Whole grain cereals: a protective effect against hypertension

Eating whole grain cereal for breakfast would reduce the risk of hypertension , according to ^a U.S. study.
Researchers examined the eating habits of a cohort of 13 000 doctors for 16 years. At baseline, all participants had normal blood pressure, but more than half of them were hypertensive at the end of follow-up.
The researchers found that those consuming more than seven bowls of whole grains per week had a reduced risk of hypertension by 20% compared to those who do not eat. For consumption from February to June bowls, the risk was reduced by 12%.
"We have no data on the brands or the nature of the grain consumed. But only whole grains are associated with reduced risk of hypertension, refined cereals have no effect, "said Jinesh Kochar, senior author of the study.

The benefits of fiber

According to him, this protective effect is explained by the presence of fiber in cereals. "It has been demonstrated in animals, the fibers can protect against the harmful effects of saturated fats on blood vessels. "An important contribution fiber is also recommended by some anti-hypertension diet , such as the DASH diet.
Consumption of whole grains also reduces the risk of diabetes , according to a study conducted by researchers in 2007. "With more than 7 bowls a week, the risk of diabetes decreased by 40% compared with a low or no consumption," said Jinesh Kochar. However, eating cereal can be beneficial for the cardiovascular system as part of a balanced diet, an exercise regularly and healthy lifestyles.

Osteoporosis: increased risk of fractures with a drug intended to prevent

 Long-term use of prescription drugs against the osteoporosis and expected to prevent fractures in the elderly - bisphosphonates - is associated with an increased risk of fracture of the femur.

That's the conclusion of a Canadian study of 205 000 women aged over 68 years who have taken bisphosphonates (Didronel, Fosamax, Actonel ...) between 2002 and 2008. These drugs are commonly used to counter the effects of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and affects nearly 2 million Canadians.

Results indicate that among women treated for over 5 years with bisphosphonates, the risk of fracture of the femur is multiplied by 2.7, compared to women not taking this treatment.

Useful bisphosphonates?

However, the researchers say this study does not call into question the efficacy of bisphosphonates. Indeed, these fractures of the femur (or subtrochanteric fractures) are called "atypical" because they are very rare in cases of osteoporosis, in contrast to femoral neck fractures are they very common.

Thus, although the frequency of atypical fractures is increased by the bisphosphonates, it remains very low (0.4% of women in the study). The risk is minor compared to the benefits of treatment: taking it for over 5 years, bisphosphonates could reduce by 24% the risk of fractures typical of osteoporosis. There is therefore no need to stop this treatment for people who need it, researchers say. However, among older women, who seem most at risk of suffering a fracture atypical, researchers emphasize that it might be better to halt processing time to time to reduce risk.

In his blog on responses to questions about menopause, Martin Winckler said that "drugs (bisphosphonates) sold in large numbers to prevent fractures from osteoporosis have an interest after a first fracture, to avoid second. But they have no proven efficacy in prevention among women who suffer from anything. In addition, evidence of their negative side effects accumulate, in particular the fact that they cause fractures.

Postmenopausal women should they go to the dentist more often?

March 30, 2011 - Postmenopausal women should maintain good dental hygiene and visit their dentist more often to prevent periodontal disease - an infection of the tissues that surround and support teeth.
Thus, in addition to brushing teeth 2 times a day, women who show an increased risk of periodontitis should undergo more regular scaling of teeth - up to 4 times a year, if necessary.
This emerges from a small study of 56 postmenopausal women who had been diagnosed with low bone density, predisposition to osteoporosis . Half the women took, for over 2 years, a drug of the family of bisphosphonates to slow the loss of bone mass.
The results indicate that prolonged use of bisphosphonates in postmenopausal women appears to protect against periodontitis, which causes tooth loss.

Higher risk of periodontitis in postmenopausal women

From the age of menopause , women are more likely to suffer from periodontitis, since the presence of a biofilm increases the formation of dental plaque.
This biofilm is composed of a community of bacteria and microbes that are organized together to eat better.
According to the authors of the study, the biofilm would cause more inflammation when the bone density of a person is low, thus increasing the proliferation of plaque.

4 visits per year to the dentist?

^Dr. Jacques Véronneau, dentist and assistant professor at the Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, recommends that he provided to postmenopausal women to go up to 4 times per year to the dentist?
"Scientifically, when you decalcifies teeth, plaque is back after three months, says one researcher who is also in oral health. If you do not have good hygiene, it may be that you had to go to the dentist 4 times a year. "
But we must consider the real risk of a person, "he insists. "The standard that we suffer descaling once every 6 or 9 months is enacted by insurance coverage, not by science," says Véronneau.

Dental Health: Effects on overall health

The oral hygiene would not only have an effect on dental health, but also on overall health, said ^Dr. Veronneau.
"The travel and oral bacteria are associated with markers of inflammation that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease , he says. For example, in a person with atherosclerosis, the transport of microbes and bacteria from the plaque could contribute to the aggregation of molecules in the arteries, clogging them further. "
It therefore underlines the importance of brushing their teeth 2 times a day. "If it does so only once, it is better that before going to bed," he says.
In addition, the use of a mouthwash 2 times a day, for 30 seconds per rinse can reduce up to 60% the size of the biofilm.
And flossing? "We always recommend flossing, but no illusions about the results of this measure: a recent poll shows that 98% of Canadians do not floss," says Véronneau.

Hard, hard heart for physical activities and occasional sex!

Making the exercise sporadically can cause heart problems in people less active, according to ^a U.S. study. This also applies to those who have casual sex.

Researchers analyzed 14 studies interested in having a risk of myocardial infarction or die suddenly of a heart problem within hours of an activity carried out occasionally. All studies totaling more than 9,300 predominantly male patients, whose average age ranged from 57 years to 63 years.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), shows that people who are physically active are nearly 3.5 times more likely to suffer a myocardial infarction than those n 'make it. This risk is 2.7 times higher among people who have casual sex than those who abstain.

