More Americans now die of hepatitis C than from HIV, the AIDS-causing virus, according to 1999-2007 data reviewed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And most of those dying are middle-aged.

“These data underscore the urgent need to address the health threat posed by chronic hepatitis B and C in the United States,” said investigator Dr Scott Holmberg, chief of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch in CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis.

About 3.2 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C, a major cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis, the CDC authors said. An estimated one-half to three-quarters of infected adults are unaware they have the disease, which progresses slowly.

Hepatitis C is spread through injection drug use, from blood transfusions received before routine blood-screening began in 1992, and through sexual contact. In some cases, it passes from mothers to infants.

“Chronic hepatitis is a leading and preventable cause of premature death in the United States,” Holmberg said. “Over time, leaving viral hepatitis untreated can lead to costly care and treatments, and lifetime costs can total hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, early detection and intervention can be cost-effective and save lives.”

Increased hepatitis awareness necessary

The new study highlights the need to increase hepatitis awareness and the critical importance of testing, Holmberg said. Screening will increase diagnoses and treatment, thereby reducing hepatitis-related deaths, he said.

The report is published in the issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Using death records from 1999 to 2007, researchers collected data on some 22 million Americans, looking for those who died from hepatitis B, C and HIV.

The investigators found deaths from hepatitis C surpassed deaths from HIV (15 000 from hepatitis C versus 13 000 from HIV). They also found that deaths from hepatitis C and B are mostly among the middle-aged.

“Seventy-three percent of hepatitis C deaths were reported among those 45 to 64 years old,” Holmberg said. “As the population living with hepatitis C in the United States — 66 percent of whom were born between 1945 and 1964 – has aged and entered a high-risk period of life for hepatitis C-related disease, deaths associated with hepatitis C have increased substantially.”

Vaccines exist for hepatitis B, but not for hepatitis C. If current trends continue, by 2030 deaths from hepatitis C are expected to reach 35,000 a year, researchers say.

Hepatitis treatment changes

According to Dr Eugene Schiff, director of the Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, “the study is important because it documents and authenticates what we knew.” But, “what we need right now, particularly for hepatitis C, is routine screening,” noted Schiff, who was not involved with the study.

Dramatic changes are under way in the treatment of hepatitis C, he pointed out. Current treatment involves a cocktail of drugs, including antivirals and interferon, which many people cannot tolerate.

In about two years, interferon-free treatment will be available, Schiff said. This means higher cure rates with fewer side effects, which will make treatment tolerable by most patients, he explained.

“What’s going to happen is what happened with HIV — test and treat,” Schiff said. “Patients will be given an interferon-free regimen with cure rates approaching 100 percent,” he predicted.

Another study in the same journal issue found that the most up-to-date treatment for hepatitis C can cost $60,000, but may be cost-effective, according to Stanford University health policy researchers.

Effectiveness of hepatitis treatment

In a study led by Jeremy Goldhaber-Fiebert, an assistant professor of medicine at the School of Medicine, investigators developed a computer model to assess the cost-effectiveness of a new treatment for hepatitis C. Their model showed that for people with advanced disease the cost was justified in terms of results.

The treatment involves use of two drugs called protease inhibitors – boceprevir (brand name Victrelis) and telaprevir (brand name Incivek) — in addition to interferon and an antiviral.

While the new treatment is expensive and may cause side effects, it could reduce patients’ risks for cancer and liver transplants, thereby avoiding those costly events and possibly helping patients live longer, better lives, the researchers pointed out in a journal news release.

Alternative treatments like ozone therapy which inactivates viruses, yeast and fungi and boost the immune system can also be tested. View a list of ozone therapy outlets here or order your own ozone sauna.

Yet another study in the journal recommends one-time screening of all those born between 1945 and 1965, instead of waiting until symptoms appear.

(Steven Reinberg, HealthDay, February 2012)

(Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.)
http://www.health24.com/news/Infectious_diseases/1-922,72881.asp – edited.

Appetite-stimulating meds

It is unfortunate that a great number of essential medications can stimulate the appetite and then lead to weight gain, which is often so great that previously slender individuals become obese.

