<![CDATA[Reinventing Your Health After 50!]]> http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/ sNews CMS <![CDATA[Diabetes Epidemic Facing in US and the Resulting Impact on Health Care and Costs]]> Diabetes is characterized by increased blood glucose level due to defect in insulin action , insulin production or may be both. If preventive measures are not taken it may lead to severe complications and premature death.1 Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in United States and fifth leading cause in New York . In America , an estimated 21 million suffer from diabetes and 41 million are prediabetic . Poor glycemic control , hypertension, obesity, cigarette smoking and elevated level of cholesterol can lead to increased severity of complications . Diabetes is a chronic disease which is associated with various complications that leads to increased cost burden both at individual and national levels. About 70% of the cost associated with diabetes has been attributed to complications such as cardiovascular diseases . About 75% of the patients suffering from diabetes tend to suffer from heart disorders at some point of their life. Increased risk of complications has led to aggressive treatment which has also contributed to the increasing healthcare costs.2, 3, 4 Economic burden is the major concern for many developing and developed countries. Total cost of diagnosed diabetes patients in United States was $174 billion in 2007 which included $116 billion as direct costs and $58 billion as indirect costs such as disability, work loss, and premature mortality. In U.S., the healthcare cost of each patient related to diabetes is around $ 11,157 per year . Total cost of diabetes with undiagnosised, prediabetes and gestational diabetes in U.S. is about $218 billion . Individuals with diabetes spent twice that of healthy individuals for healthcare related needs. Awareness of current and future economic impact is very much needed among government and non government organizations, diabetes associations, health professionals and patients suffering from diabetes. 1, 5 Lack of early identification of the disorder and its poor management are some of the major factors that result in increased risk of developing complications and the related hike in healthcare costs . Poverty is the universal cause of poor management wherein individuals prefer to pay up for their food rather than pay for medical expenses. Lack of awareness about the disease and its related complications is also among the prime reasons for rising incidence rates. Standing apart from all these factors is the rapid increase in the number of obese people in the U.S. More and more people and alarmingly children are becoming obese at a very early age increasing the risk of developing diabetes manifold at younger ages. This has resulted in higher insurance costs, lack of productivity and low overall quality of life. 3, 6 The increasing economic burden can be reduced by improved participation by the government, healthcare providers, non-government organizations, diabetics and the people in general. While the government is forming policies to ensure better care and early recognition of the disease, the healthcare providers and the non-government agencies should consider partnering with the government in reducing the healthcare costs. Diabetics and other healthy individuals should take steps to increase their awareness about the disorder and its related complications. Significant improvement in treatment adherence, persistence and lower annual cost in individuals with diabetes leads to control of diabetes and decreased complications. Lifestyle intervention reduces the risk of diabetes by 58% and the reduction rate was even greater in adults aged 60 years or older (71% ). Lifestyle interventions have also been shown to be more cost-effective than medications. Quality improvement programs and disease related management programs have led to significant public investment to prevent the disease. 7-9 Such changes can significantly reduce the economic burden both on developed and developing countries.




