Green tea can boost your health in some pretty amazing ways

First of all, you need to know that it comes well recommended. The Chinese have been drinking this beverage for thousands of years -- giving it a long and proven history as a health remedy.

Modern research too has shown that drinking green tea is beneficial to your health.

Here’s a list of seven health benefits of this tried and true brew:

1. Weight loss

Drinking this beverage helps you feel full, so it can curb your appetite. It may also help you burn more calories according to a study published in November, 1999, by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

2. Anti-Aging properties

Green tea is rich in the antioxidants vitamin E and C. Antioxidants destroy free radicals that damage cell membranes. Damaged cell membranes lead to diseases such as cancer, heart attacks and diabetes.

Drinking it may help relieve the suffering caused by rheumatoid arthritis. This was revealed in a study in April 1999 by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

3. Asthma relief

Green tea contains a substance called theophylline. It’s a muscle relaxant, so it can cause the muscles supporting the bronchial tubes to relax -- thus reducing asthma’s ability to restrict normal breathing.

4. Lowers blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, you will be more susceptible to a heart attack or stroke. Green tea may prevent the formation of blood clots which lead to heart disease and stroke.

5. Fights cancer

A team from the Mayo Clinic found that three out of four chronic leukemia patients (who were given green tea extract) seemed to experience regression of the disease. The fourth patient also showed some improvement. The doctors gave the extract a try after a 2004 test tube study of green tea revealed that leukemia cells were killed by the substance.

According to the American Cancer Society, “Green tea contains chemicals known as polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties. Catechins are the major group of polyphenols in green tea. The most important catechin seems to be epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG may cause cancer cells to die like normal cells do. It may also work by stopping new blood vessels from forming, a process called angiogenesis, thereby cutting off the supply of blood to cancer cells.”

It is interesting to note that there seem to be fewer cancer deaths in Japan than in the United States. Could it be because citizens there drink a lot of green tea?

6. May lower cholesterol

Studies have shown that this drink may help lower cholesterol with no side effects. By lowering cholesterol, the body receives help in fighting heart disease and stroke as well.

7. Guards against infections

In April of 2003 the New York Times reported that its extract has the ability to strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight disease. Microbiologist Milton Schiffenbauer, professor at Pace University (New York) stated, “Our research shows tea extracts can destroy the organism that causes disease. If we can stimulate the immune system and at the same time we are destroying the organisms then it makes sense to drink more tea.”

Green tea treats sunburn, strained eyes, blemishes, rashes and minor cuts because of its antiseptic properties.

Try gargling with it when you feel a cold or the flu coming on. Soak your feet in it for athlete’s foot or just as a refreshing foot bath.


In this article you’ve read an impressive list of claims for the health benefits of drinking green tea. Although not a magic cure, it sure wouldn’t hurt to add this proven ancient beverage to your daily diet.

Your Cancer Specialists: Doctors You Need to Know

Cancer is a complex and tricky disease, so you may need to see several different cancer specialists during your treatment. Treatment often involves the combined care of several cancer specialists at once.

What Type of Cancer Specialists Do You Need?

Basically, there are three ways to treat cancer: with medicine (as well as with hormone therapy and immunotherapy), with radiation, and with surgery. Each treatment may be handled by a different specialist. Not every person will need all three types of treatments. It depends on your type of cancer and the stage of your cancer. However, here’s a rundown of the cancer specialists you might see.

• Medical oncologist. This is the cancer specialist you’ll probably see most often. Usually your oncologist will oversee your general care and coordinate treatments with other specialists. Your oncologist will also be in charge of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. You’ll likely visit your medical oncologist for regular checkups.
• Radiation oncologist. This cancer specialist treats cancer with radiation therapy. Radiologists are specialists in reading X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other types of imaging tests.
• Surgical oncologist. This is a surgeon who has special training in treating cancer. Your surgical oncologist may be called in to diagnose cancer with a biopsy. Surgical oncologists also treat cancer by removing tumors or other cancerous tissue.

Depending on your case, you may also need to see other types of doctors for special cancer care. For instance, you could need to see a hematologist, who specializes in treating disorders of the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Sometimes, surgery might be done by a general surgeon instead of a surgical oncologist. Or you might need to see a plastic surgeon if you need reconstructive surgery after treatment.

What Should You Look for in a Cancer Specialist?