Medications which have the potential to increase the appetite and weight, include:

• Psychotropics (e.g. benzodiazepines, and other anti-anxiety drugs)
• Typical and atypical antipsychotics (e.g. haloperidol or risperidone)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline), MAOI antidepressants (e.g. isocarboxazide), and other antidepressants (e.g. paroxetine)
• Anticonvulsants (e.g. valproic acid)
• Hormones including human growth hormone, corticosteroids, and human reproductive hormones (progesterone or testosterone)

(Mahan LK et al, 2011).

(See Table 1 below for examples of drugs in each category which are available in South Africa).

[For an alternative treatment than most medications or in conjunction with existing medicine, ozone steam therapy will boost the immune system, detox the body of toxins, reduce cellulite and assist in weight loss. Visit your nearest ozone therapy outlet or buy your ozone saunas from the suppliers.]

Contributing factors

A number of other factors can also contribute to the pronounced weight gain that some patients experience when they use the above mentioned drugs.

Eating disturbances related to anxiety

While anti-anxiety drugs in the psychotropic category can cause weight gain, it should be kept in mind that many people turn to food when they are stressed or anxious.  “Comfort food” can help ease the pain of anxiety, but these typical consolation foods are often very high in energy, fat and sugar (chocolate, sweets, cakes, pies, chips, etc), and will pile on the kilos. Patients seeking relief from their anxiety do not usually nibble on celery or fat-free cottage cheese! These patients seek relief in foods dripping with fat and loaded with kJ and sugar.

Eating disturbances related to depression

It is ironic that depression on its own can lead to massive weight gain or serious weight loss depending on how the individual patient reacts to his or her illness. When a patient who is suffering from depression starts taking antidepressants, these medications (i.e. tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs and other antidepressants which do not fall into these 2 categories), can also cause an increase in appetite and body weight.

It is, therefore, important that the body weight of patients with depression should be monitored on a regular basis. Patients who are already overweight or obese may gain even more weight when they receive treatment, while patients who are underweight as a result of their depression may regain their normal weight.

When a depressed patient becomes overweight either due to his/her condition or the necessary drug treatment, this can further exacerbate the depression and cause serious distress. Some patients become reclusive because they cannot bear anyone seeing how much weight they have gained. Other patients may decide to stop taking their medications which could lead to worsening of the depression to such an extent that the patient may commit suicide.

It is essential that patients with depression should never, ever stop taking their medications without discussing this step with the prescribing doctor. Tell your doctor about your concerns relating to the fact that you have gained weight since commencing treatment and ask him or her to help you find a solution. Your doctor must determine the solution and any changes that may need to be made to your drug treatment should only be attempted under his/her strict supervision.

Eating disturbances related to anticonvulsants

Patients who suffer from convulsions induced by conditions such as epilepsy, brain damage or tumours, etc, need to take anticonvulsants which in some cases can also stimulate the appetite. Once again, some patients using anticonvulsants may lose weight, while others pick up weight.

The cautions mentioned above in relation to not stopping antidepressants, also apply to anticonvulsants. Do not stop taking your prescribed anticonvulsants because you have gained some weight, but do discuss this problem with your physician so that he or she can plan how you can continue to take these drugs and lose the weight you have gained. Stopping anticonvulsants without medical supervision can be very dangerous and even life threatening.

Many members of the public complain that they have gained weight after taking corticosteroids for asthma or skin conditions or any other illness where cortisone has to be prescribed. Medications containing male and female hormones can also either cause weight gain or weight loss in patients. It is interesting to note that human growth hormone, which is so often mentioned as “the injection” to promote weight loss in fad slimming regimens, is listed as a hormone that can cause weight gain.

As most women know, taking female hormones for contraceptive, fertility or anti-menopausal treatment can cause weight gain or weight loss, as determined by the patient’s individual reaction.

Lipodystrophy associated with HAART therapy

Now that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has become available globally and in South Africa, patients with HIV/Aids are developing so-called lipodystrophy syndrome. The latter syndrome is associated with redistribution of body fat, raised blood fat levels, high blood pressure and glucose intolerance. HIV/Aids patients who in the past tended to be emaciated, now find that they are gaining weight when they use HAART.