Those who exercised occasionally are nearly 5 times more likely to die suddenly of a heart problem. The researchers did not establish a link between sex and the risk of dying from heart disease .

In other words, although the year - whether physical or sexual - is good for the heart, do so infrequently, but sustained, can be harmful in people who are not in good physical condition.

The absolute risk of suffering a myocardial infarction or die suddenly of a heart during physical activity and sex remains low because their occurrences are infrequent. The researchers therefore believe that, for every 10 000 people engaged in these activities on an occasional basis, an additional hour per week translates into an increase from February to March infarction and sudden cardiac death.

Another result is encouraging this time, researchers have found that for people who engage in physical activity, each additional week decreased the risk of myocardial infarction or sudden death by 45% and 30% respectively. Note however that these results are based on 5 of 14 studies.

For the study authors, these results attest to the importance of consulting a doctor before embarking on an intensive training program where our fitness is poor.

Libido, hot flashes, mood swings. Everything you need to know about menopause

About the course of menopause

1. I am 52 years old and do not feel any symptoms associated with menopause. Regular exercise (jogging and swimming) there a real influence on the smooth running of menopause?

Answer First, it seems very important to say that many women have no symptoms associated with menopause. Nobody knows, moreover, not clear why some women have severe symptoms and others do not. Then, a simple reminder of what menopause is the cessation of ovarian function associated with ovulation. The ovaries stop producing eggs for breeding. It also ceases to secrete female hormones in the same proportion as during the fertile period. The decrease in secretion of these hormones have different effects on both tissues (skin, mucous membranes) on the bones (osteoporosis of variable intensity) and brain (disappearance of premenstrual syndrome and headaches associated with it) . But again, all women are not equal. In Japan and Asia, it seems that the symptoms accompanying menopause (mood disorders, hot flashes, in particular) are much rarer than in North America or Western Europe. Furthermore, menopause is not in itself the sole cause of tissue aging in women. Aging is a phenomenon that affects all living beings, of both sexes. And this aging is variable from one person to another and, for women, regardless of hormone secretion, but depending on their genetic makeup, their physical activity, health status, prior to their living conditions, their smoking! Better health at age 50, menopause is less difficult to cross. And the cross, a regular physical and mental activity is of course desirable. Walking alone, promotes blood to the brain. We now understand without difficulty that other activities (cycling, jogging, swimming), and smoking cessation are also important. 

2 - What causes the menopause? I have often heard that menopause occurs when all oocytes available (or fertilized) were used. Is this true? 

Answer No it is not. Menopause is programmed into the human genome for millennia. It is now believed that this is an evolutionary advantage due to the need for humans to raise their young for many years. Unlike most primate relatives (chimpanzees, gorillas ...), humans give birth to small immature, unable to move about and feed themselves and the brain to reach maturity, takes many years support (it seems more and more evidence that the brain reaches its adult size at 25 years!). This need to accompany children long said that humans are more likely than monogamous chimpanzees (which only females care for their young). The presence of the father is indeed a sign of improved survival for the child or children. But if women remained fertile beyond the age of 50, they would run an increased risk with age, to die while giving birth to children. It is believed however that the menopause (which seems to exist as a phenomenon genetically programmed, only in humans, because of his long life) has made an evolutionary advantage to humans by allowing mothers to become great mothers and provide support for younger women to raise their children. Especially since the life expectancy of women has always been longer than men. Moreover, germ cells (oocytes women, sperm of men) get older over time and are increasingly victimized by ambient cosmic rays (like the skin ...). With age, the risk of malformations increases - you know, thinking of the Down syndrome (trisomy). Menopause is in itself a protection against the fact of giving birth late in life, deformed children. Menopause is programmed, but it is likely that age of onset was increased with the generations. Chronic diseases, malnutrition, harsh working conditions were probably all a negative effect on fertility. When I started practicing medicine in France, in 1983, age of menopause was often situated around 45 years. Today in most developed countries, it routinely exceeds 50 years, indicating that the duration of fertility is directly linked to the health of women. As the number of oocytes, with an estimated 30 000 in women after puberty. Assuming that a woman begins to ovulate at 13 years and she is postmenopausal at age 55, it is (at a rate of one egg a month) ... 500 eggs. Suffice to say that the ovary is a lot more than is necessary. Therefore, neither the pill nor the number of pregnancies can not "preserve" or "exhaust" the number of oocytes available. If women go through menopause, it is not "a lack of oocytes, but because our genetic program (that of all mankind) is like that. 

3 - What are the signs that indicate the arrival of menopause? Does that change the menstrual cycle is an index?

This response is any indication, it is not so irregular cycles (many women have irregular cycles several times in their life, well before the menopause) that the abrupt rules, alone or with hot flashes brutal. The first thing to do in case of cessation of menstruation midlife is to verify that you are not pregnant. Because pregnancy is possible very late (again, it depends on the health of the woman) and may go unnoticed during the first weeks. And that, especially in the absence of contraception. It is common for women over 45 years cease all contraception, thinking that they risk nothing. It is a mistake. Until menopause has not been confirmed (and it may be difficult in the absence of characteristic symptoms), a woman may be pregnant. Even if ovulation spaced out, just get one for a pregnancy begins.

4 - How are we sure that is menopause? 

Answer In general, we consider that a woman over 45 to 50 years has reached menopause if she has more rules for at least 12 consecutive months in the absence of any pregnancy or any external cause (medical or surgical treatment , for example). So that 1 or 2 months without rules (which can happen at any time of life) are not at all indicative of menopause or "perimenopause." Indeed, cycles "anovulatory (without ovulation) that are followed by several weeks or months without rules are possible at any time of life. Hormone assays are not completely reliable either, because of possible variations. So essentially subjective symptoms experienced by women who are the best indicator of menopause.

Menopause and Libido

5 - Is this normal for menopause to have less and less inclined to make love? 

