Benefits of Having Pets

Posted on March 19, 2021 by admin

I’ve always known that having a pet at home brings joy and laughter. Pets cheer you up when you’re down. They welcome you with wagging tails and a welcome purr when you come home after a long and stressful day. After my pet dog died 23 years ago, I haven’t had the time to have another pet, although in recent years I’ve toyed with the idea of keeping a pet dog in our condo home as I love dogs. However, I know that it’s not going to be easy as it’s against our condo house rules to have large and noisy pets, our space is extremely limited and I do not have the time to add another ‘baby’ to my already stressful and hectic life.

During the past one year of MCO (Movement Control Order) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, life for me has been nothing short of depressing and at times feeling helpless contributed by a myriad of factors. I’ve prayed for some joy and laughter back into our lives. One day, a mother cat gave birth to a litter of 6 kittens at the doorstep of my husband’s office. When I saw the kittens for the first time, my heart melted, especially at the sight of a tri-colored coat kitten. I’ve never been a cat lover, yet I don’t despise them. When my husband (who’s also not a cat lover) suggested adopting one of the stray kittens, I was strongly against his idea. I told him that it would never work due to the reasons stated above. However, as fate would have it, Haru (the tri-colored coat kitten) ended up in our homes when she was 6 weeks old. None of us in the family had any experience in handling cats or was prepared to care for one. My two younger daughters were delighted as it has always been their wishes to have a pet at home. We googled for help on how to care for a baby kitten and asked friends for advice. Haru is now almost 3 months and she has brought a lot of joy and laughter into our homes.

I think God answered my prayers of wanting joy and laughter and He sent a kitten into our lives ?.

There are many health benefits of owning a pet. Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include:

Decreased blood pressure
Decreased cholesterol levels
Decreased triglyceride levels
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Reduced stress levels and depression
Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
Increased opportunities for socialization
Better bonding within siblings and between parents and children
Improved behavior in children
Increased responsibility in children
Help children with their emotional and social skills.
Source of comfort and support (in the case of therapy dogs and guide dogs)
and much more.

Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. The advantages that pets bring to your life are just another reason to love them as much as you already do!

The Relationship Between Sunlight, Cholesterol and Coronary Heart Disease

Posted on February 5, 2021 by admin

If lowering cholesterol was as simple as soaking in some sunshine everyday and absorbing vitamin D, everyone would do it. So, what’s the link between the “sunshine vitamin” and cholesterol?

When our skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D. One theory is that because cholesterol is used in vitamin D synthesis, levels of cholesterol will reduce as more vitamin D is made. One study showed that doing outdoor activities such as gardening in the summer did indeed reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. This did not occur during winter.

Sunlight exposure reduces cholesterol.

According to a study conducted by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), deficiency of sunlight and thus, lack of vitamin D is a factor that might influence susceptibility and disease incidence. Sunlight deficiency could increase blood cholesterol by allowing squalene metabolism to progress to cholesterol synthesis rather than to vitamin D synthesis as would occur with greater amounts of sunlight exposure, and the increased concentration of blood cholesterol during the winter months, confirmed in this study, may well be due to reduced sunlight exposure.

In another study – Seoul National University College of Medicine conducted a study on cholesterol levels with 4,124 healthy men and women, who were divided into 4 groups according to their vitamin D levels.

The findings? The group with the highest vitamin D levels had 26% less people whose cholesterol level was over 200mL than the group with the lowest vitamin D. This lead to the conclusion that people with higher vitamin D levels have lower cholesterol levels.
Vitamin D is also known as the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ because they are created by the cholesterol in our body when we are exposed to sunlight. The more vitamin D we make, the more cholesterol we use up, therefore lowering cholesterol levels!

So make sure to get some morning sun today and don’t shun away from it anymore!

Sesame Seed Health Benefits

Posted on January 20, 2021 by admin

Sesame is a crop that is grown for the oil in its seed. It is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, and South America. Compared to similar crops such as peanuts, soybean, and rapeseed, the seeds of sesame are believed to have the most oil. Sesame seeds are also rich sources of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are nutty and fragrant seed variants. When lightly toasted, they add a lovely crunch and flavor to many Asian and Middle Eastern dishes.

Sesame seed oil is commonly used in the cooking of postpartum food for Asian women in confinement after child birth as sesame seed oil is known for its warming properties. I consumed more than 5 large bottles of sesame seed oil after each child birth. Every dish that was cooked had sesame seed oil and ginger in it and I really enjoyed all my confinement dishes.

