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What is Your Health Horoscope?

Posted: April 5th, 2009 | Author: Editor | Filed under: breast cancer, cancer, colds, diet, parenting, pregnancy, women's health | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

What is Your Health Horoscope?

By Sean Kenniff, MD

  The secret to living a longer and healthier life may not be as simple as eating a balanced diet and getting a lot of exercise. Recent research suggests your ‘health horoscope’ may be increasing or decreasing your odds of developing diseases. First-born children in large families tend to live the longest. In fact first-born children are 2-3 times more likely to reach age 100 than later-born children. Babies born to younger mothers may also enjoy an increased lifespan according to some reports. People living in rural environments tend to live longer than those living in urban and suburban environments. Some studies have even concluded that you are more likely to die near your birthday, or in the three months following it. Stress is believed to play a role. So what does your birthday say about your health risks?

JANUARY

Children conceived in the spring and summer months, and born from January through March may be at increased risk of birth defects according to a large U.S. study. In-utero exposure to pesticide residues during the warmer months may be playing a role.

A 2004 study published in the journal Neurology found people born during January and February are at the highest risk for developing malignant and benign brain tumors. Those born in the summer months of July and August had the lowest risk.

Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.

People born in January and December have the highest lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy. Those born during the spring and summer months are less likely to develop these conditions.

Lower air temperature at birth has been associated with the development of increased insulin resistance and increased triglycerides as adults. So U.S. babies born during the colder winter months may be at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease earlier in life.

February

Children conceived in the spring and summer months, and born from January through March may be at increased risk of birth defects according to a large U.S. study. In-utero exposure to pesticide residues during the warmer months may be playing a role.

Lower air temperature at birth has been associated with the development of increased insulin resistance and increased triglycerides as adults. So U.S. babies born during the colder winter months may be at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease earlier in life.

Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.

A 2004 study published in the journal Neurology found people born during January and February are at the highest risk for developing malignant and benign brain tumors. Those born in the summer months of July and August had the lowest risk.

Studies have shown people born in February and March (late winter to early spring in the northern hemisphere) are more prone to develop schizophrenia. But the difference is small, about a 10% increase compared to the lowest risk months (September and August). It’s been proposed that a lack of sunlight during these months may result in a vitamin-D deficiency. A lack of adequate vitamin-D in a newborn, or a pregnant mother might influence a child’s brain development.

March

Studies have shown people born in February until March (late winter to early spring in the northern hemisphere are more prone to develop schizophrenia. But the difference is small, about a 10% increase compared to the lowest risk months (September and August). It’s been proposed that a lack of sunlight during these months may result in a vitamin-D deficiency. A lack of adequate vitamin-D in a newborn, or a pregnant mother might influence a child’s brain development.

People born in the spring months tend to have the shortest lifespans, about 5-months shorter than those born during the autumn months according to a study of 15-million U.S. death certificates.

Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.

Italian researchers claim that women born in March are more likely to go through menopause earlier than women born in the fall months. On average, women in the study who were born in March went through menopause at age 48-years and 9-months, whereas women born in October went through menopause 18-months later (age 50-years and 3-months).

Children conceived in the spring and summer months, and born from January through March may be at increased risk of birth defects according to a large U.S. study. In-utero exposure to pesticide residues during the warmer months may be playing a role.

April

A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry examined data from nearly 27-thousand suicides over a 22-year period and found people born during April, May, and June are 17% more likely to commit suicide. The increased risk was higher for women (29.6%) compared to men (13.7%). It’s possible that seasonal hormone fluctuations in pregnant women may influence the developing fetal brain.

A U.S. team of researchers found children conceived during the spring and summer months are more likely to be born with birth defects including cleft lip and palate, club foot, Down Syndrome, and spina bifida. Increased exposure to pesticides may be playing a role the researchers said.

People born in the spring months tend to have the shortest lifespan, about 5-months shorter than those born during the autumn months according to a study of 15-million U.S. death certificates.

Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.

People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.

May

People born in the spring months tend to have the shortest lifespan, about 5-months shorter than those born during the autumn months according to a study of 15-million U.S. death certificates.

A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry examined data from nearly 27-thousand suicides over a 22-year period and found people born during April, May, and June are 17% more likely to commit suicide. The increased risk was higher for women (29.6%) compared to men (13.7%). It’s possible that seasonal hormone fluctuations in pregnant women may influence the developing fetal brain.

People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.

Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.

A U.S. team of researchers found children conceived during the spring and summer months are more likely to be born with birth defects including cleft lip and palate, club foot, Down Syndrome, and spina bifida. Increased exposure to pesticides may be playing a role the researchers said.

Babies born in May have the highest risk of developing multiple sclerosis as adults according to a 2004 study published in the British Medical Journal.

Children born in May and November are the least likely to develop Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

June

A U.S. team of researchers found children conceived during the spring and summer months are more likely to be born with birth defects including cleft lip and palate, club foot, Down Syndrome, and spina bifida. Increased exposure to pesticides may be playing a role the researchers said.

