Type 2 Diabetes - The Health of Both Parents Influences Their Newborn's Health

Health care has traditionally focused on mothers for producing healthy babies. Now it seems the health of both parents before conception is important. Investigators at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, USA, compared parental health before conception with newborn health factors known to put the newborn at risk for health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.

Their study, reported on in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics in November 2014, included 372 babies and their parents. It was found the birth weight was highest in infants born to mothers with...

• diabetes or high blood pressure, or
• who drank alcohol at least once a month.

The rate of prematurity was...

• slightly higher than average in infants of mothers who suffered from depression.

Birth weights were...

• lower than average for infants of diabetic fathers.

The rate of prematurity was...

• higher than average in infants of diabetic parents with high levels of fast food consumption.

From these results the investigators concluded starting before conception, mothers and fathers should take steps to prevent developing Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure - and consume as little alcohol and fast food as possible. Studies have proven unequivocally Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or at least delayed for years.

Fortunately, the above health issues of the parents can all be handled with the one eating plan and increased physical activity...

• instead of alcohol, spritz some seltzer with lime juice.
• instead of relying on fast foods on your lunch break, make a salad the night before and eat it in a nearby park. While you're there, if time permits, go for a short walk.
• in the early morning or evening, walk your dog or volunteer to walk dogs at a dog rescue shelter.
• park your car as far as possible away from where you work and walk the rest of the way. Ride a bicycle to work if it's feasible. You will not only do your body a favor, but help to clean up the atmosphere as well.

If you think salad is boring, try Thai vegetable and smoky eggplant salad from FoodAndWine.com. It calls for purple eggplants, lime leaves, lime juice, soy sauce, red Thai chile, light brown sugar (substitute), garlic clove, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chives, mint, and cashews. Or try a kale salad from OhSheGlows.com. You will need kale, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and cranberries. RawVeganPower.com suggests making apple salad with apple, fennel bulbs, walnuts, vinaigrette and vegan macadamia "cheese."

Even small changes in lifestyle can produce big results.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

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Understanding the Consequent Effects of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Health Care Delivery System

The current rise in mergers and acquisitions amongst physician practices and healthcare systems is undeniable. What used to be a booming industry in the 1990s fell prey to the recession. However, healthcare systems are now willing to pay more and the ones with a lot of capital are buying hospitals, medical facilities, and multispecialty groups led by physicians on top of single practices. For now, despite uncertainties, healthcare companies are taking advantage of the current economic climate and making acquisitions to maximize opportunities for growth.

According to experts, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other market forces are driving the boost in activity. Nevertheless, many opine that because of the mounting pressure in private practice these days that it is inevitable that physicians will agree to acquisition offers from multi-hospital systems. Meanwhile, another motivation for large healthcare companies in acquiring medical practices is insurance related in that they attain a stronger bargaining position, according to a health policy expert from UC Berkeley's School of Public Health.

A recent study showed that 10% of community hospitals in the US has already been merged or acquired, with a marked increase in activity from 2011 to 2012. According to the American Hospital Association one of the benefits of this trend is the retention of vital services. There is also an increase in efficiency by which the medical needs of the community are delivered. In addition, the ties of the merged institutions are strengthened, as well as the ties of healthcare institutions to individual medical practitioners.

However, observers are pointing out one huge disadvantage of the current trend of increase in mergers and acquisitions in the health care delivery system in the United States. As a result of this trend of consolidating medical practices and healthcare facilities, patient care costs are reportedly increasing. The parameters that incur high costs are inpatient hospital admissions, diagnostic procedures, medicines, and other types of medical care received by patients. A study demonstrated that the expenditure in merger facilities are almost 20% higher than incurred in physician owned organizations. Concerted efforts at improving the coordination and quality of the provision of patient care require the biggest budgets. This observation is founded on the fact that healthcare facilities are indeed very complex institutions to maintain.

Nevertheless, when healthcare organizations and private practitioners work together they are able to provide better patient care. Their combined resources offer patients with more advanced facilities when compared to traditional models. One of the objectives of merging is to reduce cost while providing high quality services. Perhaps in time a balance will be attained.