Any patient with HIV/Aids who is contemplating the use of a drastic or unbalanced slimming diet, excessive exercise and/or taking over-the-counter slimming pills to lose weight, should first consult the doctor who is treating their HIV/Aids and their dietician for a balanced low-fat diet that is also low-GI (glycaemic index) to address the insulin tolerance and hyperlipidaemia associated with lipodystrophy.

The dilemma of weight gain caused by medications that in many cases save the patient’s life, is not easy to solve, but by talking to the prescribing doctor and consulting a dietician for an appropriate diet, most drug-induced appetite stimulation and weight gain should be controllable and reversible.

- (Dr IV van Heerden, DieDoc, January 2012) 

TABLE 1: EXAMPLES OF DRUGS AVAILABLE IN SOUTH AFRICA THAT MAY STIMULATE THE APPETITE AND CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN

(Based on Box 9-9 in Mahan et al (2011), page 223, including modifications relevant to South Africa)

References:

(Mahan LK et al (2011). Krause’s Food & the Nutrition Care Process. Ed. 13. Elsevier, USA.
MIMS, (2011), Vol 51, No 10, October 2011.)
http://www.health24.com/medical/MedsYou/777-786-787,72553.asp – edited Feb 2012

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Have you gained weight recently from starting/stopping medication?

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If you rely on coffee or cola to make it through the day, it’s time to change up your routine. Sure, you’ll get an instant buzz, but by the time your hands stop shaking, you’ll discover that you’re even more exhausted than before.So put down that mug, step away from the vending machine and give these six simple strategies a try. They’re proven to get you energised — and keep you that way.

1. Eat early. When it comes to stocking up on stamina, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. “During sleep, your body uses up its energy stores,” explains Lona Sandon, a registered dietician and an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “Eating first thing in the morning is important for refuelling.” For a longer-lasting boost, pair lean protein with filling whole grains, like whole-wheat toast topped with peanut butter and a banana, or a bowl of oatmeal with fruits and nuts.

2. Sub in spinach. Instead of the usual iceberg or romaine, use spinach in your family’s salads and sandwiches. This dark leafy green is high in magnesium, a mineral your body uses to convert food into energy. According to a study from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, people with low levels of magnesium tire out more quickly because their bodies have to work harder to perform the same tasks. Women should aim to get at least 310 to 320 milligrams of the nutrient daily, or approximately six servings of various high-magnesium foods like dark leafy greens, nuts, beans, cereal and yoghurt.

3. Drink up! Sipping on water regularly will prevent you from becoming dehydrated - a top culprit for fatigue. Women need about 12 cups of fluid per day, according to the Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intakes. “And being dehydrated by just 1 percent - the point where you just start to get thirsty — can make you feel like you’re dragging,” says Sandon. You don’t need to get all of that liquid from plain H20, she says: Milk, tea, soup and juicy fruits, like oranges and watermelon, can also help you meet your quota.

4. Don’t cut out carbs. Passing on breads and pastas may help you drop a few kilos, but it won’t do much for your productivity. “Carbohydrates are the easiest way for your body to get energy,” says Sandon. “So when you don’t eat them, you feel sluggish.” She suggests shooting for 130 grams (or about six servings) a day and always choosing fibre-rich whole grains. Gluten-intolerant? Opt for beans, fresh fruit and sweet potatoes.

5. Pump some iron. Even a slight deficiency of this mineral can make you feel run-down, reports a Cornell University study. “Women need about 18 milligrams of iron a day — twice as much as men,” explains Sandon. “Red meat is one of the best sources, so have beef or steak a few times a week.” Or load up on vegetarian sources, such as fortified cereals, whole-grain bread and beans. Sandon recommends pairing these foods with another one rich in vitamin C, like orange juice or tomatoes, to help your body absorb the mineral better.

6. Work up a sweat! Heading to the gym may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re sluggish, but for putting more pep in your step, it can’t be beat. In fact, University of Georgia researchers found that working out regularly kept people more energised than staying sedentary. “Exercising at any time during the day will get you going, but if you’re looking to beat that late-afternoon slump, doing some cardio at lunchtime is perfect,” says Danielle Hopkins, a group fitness manager for Equinox Fitness. “And while you don’t want to do anything so strenuous that it will actually tire your muscles out, challenging your body will fire you up and release those feel-good endorphins that will leave you glowing.”