@import url(http://www.google.com/cse/api/branding.css); Google Custom Search Reference: 1. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet. [updated 2008 Jun; cited 2009 Nov]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/general07.htm#gen_. 2. Steinbrook R. Facing the Diabetes Epidemic-Mandatory Reporting of Glycosylated Hemoglobin Values in New York City.NEJM. 2009, 354(6):545-548. 3. World Socialist Web Site. Diabetes in the US: a social epidemic. [updated 2006 Jan; cited 2009 Nov]. Available from: http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/jan2006/diab-j30.shtml. 4. Mary Woodard Lasker Charitable Trust. Facts about diabetes. [cited 2009 Nov]. Available from: http://www.laskerfoundation.org/advocacy/pdf/factsheet3diabetes.pdf 5. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Statistics [cited 2009 Nov]. Available from: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics 6. American Diabetes Association. Economic costs of diabetes in the U.S. In 2007. Diabetes Care. 2008 Mar; 31(3):596-615. http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/31/3/596.full.pdf+html. 7. Balkrishnan R, Rajagopalan R, Shenolikar RA, Camacho FT, Whitmire JT, Anderson RT. Healthcare costs and prescription adherence with introduction of thiazolidinedione therapy in Medicaid type 2 diabetic patients: a retrospective data analysis. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2004, 20, (10), 1633-1640. 8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Diabetes Statistics, 2007 fact sheet. Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, 2008. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/DM/PUBS/statistics. 9. Huang ES, Zhang Q, Brown SES, Drum ML, Meltzer DO, Chin MH. The Cost-Effectiveness of Improving Diabetes Care in U.S. Federally Qualified Community Health Centers. Health Serv Res. 2007; 42(6 Pt 1): 2174–2323. ]]> Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:37:43 +0000 http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/diabetes-epidemic-and-the-impact-on-health-care-costs/diabetes-epidemic-facing-in-us-and-the-resulting-impact-on-health-care-and-costs/ http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/diabetes-epidemic-and-the-impact-on-health-care-costs/diabetes-epidemic-facing-in-us-and-the-resulting-impact-on-health-care-and-costs/ <![CDATA[Winter Sports]]> Winter Sports , a Benefit to Your Health . Millions of Americans love winter sports . Frozen lakes, rivers and ponds are the choices for their traditional winter sports . Outdoor gaming is gaining wide popularity with winter sports such as skiing, curling, downhill skiing, figure skating, hunting and trapping, ice fishing, ice hockey, ski jumping, snowshoeing, speed shaking and tobogganing commonly played on a large scale. Golf, softball and ultimate Frisbee are also being adopted for winter sports . With the existence of traditional sports , new and existing events have come up recently for Winter sports such as snowmobiling, freestyle skiing, aerial skiing, ballet skiing, mogul skiing, snowboarding, ringuette, ice boating/ice surfing and snow tubing. 1 Fun apart, winter sports (games) are also associated with an increased number of injuries, especially among children, adolescents and individuals above middle age. Incidence of head injuries caused by winter sports according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) by its National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) is around 11,723 and by ice skating is 3,115. 2 Commonly seen cold related injuries due to winter sports are sprains and strains particularly on the knee, ankle and feet . Snow blindness caused due to sunburn in the cornea of the eye is another concern associated with winter sports. Symptoms can include painful, watery eyes and temporary blurring of vision also . Frost bite due to reduced blood flow following exposure to extreme cold is also a matter of concern that can lead to amputations. Hypothermia or a rapid fall in body temperature can lead to life threatening situations at times. Shivering, drowsiness, grey or blue facial skin, and cold hard and white skin are the signs of hypothermia wherein the body temperature falls below 35°C. Further fall in the body temperature can result in unconsciousness.3 Individuals above the age of 50 years and playing Winter sports are more prone to a wide range of disorders or conditions such as arthritis, back pain, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, lung disease, stroke and bone weakness. This considerably increases their risk of getting injured owing to factors such as lack of limb coordination, lack of flexibility of the joints and muscles, poor vision and numerous other factors. Such risk is higher in Winter sports in individuals who do not follow an active life or do not exercise on a regular basis.4 Precautionary measures should be taken to avoid injuries. Individuals should never participate alone. Warming up thoroughly before starting prevents muscle sprains and strains in people participating in Winter sports . Protective equipments including helmets, gloves and padding should be thoroughly used . Drink water before, during and after the exercise . Instructions in Winter Sports should be taken from qualified instructors. Attention should be given to the warning about upcoming storms and temperature drop. Medical attention should be taken if anybody experiences hypothermia.5 Warmup exercises in cold weather afford extra demands on human bodies. Wearing warm clothes and waterproof clothes protect against hypothermia and frostbites is essential in any kind of Winter Sports . Perfect fitting footwear should be preferred to avoid blisters. Sunscreens are to be applied to avoid from sunburns and closefitting sunglasses are recommended.6, 7 Avoid alcohol as it warms up the body and narrows blood vessels of hands thereby increases the risk of hypothermia. Rest at regular intervals is recommended to avoid fatigue related injury during Winter Sports . Feet are always vulnerable to infections and injuries. Individuals with preexisting conditions such as diabetes should always consult doctors before participating in Winter Sports . 3 Calories burned during exercise depend on the body weight. Calories are needed for our body depending on the age and sex. We need around 2000 and 2600 calories every day . Most of us however consume triple of that number . Luckily there are many ways to burn out the unwanted calories by engaging in Winter Sports . Cold weather doesn’t have to be an excuse for not doing exercise . One of the main advantages of winter sports is that it enhances the well being of the heart . Research has gathered information that wintertime exercise considerably reduces the chance of suffering from stroke or heart disease .8 During exercise calories are burnt according to the body weight, intensity of workout, condition level and metabolism @import url(http://www.google.com/cse/api/branding.css); Google Custom Search . Calories burned per hour are listed below with example body weights of 130(58.9 kg), 155 (70.3 kg) and 190 pounds (86.1kg).9

Sports Weight and corresponding amount of caloric burnt 130lbs 155lbs 190lbs

Ski jumping (climb up carrying skis)
Ski machine, general
Skiing, cross-country, moderate effort
Skiing, cross-country, uphill, maximum effort
Skiing, downhill, moderate effort
Skiing, snow, general
Skiing, waterSki-mobiling, water

