “Who’s That Behind Those Foster Grants?” ad campaign in the ‘60s – featuring stars like Mia Farrow and Raquel Welch. This year they have a fresh face with the beautiful Brooke Shields.

Foster Grant does global trend research to develop hot styles for everyone in the family and they’re sharing some tips, thanks to Matthew Coon, FGX Director of Creative Development, Global Fashion & Trend.

• The Classics: This summer we’ll see a return to the classic and vintage shapes of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.  The Cat Eye shape continues while the trendsetter will be looking for the return of the Round.  And of course the Aviator continues to be the perfect look for those who want trend and timeless in one look.
• The Colors: Color continues to play an important role, but in a more updated and sophisticated way.  Two-tones, full color lining and rich tort finishes are of particular interest.  Classic lens colors will emphasize deep saturated tones in greens, grays and browns, while trend lens colors will be in deep mirror tones in blue, greens and reds.  And new for this year is the platinum mirror coating which adds a rich luster and is perfect for reflecting those bright summer rays.
• The Detailing: Look for textured metal, etched surfaces and perforations.  Integrated metal details and subtle styling cues are of particular influence as a more pared down aesthetic makes it comeback.  Global influences in prints and coloration pair nicely with the classic black and white statement and modified tort finishes.

Follow Foster Grant on Facebook and Twitter and don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing how often you shop for new sunglasses for you and your family for a chance to win a $100 FosterGrant.com promo code. (See official rules.)

Ditch the Snack Attack

You trained hard today. You worked up quite an appetite. You can totally eat that piece of pie or cupcake … or maybe not.

Consider this: the average restaurant dessert is 1,200 calories+ while a 45-minute run (for a woman of 140 pounds at a 10-minute pace) burns about 476 calories. That’s not enough.  There’s another problem too. If you’ve working out at the same pace for months your body has become accustomed to it and is no longer burning as many calories.

Try adding heavier weights to your work out and eat leaner snacks. Fuel up with foods like nuts, berries, yogurt and string cheese post-workout instead of a protein bar and smoothie.  Keep a food journal to help you over the hump. You are probably snacking more than you realize, or making more unhealthy decisions than you originally thought.  A quick fix is to find the appropriate number of calories your body needs based on your weight and height and plan your workouts and food intake accordingly.

Sweat – Don’t Glisten

You can run all you want but if you don’t change up your routine your body won’t change either.  What once worked in the beginning of your fitness plan now has you at a plateau.  If it has been a few weeks or months since you last saw results it is time to change your workout by going to a different class or adding heavier weights.  If you are only doing cardio then add weight training to your routine.  The difference will show quickly and have you building lean muscle while burning fat. Add a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to your fitness program.  Twenty minutes twice a week will make you sweat and burn fat fast.  There are plenty of quick sessions located online on channels like BeFit on YouTube.

Get a Plan

Planning is the key to seeing maximum results in any aspect of life.  Formulate a fitness schedule on your own, with the help of a friend or a personal trainer.  Take into account your current lifestyle, along with the changes you want to see in your fitness and body. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and try new types of workouts or classes.  Find a buddy to help be accountable and stick to the plan. If you miss a day don’t beat yourself up.  Instead remember how important your body and health are in the big picture that is life and get back into the game again tomorrow.

Let’s look at what’s really going on.

History of the Sex Superbug:

A treatment-resistant strain of gonorrhea (HO41) has been identified in Japan but it is not the same one discovered in Hawaii (H11S8) back in 2011.

While researchers are still investigating, we do know that HO41 does not respond to ceftriaxone, the antibiotic that is used as a last-resort treatment for the sexually transmitted infection.

We also know that the HO41 strain hasn’t actually been detected anywhere since 2009 when a Japanese sex worker tested positive.  A small number of cases had also been seen in other countries but the incidents were isolated.

Officials have been trying to walk the fine line of attempting to reduce panic in the public while simultaneously stating that the threat does exist but will not likely be a real issue for another year or two.

Why is this a threat?

There are few, if any, symptoms of a gonorrhea infection. This is probably why it is the second-most common infection in the country.  In 2011, there were almost 322,000 cases of gonorrhea in the United States but these are the ones we know about.  In the absence of real signs, the CDC estimates that the actual number of cases could be closer to 700,000.