Bonus tip: Regularly detox by visiting an ozone therapy clinic or buy your own ozone sauna to experience how ozone therapy can detoxify you in the comfort of your own home.

Written by By Alice Oglethorpe for Sniffle Solutions – edited by Salvagente.

- (Health24, February 2012)

http://www.health24.com/natural/Life_lessons/17-672-688,72798.asp

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Do you have other tips? Please share.

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“In response to these emotions, the body secretes an increased amount of cortisol, also known as the steroid stress hormone. Numerous studies have linked chronic cortisol secretion to heart attacks, cancer and metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In short, the study shows that being a CEO could in fact be bad for your health,” says Professor Jacques Snyman, Executive for Zurreal4employers, an employee wellness and management programme.

From a local perspective however, it would seem that these health risks extend far beyond the corporate boardroom. A 2011 Ipsos Global and Reuters survey found South Africa to be the 3rd most workaholic nation in the world following Australia (2nd) and Japan (1st). The results strongly suggest that working South Africans could be exposing themselves to the same health risks as global CEOs.

Go for relaxing, detoxifying ozone steam therapy or buy your ozone sauna direct from the suppliers to live a more balanced, healthy lifestyle.

“Further aggravating the situation is that workaholics are more likely to show up for work while ill, ignore obvious health warning signs to avoid taking a day off and are less likely to seek medical advice, believing that the problem will simply disappear in time. Combined with the aforementioned health risks that workaholics typically predispose themselves to, we’re looking at a potentially lethal cocktail,” Snyman emphasises.

Long-term implications

From an employer’s point of view, the long-term implications could be equally devastating in the form of eventual absenteeism, presenteeism and lost productivity. The solution generally requires remedial action which implies workplace intervention including counselling sessions to assist employees in establishing a healthy work/life balance and equipping ‘workaholics’ with the necessary coping skills.

The integration of a company wellness programme in partnership with the healthcare providing medical scheme could also go a long way in ensuring that employees access the appropriate care timeously.

“A good wellness programme will assist employers to proactively identify individuals at risk of burnout and refer them to a professional assistance programme generally headed by a psychologist before it’s too late. Key to the identification process is the integration of all touch points of assessment including human resources data such as stresses in the home or lifestyle; behavioural data such as absenteeism, work hours and annual leave taken; and clinical data collected from self-reported health assessments. The aim is to identify the ‘workaholics’ and not leave them to their own devices to eventually seek help as, by this time, it may be too late,” Snyman concludes.

(Press release, February 2012) – Edited

http://www.health24.com/news/Workplace/1-957,72843.asp

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Do you think entrepreneurs, employees or CEO’s has the most stress?

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“Wellness was long regarded as a topic for women,” says Lutz Hertel, chairman of Germany’s Wellness Association. “That’s because of the history of the wellness movement in Germany which in its initial phase was treated like a new type of fitness.”

The “gentle form of wellness” led to the popularisation of fitness gymnastics and had nothing to do with Arnold Schwarzenegger-style weight-lifting. Thus women had a greater affinity with wellness. “But in the last 10 years men have been attracted to wellness and are quite happy to try out a sauna, visit a gym studio or a spa hotel.”

Men now spend more time grooming

A survey conducted in Germany in 2008 showed that men spent 17 minutes a day on average grooming themselves and an extra 13 minutes on caring for their faces. That time did not include taking a shower, having a bath or shaving. “Those figures show that men have overtaken women who spend on average 26 minutes a day on body and face care,” Martin Ruppmann, general manager of Germany’s VKE cosmetic association, said at the time.

But when it comes to relaxation men have a different goal than women, according to Hertel. “They want to remain energetic and young, to be fit, to look fresh and exude a manly strength.” For men it’s not the path that’s the goal, it’s the goal that’s of most importance. “That means men often tend to take a much more active and performance-related approach to wellness that is far from gentle.”

The phenomenon can be most clearly observed in saunas. “Men like visiting the hottest saunas, sitting on the highest bench and staying as long as they can stand the heat.” That not only illustrates that visiting a sauna can be a high performance sport, but that it can also be absurd and even damage your health.