• Experience. A cancer specialist should have a lot of experience treating the specific type of cancer that you have. Ask how many cases your doctor has treated over his or her career and over the past year. How many is enough? There’s no easy answer. But you should have the feeling that your doctor is treating people like you on a regular basis.
• Good training. Those framed degrees on a cancer specialist’s wall aren’t just for decoration, says Terri Ades, MS, APRN-BC, AOCN, director of cancer information at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta. Look at them closely. Where did your doctor train? Ask if he or she has other special qualifications or areas of interest. Ask if he or she has published any relevant journal articles on cancer treatment.
• Board certification. Board-certified doctors are trained in a specific area of medicine and must pass an exam testing their knowledge and skill. So if your doctor is board-certified -- in medical oncology or surgery, for instance -- you can be confident that he or she is highly qualified in that field. That said, board certification is not available for every subtype of cancer treatment. So not being board certified is not necessarily a bad sign.
• Openness to your questions. This is one of the most important things to look for in a cancer specialist. You need to feel like your doctor is listening to you and answering your questions. Also, make sure your doctor will be available to you when you need to talk to him or her -- even after you leave the office.

How Do I Find a Cancer Specialist?

Usually, your primary care doctor will refer you to a cancer specialist. Many people rely on recommendations from friends and relatives. Your insurance company may also have a specific list of providers that they will work with.

There are other ways you can get the names of cancer specialists. You could call your local hospital and ask for the names of cancer specialists who are on staff. You could get the names of cancer specialists through different medical organizations, like the American Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or the American College of Surgeons. And you could contact top medical schools or cancer treatment centers in your state for references.

16 Tips to Help Kids Cope With Allergy Symptoms

Do seasonal allergy symptoms have your kids down for the count? The runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion can leave even the most even-tempered kid tired and out of sorts.

The next time seasonal allergic rhinitis -- the term allergists use for the symptoms we call hay fever -- has your children feeling bad, you’ve got the tools to make them feel better: These simple tips gathered by WebMD from allergists and others can help you soothe kids’ allergy symptoms in no time.

16 Tips to Help Kids Cope With Allergy Symptoms

Managing allergies starts with a medical assessment, says Rod Moser, PA, PhD, in his All Ears blog for WebMD. So before you treat symptoms you think are allergies, be sure that’s what they are with a visit to an allergist. Once you know seasonal allergies are what you’re child is dealing with, these quick tips can offer kids much-needed symptom relief.

1. Stay Inside. The best way to treat allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens to begin with, say the experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). So when pollen counts soar, keep kids indoors as much as possible. Pollen is usually at its peak mid-morning, early evening, and when the wind is blowing.
2. Use Saltwater. Nasal congestion can be one of the most exhausting symptoms for children with allergies. For relief, older children might want to try nasal irrigation with a saline solution, one of the “best home remedy of all,” says Alan Goldsobel, MD, a California physician and spokesman for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. You can buy saline at the drugstore or make your own by mixing in a squirt bottle eight ounces of water to one teaspoon non-iodized salt.
3. Stay Hydrated. All that sneezing and blowing can leave a child parched. Keep a water bottle full and close to hand and encourage your children to stay well-hydrated.
4. Warm It Up. A hot shower or bath seems to offer allergy symptom relief for some, says Asriani Chiu, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and medicine at the College of Wisconsin, so encourage kids to enjoy a little tub time.
5. Keep It Cool. To keep pollen out when the weather’s hot, air condition your car and home and keep windows closed.
6. Deal With Dry Air. A little moisture in the air makes breathing easier for most, so if you suspect the air in your house is dry, you may want to turn on a humidifier. But be careful: Humidity over 40% can encourage the growth of indoor allergens like mold and dust mites.
7. Go Cold. When itchy eyes are driving your kid crazy, try a cold compress, says Chiu, which may help reduce the itch and inflammation.
8. Keep Your Hands to Yourself. And encourage kids to avoid rubbing their itchy eyes. Rubbing will only irritate them -- and could make the itchiness even worse.
9. Spice It Up. If your kids enjoy spicy foods, a piquant dish made with cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, onions, or garlic may help thin mucus and clear nasal passages.
10. Use Top Tissues. When kids’ allergies are at their peak, tender noses can get sore pretty fast. Look for tissues with lotion or other soothing additives.
11. Rub Jelly On It. And if your child’s nose is raw and red from blowing, you can soothe their sniffer with a dab of petroleum jelly.
12. Gargle to Relieve Sore Throats . If postnasal drip leaves your child with a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water made of 1-2 tablespoons of table salt in 8 ounces of water may ease the pain.
13. Drink Warm Tea . Drinking more fluids can also help sooth tender throats. Try a weak tea with honey and lemon. Bonus: The steam from a piping hot cup may relieve sinus congestion, too.
14. Get Face Time. Warm compresses applied to the face may also help soothe a child’s sinus pressure and pain.
15. Avoid Milk. Some folks may find milk can make mucus worse, though “that’s not a proven concept,” says Goldsobel. If in doubt, it may be a good idea to steer clear of milky goodies when kids are coping with allergy symptoms.
16. Avoid Certain Foods . If your child is allergic to ragweed, they may also have an allergic sensitivity to certain foods. Symptom-provoking foods to avoid may include bananas, melons, chamomile tea, sunflower seeds, and cucumbers.

