4 Tips for Preventing Injury while Exercising

Learning ways to prevent exercise injuries can help keep yourself from becoming sidelined. Having an injury may hinder your workout routine and cause a major roadblock in your fitness journey. To prevent any injuries while exercising, try following these four tips.

Don’t Increase Workout Intensity Too Quickly

If you try to increase your workout intensity by a lot before your body is ready to handle the extra load, you could be setting yourself up for injury. This is especially true if you recently started a fitness routine after not exercising for an extended period. It’s best to start off doing three 20-minute exercise sessions per week at moderate intensity and build up from there. Verywell Fitalso suggests using the perceived exertion scale, which can determine how well your body responds to exercise.

Warm Up Correctly

Jumping into high-intensity exercises at the beginning of your workout can lead to muscle strains and tears. Light stretching can help the body become more limber so that it’s better prepared for the physical demands of exercise. Doing a slow jog or bike ride can also help you warm up properly. Other exercises that can warm up muscles include T pushups, high kicks and lunges with upper body twists.

Develop Proper Muscle Balance

Muscle imbalances can result in stronger muscles overpowering weaker ones when trying to engage in certain physical activities, and any imbalance could put undue strain on the weaker muscles and cause injuries. One of the best ways to correct muscle imbalances is with the muscle activation technique, which involves strengthening the weaker muscles so that the surrounding muscles don’t experience excessive tension or tightness as they try to compensate for the strength differences. Working with a personal trainer who’s experienced in correcting muscle imbalances can help you develop the proper exercise methods.

Eat Enough of the Right Foods

Not eating enough throughout the day could put you at greater risk for injury when it comes time to exercise. Muscles that don’t receive the proper nourishment often don’t function as efficiently and can be more vulnerable to strains and other problems. Your energy levels may also be depleted from not eating enough, and this can make you feel lethargic and more prone to getting hurt. In addition to eating meals that are high in essential vitamins and nutrients, it’s best to consume yogurt, an energy bar or another carbohydrate-rich snack 30 to 60 minutes before a workout.

Keeping yourself out of harm’s way is possible with the right strategies to prevent injuries during exercise. By making additional efforts to keep yourself healthy while getting into better shape, you’ll have an easier time achieving your fitness goals.

Research reveals potential care gap for pregnant women with lupus

VANCOUVER, Aug. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - A new study by Arthritis Research Canada has found that almost 30 per cent of pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus discontinue their antimalarials (especially in the first trimester) despite these medications being safe and recommended during pregnancy. 

Women with lupus have a higher risk of experiencing pregnancy-related complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm labour and fetal growth restriction. As a result, the findings of this research are concerning.  

"In order to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy, fetal and neonatal outcomes, it is important that pregnant women continue managing their disease," said Dr. Mary De Vera, a Research Scientist of Pharmacoepidemiology at Arthritis Research Canada and lead researcher on the study. 

The findings of this research point to the importance of educating women with lupus who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, about the benefits and risks of medications during pregnancy.

"Considering that antimalarials are considered safe and recommended for managing disease activity during pregnancy, the relatively high discontinuation rates prior to and during pregnancy are alarming," Dr. De Vera said. "They may indicate a care gap that needs to be addressed by health care providers and an information gap for women with lupus."   

Few prior studies have examined medication use in pregnant women with lupus and showed varying frequencies of use prior to conception, during pregnancy, and post-partum. 

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in one or more parts of the body and systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form. It is estimated that 1:1,000 Canadian men, women and children are affected by the disease. And between the ages of 15 and 45, women are eight times more likely than men to be diagnosed with lupus. 

ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA: 

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research centre in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Led by world-renowned rheumatologist, Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's scientific team of over 100 are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Within British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, and quality of life issues.

To obtain a full copy of the paper, please contact:

Dr. Mary De Vera, 
Research Scientist of Pharmacoepidemiology, MSc, PhD
mdevera@arthritisresearch.ca

SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada

(Don’t) Do It Yourself Skincare:

Home Ingredients You Should Never Use on Your Face

www.gfacemd.com

Image

There are 47 million Instagram hashtags for #DIY.  It’s a hot topic for everything from home décor to crafting, and of course beauty. DIY skincare is hyped as a safe and affordable alternative to store-bought products. Just because it can grow in your backyard or exists in your medicine cabinet, doesn't mean it's good for your skin. Looking into cleaner cosmetics isn't a bad idea, but some natural ingredients YouTube and Instagram sensations swear by can cause adverse side effects. Dr. Gretchen Frieling, a board-certified Boston Area Dermatopathologist, warns us about the most touted DIY skincare ingredients and why you should never put them on your face. 