Answer There is really no "standard", but the loss of libido in menopause is a phenomenon observed in many women. It is obviously related to the fact that the libido is what makes us have sex to reproduce ourselves. When the function of reproduction goes, the desire (stimulated by hormonal changes, in particular) is decreasing. However, libido is not just hormonal. The proof is that while many pregnant women have decreased libido (while all their body, brain included, is bathed in hormones of pregnancy), many others continue to have sexual desire and frequent reports. Today, many researchers have shown that the desire is not just hormones, but especially emotional interaction with a (e) partner. People over age 70, widowed for a long time, can find with the desire (on) another partner; of people having a lack of libido for several months found a satisfactory sex as a miracle. Why? Because the center of emotions is sensitive to many stressors and that the age of menopause (the fifties, basically) is also the age when external events in life (job changes, children leaving home, death or sick relatives) can affect desire and compromise. So yes, a decrease in libido at the menopause is common, but it is not "normal" nor "inevitable" nor compulsory. Just as sexuality at age 40 is not the same as 18 or 20 years, sexuality at age 50 requires adaptations, transformations and especially a good relationship with the person with whom one lives. All this is at least as or more than menopause itself.

Hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances

6 - Why do we have mood swings and depression passages with menopause? 

Answer For the same reasons we can have at puberty, while pregnant or during the week shutdown of its oral contraceptive, or at the end of its cycle. These are not hormones themselves that influence mood, but the intensity of their variations and their effects on the brain. The "fall" of hormones at the end of the menstrual cycle causes two parallel phenomena: the occurrence of the rules (linked to the withdrawal of hormones in the womb) and a feeling more or less marked irritability or sadness (due to withdrawal of hormones in the brain). 

7 - What causes hot flashes? 

Response is a mysterious phenomenon, which is not known exactly what, but now we tend to think that menopause, the brain reacts to the cessation of ovulation by secreting neurohormones in large quantities, as to "restart" the ovary. These neurohormones would cause (by their excess) of hot flushes and (by the alternation of secretions and stops) the "ups and downs' morale. A bit like hypoglycemia accompanied by drowsiness, and excessive consumption of sugar per excitation ... 

8 - What is the best treatment against hot flashes? 

Answer: As the cause and nature of hot flashes is not known (it seems that it is a neurological phenomenon, and non-vascular), there is no miracle cure. Replacement therapy makes them disappear, of course, but because it "fools" the brain on the functioning of the ovary. When treatment is stopped, hot flashes may return. And it is not possible to continue this replacement therapy indefinitely. Other drugs have been proposed, particularly psychotropic drugs (antidepressants, tranquilizers), but again, their effectiveness has not been proven and their side effects are numerous. And unfortunately, no other drug has shown a convincing effect against hot flashes. Indeed it appears that their duration is variable and unpredictable among women who suffer, and studies on postmenopausal women indicate that other symptoms of menopause are also highly variable. 

9 - Why is most of the hot flashes night? 

Answer There are explanations that are obvious: in a bed, it's hot (in principle). Digestion (especially of a meal washed down with liquor) may, with or without menopause cause "hot flashes". And finally, when you're having trouble sleeping, and that one is lying in bed, it is more oriented toward what we feel during the day, when you're in business. Finally, once again, the frequency of hot flashes varies greatly from one woman to another. It is therefore unclear that hot flashes are more common at night with all those who have. 

10 - Does menopause cause sleep problems? 

Answer So say many women, but not sure. Several studies have found sleep disturbance more often in women than in postmenopausal women who were not. You should also know that sleep duration decreases statistically with age, while worries them, increase with age. And sleep disorders may be due to many causes: drugs, diet, esophageal reflux, chronic snoring, overweight, smoking, stimulants (tea, coffee) taken late in the day, etc..

Treatments for Menopause

11 - Is it safe to take hormones cons hot flashes if my mother had breast cancer at 49 years? 

AnswerFirst, recall that hormone replacement does not cause breast cancer. Between the occurrence of a first cancer cell and tumor development as big as a ball, it can take 15 years to 20 years. But there are many arguments to suggest that female hormones are fattening fast pre-existing cancer. The daughter of a woman who had suffered breast cancer before age 50 is, by definition, at increased risk of breast cancer. Therefore, use of hormone replacement therapy at menopause is strongly discouraged. 

12 - When a woman has been through menopause early (40 years), she must take hormones until menopause, although it has no symptoms?

She did not answer "should" not (nothing is mandatory, medicine), but it can. Delays with osteoporosis (loss of bone density), which is normal after menopause, but is not earlier. But in any event, it is not justified in taking such treatment after 48 years or 50 years to avoid increasing the risk of breast cancer associated with hormone therapy. 

13 - What to do to treat vaginal dryness when you do not want to take replacement therapy? 

Answer Many observations have shown that vaginal dryness is not systematic in all postmenopausal women. It is observed that the less women have sex regularly (at least 1 time per week). When she appears, it can be treated temporarily by estrogen creams, which provide only a tiny amount of estrogen. Or be soothed by gels or other topical treatments moisturizers. 

14 - Since I'm menopausal, my heat and my insomnia is controlled by medication, but my concentration and my memory is still failing. Will they improve or will I continue to live with the disorder that I currently have? 

Answer The concentration and memory can falter at many moments of life, but it does not appear that menopause is alone responsible for memory problems and concentration durable. However, many medications (especially those prescribed for insomnia or depressive phases) have a negative effect on memory and concentration. Discontinuation of drugs and maintaining a physical and intellectual activity can set things right. If the elderly are more likely to use computers, even late in life, it was because their neurons are still healthy. 

Menopause and Breast Cancer

15 - I'm 50 and I was treated for breast cancer (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy). At diagnosis, I was in perimenopause. Is my illness has increased the speed, intensity and concentration of the symptoms of menopause I'm going through? 

Answer Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer can cause premature menopause. It is very possible that your menopause is installed quickly because of your treatment. Are treatments intensify the symptoms? It's hard to say because it is not possible to distinguish which symptoms are attributable to menopause and which to illness or treatment. But women treated for cancer and cured following treatment were not more symptoms than postmenopausal women not having suffered 

16 - The discovery of microcalcifications on mammography after menopause, "she justifies a preventive operation to avoid the risk of breast cancer? 