8 Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Cancer

The National Cancer Institute has reported that about one-third of all cancer deaths are related to what we eat. The following tips will not only reduce your risk for developing cancer, they will also reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Cancer Prevention Tip #1 - Maintain Your Ideal Weight
The American Cancer Society has reported that women who are 40 percent or more overweight are 55 percent more likely to develop cancer. Men who are 40 percent or more overweight are 33 percent more likely to develop cancer.

Cancer Prevention Tip #2 - Reduce Your Total Fat Intake
Saturated and unsaturated fats have both been attributed to the development of cancer. By reducing your fat intake to no more than 30 percent of the total calories coming from fat, you can reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Cancer Prevention Tip #3 - Increase Your Fiber Intake
The American Cancer Society has reported that by replacing high fat foods with high fiber foods will decrease your risk for developing cancer. Good high fiber foods include whole grain cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

Cancer Prevention Tip #4 - Include Sources of Vitamins A and C in Your Diet
Leafy green vegetables and other green vegetables, such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, and green beans are good sources. Yellow-orange vegetables and fruits, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, and apricots and pineapples, are also good sources. If you're not a huge vegetable eater, try fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruit, or drink juices from these fruits.

Cancer Prevention Tip #5 - Include Sources of Vitamin E in Your Diet
Food high in Vitamin E, such as whole grain cereals, nuts and beans, have been recommended by the American Cancer Society for reducing the risk for developing cancer.

Cancer Prevention Tip #6 - Include Cruciferous Vegetables in Your Diet
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage, are high in fiber and reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Cancer Prevention Tip #7 - Reduce Intake of Salt-Cured, Smoked, and Nitrate-Cured Foods
Consumption of these types of foods have been linked to cancer. Moderation is a good rule when it comes to foods, such as ham, sausage, and smoked fish.

Cancer Prevention Tip #8 - Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Moderation is key. An example of moderation is having an after-dinner drink or an alcoholic beverage with your meal.

For more information about diet, nutrition and vitamins, go to About's Nutrition site.

Source: Health Smart by Elizabeth Vierck
Updated: 01/15/06

Healthy Cooking Tips for Persons With Diabetes

A healthy diet is not only critical to proper diabetes management, but will also help in maintaining desirable weight, controlling normal blood sugar levels, and preventing heart diseases.

Always consult your physician, registered dietitian (RD), or nutritionist to assist in planning and preparing healthy meals.

Some healthy cooking tips include the following:

• Use vegetable oil spray instead of oil, shortening, or butter.
• Steam vegetables using a low-fat broth or water.
• Season foods with herbs and spices, vinegar, lemon juice, or salsa.
• Use low- or no-sugar jams instead of butter or margarine.
• Eat or cook cereal with skim milk or 1 percent milk.
• Use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, or nonfat yogurt.
• Drink fruit juice that has no added sugar.
• Eat chicken or turkey without the skin.
• Broil, roast, stir-fry, or grill meats. Always buy lean cuts of meat.
• Use lemon or lime on fish and vegetables instead of butter or sauces.
• Use canola or olive oil in food preparation instead of vegetable oils.
• Buy whole grain breads and cereals.

Physicians and other experts can provide helpful resources that further cover meal planning, offer healthy recipes and cooking tips, suggest exercise programs, manage weight, and more. Excellent diabetic reference books and pamphlets are also available through your libra

Surgery By Numbers - Glowing Cancer Cells

This process has not be tested on humans yet, but coming soon. The infra red will show the outline of the tumor from a dye injected prior to surgery.

The cancer cells literally glow and radiate on a monitor. BD

The problem with cancer surgery, or so we hear, is that it's difficult for surgeons to know if they've removed all of a tumor, especially in late-stage cancers when the edges get indistinct. But a new imaging technology developed at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Center for Imaging Technology and Molecular Diagnostics in Boston is giving cutters visual cues on just where to aim their scalpels.

