HSE to review link between red meat and cancer

Executive to examine if changes to hospital diets needed in wake of WHO report

The International Agency for Research on Cancer report also suggested that red meat was a likely cause of some cancers. Photograph: Getty Images

To play video: http://bcove.me/y0usja0a

The HSE is to review new research which suggests processed and red meat can cause cancer to determine if changes are needed to dietary and nutritional policies for patients in hospitals and other public healthcare facilities.

World Health Organisation (WHO) experts said on Monday that bacon, ham and sausages were as big a cancer threat as tobacco. Experts from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded 50g of processed meat eaten daily increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 per cent.

The report also suggested that red meat was a likely cause of some cancers. The IARC, part of WHO, put processed meat such as hot dogs and ham in its group 1 list, which includes tobacco, asbestos and diesel fumes, for which there is “sufficient evidence” of cancer links.

Red meat, including beef, lamb and pork, was classified as a “probable” carcinogen in the IARC group 2A list that also contains glyphosate, the active ingredient in many weedkillers.

‘Limited evidence’

The lower classification for red meat reflected “limited evidence” that it causes cancer. The agency for research on cancer found links mainly with bowel cancer, but also with pancreatic and prostate cancer, it said. (...)

Martin Wall, Mon, Oct 26, 2015, 20:11

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/hse-to-review-link-between-red-meat-and-cancer-1.2406694

Quick to cook and good for you too: Why we need more seafood in our diet

• 06:01, 15 OCT 2015
• BY ALICE HINDS

• If you want to lead a healthy lifestyle, adding some nutrient-rich fish dishes to your diet is a great start.

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  Fish is the Dish

  Seafood contains omega 3 for a healthy heart






HEALTH fads come and go, but there's one food that experts have been recommending for decades – fish.


The delights of the sea are packed full of health-boosting vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that are important for maintaining some key body functions.


Here, we dive in to find out why seafood is so good for us.
1. There's plenty more vitamins in the sea


Fish and seafoods such as mussels, prawns, haddock and more, are great sources of essential vitamins and minerals, with key nutrients including:
Omega 3 – important for brain development, seafood is the richest natural source of this fatty acid.
Iron – required for the creation of new blood cells.
Protein – not only great for providing energy, protein also helps to maintain healthy cells and build muscles.
B-vitamins – responsible for converting food to energy and for making new blood cells.
Calcium – especially important for women and children, calcium helps to keep teeth and bones strong.
Vitamin D – works in the body to help absorb calcium.
Vitamin A – often also found in carrots, this vitamin is great for giving you healthy eyes and skin.
Iodine – helps to keep the metabolism running at the right level.
2. Eat oily fish for a healthy heart


As we've mentioned above, fish is rich in Omega 3 which is a long-chain polyunsaturated fat – or good fatty acid to you and me! Omega 3 has been linked to a range of health benefits, but it's particularly important for maintaining a healthy heart.


These fats help to maintain blood levels of a type of fat in the blood, called triglycerides. If levels of triglycerides get too high in our body, our risk of heart disease is increased.


Eating oily fish also helps to maintain normal blood pressure, helping to reduce your risk of a stroke.
3. Fish helps you to train


If you love the gym or are training hard for a big goal, such as a marathon, fish could help you reach your personal best. Fish and seafood are lean sources of protein, which is essential for helping to build and maintain muscles. Plus Omega 3 has also been tied to an improved aerobic metabolism.
4. Get beautiful skin and eyes


Let's face it, eating healthy isn't all about boosting your insides – we want our outsides to look good too! And the vitamins and minerals in fish and seafood go a long way to helping you look great.


The nutrients in oil-rich fish, such as mackerel or herring, have been found to help you have clear skin, shiny hair and bright eyes. Plus it could also help your smile too, as scientists have found that eating seafood can lower the risk of depression.
5. Ditch the sat-fats


Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the more difficult things in life. After all, with so many tempting treats, it can be hard to say no!