Take these products off of your skincare DIY List  

Toothpaste for acne spots
Treating pimples with toothpaste is backed by many who have extolled its drying properties. While it can dry the pimple out, Dr. Frieling explains, "it can also cause irritation, redness, and even peeling." The trend most likely started because toothpaste contains ingredients such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, which are drying. "This is no better than any over-the-counter products," she adds "and may make the problem worse." The chemical and ingredients in toothpaste that fight bacteria are made for your teeth, not your skin!
 
Citric acid (lemons and limes) as toners
You may have seen DIY exfoliators or toners featuring lemon juice as an ingredient -- but you should really avoid putting this on your face. Dr. Frieling shares, "Because of its high acidity, lemon juice can disrupt the natural pH levels of your skin leading to irritation and hyperpigmentation." While this reaction is not the same for everyone else, it's best to stay away from lemon juice, as you the acidity varies for every lemon. 
 
"A small splash of lemon juice on an acne scar or blemish is said to reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten the skin.  But, you may leave your skin with a bigger problem if you go in the sun." Dr. Frieling explains that citric acid in its natural form contains a phototoxic compound called psoralens, which can cause a severe chemical burn when exposed to UV rays. Thankfully, this compound can be extracted from lemon juice through processing, so just because a product contains citric acid doesn't mean you should always avoid it.  
 
Rubbing alcohol to dry acne
At the crux of germ-fighting products, rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol cleans wounds, disinfects, and sanitizes the skin. You think it would be great for your face too, right? Think again! "Repeated exposure to isopropyl alcohol on the face strips the skin of its natural protective barrier, oils, and irritates the skin." shares Dr. Frieling. While rubbing alcohol works great to remove bacteria, it's not always what is causing acne breakouts. "Good acne products treat all aspects of the problem," she adds, not just the surface of the skin. "They should target the inner layers of the skin and protecting it's natural pH levels in ways rubbing alcohol can't," says Dr. Frieling. 
    
Baking soda as an exfoliator
Baking soda is an alkaline, meaning it attempts to neutralize acidity. When it comes to healthy skin, Dr. Frieling says it should have a pH level of around 5.5. "Baking soda (a pH of 9) can alter the outer layer of skin and actually cause it to break down," she adds, "leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria and worsening the condition." Baking soda, much like salt or sugar, is also used as a physical exfoliator. Although it can be useful in removing dead skin cells, Dr. Frieling does not recommend using baking soda on the face as over-exfoliation causes irritation. 
 
Raw eggs in your face mask
Anyone tell you not to eat raw eggs? Claims of salmonella and stomach issues would persuade you against it, but what about your face?  While egg whites are definitely the cheaper alternative to most serums, Dr. Frieling says it should not go anywhere near your face. "If you have a scratch or unhealed blemish on your face, putting raw egg whites on your face can cause infection, not to mention possible allergic reactions," she explains. "Egg white masks are said to tighten pores and brighten the skin, but any pore-tightening properties just get wiped away when washed off."
 
Coconut oil as a moisturizer or cleanser
It's excellent for food, hair, and even the legs, but coconut oil needs to stay far away from your face. Some claim it does wonders for their skin, making it brighter and smoother, others not so much. "Coconut oil is extremely comedogenic," says Dr. Frieling "it can't be absorbed into the skin, clogging your pores, and causing more breakouts." But what about as a cleanser? "Even after washing off, coconut oil leaves a thin layer of film left behind which can suffocate your pores." adds Dr. Frieling. As an alternative, other plant-based oils like Argan oil are anti-comedogenic are great for removing makeup.

www.gfacemd.com

Board Certified Dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling 

Boston Area 

www.gfacemd.com

Dr. Gretchen Frieling (“Dr. G”), MD is a Harvard-trained, board-certified Dermatopathologist, with over 10 years of experience in Medicine and Dermatopathology.  With a background notable for intensive ballet, including the Juilliard School, Dr. G combines her artistic eye, perfectionistic qualities, and medical expertise, to give her patients the ability to be better versions of themselves.  Dr. G has an extensive academic background, including numerous publications in peer-reviewed medical journals, selected Editor of medical journals, an author of noteworthy medical textbook chapters, educator at the Harvard Medical School, and speaker at many national medical conferences.