Now, what used to be an easily treatable infection has become a bit of a nightmare.  It’s mutating and, over the years, has become more and more resistant to available treatments.  There’s just one oral antibiotic, cefixime, that remains somewhat effective but that is only because the CDC advised doctors to stop using it when tests showed that it was on the verge of resistance.  Practitioners have begun combining ceftriaxone injections with azithromycin or doxycycline in an effort to control the spread of the disease.

A request for $54 million has been submitted to Congress with the goal of focusing on improving the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea.

In the meantime, the best approach is prevention. Practice safe sex through the diligent, proper use of condoms and maintain a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.  Since there are few symptoms, regular testing can be a major protection to yourself and others.

photo credit: estherase via photopin cc

Unfortunately, I am sad to say, when I had my back-to-back pregnancies I got out of the habit of going. Looking at my precious treasures now, they should have been constant reminders of how important that gift of blood really is. Should something happen to someone I love, I would want to know there is a full bank of blood available and ready for their use. That is why I am making it a top priority to donate whole blood every 56 days again.

You may be wondering if blood donation can really make that big of a difference. You may also be thinking, surely there are enough people that donate at the various blood drives to keep things stocked. Why should I have to donate? Consider these statistics:

Blood Donation Statistics

• Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
• More than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day.
• A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. (2006).
• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
• The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.
• Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98 percent of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
• More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

Donating blood can truly save a life and touch someone in a way you never even imagined. There are a number of accredited blood donation facilities and they can be found on AABB.org. Women may also consider (if they meet the guidelines) donating lifesaving platelets. Males can donate platelets or plasma.

Consider Registering for the National Bone Marrow Registry

Blood is lifesaving, but so is the life source of that blood- bone marrow. Be The Match is the National Bone Marrow Registry organization. They are a database for medical professionals to reach out to in efforts to find a bone marrow match for their patient. The process of registration is incredibly simple and will ensure that your DNA is on file for those who may potentially need your life saving bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). To register you will fill in some basic contact info and ethnic information as well as answer a few medical questions. Then Be The Match will send you  a cheek swab kit in the mail. You will simply swab your check with the swab and return it in their prepaid envelope. Simple as that! Next you will be added to the registry.

If you are a chosen match, you will be contacted to secure the donation. PBSC is donated in a similar fashion as plasma or platelets. Very simple and will potentially save a life. Bone marrow is donated through a process that removes marrow from the hip bone. Many people are scared of the thought of a bone marrow donation because of fear of pain or needles. Fortunately, the myth that bone marrow donation is extremely painful is false. Local anesthesia will be given so that you do not feel the procedure.

Consider these following statistics before you forget about the registry:

Bone Marrow Donation Statistics

• This year, more than 130,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a serious blood disease.
• Leukemia (a blood cancer) will strike 44,000 Americans this year, including 3,500 children. It will kill about half of the adults and about 700 of the children.
• Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer.
• Only 30 percent of patients who need a bone marrow transplant have a matching donor in their families.
• The remaining 70 percent must hope that a compatible stranger can be found using the national registry.
• At any given time, about 7,500 Americans are actively searching the national registry for an unrelated donor.
• Only 2 percent of the population is on the national registry.
• A significant number of those on the national bone marrow registry cannot be located or will not donate when asked to do so.  The percentages of donors who are available and willing are:  65 for Caucasians; 47 percent for Hispanics; 44 percent for Asians; 34 percent for African-Americans.
• At least 1,000 people die each year because they cannot find a matching donor.
• If an African-American finds a match on the registry, there is an 80 percent chance that the identified donor is the only match on the registry.
• Bone marrow donation requires less than five percent of marrow cells.
• 70 percent of marrow donations use peripheral blood stem cell apheresis.
• 30 percent of marrow donations use the traditional method of putting a needle in your hip.
• Donating bone marrow is safe:  More than 35,000 people have donated bone marrow to a stranger without a single donor death.

What if I am not eligible to donate blood?