Men should be less goal-orientated

“It would be better if men didn’t continually challenge themselves but had a much more tender approach,” says Hertel. “Most men need to discover the moment of enjoyment in taking exercise, going for a sauna or getting a massage and not just think about the goal.” Ozone therapy assists with relaxation, blood circulation and detox.

Naturally not all men are like that. Many are quite prepared to leave the hard-man image aside and growing numbers are trying out cosmetic products. Figures produced by Germany’s VKE cosmetic association from 2010 indicate men are turning towards skincare products. “Sales of men’s cosmetics are continuing to grow by six per cent. From year to year men are developing an affinity for cosmetics and skincare products.”

Gabriele Haeusler from Germany’s Association of Beauticians confirms that trend. “Men are becoming vainer and want care products,” she says. Men have different priorities compared to women when it comes to which products they choose. “Men usually don’t want to have several products. Instead, they prefer as few as possible or even just the one product that quickly and efficiently does the job.”

Men should use care products

Haeusler advises men older than their mid-30s to start using care products. “It’s at that age that the skin begins to show the influence of stress and other factors.” The three most important parts of the body to watch out for are the face, the hands and the feet which usually get far less care than they actually need.

“It’s useful to apply cleansing milk to your face in the evening and which leaves a light layer of oil on the skin. It should also clear your skin of the grime and dirt that collects over the day,” says Haeusler.

It’s important that the cleansing milk does not dry your skin out. After shaving in the morning you should check to see how sensitive your skin is and then use an appropriate face cream. “In most cases a milky lotion or cream that leaves a trace of oil behind is fine.” If the cream is perfumed make sure it matches your aftershave.

Men have a wide range of hand-care products to choose from. “There are creams made with sea salt that leave a thin film of oil,” says Haeusler. Wheatgerm or sweet almond oil is also good. “They help keep your nails and cuticles soft and smooth.” Care for the feet is even easier.

“Often a callus is a problem especially if you exercise,” says Haeusler. Regularly cream your feet to keep them soft. Rubbing a good baby lotion with jojoba or sesame seed oil on your feet after showering will usually do the trick.

(Sapa, February 2012, edited)

http://www.health24.com/news/Man/1-926,72823.asp

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What type of products will you as a man use?

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Spice up your sex life by adding these foods to the menu:

Wild salmon

Wild salmon and other cold-water fish (such as sardines, herring, trout and anchovies) are guaranteed to boost your sexual stamina and overall health as they are so high in omega-3. These essential fatty acids are critical to the healthy function of your brain and nervous system, fight depression and improve your mood, memory and brain power.

Watermelon

This refreshing summer fruit is rich in L-citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve blood flow to the sexual organs. It’s like Nature’s Viagra –  without the side effects. L-citrulline optimises blood flow in the body by first converting to L-arginine and then to nitric oxide, which is involved in dilation of the blood vessels. Low levels of nitric oxide are associated with mental and physical fatigue and sexual dysfunction.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate’s many benefits are well documented, including its ability to mimic the sensation of being in love. Few people will argue with the fact that chocolate makes one feel really good. This is not just because of the taste and texture, it’s also thanks to a chemical in chocolate, called phenylethylamine (also called the “love chemical”), believed to produce the feeling of being in love. Research has also found that women who enjoyed a piece of chocolate every day had a more active sex life than those who didn’t.

Asparagus

Asparagus has been considered a successful aphrodisiac since ancient times. And, it seems, for good reason. This vegetable is rich in potassium and folic acid, a B vitamin that helps increase the production of histamine, which is important for a healthy sex drive in both men and women.

Oysters

Oysters boost dopamine, a “feel-good” hormone that increases libido in both men and women. These shellfish are especially important for men, though, as they are very rich in zinc which is essential for testosterone production and the maintenance of healthy sperm.