A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry examined data from nearly 27-thousand suicides over a 22-year period and found people born during April, May, and June are 17% more likely to commit suicide. The increased risk was higher for women (29.6%) compared to men (13.7%). It’s possible that seasonal hormone fluctuations in pregnant women may influence the developing fetal brain.

People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.

Being born in June, April or May is associated with the shortest overall life expectancy.

Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.

July

A U.S. team of researchers found children conceived during the spring and summer months are more likely to be born with birth defects including cleft lip and palate, club foot, Down Syndrome, and spina bifida. Increased exposure to pesticides may be playing a role the researchers said.

Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.

People born during July and August have the lowest risk of developing benign and malignant brain tumors according to a 2004 study published in the journal Neurology.

People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.

August

People born in August and September have the lowest lifetime risk of schizophrenia. People born during February and March have the highest risk.

People born during July and August have the lowest risk of developing benign and malignant brain tumors according to a 2004 study published in the journal Neurology.

Children born in August may be at an increased risk of developing a form of childhood leukemia called ALL. The other peak risk is in February and the increased risk may be related to peaks in infectious diseases.

Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.

People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.

September

People born in August and September have the lowest lifetime risk of schizophrenia. People born during February and March have the highest risk.

September, October, and November babies have the highest risk of developing asthma according to some studies.

Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.

People born from September to December may be more prone to developing panic disorder later in life.

October

People born in the autumn months of October and November are most likely to live the longest. A study of 15 million U.S. death certificates published in 1997 found on average people will live roughly five months longer if born in one of these two fall months.

Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.

People born from September to December may be more prone to developing panic disorder later in life.

September, October, and November babies have the highest risk of developing asthma according to some studies.

Women born in October are also most likely to stay fertile the longest. A study conducted by Italian researchers found women born in October experienced menopause at 50-years, 3-months. Women born in March experienced menopause the earliest at age 48-years and 9-months.

November

People born in the autumn months of October and November are most likely to live the longest. A study of 15 million U.S. death certificates published in 1997 found on average people will live roughly five months longer if born in one of these two fall months.

Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.

Babies born in November are least likely to develop multiple sclerosis according to a 2004 report in the British Medical Journal.

People born from September to December may be more prone to developing panic disorder.

September, October, and November babies have the highest risk of developing asthma according to some studies.

Children born in May and November may be at the lowest risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

December

Babies born in December have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life, but November had the lowest risk.

Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.

People born in December are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, narcolepsy. People born during the spring and summer months had the lowest risk of these diseases.

Lower air temperature at birth has been associated with the development of increased insulin resistance, coronary artery disease and increased triglycerides as adults. So U.S. babies born during the colder winter months may be at an increased risk of having heart attacks earlier in life.

People born from September to December may be more prone to developing panic disorder later in life.


Does ‘Carb-Loading’ Improve Athletic Performance?

Posted: March 9th, 2009 | Author: Editor | Filed under: Weightloss, diet, exercise, sports | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

  For generations, endurance athletes have practiced ‘carb-loading’, consuming large amounts of carbohydrates the night before the competition. Studies have found several different carb loading strategies can give athletes a competitive edge.

  During digestion carbohydrates are rapidly turned into glucose, a sugar that is the body’s primary and most immediate energy source. Excess glucose is then stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. About four hours after a meal, the glycogen in the liver begins to break down and supply the body with glucose, but the glycogen in the muscle is reserved almost exclusively for muscle activity. By eating a high carbohydrate meal the night before a competition, athletes maximize the glycogen stores in their muscles, ensuring that the muscles will have enough glucose for strenuous activity.

  Studies have shown carb-loaded athletes perform better and their muscles do not fatigue as easily. However it is important to watch your calories. Excess calories of any kind have been shown to impair athletic performance. -Sean Kenniff, MD


The Ten Best Abdominal Exercises: #1 The Bicycle Crunch

Posted: February 19th, 2009 | Author: Editor | Filed under: Weightloss, diet, exercise | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

  Want to know the most efficient way to getting those washboard abs? So did Dr. Peter Francis from the Biomechanics Lab at San Diego State University. Measuring muscle activity with electromyography (EMG) Dr. Francis studied several of the most commonly performed exercises and ranked them from best to worst. The study was sanctioned by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). 

#1 The Bicycle Crunch

  Dr. Francis found the most effective abdominal exercises combined continuous abdominal contraction and rotation of the torso. The Bicycle Maneuver, sometimes called the ‘Bicycle Crunch’ topped the list. Here’s how to do it properly according to the ACE.

 

  • 1. Lie on your back and lace your fingers behind your head.
  • 2. Bring your knees toward your chest and lift BOTH shoulder blades off the ground.
  • 3. Do not pull on your neck.
  • 4. Straighten your left leg while simultaneously turning your upper body to the right, bringing the left elbow towards the right knee.
  • 5. Alternate sides in a ‘bicycling’ motion for 12-16 repetitions.

  Check the Healthapalooza.com Special Reports section tomorrow when we will reveal the exercise that ranked #2 in the study. -Sean Kenniff, MD