Good news! Even if you are not eligible to donate blood, you may still be eligible to donate bone marrow. For example, if you have traveled to a “restricted” country for blood donation, this does not affect your ability to donate bone marrow. You can still register. If you aren’t sure if you qualify or not, check out the medical guidelines.

Are you registered with Be The Match? If you have been chosen to donate I would love to hear your story in the comments section.

One option that just might work is weight-loss surgery. A little extreme? Perhaps, but if this option will get the weight off and get you healthy, perhaps it’s an option worth looking in to.

There are three basic types of weight loss surgery:

1. Lap Band
2. Gastric Sleeve
3. Gastric Bypass

Let’s delve into each of these and learn the basic differences. Each has pros and cons, which should be researched and considered before making a decision.

Lap Band

Lap Band surgery is the least invasive of the weight loss surgeries. It is done laparoscopically, and there are no staples or amputation of any part of the stomach. Additionally, there is no cutting of the intestines. One major advantage to this choice is the surgery can be reversed simply by having the band removed.

This surgery works by reducing the stomach’s capacity, which restricts how much you can eat at any one time. You’ll feel full much quicker, and keep that feeling longer than before the surgery.

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve surgery is a new type of Bariatric surgery. Approximately 85% of the stomach is removed, and the part remaining is shaped like a sleeve, thus the name. This surgery is also performed laparoscopically. 

This surgery works by reducing the physical size of the stomach, and is not reversible. There are a few other cons, such as leaking of the sleeve, or weight gain over time due to stretching the remaining portion of the stomach.

Gastric Bypass

There are a couple of different types of gastric bypass surgery, with Roux-en-Y  being the most common. This type of surgery is done by sealing a large portion of your stomach, leaving a small pouch which can hold about one ounce versus the normal three pints. The surgeon cuts the small intestine and sews part of it onto the new pouch. Any foods eaten bypass most of your stomach as well as the first part of your intestine and enters the middle of the intestine.

The cons to gastric bypass are similar to those of the gastric sleeve surgery.

Before Surgery

Serious thought should be given to any of these choices. Choose a surgeon wisely – ask questions, be sure the surgeon has performed many surgeries with high rates of success. Do a lot of research, learn everything you can, then make an appointment. The process isn’t simply deciding to do it, and TA-DA, it’s done. On the contrary, it is a process. You will most likely have to see a Psychologist, go through an array of medical tests, and have sessions with exercise physiologists and nutritionists. Expect this to take about six months.

After Surgery

Even after surgery, don’t expect miracles. You do have to make some changes to your lifestyle. The surgeries are a tool that help improve the chances of your success – but there are no guarantees. You MUST make some changes, or any weight lost initially can come back in time.

Ultimately, it’s up to you. Even surgery isn’t a miracle cure for obesity. It can be a huge help though, and may be something worth pursuing, especially if you have other obesity-related health issues. Imagine being diabetic and no longer needing insulin – or no longer having high blood pressure. There are a lot of benefits as well risks. Consider both, talk with a surgeon after doing some research, and make a decision based on what is best for you. Here’s looking to a longer, healthier life no matter which decision is made!

Pack a Protein Punch

Smoothies are a great way to fuel up before or after a workout.  Drinking a milk-based smoothie can help you replace the lactic acids needed to repair tired muscles post-workout.  Go beyond the basic protein powder shake and bulk up your daily fruit and vegetable needs.

Ingredients

• 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 banana
• 4-5 whole strawberries (frozen or fresh)
• ½ cup kale, chopped
• ½ cup spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp. ground flax-seed

Blend together and serve.  Makes 1 serving.

Going Green

The green smoothie has seen a lot of action lately.  It is an almost perfect blend of fruits and vegetables in one serving. It can be tailored to your needs and tastes while throwing in a few things that you may not like the taste of, but need in your diet.  You can change it up daily and create a limitless range of green smoothies, even ones that can help eliminate belly fat.  Green smoothies have been known to improve skin, aid in weight loss, promote better sleep and improve your overall health, detox your liver and help digestion. Here is a basic recipe from Dr. Mehmet Oz to get you started.