When it comes to non-surgical cosmetic procedures, Dr. Frieling has mastered the art of re-defining and re-vitalizing the face by eliminating fine lines, wrinkles and re-establishing volume with a minimalistic approach.  She is the founder and CEO of the GFaceMD luxury medical skincare line.  GFaceMD is a unique, boutique, client-focused aesthetic practice, with a mission to optimize beauty through advanced microenhancement techniques with utmost professionalism, education, and confidentiality.  Services include injectables from neurotoxins to dermal fillers, fat dissolving treatments, collagen-stimulating treatments, laser treatments, medical facials,  microneedling, chemical peels, dermaplaning, and more.  Along with splitting her time as a practicing Dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is an avid philanthropist, serving as a judge in the Miss Pink Organization, an active member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and a contributor to many non-profit organizations, including My Life My Choice and St. Jude.

Allergan Released a Recall for Breast Implants

The world of breast augmentation features more technology than ever before, not to mention more knowledge about breast implant creation. As medical knowledge increases, technology adapts to make implants safer than ever before. After gaining more insight into the safety standards of textured breast implants, news came out concerning health risks associated with them. 

After being banned in Europe and facing FDA inquiries, Allergan has announced a global recall on their textured Biocell breast implants. The recall is centered around an increased risk for a rare form of cancer known as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Globally, a total of 537 reported cancer cases are linked to the implants. 

All patients who received breast implants are urged to check with their plastic surgeons to find out the type of implants they received. If you were given Allergan Biocell implants, it’s crucial to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon and book an explant procedure. 

Explanting 101

An explant procedure is the act of removing breast implants, and it’s typically followed by one of several procedures that ameliorate the look of implant removal. If your breast implants are recalled, then the first step to make is to have your implants removed. 

Explanting is typically done under general anesthesia. 

The type of explant procedure that needs to be performed is called an “en block capsulectomy.” This removes the entire implant, along with its casing, in a single swoop. By keeping the implant intact and removing the capsule alongside it, the risk of being exposed to the cancer-causing elements gets decreased and natural tissue pliability is maintained.

During the process, a small incision is made in the same area where implants were first placed in. Then, the doctor goes in through the incision to remove the implants. After the implants are removed, the incision is closed. 

All Patients are then given a customized aftercare plan, and will see a full recovery in three to four weeks. 

Option 1: Replacement

The most common option people choose is a replacement option for their implants. This involves choosing a new pair of implants that offer a similar (or better) result, and inserting them in the empty space left by the now-gone implants. 

The replacement operation is done at the same time as explanting, and typically involves minimal extra recovery time. You and your surgeon will work together to choose the right implants or procedures for you. 

Option 2: Mastopexy

At times, patients won’t want to replace their implants after an explant procedure. This leaves excess skin and space where the implants once rested. If left alone, this could cause sagging. To fix this issue, plastic surgeons offer mastopexies. 

Mastopexy procedures are done under general anesthesia, often right after explanting. The surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the skin around it. This gives breasts a lifted, smoother appearance. 

Option 3: Auto-Augmentation Breast Lift

In a traditional mastopexy, excess tissue is removed in order to lift and tighten the base breast tissue. This inadvertently causes the patient to lose breast tissue, which isn’t something that is always desirable. One of the procedures that offers a natural, tighter appearance without loss of breast size is auto-augmentation mastopexy. 

During auto-augmentation mastopexy, the surgeon begins by removing the excess tissue through incisions specific to the patient’s breast size. Then, he will use the excess tissue to reshape and augment the breasts. This preserves the breast size, while giving breasts a firmer, lifted shape.

Option 4: Mastopexy with Fat Grafts

At times, the excess tissue alone is not enough to give implant-free breasts a lifted and youthful look. When this is the case, surgeons will use liposuction to remove fat deposits from another part of the body, sanitize the fat, and the graft it onto the breast tissue. The surgeon will then tighten skin around the breast and close incisions.