Fish is not only a delicious option, but it can also actually help you lose weight, thanks to most fish choices being low in fat, high in protein and often low in calories.


Make sure to prepare your fish in a healthy way – avoiding adding unnecessary fat, oils and butter – and you will be on your way to a slimmer waistline.


This article was brought to you in association with Seafish, the authority on seafood. 
• For more information, recipes and tips visit www.seafoodweek.co.uk 
• http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/food-drink/quick-cook-good-you-too-6596760
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Healthy eating in a fast food world

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of American children eat fast food every day.(...)

If a student leaves lunch still feeling hungry, they might go to a fast food restaurant after school or get unhealthy snacks elsewhere. (...) 

... it is easy to notice which kids are eating healthier at home because they are enthusiastic about eating fruits and vegetables at school. (...)

“As a parent it is essential to be a role model for your children, even when it comes to eating habits, food choices, activity and overall healthy lifestyle choices,” she said.

When eating at a fast food restaurant, there are options to make the meal as healthy as possible. Pollock-Tiedeck recommends ordering from the dollar menu because the portions are generally smaller than the regular menu, asking for no cheese or sauce on a hamburger, substituting a baked potato or apple slices for fries, avoiding chicken nuggets and ordering grilled, baked or broiled items instead of fried items, ordering milk instead of pop and making use of the salad bar while avoiding high-calorie options like dressings, cheese or bacon bits.

Jillian Fellows (231) 881-1950 -jfellows@petoskeynews.com

http://www.petoskeynews.com/featured-pnr/healthy-eating-in-a-fast-food-world/article_a8e4c1be-7ff8-5846-9ac8-1f37abbd6d29.html

How to pack lunch like a star

Washington - Just because you're grown up doesn't mean you don't need a good lunch. (,,,) 

When you DIY, chances are you'll eat better-quality food in saner portions with more of what you need(...) Plus, packing lunch saves money.(...)

Plan leftovers

The easiest trick is to make lunch with food from dinner the night before.

When you're cooking, it is no more work to toss an extra piece of chicken breast or salmon fillet in the skillet, add a few more broccoli florets to the steamer, boil an extra egg or toss some extra vegetables on the grill, and all of these are just as good served chilled.

If you have access to a microwave, you can pack just about any meal in a microwave-safe container and reheat it for lunch the next day. Soups, stews and chilli often taste even better the second time around.

 

Rethink your sandwich

Most homemade sandwiches are automatically a better bet than the foot-long, meat-stuffed kind you might get at a deli.

But consider this to make yours even better: Skip the humongous rolls, bagels and oversized wraps that can weigh in at the equivalent of four standard bread slices. Instead, aim for two ounces (about 56g) of bread total (the nutrition label gives you the weight of a serving) and make it whole grain for the fibre, antioxidants and nutty taste. That generally translates to two slices of sandwich bread, a six-inch pita (15cm) or a nine-inch wrap (22cm).

Scooping the centre out of a crusty baguette or roll is also a great way to keep starch portions in check and still have the satisfying sandwich you crave.

When it comes to spreads, get yourself out of a mayo rut by exploring condiments that are bursting with flavour and nutrients. Try slathering a basil or sun-dried tomato pesto on bread for a punch of flavour, indulging in a spread of buttery ripe avocado, or smearing on some rich, creamy hummus. And instead of overstuffing your sandwich with cold cuts and cheese, leave lots of room for vegetables.

Pack more produce

That go-to slice of tomato and lettuce leaf on your sandwich is okay, but you can do so much better.

Rather than treating the veggies as an afterthought, make them the star. Grilled zucchini, eggplant, fennel, peppers, onions and tomatoes, interesting greens such as watercress, steamed asparagus spears or green beans, sliced beets, snow peas, shredded carrot, cabbage or sliced radish can all be piled on a sandwich to give it a big wow factor. They can also be added to, or substituted for, your basic salad to make it more interesting and tasty.