Ingredients

• 1 apple (cored, skin on)
• Big handful of spinach
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 celery stick (chopped)
• ¼ tsp. ginger root (peeled)
• Pinch of parsley
• Lime juice from ½ a lime
• Lemon juice from ¼ lemon

Blend and serve.

Get Energized

A protein smoothie can provide fuel for your body and a green one can detox you – but what about a drink that is like a shot of energy each time you drink it?  Using ingredients like peanut or almond butter and a potassium-rich banana will get you going and feeling great.  Add cocoa powder and a dash of cinnamon for flavor and you have a vitamin packed drink that gives the energy you need to start your day or hit the gym.

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 2 ice cubes
• 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp. creamy peanut butter.

Blend and serve.  Makes 1 serving.

Recently Dateline NBC did an investigation into hormone disruptors. As with most stories, there are 2 opinions and 2 valid arguments to whether we can still use these items or should avoid them like the plague.

For the investigation, the reporter conducted urine tests on herself and her children. She alternated days – one day using products with hormone disruptors and chemicals, and one day using only using chemical-free items and whole foods. Of course, on the days she used the products with chemicals, her levels spiked.

But does this mean her health was in danger?  One daughter tested over 10 times the average level of toxins. That being said, there are no proven risks of having some of these chemicals in our bodies. The initial tests were done on rats and the effects for humans are speculated. Doctors and researchers say that even when found in small levels in the human body, they are far below the danger zone and we should not be concerned. They say that some of the opposing researchers are alarmists – not by purposely trying to scare the public but by presenting the data in a way that certainly does instill fear into people.

On the flip side, other physicians say that developing bodies in children are particularly susceptible to these chemicals and they should be avoided, as they can cause everything from obesity to infertility to ADHD. Many people, including mothers of young children, want to do all the can to avoid chemicals around their families.

Are you concerned? The items that you may want to avoid are :

• Anti-bacterial soaps
• BPA lined cans
• Any plastic bottle that doesn’t say “BPA free”
• Chemicals in skin care and soap (choose organic or chemical-free versions when you can)
• Microwaving food in plastic packaging

Having listened to both sides, an argument for moderation may solve the issue, or at least keep us from going overboard with fear. When given a choice of using the chemical-based products or a healthier version, choosing the latter can’t hurt. But there are times it is not feasible, not affordable or not available, so perhaps we shouldn’t stress ourselves too much over it. Stress is not good for our health either.

Tension Headache

Probably the most common headache and easily the most curable. The pain feels like an ache or pressure that can become intense as it radiates around the temples or at the back of the head and neck. The cause of this pain is often stress-related. Muscles in the neck and scalp can contract during stress and cause the head to ache. A tension headache won’t stop your day like a migraine but it can certainly feel like it might, if it gets worse.

Treatment: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen like Tylenol and aspirin can get the job done. And remember to drink lots of water.

Sinus Headache

When your sinuses are inflamed it is natural to think that an infection in the sinus cavity is the cause. Pain is intense in the sinus area and radiates upward between the eyes and in the forehead area. Fever and sometimes pus are present during this type of headache. A doctor can diagnosis you after viewing the sinus through a fiber-optic scope.

Treatment: Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are needed in many cases but some sinus infections can be treated with decongestants and antihistamines.

Migraine Headache

For those who suffer from migraines the experience is excruciating. A migraine can last between 4-72 hours with symptoms that include medium-to-severe pain that can stop your day. Sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and/or vomiting can occur as well as throbbing pain or pain on one side of the head. Migraines can be hereditary so be sure to note not just the number of times you have had a headache like this but also alert your doctor if other family members suffer from these symptoms. Keeping a ‘headache journal’ can help find the triggers, list the symptoms and help you and your doctor find the best treatment.

Treatment: OTC medications like Excedrin, which contain caffeine and a pain-killer, can do the trick and zap a migraine. Herbal supplements like melatonin before bed can lessen the occurrence just like Vitamin B2, acupuncture and a low-fat diet. Sometimes only a prescribed medication using a triptan or beta-blocker can do the trick. Your doctor will have find the right prescription and dosage that works for you.

Whether it is a cluster headache, one caused by seasonal allergies or tension the trick is to think back and remember the triggers and symptoms to truly eradicate the headache and its cause so it won’t happen again.