Blueberries

Blueberries are high in antioxidants and have the capacity to relax the blood vessels, thereby allowing improved circulation. This, in turn, means better blood flow to the sex organ and stronger erections. Blueberries also rule when it comes to the boosting the dopamine levels, as they give the body a greater ability to release this feel-good hormone.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great libido booster for both men and women as they’re said to increase sexual appetite and desire. Like oysters, pumpkin seeds are very rich in zinc, which is important for testosterone. Even though women have much less testosterone than men, it still plays a key part in their libido. Pumpkin seeds also contain high levels of omega-3 which acts as a precursor of prostaglandins – hormone-like substances important for sexual health.

Garlic

Though the thought of garlic might not immediately conjure up romance, it is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac as it contains allicin, a compound thought to improve blood circulation and improve sexual performance by increasing blood flow to the sexual organs.

Avocado

Avocados help to increase both male and female libido as they are a great source of folic acid, which assists the body in metabolising proteins and providing energy. Avos are also rich in vitamin B6, which improves male hormone production, and potassium, which increases female libido by helping to regulate the woman’s thyroid gland.

Peanuts

Peanuts are great libido boosters, especially for men, as they are a rich natural source of L-arginine. This amino acid helps improve sexual function in men by relaxing blood vessels. Preliminary studies have also found that L-arginine may help with erectile dysfunction because of this effect on the blood vessels.

Sources: Forever Young – Introducing the Metabolic Diet by Nicholas Perricone and Health24

- (Birgit Ottermann, Health24, February 2012)

http://www.health24.com/dietnfood/Top_10_foods/15-3528,72782.asp

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Any other foods that you can recommend to enhance your libido?

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Patient-based studies of GORD have shown high prevalence and chronicity, particularly in Western societies. GORD is associated with significant health-care utilisation and diminished quality of life.

[To improve your quality of life, flood your body with enriched oxygen in one of our ozone saunas or go for an ozone therapy treatment here.]

Heartburn, coupled with acid regurgitation and painful swallowing are considered to be highly specific for GORD. Very few epidemiological studies have been performed with regard to heartburn, and only one has been population-based. The natural history of GORD or heartburn has received little attention. The pathophysiology of GORD and heartburn is basically unknown.

A research article to be published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The authors evaluated the natural history of heartburn in the Icelandic population prospectively over a 10-year period, as well as to evaluate different factors which are affected by heartburn both physically and sociodemographically.

Common

The study showed heartburn is a common condition in the population of Iceland. The prevalence is slightly higher than reported elsewhere.

Heartburn is a chronic condition, affecting every fifth person every week. Heartburn subjects with a body mass index lower or higher than normal weight were more likely to experience heartburn than subjects of normal weight.

Heartburn did not seem to result in less food and beverage consumption, but one out of five heartburn subjects did avoid a specific food or alcohol because of the heartburn. Heartburn had a great impact on daily activities and quality of life. Half of the heartburn subjects experienced sleep disturbances because of this condition.

This study creates a database for future studies and hopefully stimulates studies in other countries. Secular prevalence trends and international comparison can contribute towards understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.

(EurekAlert, February 2012)

http://www.health24.com/news/Heartburn/1-917,72793.asp

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Have you ever suffered from heartburn and how frequent?

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A new Brigham Young University study found that 16-18 year olds perform better academically when they shave about two hours off that recommendation.

“We’re not talking about sleep deprivation,” says study author Eric Eide. “The data simply says that seven hours is optimal at that age.”

The new study by Eide and fellow BYU economics professor Mark Showalter is the first in a series of studies where they examine sleep and its impact on our health and education. Surprisingly, the current federal guidelines are based on studies where teens were simply told to keep sleeping until they felt satisfied.

“If you used that same approach for a guideline on how much people should eat, you would put them in a well-stocked pantry and just watch how much they ate until they felt satisfied,” Showalter said. “Somehow that doesn’t seem right.”

The study

In the new study, the BYU researchers tried to connect sleep to a measure of performance or productivity. Analyzing data from a representative sample of 1 724 primary and secondary school students across the country, they found a strong relationship between the amount of sleep youths got and how they fared on standardized tests.

But more sleep isn’t always better. As they report in the Eastern Economics Journal, the right amount of sleep decreases with age:

•             The optimal for 10-year-olds is 9 – 9.5 hours

•             The optimal for 12-year-olds is 8 – 8.5 hours

•             The optimal for 16-year-olds is 7 hours

“We don’t look at it just from a ‘your kid might be sleeping too much’ perspective,” Eide said. “From the other end, if a kid is only getting 5.5 hours of sleep a night because he’s overscheduled, he would perform better if he got 90 minutes more each night.”