Answer microcalcifications can be a sign of breast cancer, but not always. When these microcalcifications are found in the absence of other signs suggestive of cancer (or in the absence of an abnormal biopsy), there is consensus today that an intervention is not justified because consequences of overdiagnosis (interventions by excess) are too heavy for women who experience it. Regular monitoring (ultrasound every 6 months, for example) is sufficient.

Menopause and Osteoporosis

17 - At menopause, a bone densitometry examination is necessary? And how to prevent fractures related to osteoporosis? Must take medication as a preventive measure? 

The BMD response is not at all a critical review. Unfortunately, it is recommended by many doctors in order to avoid complications of osteoporosis. However, it does not predict fracture risk and its interpretation is subject to strong security. The only good criteria predictive of fractures by osteoporosis are age (over 70), overweight and size (it is smaller and more overweight, the greater the risk of vertebral fracture is great). Sunbathing regularly do physical activity, absorb calcium as dairy products all year round and vitamin D in winter are the best preventions. Drugs (bisphosphonates) sold in large numbers to prevent fractures from osteoporosis have an interest after a first fracture, to avoid a second. But they have no proven efficacy in prevention among women who suffer from anything. Moreover, evidence is accumulating of their negative side effects, particularly the fact that they ... cause fractures!

Bleeding after menopause

18 - Is it normal to have bleeding even if you are postmenopausal for several years? 

Answer Apart from the situation where a person takes hormone replacement therapy (which, if taken intermittently, accompanied by rules and can sometimes even cause bleeding if taken continuously), a gynecologic bleeding after menopause is not normal and should inspire you to consult a doctor. It may reflect inflammation or disease of the cervix or inside the uterus, which must be treated appropriately. The accentuation or recrudescence of bleeding in a patient taking hormone replacement therapy should also encourage them to consult a doctor.

The contraceptive pill after 40 years and 50 years

19 - Should I still take the pill at age 51, is it dangerous and how will I know if I'm in menopause (or perimenopause)? 

Answer In principle, because of adverse side effects of oral contraceptives (which are combinations of hormones), we tend to discourage their use after 50 years. Indeed, the risk of stroke (infarction, stroke, phlebitis) is much higher after that age. Some doctors prescribe to healthy women, not postmenopausal, without vascular risk factors and birth control pills do not smoke until age 53 or 55 years, while monitoring closely. That makes sense, given the fact that the health of women age 50 and older is much better today than they were 30 or 40 years. However, this requirement may actually mask the symptoms of menopause hormones for birth control are perceived by the brain does not realize that the ovaries secrete hormones much more than before. And sometimes, when women stop their oral contraceptive, they discover that their life does not reappear, as they are postmenopausal. But the use of birth control pills at this time of life (50 years to 55 years) is questionable because it is no different from the use of hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women. However, these treatments are currently much debate, due to increased risks of breast cancer and vascular disease that they pose to their users ... 

20 - When it was over 40 years if it does not want to take hormones contraceptives, contraceptive use what? 

The most effective response is the IUD (intrauterine device) to copper. Advantage: it does not disrupt the cycle and it has no side effects and does not raise the vascular risk of cancer. And in case of delayed menstruation, it avoids the fear of pregnancy late: after 35 years, the risk of failure of a copper IUD is less than 0.5%. We can keep more than 10 years (IUD put in 40 years may be left in place until the menopause is installed).

Menopause, too much media attention? Do not you think that menopause and its accompanying symptoms are overhyped, especially in women's magazines? Reply Menopause is a natural phenomenon, as natural as pregnancy or puberty. But as it occurs in "midlife" and closes the period of female fertility, it is a way more serious, more melancholy than puberty. But many women do not know what to expect when they arrive at age 50. I therefore find it beneficial to inform them of what menopause, so they are forewarned and reassured. In this sense, the information supplied by consumer magazines can be valuable if it is accurate and not misleading. However, the press should contribute to the medicalization of menopause? Because that is where lies the problem: Many journalists are, sometimes unknowingly, as a springboard to information "medical" which are actually disguised advertising. The vast majority of pseudo-information that bombard women over 45 have essentially to feed their concerns (old, no longer be beautiful or sexual performance, etc..) In order to sell miracle cures. It starts with the wrinkle creams or gels against cellulite. It continues with hormone replacement therapy and drugs against osteoporosis. The reality is this: Aging does not hit all individuals (men or women) equally. The previous way of life, food, working conditions, having smoked or not, weight, physical activity and genetic background are all important. When a woman is severely hampered by a symptom, it is justified to help fight it. It is less legitimate to make him take drugs in anticipation of something that will perhaps never be (a fractured vertebra, for example). Especially since all drugs are consumed by people over 60 are sources of injury and toxicity. There is much talk of conflict of interest for physicians. Journalists in the mainstream press should also ask what their own conflicts of interest when reporting treatment "spectacular" (or simply "promising"). The public interest would they check carefully that they do not take bladders for lanterns. But spectacular verify information is to take the risk of discovering that it is false (or exaggerated) and thereby miss the opportunity to make a headline and a big draw. Health, conflict of interests worthy of the press, too, to be clearly identified.

Answers to the questions provided by Marc Zaffran, MD 

Health Canada rules on 'novel fiber "added to food

March 25, 2011 - Health Canada is preparing to change its definition of ^adietary fiber, which date from 1985 to adapt to scientific and technological advances have occurred in recent years in power. This change is primarily the "new fibers, food additives that are increasingly added to foods to increase fiber content.
To increase the fiber content of various food products, food industry employs some years, fibers that are not considered food in the traditional sense. Consider, for example, the insulin that comes from fructooligosaccharides, which is added to many foods: juices, breads, cookies, dairy products, etc.. There are also derivatives of starch, fiber from animal sources such as chitosan , extracted from crustacean shells, or laboratory-synthesized fiber such as polydextrose.
In the process, Health Canada is examining the possibility of extending the list of permitted health claims for products high in fiber, including the normalization of blood pressure and loss of weight . According to the regulatory body, the results of numerous clinical trials published in recent decades can allow these new health claims.