Say no to soggy

There is no need to suffer through soggy sandwiches and salads. For salads other than slaws, which can stand up to being dressed ahead, pack the dressing separately and toss with the greens right before eating. There are many cute containers available with separate salad and dressing compartments, or you can use any sealable food containers. Also be sure to dry your greens well before packing them so they don't get waterlogged.

To keep sandwiches from getting mushy, protect the bread from any wet ingredients by putting large pieces of lettuce in between the bread and the other fillings on both the top and bottom pieces of bread.

Most important, keep your lunch fresh and safe to eat by packing it in an insulated lunchbox with an ice pack and, if you have access to a refrigerator, pop it in there as soon as you can — with your name on it, of course, to prevent the dreaded lunch theft.

Step away from the desk

Two of the most compelling reasons to go out to lunch if you are at work are simply to get away from your desk and maybe socialise a bit. There is no reason to forgot that important mental break when you bring food from home. Make a point of finding a spot in a nearby park or outdoor seating area or, at least, find somewhere in the office where you can escape your computer for a few minutes. Invite a friend or co-worker to join you if you are craving company. It might be just the inspiration that person needs to pack lunch, too.

Washington Post

* Krieger is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and author. She blogs and offers a biweekly newsletter at www.elliekrieger.com. She also writes weekly in The Post's Food section.

http://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/food-drink/food/how-to-pack-lunch-like-a-star-1.1915569#.ViGCKn4vfIU

Ways to get healthy at work

Cape Town - What we eat at our place of work has a huge impact on our overall diet and influences our productivity.(...)

Healthy eating in the workplace is the theme of this year's National Nutrition Week, which started on October 9.

Employees consume at least half of their meals and snacks during work hours, making this an important place to promote healthy eating, according to a press release from the Association for Dietetics in South Africa 

Registered dietitian Alex Royal says that healthy eating at work can be a challenge as there are often too many temptations: the vending machine, the sweet trolley, colleagues who have bad habits that influence others.

“During a busy day we don't have time (or forget) to prepare healthy meals or even forget to eat. So blood glucose levels drop, resulting in an energy dip and potentially cravings, especially for highly processed and sugary foods. This fuels the cycle of unhealthy eating at work”, Royal concludes.

Cath Day, Registered Dietitian and ADSA spokesperson, also offers some tips for employees:

* Before grabbing a snack, first ask yourself if you are really hungry or if you actually need to take a break from what you are doing. Going for a short walk or getting some fresh air - may be all you need.

* Don't skip meals or healthy snacking between meals. Skipping meals and snacks results in dips in blood glucose (sugar) levels and thus you will be more likely to crave unhealthy foods.

Work lunchboxes go a long way in giving employees more control over what they eat during the day.

Registered dietitian Kelly Schreuder says the goals of a healthy work lunchbox include:

* Variety and balance of foods, providing a variety of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fat and micronutrients.

* Real food, as opposed to processed snacks and those that are high in added sugar, excess salt and poor quality fat, and portion control.

And what about fluids - what should we be drinking while we are at work?

“The simple answer is that water should be the main beverage we are drinking while working but there are many other healthy options to choose from as well. People often forget that beverages can contain a large amount of energy (and many beverages contain too much sugar such as sugar sweetened beverages and fruit juice) so we need to be more mindful about what we are drinking”, say ADSA spokesperson Catherine Pereira.

Being active in the workplace is also important and employees should try to be as physically active as possible.

Durban-based dietitian Hlanzeka Mpanza says that it is not impossible to include some physical exercise in the workday. Use the steps instead of the lift; form an exercise club with colleagues and try to fit in a 15 minute walk during the lunch hour; wear a pedometer during the day to keep track of activity levels and as a motivator; and stretch your legs by walking over to your colleagues' desk instead of sending them an email.