Mastopexies performed with fat grafts are typically done concurrently with explants. At times, it is performed in conjunction with other surgeries like liposuction or arm lifts. This cuts surgery time and also makes it easier to recover from everything without excess resting periods.

One thing that patients should know is that regular fat grafts do lose a certain percentage of their volume after transfer. When you heal, it’s normal to see a slight reduction in volume. So, excess fat will be inserted in order to make up for the loss that will happen while breasts heal. 

Option 5: Mastopexy with Alternative Fat Grafting Technique

One of the newest methods to offer implant-free, lifted breasts uses “Biocharged” fat grafts. These fat grafts undergo a special treatment to ensure they last longer and are more likely to stay at their full size. The procedure is almost identical to standard fat grafts, but includes a special treatment to improve the quality of fat. Learn Your Options

Allergan’s global recall on Biocell breast implants is a serious one, and can impact the health of recipients. 

Dr. Trovato discusses the matter on the New Theory Podcast here:

http://newtheorymagazine.libsyn.com/are-breast-implants-really-safe-with-top-plastic-surgeon

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IF YOU THINK VAPING IS SAFE YOU’RE FOOLING YOURSELF

To arrange an interview with Dr. Sonpal, please email:
katherine@kmrcommunications.com

New CDC statistics showed that 10 million Americans vape on a regular basis and 3 million of these users are under the age of 18 years old.  Marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking cigarettes, the widespread use of vapes has dramatically increased since its introduction in 2003.  

Is vaping really much better than smoking cigarettes? Recent news of teens being sent to the hospital after experiencing nicotine-induced seizures has sparked controversy on the subject more than ever before. KMR Communications represents Dr. Niket Sonpal, a NYC gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, who can address the risks of vaping. 

What it is: Vapes are hand-held battery-powered devices (e-cigarette) that mimic the actions and sensations of smoking a cigarette. They have a heating component, which atomizes tiny liquid particles (e-liquid), which turns into vapor. The exact composition of ingredients vary depending on the e-cigarette, but most contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and other flavoring additives.

How it’s different from cigarettes: The most significant difference between vaping and smoking cigarettes is there is no tobacco or combustion involved. 

Why vapes are alarming: E-liquid in vapes are found to contain levels of known carcinogens and toxic chemicals, as stated by the FDA. Many of these toxic chemicals that cause lung diseases are also found in cigarettes.

Risks of vaping: Nicotine is the primary element in vapes, which we all know, is highly addictive and has been known to cause certain cardiovascular diseases. It constricts the blood vessels and raises your blood pressure. In teens primarily, nicotine affects the development of the brain, leading to behavioral determinants such as anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, and other mood disorders. 

Potential side effects: 

  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Toxin exposure
  • Nicotine overdose
  • “Popcorn lung”
  • Gateway to other addictive substances 

About Dr. Niket Sonpal:

Dr. Niket Sonpal is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn who specializes in gastroenterology. He is a graduate of the Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in gastroenterology & hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookdale University Medical Center. 

He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.

Chief Medical Officer Responds to Article: 
‘There's a Global Surgery Crisis and it Has an Obvious Solution’

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons(PAACS), is available for comment and an interview to respond to the recent CNN ‘There's a Global Surgery Crisis and it Has an Obvious Solution’ which highlights the importance of finding solutions to bringing safe and affordable surgical and anesthesia care to the 5 billion people in the world who are without access. The article points out that that “robust untapped source of the potential surgical workforce: women.”

Thelander is available to speak to PAACS’ 23-year history of training male and female African physicians to become surgeons in their home countries, as well as the success PAACS has had with its female surgeon graduates.

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the PAACS, a non-denominational, multinational service organization that trains African physicians to become surgeons, said:

“The emphasis on bringing more women into the fold of surgical training is one component of a larger and more comprehensive approach to improving the perception of a woman’s value within a culture. We must be very careful that we do not oversimplify the causes that have impacted the gender disparity in the medical field without addressing the larger discussion of cultural norms that contribute to the result.”

“PAACS’ will continue its 23-year history has been driven by the belief that education and engagement within the training of physicians in their home countries ​is ​the best way to serve a nation’s long term needs. To date, PAACS has issued 88 graduate certificates to African surgeons who have gone on to serve across twenty countries on the African continent. A little over 10% of our trainees are women — we would like to see that number increase. The balance of that is a greater impact of PAACS for the world.”