These tiny seeds are chock-full of goodness. Consuming sesame seeds can help in the following ways:

1) Lower Your Cholesterol

Sesame seeds contain lignans and phytosterols, which are plant compounds that can help lower cholesterol. Phytosterols are also believed to enhance your immune response and decrease your risk of certain cancers.

Researchers found that out of all the nuts and seeds commonly eaten in the United States, sesame seeds had the highest total phytosterol content with 400 to 413 milligrams per 100 grams.

2) Fight Infections

The sesamin and sesamolin in sesame seeds are known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Antioxidants are important to your health because they protect your body against various diseases by slowing down damage to cells.

The antibacterial activity of sesame seeds is proven to fight against staph infections and strep throat as well as common skin fungi, such as athlete’s foot.

3) May Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Some studies suggest that regularly eating sesame seeds may help decrease high cholesterol and triglycerides — which are risk factors for heart disease. This is because sesame seeds contain two types of plant compounds — lignans and phytosterols — that may also have cholesterol-lowering effects.

4) Nutritious Source of Plant Protein
Sesame seeds supply 5 grams of protein per 3-tablespoon (30-gram) serving. To maximize protein availability, opt for hulled, roasted sesame seeds. The hulling and roasting processes reduce oxalates and phytates — compounds that hamper your digestion and absorption of protein.

5) May Support Healthy Bones
Sesame seeds — both unhulled and hulled — are rich in several nutrients that boost bone health, though the calcium is mainly in the hull.

6) Rich in Antioxidants
Animal and human studies suggest that consuming sesame seeds may increase the overall amount of antioxidant activity in your blood. The lignans in sesame seeds function as antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress — a chemical reaction that may damage your cells and increase your risk of many chronic diseases. Additionally, sesame seeds contain a form of vitamin E called gamma-tocopherol, an antioxidant that may be especially protective against heart disease.

7) Hair Health
Sesame seeds are rich in plant polyphenols, which help promote hair health. In some cultures, sesame seed oil is massaged into the scalp to reduce premature greying and boost hair growth because of the presence of vitamins and minerals. The amino acids and antioxidants in this oil help return the shine in dull hair.

8) High in Fiber
Sesame seeds are packed with a good amount of fiber, an important element in healthy digestion. It can reduce conditions like constipation and diarrhea, while simultaneously protecting the health of your colon and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. Fiber is also beneficial for your heart, by scraping out dangerous LDL cholesterol from arteries and blood vessels, thereby acting as a protecting agent against atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

9) Increases Fertility in Men
Sesame seeds, when added to the diet of men, improves sperm quality and increases male fertility. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences showed that 25 infertile men, aged between 27 and 40 years, were given sesame seeds for three months. They showed a significant improvement in their sperm count and motility.

10) Reduces Inflammation
The high content of copper in sesame seeds helps in reducing inflammation in joints, bones, and muscles, thereby contributing to preventing the associated pain of arthritis.

Different Ways To Eat Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are very versatile and can be consumed in the following ways:

Mixed into dough when making bread, cookies or cake.
Sprinkled as a topping on rice, sushi, salads or dishes.
Ground into thin paste-like tahini and spread on bread, added to yoghurt and other desserts.
Blended into a powder and mixed with various smoothies or drank as a beverage.
Sesame oil is also very popular and potent for natural health remedies, ranging from topical applications on the body to using the oil as an anti-inflammatory substance.
Sesame biscuits or candies
Black sesame sweet soup dessert

Sesame seeds are inexpensive yet bursting with nutrients and health benefits. They are full of flavors and are very versatile. Sesame seeds are an essential item in the kitchen.

Note: Sesame seeds are not nuts, although many people treat them that way. The reason for this is the presence of similar allergenic chemicals and proteins, which are also found in nuts. Therefore, if you are allergic to some types of nuts, it would be wise to speak to your doctor about sesame seeds before consuming.

8 Ways To Prevent Hair Loss

Posted on December 31, 2020 by admin

Hair loss may be a natural part of life, but it isn’t one that anyone wants to experience. Here are eight ways to prevent balding.

1. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is generally thought of as a hair restoration Westchester County NY technique, but it can also extend the life of your hair. The energy from the laser can stimulate growth and improve the overall health of your hair, helping it last longer.

2. Diet

A balanced diet and healthy weight can help prevent balding. Eating sufficient amounts of protein and amino acids will keep your follicles healthy, allowing them to continue working longer.