What we eat affects our mood, how alert we are and our overall productivity.

We asked dietitian Maryke Bronkhorst why food influences us in this way. “Some foods contain nutrients that are used to manufacture certain brain chemicals that may enhance mental tasks like memory, concentration, and reaction time. Protein foods enhance the brain's production of dopamine, a natural brain chemical that helps one to feel alert. Large quantities of carbohydrates, on the other hand, result in the production of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that can cause drowsiness, but glucose in the bloodstream is the brain's main source of energy. So it's important that you eat at regular intervals and choose low glycaemic index options to prevent your blood sugar levels from dropping too low,” says Bronkhorst.

Lean biltong, a small handful nuts, a piece of fresh fruit eg blueberries, vegetable crudités with a dip like hummus and plain yoghurt flavoured with handful of berries are great 'go-to' snacks.

October 12 2015 

http://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/ways-to-get-healthy-at-work-1.1928440#.ViF9yn4vfIU

get rid of greasy hair! (without dry shampoo). ☠

This is a quick trick when you do not have time to treat your oily hair.

Hair Care - Oily Hair - Natural Ayurvedic Home Remedies

This is another way of coping with oily hair. Have a look at this about 2 minutes long guide,

No more oily scalp with this cheap DIY hair wash

Have an oily scalp that leaves your hair looking limp a day after you shampoo? Well, if you have tried everything without much luck, here is a great natural remedy by Charmaine D’souza in a book Kitchen Clinic.

How it helps
This wash contains green tea, mint and lemon. Lemon is a natural astringent and helps get rid of oiliness from your scalp and helps condition your hair. Also, mint and green tea nourish your hair, help keep infections at bay due to their antibacterial and antifungal qualities and are great gentle astringents that keep your scalp oil free. (...) 

What you need

• 2 sachets of green tea
• 5 mint leaves
• 500 mL water
• Juice of one lemon
• Strainer

Method

• Take two sachets of green tea and 5 mint leaves and add them to a vessel with 500 mL of boiling water. Take it off the flame and leave it to infuse for about half an hour.
• Next, add the juice of one lemon and mix it well.
• Strain this mixture and leave it aside to cool.
• How to use this remedy
• Use this mixture to rinse out your hair to help reduce oiliness on your scalp and  hair.

(...)

Image source: Shutterstock

Reference: Kitchen Clinic. Charmaine D’souza. Random House India, Noida, 2013. Pages 265.

http://www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/get-rid-of-oily-scalp-with-this-easy-and-cheap-hair-wash-p915/

7 must visit health websites for everyone

Ashutosh Desai & Savio D Souza | TNN | Sep 26, 2015

Here's a list of health websites every family should bookmark:

From how-tos in first aid to homemade ayurvedic cures, paediatrics to mental wellness, and even an online resource that lets you manage your entire family's medical records in one secure location for easy access, here's a list of health websites every family should bookmark:

Med India

Med India is one of the most comprehensive health and medicine sites meant for lay people, with content that's presented in simple terms so that everyone can understand it.

In here, you can find medical acronyms, health calculators for diabetes, cardiac patients, heightweight tools, a section on diet and nutrition, information on diseases, first aid advice, and even a healthcare glossary .Notably , its multimedia section is packed with images, animation and videos that graphically explain medical procedures and conditions.

You might also want to check out its home remedies section that lists beauty treatments with ingredients from your kitchen - as well as cures for common ailments such as acne, acidity, headache, vertigo, blood pressure, common cold and cough. A great resource to have at hand for quick reference.

http:www.medindia.net

First aid for free

Timely first aid is vital and, in some cases, can even prove to be life-saving. First Aid for Free is an effort by John Furst, a medical trainer and lifeguard, to raise awareness about essential lifesaving skills. Furst offers this information through three courses - basic, online and paediatric first aid. All the courses are free and only require you to register with the website so you can save your progress. Topics include infection control, how to help an unconscious casualty , and even treating open wounds and burns. Each of these are explained with visuals and videos.