Keir Thelander, Chief Medical Officer of the PAACS, a non-denominational, multinational service organization that trains African physicians to become surgeons, said:

“The emphasis on bringing more women into the fold of surgical training is one component of a larger and more comprehensive approach to improving the perception of a woman’s value within a culture. We must be very careful that we do not oversimplify the causes that have impacted the gender disparity in the medical field without addressing the larger discussion of cultural norms that contribute to the result.”

“PAACS’ will continue its 23-year history that has been driven by the belief that education and engagement within the training of physicians in their home countries is the best way to serve a nation’s long term needs. To date, PAACS has issued 88 graduate certificates to African surgeons who have gone on to serve across twenty-one countries on the African continent. A little over 10% of our trainees are women — we would like to see that number increase and continue to implement strategies to achieve that goal. The balance of that is a greater impact of PAACS for the world.”

Keir is available for comment at your convenience.

Contact: Tamara@Tamaraedwards.co

About PAACS

The Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) is a strategic response to the need for surgeons in Africa. We are a non-denominational, multinational service organization training African physicians to become surgeons who are willing to remain in Africa to meet this need. PAACS also disciples these residents to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ with their patients. The surgical and spiritual training of these residents is offered at several well-established mission hospitals in Africa, under the direction of experienced, board-certified missionary surgeons.

More 

Charisma News: How God's Extraordinary Intervention Helped This Surgeon Achieve the Impossible

Do You Know Where Your Cannabis Comes From? This Family-Owned Farm Encourages, Empowers Customers to “Know Thy Source”

Committed to purity, sustainability, Autumn Brands’ sixth-generation Dutch farmers encourage, empower customers to “know thy source”

LOS ANGELES, California – (August, 2019): As consumer awareness and concern rises over the health and environmental impacts of commercial farming, Autumn Brands stands out as a sixth-generation family-run, farm-to-consumer agricultural business. The first to receive a California Provisional Annual Cultivation license in Santa Barbara County, Autumn Brands is a 50% woman-owned company known for its holistic focus and artisanal approach to producing powerfully potent strains of pesticide-free cannabis. Today, the same sustainable farming practices which originated with the Brand family in Holland over a century ago produce the premium, estate-grown cannabis that is reshaping the future of plant medicine. 

In an age of expansive, complicated supply chain operations, where consumers must work hard to pinpoint the source of their food or medicine, Autumn Brands encourages and empowers medicinal and recreational cannabis users to “know thy source.” A recent study reports that over 60% of American consumers actively research the source of their food. Concerns about environmental impact as well as personal health benefits are greatly affecting the way consumers think about what goes into their bodies and how it connects to the greater good. 

With the meteoric rise of commercially-farmed cannabis, government agencies are working harder than ever to keep up with explosive demand, leaving room for troubling quality control and environmental impact issues. Fortunately, companies like Autumn Brands, committed to both sustainable, quality cultivation practices and production transparency, are making it easier than ever for consumers to know and trust the source of their cannabis.

“We respect cannabis as a powerful earth medicine - one which offers untold benefits to so many people in every walk of life and lifestyle” explains Hans Brand, fifth-generation farmer and co-founder of Autumn Brands, “But with that power comes the responsibility to uphold clean cultivation practices and, above all, source transparency. It’s important for our customers to know what they’re putting in their bodies, and with our premium products, buyers can have peace of mind that they absolutely do.”

Autumn Brands brings an uncompromising work ethic, informed by generations of family farming, to the task of producing hand-selected, sun-grown buds, each hang-dried, hand-trimmed and cured to preserve maximum potency and full healing benefits. Determined to stand out in a fast-growing cannabis industry, the company aims to deliver sustainably sourced, farm-to-consumer cannabis to an eager health and wellness market. Visit www.AutumnBrands.com to learn more and discover their full selection of premium flower, pre-rolls, and pre-filled cartridges. Follow on Instagram @AutumnBrands for new product releases and updates. 

About Autumn Brands:

Autumn Brands is a licensed California cannabis cultivator dedicated to the synergy of health and wellness. The Autumn Brands’ family farm started in Holland more than a century ago, and today, sixth-generation farmers apply the same expertise garnered in growing the world’s finest tulips to producing pure and potent strains of cannabis in sunny, coastal Santa Barbara County. Autumn Brands is proud to be 50 percent woman-owned, free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For more information, visit www.autumnbrands.com or email leighanne@anderson-pr.com.