3. Clean Hair

Regularly washing hair keeps the scalp clean and free of debris that can clog follicles, hindering growth. The massaging motion of washing also increases blood flow to the follicles, keeping them healthy.

Hair Loss Treatment Yonkers, NY

4. Preventing Damage

Hairs that has been damaged from chemicals and styling are brittle and likely to break or fall out. Avoiding damage and repairing hair with products such as coconut oil can strengthen it and keep it from shedding.

5. Essential Oils

Lavender, cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary may stimulate growth when applied to the scalp prior to washing.

6. Yoga

Yoga has been shown to reduce hair loss for several reasons. It reduces stress and improves overall health, and some positions increase blood flow to the scalp.

7. Onion Juice

Putting onion juice on the scalp before showering can result in regrowth. This is likely due to the high amount of sulfur in onion juice.

8. Biotin

The body requires biotin for fatty acid synthesis. Not consuming enough biotin has been linked to balding.

Hair loss can be prevented if you act early to keep your hair and follicles healthy. Laser therapy, a healthy diet, regular cleaning, preventing damage, using essential oils, doing yoga, applying onion juice and taking biotin are all ways to keep your hair looking thick and healthy.

Thinking About Visiting a Rock Climbing Gym?

Posted on December 29, 2020 by admin

There is not a season that goes by that people do not think about getting back into shape. During the winter months, going to the gym can seem like an impossible time to run or do a cardio workout. And do not forget how boring and routine the gym can become. If you are looking for a great way to get back into shape and have fun doing it, then you will want to visit your climbing gym Denver.

A climbing gym is a great way to get in shape. You will find that there are muscle groups that you never knew existed on your body. Here are some benefits to help motivate you to get back into shape today.

In fact, the more hits and blows that it takes from running or jogging only means knee issues and lower back issues down the road. Rock climbing takes your body and stretches it in ways that are considered low impact. You will find your muscles getting strong the more you engage in climbing the wall.

You will also find your flexibility will greatly improve. It only takes about two weeks for you to start to fall out of shape and to start losing flexibility. When this happens other parts of your body will start to ache because of the lack of support from the unworked areas.

Believe it or not, your lungs can also get out of shape. You can notice this when you walk up a flight of stairs and you find it hard to breathe. Or you dive into the pool and it is hard to hold your breath. You will strengthen your lungs the more you engage in rock climbing.

Rock climbing can also help with certain kinds of diseases that are directly related to exercise. You will also find that stress can be reduced, and anxiety becomes a thing of the past as you learn to relax and put yourself in a position to excel at what you love to do.

And then there is the issue of coordination. Most people have to look at things before they move their hands or feet, but with rock climbing, you will learn to trust where your hands and feet are placed.

In order to find out more about rock climbing simply visit your climbing gym today. You will experience all of the benefits listed above and so many more as you engage in this wonderful sport.

Jackfruit Seeds Health Benefits

Posted on December 14, 2020 by admin

Jackfruit is a delicious fruit that is sweet and aromatic. It is rich in vitamin A, C and one of the few fruits that’s high in B vitamins. Jackfruit also contains folate, niacin, riboflavin, potassium, and magnesium. As jackfruit is high in carotenoids (vitamin A), eating jackfruit regularly may help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease and eye disorders like cataract and macular degeneration.

Chempedak, A Type Of Jackfruit on old wooden

Most of us would discard the seeds when we eat the flesh of jackfruit. Did you know that the seeds of jackfruit contain nutrients too? The next time you eat jackfruit, keep the seeds and boil them for a delicious snack. Although jackfruit seeds are encased in hard shells, you can roast, boil or steam this part of the jackfruit and enjoy them too.

Boiled jackfruits seeds – remove the outer crust of the seed to enjoy the flesh of the seed. It has a similar taste and texture to chestnuts.

Jackfruit seeds are primarily made of starch, but also contain essential vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. Jackfruit seeds are even richer in certain nutrients compared to jackfruit flesh. The seeds have more protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamin and riboflavin compared to jackfruit flesh.

Jackfruit seeds also contain a range of beneficial bioactive compounds like lignans, isoflavones, saponins and other antioxidants. Every 100 grams of jackfruit seeds also contains small amounts (4 percent of the DV or less) of calcium and vitamin A.

Health Benefits of Jackfruit Seeds

1. Resistant Starch
Foods high in resistant starch like the ones found in jackfruit seeds are beneficial to your guts. This is because the good bacteria that live in your gastrointestinal tract can ferment these starches in your large intestine. When resistant starches are fermented, they produce short-chain fatty acids. These short-chain fatty acids can help stimulate blood flow in your colon and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

A healthy gut microbiome isn’t just good for your stomach, intestines and colon; your gut is directly connected to your brain via a cranial nerve known as the vagus nerve. When you consume foods with resistant starches, this can help improve the function of your immune system and prevent diseases that affect your central nervous system too.