The site also has articles on how to handle falls in elderly patients, emergency childbirth, epileptic seizures; how to operate blood pressure monitors and more.

http:www.firstaidforfree.com

Paediatrics

Caring for children is a full-time job. Your little one might not be able to express discomfort or your teenager will not let you know when he or she is feeling down. You have to be able to pick up these cues - whether physical or emotional - and figure out what measures need to be taken. Realistically , it is not possible to know everything, but having a valuable resource and a community at hand will make parenting less stressful.

Baby Center, for instance, is aimed at couples who are planning to have a child and women who are pregnant. It features articles written and reviewed by experienced medical experts based in India and the UK. Depending on the stage of pregnancy or how old your child is, you can dive into topics immediately: simply click on the pregnancy timeline to view the articles that are relevant to you. Baby Center is also home to information on infertility , diet and nutrition, labour, emotional health, immunizations and more. It has an active forum where you can share experiences, fears, and clear doubts with other mothers.

KidsHealth is another similar resource, which caters to parents with older children. In fact, it encourages children to read up on issues on their own. There are three sections: For Parents, Kids, and Teens, which are tailored to its reader. Parents can get advice on growth and development, infections, nutrition, school and family life, emotions and behaviour, etc. The Kids section is more visual, has quizzes and tips on how to deal with a range of emotions they will experience while at home or school, on coping in different places and meeting new people, staying safe, and more.

Similarly, Teens is about address ing issues such as self esteem, hygiene, responsibility, and substance abuse. Given that this website is run out of the US, you will find a few topics that are more applicable to an American audience, but most of the advice - on anger management, fear, separation, depression, how to deal with disagreements, etc - is very applicable to parents and children in India as well.

http:www.babycenter.in

http:www.kidshealth.org

Ayurveda

Home remedies - whether they were passed down from nani and dadi who knew just the right concoction to soothe a painful throat, or the kindly neighbour who came over with a homemade paste that cleared pimples - have been an integral part of the Indian household. Well, most of these cures are firmly grounded in ayurveda - a science that is usually passed down from one generation to the next by word of mouth. Now, you can also turn to Home Veda and Ayurvedic Home Remedies for these tried and tested treatments.The best part? Almost every mixture found on these sites can be formulated using items that can be bought from your local general store.

Besides first-aid and medicines, Home Veda comprises sections on food therapy , fitness and baby care. You will find diet plans and cures for every common ailment on this website, along with video presentations that teach you preparation methods. Home Veda also has video playlists curated by experts on topics such as daily personal care, organic makeup, and women's health issues.

Similarly , Ayurvedic Home Remedies hasprimers on the medicinal properties of spices and herbs, such as turmeric, shilajit, neem, cardamom, asafoetida, black pepper, etc. Here also you will find treatments for ant, dog and snake bites; cures for pains, arthritis, fever, indigestion, conjunctivitis, blood pressure, baldness, dandruff, acne and wrinkles.

http:www.homeveda.com

http:www.ayurvedichomeremedies.net

Psych central

In existence since 1995, Psych Central is an independent mental health social network that's run by professionals who offer reliable information and over 200 support groups to people from around the world.

It offers advice on subjects like addictions, Alzheimer's, anxiety and panic, autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, child disorders, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, sleep problems, OCD, schizophrenia, stress management and more. On Psych Central you can educate yourself about mental conditions, read expert blogs, follow research in the field, consult therapists, and even join a support group. It even has a free quiz section with questionnaires that are based on scientific research to help you determine whether you have symptoms commonly associated with mental disorders.The results can then be used as a starting point when consulting a local physician.

Bookmark this website even if you don't think you have any need of its resources, because - as its home page says "your mental health is as important as your physical health".

http:www.psychcentral.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/computing/7-must-visit-health-websites-for-everyone/articleshow/49116449.cms