Caloric value down

Health Canada also proposes to lower the average caloric value attributed to dietary fiber. The current Canadian regulations established at 4 calories per gram energy value of dietary fiber by default, the value that the manufacturer is required to enter on the product packaging. In light of the latest scientific data, this value should rather be around 2 calories per gram. Which is not to displease the manufacturers who seek to make products that are both rich in fiber and providing as few calories as possible.
It is not yet clear, however, if the new regulations will require manufacturers to indicate on the product packaging, the source of fiber it contains: is it dietary fiber from plant, animal or Synthetic?
These regulatory changes will not apply to dietary fiber sold as dietary supplements (powder, capsule or tablet), which are found rather in the court for the natural health products.
With these changes, Health Canada will bring its regulations at those in force at the international level (Codex Alimentarius) and have been adopted by several countries including the United States, Europe, Japan, the Australia and New Zealand.
It is now shown that regular consumption of dietary fiber in particular contribute to the regulation of intestinal function as well as normalization of blood glucose and blood lipids.

Should we treat high blood pressure from 120/80?

 

March 25, 2011 - Many people with a diagnosis of hypertension would not need to seek treatment because they would no more likely to die prematurely than those with a pressure "normal". That's the conclusion of ^a study conducted at the University of Minnesota by the team of Brent Taylor, who analyzed the blood pressure of more than 20,000 people for 20 years.
At the end of the study, it appeared that many participants with too high pressure, according to the current definition of societies of cardiology (pressure above 120/80 mmHg), showed no increased mortality compared with people who normal blood pressure.
According to Brent Taylor, 100 million Americans could well be misclassified as hypertensive. He believes it is time to redefine the standards: "If mortality is greater when the pressure is higher than 120/80, then antihypertensive therapy may do more harm than good. "
In fact, this new study shows that it is important to consider both values ​​of blood pressure separately. The higher figure corresponds to the pressure of blood in the vessels when the heart contracts (systolic pressure), while the lowest figure reflects blood pressure when the heart relaxes (diastolic pressure).
After age 50, mortality increases as the systolic pressure is above 140, regardless of the value of the diastolic pressure. However, before 50 years, the study suggests that elevated diastolic pressure is more risky: the mortality increases to values ​​greater than 100 (while it increases only to a systolic pressure above 200). Brent Taylor proposes that this study will serve as a "starting point" to redefine the concept of hypertension, so that the guidelines reflect the systolic and diastolic isolation.

Cultivating his vegetable garden: good health and morale

 

Older people who grow a vegetable garden eat more vegetables and have higher morale than those who buy at the grocery store.

U.S. researchers have come to this conclusion by comparing a first study in monthly consumption of fruits and vegetables in 261 men and women aged 50 and over, based on an online questionnaire.
Of these, 158 participants kept a vegetable garden. These should specify the number of hours spent each week in their garden and the reasons which lead to garden.
The results show that, in general, people who make a garden are more likely to eat vegetables than those who do not gardeners. Interestingly, this link has not been established with regard to fruit consumption. No significant differences were obtained by sex.

How many fruits and vegetables per day? According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, just over 50% of women aged 55 to 64 years and 53% aged 65 and over reported consuming at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Among men, this proportion is 34% and 40% for these two age groups respectively. Canada's Food Guide recommends a consumption of 7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day for 51 years and older.

Having little experience in gardening or, conversely, to practice this activity for many years, as the number of hours spent in a garden, do not influence the consumption of vegetables.
The very nature of the study, however, does not establish a causal relationship. In other words, researchers can not say if seniors choose gardening as a hobby because they love vegetables or gardening is having a positive influence on their food.
For the authors of this study, these results nevertheless suggest that gardening can be an interesting intervention program to bring seniors to eat more vegetables.

Effects on welfare

Holding a garden is not only beneficial effects on health. A second study conducted by the same research group, from the same sample, shows that gardening also has beneficial effects on the welfare of the gardeners.
Proponents of gardens attributed to higher grades - therefore more positive - on a rating scale of life satisfaction than non-gardeners. They said to find life "less monotonous and boring" and feeling "not so old and tired."
According to researchers, the garden would provide a sense of duty, control and accomplishment. They see in this hobby a way to get seniors to become more active, adopt healthier lifestyles and a better quality of life.

Medication against hypertension and diabetes are gaining weight

 

March 16, 2011 - A type of drug commonly prescribed to people suffering from hypertension , of diabetes and cardiovascular disease , beta-blockers, causes weight gain in the long term, confirms an analysis of 3 studies in Australia.
In each study, conducted by the same team of researchers have compared the weight gain in patients treated with beta-blockers and witnesses who were not. In all, studies have focused on 11 468 subjects with hypertension or diabetes.
The results indicate that, compared to control groups, those taking beta-blockers - for an average of 5 years to 9 years, according to studies - consistently showed a higher weight. The difference between the 2 groups ranged from 5 kg to 20 kg and was still statistically significant.

Why beta-blockers do they grow?

In one study, conducted among 30 subjects, the authors measured ² thermogenesis (heat saline) following a meal and physical activity level of subjects, whether or not treated with beta-blockers. The results indicate that patients treated, thermogenesis was reduced by half compared to that could be observed in others. Moreover, the activity level of subjects was 30% lower compared to untreated subjects.
The researchers concluded that beta-blockers tend to reduce thermogenesis, causing a greater accumulation of fatty tissue, as well as increased oxidation of fat in the body. A reduced thermogenesis and increased oxidation of fat create more fatigue during exercise, explaining that the subjects treated with beta-blockers tend to exercise less.
According to researchers, patients who take beta-blockers in the long term should be more vigilant about theirweight by closely monitoring their diet and doing more of exercise . You can also ask his doctor to use another type of drug, or one of the beta-blockers for the latest generation, which would be less than the old antithermogéniques.