2. Prevents Anaemia
Jackfruit seeds are rich in iron thus eating them regularly can treat and prevent anaemia and other blood disorders. It boosts immunity, increases the production of red blood cells and thwarts off diseases.

3. Boosts Vision
Being a powerhouse of healthful nutrients like Vitamin A, jackfruit seeds may help in improving vision. Regular consumption of boiled jackfruit seeds or seed powder prevents eye diseases like night blindness and xeropthalmia.

4. Enhance Sexual Pleasure
Some sources state that the iron in the seeds can stimulate sexual pleasure. In fact, jackfruit seeds have been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat sexual disorders. The seeds can be roasted like chestnut and are considered an aphrodisiac by some experts!

How Emotions Affect Period And Other Issues

Posted on December 11, 2020 by admin

The past few months have been very difficult for me. I went through many rough patches and have been extremely stressed out over many issues. This year has been a tough year for me. It does not help that I am a high-strung person who’s really good at worrying. I could feel my emotions running strong and deep from time to time and as a result, noticed changes to my health. I had heart palpitations, painful lumpy breasts and a difficult menses this month with blood clots.

I’ve been trying very hard to control my emotions and have been taking steps to de-stress. I try to exercise in the morning sun every morning, which I find extremely therapeutic for me. I try to do things that make me happy and though our finances have been impacted by the continuous partial lockdown imposed by the Government to curb the spread of Covid-19, I sometimes try to splurge a little on myself and on the kids, all in the name of finding a little joy. Life is short. There’s no better time to enjoy life a little than now.

Several years ago, I met a very amiable and knowledgeable acupuncturist who practices Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She does acupuncture for Cass and me. I always found it therapeutic talking to her as she has an extremely calm and positive disposition. She would always tell me that in TCM, emotional stress is the cause of many major diseases suffered by women like breast cancer, cancer of the reproduction organs and fibroids. I had a large benign uterine fibroid that was growing rapidly and she would always advise me to control my emotions. In TCM, uterine fibroids are caused by negative emotions. I had the fibroid removed by a Laparoscopic Myomectomy surgery 3 years ago.

In TCM, negative emotions experienced excessively or over an extended period of time is identified as a major cause of disharmonies in menstruation, pregnancy, labor and menopause. As emotional stress disrupts the natural cycles of energy transformation and circulation within our body, it can cause our Qi and blood to stagnate or rebel – which may manifest as PMS, irregular periods, amenorrhea (no period), delayed periods, heavy menstruation, or dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Correlation of Stress With Your Breasts
During particularly harsh periods of anxiety, pressure and stress, you can experience breast pain.

What causes it? Research has found correlations between the impact of stress and estrogen levels, meaning that increased stress during a specific time during the menstrual cycle could cause excess discomfort.

What’s the treatment for stress related breast pain? You simply have to remove stress from your life and get ample sleep each night! This was what my gynae told me. However, we all know that it isn’t that simple. Women have to find ways of managing anxiety, stress and invest in sufficient sleep each night.

Five Emotions that Affect Menstruation
There are five emotions that have a profound influence on women’s menstrual health:

Sadness and grief
Worry
Anger / Hatred
Fear
Guilt

If we allow our emotions to flow through us naturally and if only we could prevent the above five emotions from holding us ransom, we will be a happier, healthier and more content person.

On the other hand, if we allow ourselves to harbor negative emotions, these emotions will stagnate, knot, sink or rebel, causing various emotional and menstrual disharmonies.

As human beings, it is not easy to stop negative emotions from controlling our minds but it can be done through practice, meditation, prayers and talking about it with a good friend or loved one.

3 Things You Should Know About Tooth Extraction

Posted on December 2, 2020 by admin

If the last time you had a tooth pulled was when you had your wisdom teeth removed, you may feel understandably apprehensive if you need to get a tooth pulled. In reality, you shouldn’t feel fearful about the procedure, and learning a little more about the process can help to put your mind at ease. Here are three things that you should know about a tooth extraction.

1. Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon Can Adequately Anesthetize You

Thinking about having a tooth pulled can be somewhat anxiety-provoking. However, bear in mind that your dentist or oral surgeon can apply a local anesthetic that will minimize or entirely eliminate feeling in the area. Many patients report experiencing no pain at all and only feeling a sensation of pressure as a tooth is being pulled. Nonetheless, if you’re feeling particularly apprehensive, you can discuss additional anesthetic options with your dentist or oral surgeon. You may be able to take an oral sedative or have a sedative administered intravenously; these anesthetics won’t put you to sleep but they’ll help you to relax.

2. Replacing Your Tooth Will Help to Preserve Your Other Teeth

After a tooth extraction, getting an implant will help to preserve your bite and also protect your other teeth from damage. After a tooth extraction, people lose bone density in the surrounding area. Adjacent teeth may become weaker or shift out of alignment, and the tooth that is located above or below the extracted tooth may also shift. For help with dental implants Brooklyn, reach out to a provider who can help you replace a tooth with minimal discomfort.

3. Antibiotics Can Prevent Infection

After a tooth extraction, taking a course of antibiotics can help to reduce the risk of infection significantly. Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe amoxicillin, clindamycin, or another antibiotic that can prophylactically combat bacterial infection.

Natural Ways To Ease Your Nerves

Posted on November 25, 2020 by admin

No matter who you are, it is likely that you have dealt with some kind of stress. Whether it is frequent or occasional, stress and tension can disrupt your life. The good news is, though, that there can be many natural ways to begin reducing your stress today.

Try Cannabis

One way to keep stress at bay that is growing in popularity is going to marijuana dispensaries in Chicago and giving cannabis a try. While some may think of cannabis, or marijuana, as a drug, the reality is that it can have many relaxing and healing qualities that can be beneficial for your health. Not only can it help to ease your nervous system and calm your stress at a physical level, but it can also be great for managing pain and more serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Try Mindfulness

Another way to start feeling less stressed instantly is to give mindfulness, or meditation, a try. Mindfulness can not only help you to clear your mind, but it can have a calming effect on your nervous system and the rest of your body as well. To get the most out of your meditation practice, you should do it for 20-minute intervals daily. However, some may find it difficult to focus for that long in the beginning, so starting out at 5- or 10-minute intervals and building up can be helpful.

Try Deep Breathing Exercises

Along with meditation, deep breathing exercises can be another great way to start feeling more relaxed instantly. When you breathe in deeply and slowly, it sends signals to your brain to calm down and can be very effective at ridding you of feelings of panic or anxiety. Deep breathing exercises can be beneficial to do any time that you are feeling overwrought, and can also be good to do before bed, to promote more restful sleep.

Nearly everyone deals with stress from time to time, and however frequently it occurs, it can be disruptive. The good news is that there are things you can begin doing today to combat it.

Achenbach’s Syndrome (Sudden Finger Bruising)

Posted on October 31, 2020 by admin

Throughout this lockdown, I have been suffering from several issues with my hands. Besides having a relapse of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on my right hand, another new disorder crept up – Achenbach’s Syndrome or Sudden Finger Bruising. I know this must have been contributed by the overuse of my hands. With continuous washing and cleaning (and cooking 2-3 meals a day) everyday for months on end while being quarantined at home, the excessive repetitive movement of my hands have triggered these issues on my hands and fingers.

During my 7 months on home quarantine, I’ve had two incidences of Sudden Finger Bruising on my left index finger. On both occasions, I was in the midst of doing chores and all of a sudden, I felt an acute throbbing pain on my left index finger. It felt like I had crushed the finger with something heavy. Seconds later, the finger turned purplish (picture below).

Symptoms of Achenbach’s syndrome are usually described as a sudden, unexplained burning sensation or pain in one or more fingers followed by purplish or bluish bruising associated with swelling, numbness and sometimes limitation of movement. The condition can also be entirely painless, though on both of my occasions, the attacks were extremely painful. Despite the variable recurrence rate, the disease has a benign course and the bruising disappears spontaneously after a few days, with a mean resolution time of 4 days. The most commonly affected region is the palmar surface of the left hand, involving most frequently the index followed by the middle finger, and especially the proximal or medial phalanges. Rare cases may involve the thumb.

Achenbach’s syndrome is more common in middle-aged women. The index and middle fingers are the most affected.. This disease does not spread to the fingertips, and AS is distinguishable from ischemic lesions. Specific treatment is not required, and the patient may recover spontaneously within 1 week with local rest.

Picture of a patient with a more severe attack of AS:

Achenbach’s syndrome usually recurs after the first episode and may continue to occur over the person’s lifetime.

Health is Wealth

A health freak mom's thoughts on health and all things healthy