413
561
472
974
354
413
354
413

493
669
563
1161
422
493
422
493

604
819
690
1423
518
604
518
604

Skateboarding
Skating, ice, general
Skating, roller

295
413
413 352
493
493 431
604
604

Sledding, tobogganing, bobsledding, luge

413 493 604 Snowshoeing 400 Ice Fishing in sitting position 118 173 Hockey, Ice 472 563 690 Golf 300 Curling 281 345 Shoveling snow 422 517
Sports Weight and corresponding amount of caloric burnt 130lbs 155lbs 190lbs

Aerobics, general

354

422

518

Bowling

177 211 259 Jogging, general 413 493 604 Frisbee playing, general 177 211 259 Health club exercise, general 325 387 474 Scrubbing floors, on hands and knees 325 387 474 Sitting-playin with child(ren)-light 148 176 216 Snowmobiling 207 246 302 ]]> Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:24:42 +0000 http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/seasonal-excercise/winter-sports/ http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/seasonal-excercise/winter-sports/ <![CDATA[Different Seasons for Excercise]]> Different Seasons for Different Exercises With the different seasons come opportunities for different variations of exercise . However, there may be built in limitations to certain outdoor exercise depending on the geographical area in which you live. Conversely though, your particular area might also afford you types of exercise not found or that are not possible in other climates. For instance, not all areas of the Country get snow in the winter months, but the areas that do will certainly enjoy the exercise the sports of Alpine/Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, sledding/inner tubing and the like can do for calorie burning. And the best part is, you’re having fun while burning calories, reducing weight and improving your health. You must learn to maximize what your geographical area has to offer. Do some searching and investigating as to what your surrounding area has to offer in ways of outdoor exercises . Look in your local paper (if you still have one) or on line for various clubs in your area that fit your purpose of reinventing your health. Fall time is a wonderful time to seek out and join a walking club or a hiking club for the more adventurous. Aside from the obvious of meeting new and different people and making new connections, you’ll see beautiful fall colors and be enjoying the crispness of fall weather as you explore nature and the great outdoors. I personally walk through out the various seasons as I find it so refreshing, and a great way to recharge my batteries in life and get a fresh perspective on challenging tasks at work. In Northern California summers can reach 118degrees, so the fall is a welcome change as there is nothing like a cool walk by the river. In Northern California we have many beautiful lakes, streams and canyons to explore. We also are home to the gorgeous Lassen Volcanic National Park which has among other attributes the beautiful and challenging Mt. Lassen peak. In my youthful days I climbed it every summer while attending church camp. Two and a half years ago before I set about reinventing my health , climbing a mountain such as Mt. Lassen, would have been nearly impossible if not dangerous to my life as I was so physically out of shape and over weight. Upon a trial run I couldn’t hike up the 1st switch back without getting breathless and experiencing a side ache. My son was getting the “call of the mountain ” to climb it and wanted me to go with him, this was one more trigger point that convinced me that I needed to reinvent my health . I gave myself a personal challenge and goal to be physically fit and ready to climb Lassen Peak by the next summer as it is snowed over in late fall and winter. I met the challenge and succeeded! My son and I immensely enjoyed sharing the experience and soaking up the panoramic views from the top at the summit! I was exhilarated with my accomplishment and the renewed freedom I was enjoying with improved health and cardiovascular improvement. The goal is to stay active year round with various indoor as well as outdoor exercises , thereby staying focused and committed to reinventing your health . Investigate your local area and see what activities are available on a seasonal basis, design a plan and start enjoying the new adventures. And remember, "You Can Do!" @import url(http://www.google.com/cse/api/branding.css); Google Custom Search ]]> Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:43:30 +0000 http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/seasonal-excercise/different-seasons-for-excercise/ http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/seasonal-excercise/different-seasons-for-excercise/ <![CDATA[Exercise]]> Exercise

What would you prefer to do when you are free, watch television or exercise by taking a walk? If you thought ‘watch television’, congratulations you may be one among the 25% Americans who practice a sedentary lifestyle of no exercise !

Ever wondered why there is a rapid increase in the number of physical disorders in today’s world? A lack of physical activity (exercise ) is root cause for many disorders affecting a wide variety of organs from the top of your head to the tip of your toe. Physical activity or exercise keeps the body in tone and helps it to function normally for a longer period of time. Regular exercise and other physical activity results in multiple adaptations in the muscles and also in the different organs in our body and thereby helps us to lead a longer, healthier life as stipulated at Sports and Exercise.1, 2.