Find out more about Labor Issues and health care system.

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The Health and Peace of Purging Your Business and Your Life

As with any remodeling or moving you are in a position to make decisions for what to keep and what to purge. I have purged A LOT and ARC and Goodwill are very happy with me.

That said, I have also saved some things. Closets were filled with prom dresses, ski jackets, other kinds of jackets and coats. All belonging to my adult daughters. Back packs, purses you name it.

I would line them up on the couch and take pictures and text them to my girls. Do you want these? No. No. No. No. Oh, maybe save the prom dresses for Halloween.

Well, at least my closets are much more open and clear. (haven't tackled coat closets downstairs yet. I didn't dare ask them about the handmade quilts I made for them before they were born. I will give them to their babies. IF they had said 'no' I think I would have cried. I don't think they would but... I didn't give them that opportunity.

And painting and putting new carpet is your home office is also another opportunity. Shelf Help you purchased years ago (and probably never looked at) is old news. Trends change. What worked 5 years ago or less probably isn't working now. I have about 30 3 rings binders in the closet in my office. All empty! I will never have to buy a 3 ring binders again! And 3 big bookcases. Some duplicates. Some never read at all. (I can tell because I open my books wide so the binder is all wrinkled. My mother in law could read a book and you'd never notice because she barely opened it! I was always amazed)

My next project, which will be huge, is the basement. I have so many boxes of awards, elementary school art, report cards (Yes, I have all their report cards!)

In many, many boxes. And you know what? After reading this article I realize they are not going to want any of them. I will keep what I feel is important. Maybe even frame some 'special' art. I have one that Emily did in 2nd grade right above my computer.

And I was planning on finally putting all those growing up pictures into albums. May have to rethink that one.

Here's that article. It's worth the read. It could save me and you a lot of holding on to things.

Worth your time reading:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/national/ci_27807220/generational-gap:-millennials-dont-want-their-parents-stuff?source=infinite

As I write this I am thinking of all the fancy 'special' china I have from my Nana which sits on a top shelf and has never been used in the 29 years I have lived here. I'll bet someone could make use of that. Even my own wedding china from a man I divorced a couple decades ago. (Maybe my girls would want that? ) Probably not. They will get their own.

We could all end up with a lot of open space in our homes!!

I sent this article to my girls and this is what I got back from my 27 year old.

"I couldn't agree more with this article. Especially seeing as how we are moving all we want is to de-clutter and get rid of old stuff. Even if I had all my old soccer medals they would just sit in a box in the attic or storage somewhere not displayed. Makes sense to me."

We need to listen to them and not get our feeling hurts at the same time.

@2015 Kim Kirmmse Toth / All rights reserved

WANT TO REPRINT THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? You may, as long as it remains intact and you include this complete blurb with it:

Kim Kirmmse Toth LCSW, PCC mentors entrepreneurial 'women after 50' on how to build a business around your life, in part-time hours, to ensure your financial freedom & safety in your retirement years. Get her FREE series on how you can do this also at http://positiveaginginc.com

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Why Regular AC Maintenance Is Essential for the Health of Your Unit

There was a time, not so long ago, when an artificially cooled room was considered a luxury. When the first residential air conditioner was introduced in the 1930s, it was far too expensive for the average family to afford. But by the 1950s, with the growth of the middle class, millions of Americans were buying AC units.

Where Are We Now?

Air conditioning is no longer seen as a luxury, but rather as a necessity. About 87 percent of American homes now have AC, according to a recent survey from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Most of these systems still rely on old technology, i.e., window units, but central air is growing at a rapid rate.

What's The Difference?

Air conditioners that protrude from windows are not only louder and less efficient than central air systems, but they are also more expensive over the long haul. Yes, it costs a pretty penny to switch from window units to central systems, sometimes as much as $10,000. However, it may be worth the investment.

What's The Same?