Always useful waist circumference as an index of cardiovascular risk?

March 17, 2011 - Measuring waist circumference is not more accurate than the body mass index (BMI) to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease that runs a person over 10 years.
This emerges from ^a new synthesis of 58 studies involving more than 220 000 people from 17 countries. This finding calls into question other research that there is a direct link between waist circumference and cardiovascular risk.
The new study evaluated over a period of 10 years, waist circumference and BMI of participants, and then determine the risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular event.
According to researchers, when you have information about the blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol of a patient, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio or BMI would not provide more precise to assess cardiovascular risk.
They believe that regardless of its location, excess fat is synonymous with cardiovascular risk and no bead is more dangerous than another.

A statement "questionable"

This study should be interpreted with caution, according to Jean-Pierre Despres, who holds the Canada Research Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk International and director of cardiology research at the Research Centre of the University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology Quebec .
"This is a colossal work, which provides new data: a patient, when measured blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids and cholesterol, then the measure of adiposity ( waist circumference or BMI) is not necessary, "he agrees.
But it disagrees with the conclusion of the authors, who say there is no need to use the waist-hip ratio instead of BMI in assessing the cardiovascular risk of a patient.
"This is a highly questionable assertion," Judge said.
Because the obesity abdominal (waist circumference greater than 88 cm in women and 102 cm for men) is indeed a major cardiovascular risk factor.
"More than 25 years of work showed the importance of fat distribution and visceral adiposity on cardiovascular risk. For a given BMI, the person who has a very wide waist has a much higher cardiovascular risk than that which has a thinner waistline. It would be wrong to tell doctors that the waist of their patients did not matter, "he adds.
In addition, abdominal obesity is often associated with the onset of diabetes , the hypertension and thehypertriglyceridemia . "We can treat these problems with drugs, but it makes more sense to be proactive in preventing obesity," says ^Dr. Despres.

After BMI, IMA: a new index to calculate the excess weight

 

March 18, 2011 - Researchers at ^a U.S. developed a new measure they consider more accurate than the traditional body mass index (BMI) to assess overweight. This is the index of body fat ² (IMA), which is based on measuring the circumference of the hips and grandeur.
This index has been developed to try to correct the inaccuracy of the BMI which is the subject of debate in the medical world in recent years because it is not appropriate for all patients.
Indeed, BMI does not distinguish body fat from the non fat that can result in muscle mass. This is particularly the case among athletes and bodybuilders. BMI also fails to take account of the bone and fat distribution that vary by age and ethnicity, among others.
To see if they could design a better index, the researchers used data from a research project being conducted among 1733 people of Mexican descent whose mother had suffered from gestational diabetes .
After analyzing a series of variables, they found that the circumference of the hips and greatness are the best variables to estimate body fat of a real person, both in men than in women.
This new index has been validated using data from another research project underway for which the 223 participants are subjects of Afro-American. For researchers, this means that the IMA seems to resist, at least prima facie, variations related to ethnicity as observed with BMI. Further studies are needed to confirm, especially among people of Asian and Caucasian.

Little evidence so far

If this new index is simple and interesting, remain to be proven, says ^Dr. Paul Poirier, Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology Hospital Laval in Quebec.
"The BMI is not perfect, but it is useful in predicting risk of cardiovascular events," he recalls. For now, it remains unclear whether this is also the case for EPI, because no study has yet been made. "
Certainly, BMI has limitations that have led many scientists to search for a new measure of body fat can assess the risks of suffering from diabetes , to hypertension and other heart disease in adults and children.
"It can however be used in complementarity with other measures such as waist circumference, to refine the assessment. It remains simple and convenient, "said ^Dr. Poirier.

DST and Health: Are You "on shift"?

 

March 18, 2011 - The change to daylight saving time would affect our health and our vigilance. In addition to being linked to increased cardiovascular disorders , it is also associated with an increase in road accidents in the following days.
Circadian rhythms can be disturbed persons for a few days to adjust to DST. In fact, the time change may disrupt the biological clock of certain hormones in the body, including melatonin , which needs a drop in brightness of about 2 hours to induce sleep.
Therefore, lack of sleep tends to decrease alertness and rapid reflexes in individuals' daily activities, including driving their car.

Circadian rhythms Circadian rhythms refer to biological events of our organization that are repeated every 24 hours. They are generated within our bodies and they persist even in the absence of stimuli from the outside. They may however be influenced by the environment, particularly by light. These rhythms are controlled by the biological clock in the center of the brain at the base of the hypothalamus.

"It is recognized that after a time change, there may be an increased number of accidents for 1 to 3 days. This time change may cause a certain level of fatigue and lack of attention in some people. While others will suffer less, "says Nicolas Cermakian specialist circadian rhythms at the Graduate Institute of Mental Health Douglas of Montreal.
The few studies that have been published on this phenomenon in recent decades, particularly in the New England Journal of Medicine and the journal Sleep Medicine, showed a higher increase in the number of road accidents on Monday after passing the time Advanced.
In another study, published in the journal Current Biology, the authors showed that the biological clock of the human body would have more difficulty adjusting to the transition to DST on the return to Standard Time.
The time change could also have effects on mental health. An Australian study, the number of suicides is higher in the first weeks after the change to Daylight Saving Time than during the rest of the year.

They are subject to circadian rhythms The sleep wake cycle. It determines when we feel the call of Morpheus and when the body wants to wake up and get back in action. Body temperature. It varies from about 1 ° C per day. Normally it is at its minimum at about 4 am and reached its peak in the evening. Hormone production. Melatonin (which promotes sleep), for example, is produced from the early evening, while the secretion of cortisol and testosterone (which help to stay alert) is maximum in the morning. The mood. The feeling of well-being is usually lowest early in the morning and it increases gradually during the day. It usually reaches its highest point in the late evening. Tolerance to pain. It is higher in the afternoon. Dental pain, for example, often seem more bearable in the late afternoon. Heart rate, alertness and memory are also subject to circadian rhythms.