[Ozone therapy in our ozone saunas assist in getting a good nights rest. Try an ozone therapy session here.]

The size of the effect on test scores depends on a number of factors, but an 80-minute shift toward the optimum is comparable to the child’s parents completing about one more year of schooling.

“Most of our students at BYU, especially those that took early-morning seminary classes in high school, are going to realise that 9 hours of sleep isn’t what the top students do,” Showalter said.

(Brigham Young University, News release)

http://www.health24.com/news/Sleep/1-1249,72757.asp

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Are you a student? How much sleep do you get?

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[Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your chances of stroke, go for an ozone therapy session to rid your body of toxins]

The work, conducted in the labs of Robert Knight at Berkeley and Edward Chang at UCSF, is reported in the open-access journal PLoS Biology. The report will be accompanied by an interview with the authors for the PLoS Biology Podcast.

The scientists have succeeded in decoding electrical activity in a region of the human auditory system called the superior temporal gyrus (STG). By analyzing the pattern of STG activity, they were able to reconstruct words that subjects listened to in normal conversation.

“This is huge for patients who have damage to their speech mechanisms because of a stroke or Lou Gehrig’s disease and can’t speak,” said Knight, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UC Berkeley. “If you could eventually reconstruct imagined conversations from brain activity, thousands of people could benefit.”

A prosthetic device

“This research is based on sounds a person actually hears, but to use this for a prosthetic device, these principles would have to apply to someone who is imagining speech,” cautioned first author Brian N. Pasley, a post-doctoral researcher at UC Berkeley. “There is some evidence that perception and imagery may be pretty similar in the brain. If you can understand the relationship well enough between the brain recordings and sound, you could either synthesize the actual sound a person is thinking, or just write out the words with a type of interface device.”

Pasley tested two different methods to match spoken sounds to the pattern of activity in the electrodes. The patients then heard a single word and Pasley used two different computational models to predict the word based on electrode recordings. The better of the two methods was able to reproduce a sound close enough to the original word for him and fellow researchers to correctly guess the word better than chance.

“We think we would be more accurate with an hour of listening and recording and then repeating the word many times,” Pasley said. But because any realistic device would need to accurately identify words the first time heard, he decided to test the models using only a single trial.

“I didn’t think it could possibly work, but Brian did it,” Knight said. “His computational model can reproduce the sound the patient heard and you can actually recognize the word, although not at a perfect level.”

Brain exploration

The ultimate goal of the study was to explore how the human brain encodes speech and determine which aspects of speech are most important for understanding.

“At some point, the brain has to extract away all that auditory information and just map it onto a word, since we can understand speech and words regardless of how they sound,” Pasley said. “The big question is, what is the most meaningful unit of speech? A syllable, a phone, a phoneme? We can test these hypotheses using the data we get from these recordings.”

(EurekAlert, January 2012)

http://www.health24.com/news/Brain_Neurological/1-896,72563.asp

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Do you think this will eventually lead to mind reading?

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• Keep as much of your body out of the water as possible. If you can, pull yourself out of the water onto a floating object.
• The more energy you use in cold water, the more your body cools. If you can’t climb out of the water, conserve body heat by staying as still as possible and reducing the body area exposed to the water. Protect your critical heat loss regions: head, sides, armpits and groin. Don’t try swimming unless shore, or an object you can get onto, like an overturned boat is nearby and you can definitely get to it.
• If you are wearing a lifejacket, you may be able to use the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) to reduce heat loss: hold your arms tightly against your sides and across your chest, hold your legs together and up toward your chest.
• In the case of two or more people wearing life-jackets, huddle together to conserve body heat and increase your visibility for rescuers.

The human body and cold water: some interesting comparative temperatures

Compiled with assistance from Lewis Gordon Pugh

- Olivia Rose-Innes, EnviroHealth Editor, Health24, updated January 2012

http://www.health24.com/medical/Condition_centres/777-792-1461-1669,57042.asp 

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