Air conditioners are machines, and all machines require regular maintenance in order to function effectively. When regular service is not performed, window and central systems may break down or operate far less efficiently than they did when they were new.

The Benefits

No matter where you might reside, there's a good chance that you will be running your AC more during the summertime than in any other season. And like any machine, increased use increases the risk that the system or unit will malfunction or fail. When the thermometer spikes and air conditioners are running around the clock, repairs are almost inevitable unless your unit has been properly maintained. As they often say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Better Cooling

All AC units take oxygen from the outside, cool it down, and pump it indoors. But when they do so, some of the pollutants, allergens, and other impurities must be removed. The filters that perform this simple but essential job will eventually get clogged. If they are not cleaned or replaced, the effectiveness and efficiency of your cooling system will suffer.

Whether window or central, your unit will require more energy to cool your home or apartment if the filters are obstructed, which will obviously increase your monthly utility bills. So it makes financial sense to have an AC professional clean or replace them when needed.

Longer Lifespan

If an air conditioner is clogged or there is some other issue, stress will be distributed throughout the system, and it may result in premature wear to vital parts and components. The damage that ensues may cause breakdowns and/or higher electricity bills.

Fewer Repairs

As you might expect, when vital parts are properly maintained, there's a much lower risk of failure. Simply changing inexpensive filters and getting regular service performed should be enough to prevent breakdowns.

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Discover the Health Benefits of Dancing

Dance is an integral part of our daily life. Almost everybody enjoys this activity and it is not astonishing to find people tapping or swirling their hips whenever they are listening to a good beat. Shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance have over 24 million people across the globe. Furthermore, the Latin-inspired dance workout also attracts over 10 million participants every week. This is just a clear indication of how people value this activity; no wonder, there was need to have a National Dance Day in America.

Generally, dance is one activity which guarantees a total body workout. There are a number of people who have benefited from dance classes with some burning over 400 calories in a 1 hour dance class. Very few people can achieve this in their daily working routines. This implies that dieting may be insignificant here. Ideally, attending dance classes for only three days in a week; you will drop about 20 pounds in one year. In addition to this, as you attend the dance classes, you will boost brain power, tone body muscles and improve balance.

To achieve all these, you need to enroll for your dance classes in a reliable and reputable dance studio which has all the necessary facilities and qualified instructors. In addition to this, you need to choose a dance style which you are comfortable with. Most of these dance studios offer quite a number of dance styles such as hip-hop, jazz, tango, tap and ballroom dance just to mention a few. They have both kids and adult dance classes with a number of private dance classes with flexible schedules. Every dance style has its unique health and fitness benefits.

Ballet dance
Like other dancing styles, ballet dance also offers a total body muscle workout. Ballet dance is described to be graceful and fluid in nature, thus a number of people tend to assume that it is one of those dance styles which do not require a lot of effort and energy. This is not always the case; it requires tremendous power and control. In addition to this, it requires a good deal of commitment to acquire all the necessary skills; a lot of discipline than the other dance styles and total body precision. It is one of the few dance styles with quite a number of rules which the dancer must adhere to. Those who enroll for ballet dance classes improve their flexibility tremendously and their body posture.

Latin dance
This is one style which is identified with a fiery attitude; quick and sharp steps with a lot of hip action. A number of dance styles in this category, such as the merengue and salsa require a partner, however; you can opt for other options such as the Zumba where a dancing partner is not compulsory.

In most cases, Latin dances are characterized by fast beats of about 160 and 210 beats per minute. This gives the participants an opportunity to burn more calories. The muscles supporting the spine also get a 360 degree workout as the dance involves twisting and pulling the muscles around this region. It involves moving the muscles around the spine region.

Masala Bhangra style
This is one of the most popular India's Electric Slide dance. In this style, the arms do a lot of work in the entire dancing process. It is categorized as a low pressure workout, dance style. It can be a good workout for the injured rotator cuff muscles.

Jazz dance
In this style, the moves blend the sharp kicks and sultry slides. They require a lot of energy since the dance involves "large and dynamic moves" which requires the use of the entire body. It boosts metabolic rate, hence; very important.