Type 2 diabetes: vitamin D to lower blood sugar?

 

March 22, 2011 - The Vitamin D could help reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes , according to an Iranian study^.
The clinical trial was conducted among 90 people who were diabetic, 2 times daily for three months, a yogurt drink or not enriched with vitamin D.
One group had to take a yogurt drink that naturally contains a regular calcium 150 mg and no trace of vitamin D. A second group received a yogurt drink the same, but enriched with 500 IU of vitamin D (cholecalciferol). Yogurt delivered to the ^3rd group was also enriched with 500 IU of vitamin D and contained 250 mg of calcium.
Results indicated participants who were treated to one of two vitamin D-fortified formula have benefited from a reduction in blood sugar levels, while there was an increase in those taking regular yogurt drink. The blood sugar had increased by 16 mg / dl in the latter, while they decreased by 12 mg / dl in subjects who took one of the 2 formulations fortified with vitamin D.
The authors report that participants who had taken the yogurt enriched and more lost, on average, 1 kg to 2.5 kg during the study, while the weight of the other subjects remained stable. They noted, among those who took vitamin D, a significant decrease of body mass index and body fat.

Vitamin D, a panacea?

According to Pierre Haddad, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Montreal, he should welcome these results, but it is still important to "temper his enthusiasm." "These data are very interesting, he says, because they come from a clinical trial and not a single epidemiological study. But we must bear in mind that vitamin D deficiency is relatively common in the Iranian population. The need for vitamin D can vary significantly depending on various factors, including by race or genetic characteristics. "
Iranian scientists say, for their part, ignore the extent to which probiotic yogurt were instrumental for the effects observed during their clinical trial. The Iranian study data do not indicate that a supplement of vitamin D, taken without yogurt , would have similar effects.
It may be that vitamin D may help prevent or treat diabetes type 2, but need further research before making clinical recommendations reliable for this purpose.
A recent study conducted in 5140 U.S. has also concluded that low vitamin D levels in the blood is not associated with a higher risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women.

Vitamin D - the star of the year!

Given the number of new studies and reactions to it in 2010, vitamin D appears as the star of the year.
• Several scientific studies published during the year have focused on the protective effect of vitamin D against various diseases: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, breast cancer, arthritis, asthma, Crohn's disease ...
• Forty scientists at the initiative of the French physician David Servan-Schreiber, launched an appeal in February 2010, asking the public health authorities in Europe and North America to put the recommended daily intake of vitamin D 1000 IU per day.
• Osteoporosis Canada recommended last summer, a daily intake of 400 to 1000 IU per day for adults 50 years and under, plus a supplement of 800 to 2000 IU per day for more than 50 years. Not to mention that since 2007, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends that adults take in the fall and winter, an additional 1000 IU per day.
• Health Canada and the Institute of Medicine of the United States (IOM) have just increased the recommended dietary intake (RDA) of vitamin D. The IOM was commissioned by Health Canada and several U.S. federal agencies to address the RDA for calcium and vitamin D. Despite higher inflows, which have tripled, vitamin D continues to cause controversy: some experts are the new recommendations too timid.

The new Dietary vitamin D

The new intake of vitamin D were set at 600 IU for people 70 years and less and 800 IU for 70 years and older. Previously, they were 200 IU for those 50 and younger, 400 IU for those 51 to 70, and 600 IU for those over 70 years.
The expert committee of the IOM concludes that the evidence is sufficient to say that vitamin D helps maintain bone health, but are insufficient to say that vitamin D can prevent certain diseases such as cancer and diseases of heart.
By cons, experts of vitamin D - which were not part of the committee - believe the IOM recommended intakes too conservative. They denounce, among other things, the criteria used by the committee that they describe as "unrealistic" and maintain that scientific evidence is compelling.

Foods or supplements?

Is it possible to reach 600 IU per day without taking supplements of relying only on our diets, as stated by a member of the IOM press conference? A statement that surprised many, including nutritionist Nathalie Jobin Extenso: "It's very difficult to reach 600 IU per day by diet alone. "
And you, what do you think of this debate? Do you care about your vitamin D intake? Do you take supplements? Do you think your diet provides enough vitamin D?

Stress and its impact on health

Stress and its impact on physical and mental health were a major concern in the health news in 2010. Here's what caught our attention in this regard.

How do we recognize what stress?

The researcher and specialist in stress Sonia Lupien has recently published a book entitled For Love of stress.To manage stress, it is important to know the source of the stressor. But how to recognize it? It is necessary that at least one of the 4 following characteristics - that the researcher has grouped under the acronym NICE - is this:
• Control: You feel you do not have control over a situation.
• Unpredictability: the situation is unexpected.
• New: You are facing a new situation.
• Ego: The situation represents a threat to your ego.
And the opposite of stress, this is not relaxation, warns Sonia Lupien. Rather, resilience is the ability to have a Plan B when a stressful event occurs, to "calm the brain so that it produces the least possible stress hormones.

Mental health problems at work: the enormous costs

For the most part, these problems are related to the workload, the interactions between colleagues and management to work-life balance and clarity of tasks, says Gilles Dupuis, Scientific Director of the Liaison Centre on the psychosocial intervention and prevention. And management practices that promote a better quality of work life are autonomy, support, recognition, collaboration and evaluation of load and work pace.

Stress SOS! The solution Matthieu Ricard

The Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard, who was visiting Montreal last September, offers meditation to help manage stress. Meditation allows learning to cultivate an inner space "and to construct a" mental immune system, "he said.

Prevent burnout through a blood test?

It is possible to measure the "rate of wear physiological" stress-related chronic blood tests and saliva testing. Robert Paul Juster, researcher, and Sonia Lupien, director of the Center on Human Stress, have identified 15 biological markers of stress, including cholesterol and insulin and cortisol, the stress hormone. Moreover, these markers are higher and the risk of burnout is as well, have they noticed in a small study.