Types/styles of exercise

The types of exercise can be broadly categorized as:

Aerobic/Cardiovascular Exercises

Stretching/Flexibility Exercises

Strength Training/Muscle toning Exercises

Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise is aimed at improving the blood circulation and strengthening your heart. They are also helpful in keeping you fit and active; and more importantly helps you to lose that extra fat thereby lowering your BMI (Body Mass Index) as previously discussed! The repeated rhythmic actions of the aerobics can be fun. Other activities such as brisk walking, running, jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing are also considered excellent aerobic physical activity and exercise.

Stretching or flexibility exercises are practiced more commonly by sports individuals who need to keep their muscles and body fit for the wide range of motions required in sports. They can be helpful in other individuals in improving the joint flexibility and body function. This kind of exercise can also be used as a warm up exercise before performing aerobic or strength training exercises.

Strength training exercise or muscle toning exercise is aimed at building strength and endurance in the muscles. Popular among body builders and other who practice heavy weight sports, strength training exercise can also benefit other individuals in strengthening the muscles to improve the functioning of different organs such as the heart as explained at Types of Exercise. 3, 4, 5

Make exercise fun

The most amount of drop outs from exercise programs are either due to a lack of motivation or due to boredom with a monotonous type of exercise chosen.

Here are some tips at Making Exercise Fun to keep you fit.6 ·

Love being with nature?

Excerise by taking a walk in the park, jog around the neighborhood or go for a hike/trek instead of working-out indoors ·

Try fitness balls ; they can be exciting as well as a good calorie burning excercise . ·

Invite like-minded friends for exercise training or outdoor activities such as cycling or running ·

Ever thought of dancing ? It’s a great way to lose those extra pounds and also have fun! The best of both!

Sports as physical exercise

Enjoy a specific sport? Join a local team near your home. This helps you to enjoy the game and practice fitness exercise in between. Sports such as rugby, basket ball or foot ball can help you lose calories at a faster rate and keep you fit. If you are not an extreme sports guy then you can try other sports such as golf, cricket, tennis and many more. All of these are great exercise .

Some of the martial arts such as kickboxing, taekwondo, and tai chi can also help you to keep fit through exercise while improving your confidence levels. These sports do require some amount of stamina but are much easier. Practicing sports helps you in many ways: gives you pleasure, burns the calories and keeps you fit and active through exercise .

You ask, what calories are burned with different types of activities?

Here is a table for you to see how much calories you burn with different types of activities that you perform commonly. 7

One-hour Activity Amount of calories burnt by an average adult

Aerobics (low key) 365

Trekking 511

Basketball 584

Bicycling as a leisure activity 292

Bowling 219

Dancing 219

Football 584

Golfing 329

Hiking 438

Ice skating 511

Jogging 584

Running 986

Skiing 365

Softball 365

Swimming 511

Tae kwon do 730

Tai chi 292

Tennis, singles 584

Volleyball 292

Brisk Walking 277 @import url(http://www.google.com/cse/api/branding.css); Google Custom Search

References/Support Links: 1. Family Practice Notebook. Exercise. [updated: 2008 Mar; accessed: 2009 May]. Available from: http://www.fpnotebook.com/Sports/Exercise/Exrcs.htm 2. Hawley JA, Holloszy JO. Exercise: it's the real thing! Nutr Rev. 2009 Mar;67(3):172-8. 3. Jones K, Barker K. Human Movement Explained. Elsevier Health Sciences, 1996 4. Davis M, Eshelman ER, McKay M. The relaxation and stress reduction workbook. 6th ed. New Harbinger Publications, 2008. 5. American Diabetes Association. Types of Exercise. [accessed: 2009 May]. Available from: http://www.diabetes.org/weightloss-and-exercise/exercise/types-of-exercise.jsp 6. Helpguide.org. Making Exercise Fun. [accessed: 2009 May]. Available from: http://www.helpguide.org/life/exercise.htm 7. Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Whitt MC, Irwin ML, et al. Compendium of physical activities: an update of activity codes and MET intensities. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000 Sep;32(9 Suppl):S498-504. ]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 13:01:41 +0000 http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/exercise/exercise/ http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/exercise/exercise/ <![CDATA[Health Juice with a Juicer]]> juicer to juice your own blend of health drinks is something to be seriously considered. Would you like to reverse middle age health issues, feel years younger and peel off the pounds? Of course you would , especially if it’s easy and effective. If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t given much thought to making fresh juice daily. You need to because the benefits of using your juicer for producing fresh juice recipes are incredible for your health. .