Tap dance
In this style, dancers wear shoes with metal plates which are usually attached to both the forefoot and the heel. They use them to make percussive sounds. It is a joint friendly activity since it has less impact to the joints. It strengthens fast-twitch muscles.

You can visit Columbus Dance Classes official website for more information.

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Enjoying The Health Benefits Of Medical Marijuana

Recreational marijuana and its legalization may be driving many people to try this treatment option, but the fact is that the medical use of cannabis is not something new. The use of this plant for treatment purposes can be traced to ancient times when marijuana was prescribed for digestive problems, pain relief and even psychological disorders, just to mention a few conditions. There are proven health benefits that can be traced to several of the active ingredients that are in marijuana.

The different forms

When you decide to try medical marijuana, you need to know that it is available in different forms. The product can be smoked, eaten in an edible version or ingested in pill form. You can get the product in any form that appeals to you. While to some people the pill makes the process feel more medical, others prefer to smoke it while many more prefer the marijuana added to cookies, brownies or chocolate bars. Marijuana in pill form is called nabilone or dronabinol.

The different ailments

Medical marijuana can be used to treat a wide range of ailments such as nausea, chronic pain, the effects of several progressive diseases as glaucoma and multiple scleroses. A medical marijuana investment is worth making if you are suffering from psychological disorders like PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical marijuana is often used when treating patients going through chemotherapy as it helps to ease nausea and vomiting.

Treating eye conditions

Medical cannabis has been used for several years in the treatment of glaucoma. This is an eye condition that causes elevated eyeball pressure, and it can lead to blindness. It is important to know that while marijuana may help to reduce the intraocular pressure, the fact that it needs to be consumed several times in a day can cause the mood-altering effects. Critics argue about the plants effectiveness, especially considering the impact on the user's ability to function effectively.

Stimulating appetite

One of the effects of marijuana use is appetite stimulation. Cannabis users find that they get a case of the "munchies" after smoking. This quality has made it the obvious solution for patients who have HIV or AIDS or other medical conditions that cause a suppressed appetite.

Marijuana can relax muscles that are tense, making it an effective treatment for patients with conditions like MS and other types of muscular disorders. Medical cannabis is thought to offer an effective treatment for people with neurological disorders like Parkinson's. It is also effective in reducing psychological stress by treating mood disorders, sleep disorders and post traumatic stress disorder.

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The Health Risks Associated With The Use Of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are classed as illegal drugs and are banned by most legitimate sports organizations. There can be no disputing the fact that testosterone boosts the development of muscle mass and aids sporting performance. Equally there is no doubt that its use can adversely affect the health and wellbeing of users.
The androgenic properties of testosterone can affect the body in many ways but often users see these as inconveniences that can be treated by using other drugs. The most common side effects of testosterone supplementation include the following:

1. Testicle shrinkage - the body responds to testosterone overload by reducing its own production of the hormone. This causes the testicles to shrink due to lack of use. When steroid usage stops, the testicles will grow again but they could take at least six months to return to normal size.
2. Addiction - despite some users trying to convince themselves otherwise, the use of steroids can result in physical and psychological addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with muscle shrinkage, weakness and loss of libido.
3. Growth of breast tissue - this affects roughly one third of male steroid users. It is caused by the conversion of some excess testosterone into the female hormone estrogen. The breasts usually disappear when use of steroids ceases but in some cases they are permanent and may require surgical removal.
4. Baldness and skin conditions - excess testosterone can be converted into DHT, a hair unfriendly by-product that is responsible for male pattern baldness and oily skin.
5. Pain, bruising, infection and scarring may result from careless or incompetent injecting.
Some people have died as a result of steroid abuse and even those who adopt a careful, pragmatic approach have to accept that these health risks are unavoidable. My advice is, follow the natural route and use nutritional supplements to boost the anabolic process.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com [http://bodybuildingadvisor.com] website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice [http://www.bodybuildingadvisor.com/index.html] to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

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