Stress and depression damages the heart

Depression can cause inflammation of the heart muscle and is also associated with hypertension and diabetes, according to the work of researchers of the Centre québécois de recherche Fernand-Séguin who have studied the adverse effects of depression on physical health.

Stress, anxiety and depression: an important step

We knew that there was a link between stress, depression and anxiety, but for the first time, Canadian researchers have identified the biological mechanism of connection in the brain. They have discovered how two related to serotonin receptors could cause stress and anxiety create depression. The discovery could lead to better pharmacological treatments.

Health guide for 2011

If you want to pass resolutions in 2011 concerning your health, you should do so knowingly. You think among other things to eat better and exercise more? Here's some info published in 2010 to support your efforts and your guide.

Eat: Tips

Do not follow the diet to lose weight

Because most are ineffective and harmful to health, according to a report published in France which reviews the 15 most popular diets, including those of Dr. Atkins, Weight Watchers, Montignac and the Mayo Clinic.

But, yes to the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet would allow people who are overweight to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, regardless of whether they lose weight. And a study has demonstrated once again the benefits of the Mediterranean diet on heart health. It would also have a protective effect against cancer of the stomach.

Eat less meat

The movement of "meatless Mondays" was officially launched in Quebec in 2010. Encouraging people to replace, on Monday, meat by products based on legumes, nuts and seeds for their health and the environment.

Take the time to read nutrition labels

People who read nutrition information on foods eaten better, they consume products containing fewer calories, fat and sugar and more fiber.

Physical activity: good reasons to get started

Walking is good, but aerobics is better!

The two exercises, performed regularly, help to lose weight, but the aerobic further lowering blood pressure and promote better fitness.

Cycling and brisk walking for weight maintenance

Postmenopausal women who cycled or a brisk walk before menopausal gain less weight as they age than those who did not exercise.

One hour of physical activity per day to lose weight

150 minutes of physical activity per week as recommended, it is sufficient to prevent chronic diseases, but not enough to lose weight. This is at least one hour of exercise per day that women should do to maintain their weight long term.

Exercise improves bone health

Exercise helps strengthen bones and prevent fractures. For bone health, you must choose exercises that focus on strength rather than endurance. Furthermore, a study found that women who play soccer have improved their bone mineral density, which was not the case among women who were jogging. Soccer players have also further increased the power of their muscular legs.

Strength training to preserve the memory

Strength training would improve the attention span and short-term memory. Contrary to popular belief, aerobics would have only modest benefits on cognitive function.

Physical exercise reduces anxiety-related chronic diseases

People with chronic illness (cancer, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, back pain ...) would feel less anxious and nervous when practicing regular physical activity (3 sessions over 30 minutes per week).
And you, will you take resolutions in 2011? Health is gone?

Changes in DNA caused by radiation will be apparent in a few years

Experts in the field of DNA abnormalities believe that the effects of radiation will occur even 10-15 years after the fact of exposure, said Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. In connection with the events in Japan, European and American scientists have turned to the analysis of this issue. The main conclusion: radiation is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women because it can cause DNA mutations.

Child's body cells are updated very quickly - everything, including cancer. Therefore, in the next 10-15 years after the radioactive release is possible to predict the growth of leukemia among adolescents.

Experts also believe justifiable and effective measure against the radiation distribution of iodine-containing medications residents of Japan.

First aid could have even the child

Report of this study was published in the journal The Lancet Neurology. It says that if necessary, children under five years old are able to learn some basic rules and first aid.
Scientists in the study taught children from kindergarten to Norway to help people in trouble, according to the "rule of five fingers." Children invited to see the man talking to him, touch him, trying to wake up, call an ambulance and, finally, to create his comfortable surroundings. The results were surprising even to the researchers. "After two months the children were able to determine a person sleeps or is unconscious, and he breathes. In addition, the children remembered the number of "first aid" and could be described with an accuracy of your location "- Georg Bollig comments from the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Houklend.

Dental problems - poor performance

It turns out that in children there is a direct relationship between problems with teeth and poor school performance. To such conclusions at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In addition, it was observed that kids with unhealthy teeth worse adapted to the social environment. That is why American dentists urge parents as soon as possible to begin preventive examinations of children and the first time show a child a doctor at age one. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that 90% of early preventive examination at the dentist - the key to successful life of a child in the future.

Oral contraceptives prolong life

This is the conclusion, scientists from Britain, who for 40 years, watched two groups of women. One of them took oral contraceptives for at least four years, the other - did not take at all.

It was found that women who chose to defend themselves against unwanted pregnancy with pills, it is much less likely to suffer PMS and pain during menstruation. But most importantly, in those taking contraceptives by 12% was lower mortality, significantly reduced the risk of cancer (except breast cancer) and all kinds of disease, ranging from phlebitis and ending with a heart attack and stroke.

Value of the investigation, according to researchers - in the duration of observation and understanding of the long-term effects.

Spring avitaminosis

Winter has passed, came the long-awaited spring. Nature wakes up, and with it, and our bodies. But spring - a time when the need to take care of your health. After all, comes spring avitaminosis. Lack of vitamin in our body leads to weakness, loss of strength, all the while feeling sleepy, falling efficiency. All this leads to frequent colds. In this case, we can recommend a belt made of wool . They have good help in various diseases.

In order to avoid vitamin deficiency should diversify their diet, eat more vegetables, herbs and fruits. Fruits and vegetables should be varied, since all products have their vitamins.

First of all our body does not have enough vitamin C, so you need to have more oranges or sauerkraut. Vitamin A is also considered one of the most important. But you should know that this vitamin alone poorly absorbed in our body, so it must be used together with vitamin E. Vitamin A rich carrots. In order to vitamin A digestion in your body must use carrots with sour cream, mayonnaise or vegetable oil.

Very useful as fruit juices and vegetable juices. If you add a spoonful of honey juice, it will be very good, because honey contains a large amount of useful substances. Large amount of vitamin found in germinated grains of beans, peas and wheat. For the prevention of beriberi can be used shipovnikovy tea as rose is very rich in vitamins such as A, E, C, K, P, B2.