Both Arms Should be Used for Measuring Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm of mercury. The former is referred to as the systolic blood pressure. The latter is the diastolic blood pressure. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 is considered as a situation of hypertension. Hypertension increases the risk for heart disease, stroke and dementia.

Usually, only one arm is used for measuring the blood pressure. A recent report suggests that both arms should be used for measuring the blood pressure and the difference between the systolic pressures obtained from both the arms can be a useful index for heart disease risk.

Does Diabetes Decrease Testosterone Levels?

Testosterone is the major male sex hormone and decreased levels of this hormone have been associated with reduced sexual desire. Recently, evidence has emerged to show that the levels of this hormone are decreased in several health conditions. Obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and hypertension are examples. This is because testosterone supplements do not bring about improvement in these conditions.

Diabetes is the condition where the relationship between the disease and testosterone levels has been well established. Testosterone positively impacts glucose metabolism. This hormone facilitates the action of insulin in promoting the uptake of glucose by the cells. Moreover, men with low testosterone levels tend to develop insulin resistance. It has also been shown that as many as 50% of men with low testosterone levels go on to develop diabetes. Of course, nobody is sure as to what is causing what.

Vitamin E and Alzheimer's Disease

Research in Sweden has indicated the role of vitamin E in the functioning of the brain. The blood levels of vitamin E in individuals who had either mild cognitive impairment or, Alzheimer’s disease were compared with those of individuals who were normal. The individual who had cognitive problems or, Alzheimer’s disease had very low levels of vitamin E. Both tocopherols and tocotrienols were reduced. It is clear that the brain would get decreased supply of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. When vitamin E is reduced in the brain, it suffers from oxidative stress and this may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Coffee Against Cancer

Drinking coffee lowers the risk for several diseases including diabetes and dementia. Recent studies indicate that coffee can also reduce the risk for skin cancer by as much as 20%. Coffee also decreases the risk for acquiring liver cancer. It is also better to start exercising after consuming a cup of coffee as coffee reduces muscle fatigue.

Sit at Your Own Peril

The ill effects of too much sitting are already well documented. A recent report suggests that sitting continuously at the same spot can also affect the mental health of the individuals concerned. In a survey carried out in UK the average time spent by an individual in the sitting posture is around six hours per day. That is considered as too much sitting. Also, it has been found that people who spend time sitting in offices, tend to continue this habit at home-a dangerous trend.

Coping With Arthritis

Arthritis is a crippling disease affecting the joints. It causes inflammation and swelling and movement becomes difficult and also painful. Arthritis is a disease of ageing. However, suitable measures can be taken to counter the problem of arthritis.

How Fiber Protects Against Colon Cancer

Fiber is obtained from plant based foods like roots, leaves, vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts. The fiber has turned out to be a super food which doesn’t supply calories, but which has the ability to ward off several diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and dementia. One of the impressive records of fiber in the field of health has been its ability to offer protection against the onset of colon cancer.

Photo by Richard Bitting (Flickr.com)


Certain types of fiber are acted upon by the bacteria colonizing our intestinal tract. This action by the bacteria produces a compound called butyrate. Butyrate has the ability to turn on an anti cancer gene. This activation offers protection against colon cancer. In fact, fiber also has the ability to counter breast cancer.

Exercise Promotes Hormone Production

Exercise Promotes Hormone Production

Should The Thyroid be Tested in Pregnancy?

Should The Thyroid be Tested in Pregnancy?

Providing Ideal Conditions for Sleep

Providing Ideal Conditions for Sleep

Liberal Market Economy Brings in Obesity

Liberal Market Economy Brings in Obesity

2011-record Elephant Killing

2011-record Elephant Killing

Nicotine Can have a Positive Side

Ageing brings in several health problems. The brain also undergoes ageing. The ageing of the brain is accompanied by the decline in cognitive functions. One of the casualties in ageing is memory. A recent study in the US indicates that small amounts of nicotine can counter memory loss due to ageing. Nicotine also increased the attention span. It also helped aged individuals to process information faster and also consistently.

However, researchers caution against smoking. Too much of nicotine can make things worse. No one is sure of what amount of nicotine is safe and what amount would help prevent memory loss. More research is needed in this field.

An Apple a Day Alone Cannot Keep the Doctor away

A recent study in Canada has suggested that people are not eating enough quantities of fruits and vegetables. These gifts from the plants are supposed to offer protection against several diseases including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. This fact is more apparent with people in the lower strata of the economy. Cultural practices and living environment also plays a part. People living in and around farms consumed more of vegetables and fruits compared to the city dwellers. Thus, it is clear that an apple a day cannot keep the doctor away.

How Coffee acts Against Diabetes

Drinking coffee has several benefits. One of the chief benefits is the reduction in the risk for diabetes. Coffee drinkers have lower levels of C-peptide. C-peptide is an integral component of insulin. Higher levels of C-peptide are indicative of reduced insulin action, a phenomenon called insulin resistance. Thus, lower C-peptide levels indicate reduced risk for diabetes. This effect is more prominent in obese and overweight people. Magnesium and chromium present in coffee facilitate the action of insulin. The positive effects of insulin are seen in decaffeinated coffee as well indicating that the effect is not due to caffeine.

Memory Loss Begins at 40

The risk for Alzheimer’s disease is believed to start from the age of 60. This disease is closely connected with memory loss. But, recent reports suggest that memory loss may begin right from the age of 40. The same study also suggests that if you keep the heat and the vascular system in fine mettle, the brain is protected and memory loss can be pushed back by a few years.