The portable FLARE (Fluorescence-Assisted Resection and Exploration) system uses near-infrared light to highlight cancer cells, giving surgeons a "paint-by-numbers" guide that shows the full extent of a tumor. Before surgery, patients are injected with special dyes called NIR fluorophores that target certain cell or tumor types and glow when they are exposed to near-infrared light. (Don't worry, your prostate won't glow orange -- this process is invisible to the naked eye). A detector relays the information to a video monitor, where the glowing cancer cells are overlaid on real-time images of the patient's body. A footswitch allows the surgeon to magnify or change viewing angles during the operation. More advanced versions may allow the surgeon to simultaneously view other systems, like nerves and blood vessels.

Global Warming Raises Outbreaks of Disease

Paul R. Epstein, M.D., M.P.H. is Associate Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School and is a medical doctor trained in tropical public health. Paul has worked in medical, teaching and research capacities in Africa, Asia and Latin America and in 1993, coordinated an eight-part series on Health and Climate Change for the British medical journal, Lancet. He has worked with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to assess the health impacts of climate change and develop health applications of climate forecasting and remote sensing.

Dr. Epstein also served as a reviewer for the Health chapter of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and coordinated Climate Change Futures: Health, Ecological and Economic Dimensions, an international project with Swiss Re and the United Nations Development Programme assessing the new risks and opportunities presented by a changing climate.

He is currently coordinating a Cat Modeling Forum with A.I.G., Lloyd's of London and other insurers and insurance brokers, facilitating integration of dynamic and statistical models for better risk assessment and reduction. Dr. Epstein is also preparing a report that examines the "stabilization wedges" through the lens of health and ecological safety. Paul received recognition for his contributions to the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. In addition, Dr. Epstein has recently published Healthy Solutions for the Low Carbon Economy: Guidelines for Investors, Insurers and Policy Makers (July '08).

Paul Epstein--

Climate change has direct, indirect and broad-scale consequences for human health and well-being. Heat waves affect health directly and are projected to take an increasing toll in developed and developing nations. Climate affects the range of infectious diseases, while extreme weather events are affecting the timing and intensity of outbreaks. Warming and more weather extremes also encourage pests and pathogens afflicting forests, crops, livestock, wildlife and marine life (especially coral reefs).

Several issues underlie the observed climate- and weather-related changes in disease distribution: 1. Since 1950, nighttime and winter warming have occurred twice as fast as has overall global warming; 2. The pace of warming in temperate, boreal and polar latitudes is occurring faster than warming in the tropics; and 3. Since 1957, the first International Geophysical Year, when many global measurements were initiated, the world ocean has accumulated 22 times the amount of heat as has the atmosphere, accelerating the global hydrological cycle.

Extremes are particularly conducive to upsurges of pest populations, e.g., mosquitoes and rodents. Drought in East Africa, in association with a warming Indian Ocean, led to the explosive outbreak of Chikungunya fever (similar to dengue fever and also carried by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes) in 2004-06, which has since spread to Italy. Sahel drought is related to upsurges of meningococcal meningitis and, in Latin America, heavy rains and flooding have been associated with outbreaks of dengue fever. Sequences of extremes create conditions conducive to “clusters” of mosquito-, rodent- and water-borne disease outbreaks.

Excess carbon dioxide itself (CO₂) has consequences for human health. Ragweed grown under elevated CO₂ levels produces pollen disproportionately to increases in its stem growth, and the pollen proteins become more allergenic. Additionally pollen grains are food for the larvae of anopheline mosquitoes, thus CO₂ fertilization may contribute to increasing malaria.

The longest term threat climate change poses for public health comes from the direct impacts on ecological systems – forests and coastal marine -- that provide us with air, water and nourishment, thus constitute our life-support systems.

On the other hand, clean energy solutions can improve health directly and provide the basis for clean water, agriculture and nutrition, education, health care and small-scale development – that form the basis for health in developing tropical nations. Clean energy solutions can also stimulate businesses and create jobs. Finally, all proposed technologies must also be examined with regard to their health, safety and environmental impacts. Life cycle analyses can help separate those technologies that are “no-regrets” – and can be scaled up today – from those – like nuclear and biofuels -- requiring further study to avoid unintended health and environmental consequences.

With the proper financial incentives and the dismantling of “perverse incentives,” the clean energy and technology transition can improve public health, help stabilize the climate and become the engine for the global economy in this 21^st Century.