Most of us are aware that healthy juicing is derived through a process of selecting the right combination of fruits & veggies for the juicer , thus creating and drinking fruit and vegetable juices that become addicting. But did you know that juicing with a juicer can be more beneficial than actually eating the fruit itself? As mentioned in best of juicing,your body absorbs more nutrients from fresh juices versus solids because the process of digesting the solid is skipped. Imagine these fresh fruits Bowl of fresh fruit for juicing transformed in to fresh juice with a juicer and served in a frosted glass...so good and so healthy, you must try it if you haven't already.

As we age, we’re more prone to diseases and most people don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables , let alone fresh juice from a juicer , which contain phytochemicals, antioxidants and nutrients to help create immunity. Fresh Juice from your own juicer provides an easy way to solve this problem. You just have to make it a part of your daily diet . Yes, that will take a little time and patience on your part but the rewards will be worth the effort .

What are those rewards ? First and foremost, better health . As mentioned in juice detox phytochemicals help prevent diseases such as cancer and heart problems . By using your juicer to juice on a daily basis , drinking only a few glasses a day will give your body the same amount of phytochemicals found in eating a very large number of fruits and vegetables. Not only that , juicing is less expensive than drugs and provides no unwanted side effects .

In addition , a combination of specific fruits and vegetables blended in to juice with your juicer will improve arthritis, asthma, allergies and colds. You can find out what types of fruits and vegetables will assist in curing certain ailments as well as finding out a wealth of information from juice therapy

You’ll have the benefit of feeling younger due to the antioxidants which combats wrinkles, sagging, less muscle tone and age spots.

You also may be less prone to depression which can happen when our bodies lack certain nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes .

More about this can be found in the previous links.

Fresh juice from juicing can also help with weight loss. If that’s your goal in addition to better health , you might consider a juice fast. You can lose a lot of weight initially but it may slow to a pound a day depending on your metabolism . Check health recipes for specific articles on juice fasting.

All of this information sounds great but where do you get started? The following information below will get you on the road to finding the right juicer . According to discount juicers, you need to make some considerations before purchasing.

You won’t find the perfect juicer because of the different properties found in fruits and vegetables so you’ll need to do your research. This means you’ll need to prioritize what you want your juicer to do. Do you want to juice specific fruits and vegetables for certain ailments? Once you figure out your goal, you’ll have a better idea of what to buy. You also might want to consider how easy it is to clean your juicer , how fast you need it to be and what is the noise level. Different types of juicers include : -Centrifugal Juicers-older design , is good for most fruits and vegetables, can make 1-2 quarts before further juicing can be done. Most popular and affordable. -Centrifugal Ejection Juicers-Easier to clean, faster and good for most fruits and vegetables. -Masticating Juicer -Not a machine for a physically limited person due to design but very effective at chewing the pulp further down to extract the juice. -Manual Press Juicer -Produce has to first be shredded then pressed. Does a better job of juicing fruits versus other types. -Single Auger Juicers -Not the best for juicing fruits as hard and soft fruits need to be alternated when juicing. -Dual Stage Single Auger Juicers -Produces more juice and is more effective than Single Auger Juicer. -Twin Gear Press -Some pressure is needed to feed the produce into juicer. Best for juicing vegetables. Specific models and designs can be found on the above website.

Once you’ve identified the right juicer , you’ll need to find recipes . These will be easy to find online and in books. Recipes can be simple or creative and you’ll need to experiment to see what works for you. Check harvest essentials for some recipes. For example , to create a juice consisting of apples and strawberries, you would need 5 or 6 apples (depending on strength) and a cup of strawberries. Some recipes might call for more preparation. If you’re creating a recipe that calls for nuts and dates, for example, you might need to soak the nuts and dates in water overnight before being able to feed them into the juicer. The most important thing is to have fun with juicing and your juicer ! As with most things in life, if you have fun and stay creative, you’ll never lose interest. Start today by deciding which juicer is best for your needs, make your purchase and start juicing your way to better health!

I have always found Amazon.com to have a plentiful selection of products (juicers no exception), great prices and customer service. In case you don't already own a juicer, I've included the following links for your review.

Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite 1000-Watt Juice Extractor

Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain

Breville BJE510XL Ikon 900-Watt Variable-Speed Juice Extractor

Jack Lalanne's JLSS Power Juicer Deluxe Electric Juicer, Stainless/Black

@import url(http://www.google.com/cse/api/branding.css); Google Custom Search ]]> Mon, 18 May 2009 17:13:57 +0000 http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/health-juice-with-a-juicer/health-juice-with-a-juicer/ http://www.reinventingyourhealthafter50.com/health-juice-with-a-juicer/health-juice-with-a-juicer/