# # #

https://blog.globalwebindex.com/chart-of-the-week/green-consumerism/
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cannabis-growers-keeping-incredible-demand-162500946.html

Portable ECG monitors next to hit US market driven by 27% of the population owning a wearable device by 2024, says GlobalData 

Innovative technology companies such as Apple, AliveCor, Qardio and Withings are pushing to release electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring devices to access the growing US wearables market. However, these ECGs will not replace doctor’s visits until technology improves and more clinical evidence has been gathered for data accuracy, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. 

Wearable devices are gaining huge traction. GlobalData estimates that 13.8% of the US population aged 12–100 owned a wrist-worn wearable in 2018, and that this ownership will almost double to reach 27% by 2024. 

Ashley Young, Medical Device Analyst at GlobalData, says, “This is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2018 and 2024, driven by an increased focus on patient-centered, preventative healthcare.”

ECG tests are usually carried out in hospitals, physician offices or lab clinic settings to detect heart abnormalities. Portable ECGs allow patients to self-monitor the heart’s electrical activity.

Young continues, “In 2012, AliveCor received FDA 510(k) clearance for its medical device and smartphone app combination that was designed to record, store, transfer and evaluate single-channel ECG readings. Since then, AliveCor has added more diagnostic functionality, and is FDA approved to detect atrial fibrillation (Afib), brachycardia and tachycardia. It is being sold across North America and Europe.”

More recently, Apple has entered the portable, personal ECG market with its Apple Watch Series 4. It received FDA 510(k) clearance for ECG functionality in 2018. 

Young adds, “The advantage of Apple’s device is its integration with other built-in health features such as an activity tracker, a fall detector and a menstrual tracker. However, since it is newer to market, the Apple Watch ECG function is currently only commercially available in the US and some countries in Europe, with further global releases planned in the future.”

If You Want Nice Hair, Eat Like You Care

A Poor Diet Leads To Bad Hair Days — And Hair Loss —Says A Hair Restoration Leader.

Proper Nutrition Restores The Look. Poor nutrition literally impacts people from head to toe because diet can significantly affect your hair — and that includes losing it. Healthy, attractive hair is often due to a combination of factors, including genetics, physical health, hair care, and eating habits. But if someone is experiencing hair breakage, hair loss, or lost luster, their poor diet may be mostly to blame, says Dr. Chris Varona, a hair restoration specialist and the owner of Varona Hair Restoration in Newport Beach, Calif.  “If you’re not putting the right fuel in, your hair may not be getting the nutrition that it needs to thrive,” says Varona (www.varonahairrestoration.com). “But for some, a few simple changes in their diet can have a dramatic effect on their hair’s appearance and health.  “And in many cases, if the diet deficiencies are addressed, hair loss stops or reverses.” Varona discusses the most important nutrients for healthy hair and the foods that supply them:  

  • Essential fatty acids. These are vital for healthy skin, hair, and nails. “Omega-3 fatty acids nourish and protect hair, help in regrowth, and add a silky shine,” Varona says. “Fatty fish like salmon has lots of omega-3, and walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and soybeans are also a good source of this healthy hair nutrient.”
  • B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for hair growth, provide extra support to healthy hair, and help it maintain lustrous integrity. “They help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles,” Varona says. “Many vegetarians and vegans have a deficiency of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, important nutrients for healthy hair. You can find B6 in bananas and potatoes, B12 in meat and dairy products, and folic acid in citrus fruits and tomatoes.”
  • Protein. Hair is composed of a protein called keratin. “If you’re short on protein, your hair won’t thrive,” Varona says. “Animal products like meat, fish, and eggs are a good source of protein. You can also get protein from plants, including beans, lentils, nuts, and grains.”
  • Vitamin D. “Vitamin D keeps the skin, bones, and hair healthy,” Varona says. “Some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to hair loss. You can find vitamin D in fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, and in fortified foods like milk.”
  • Iron. Severe iron deficiency, also called anemia, causes hair loss in some patients. “It is especially common in women with heavy menstrual periods and is easily mistaken for female pattern baldness,” Varona says. “Meats including chicken, fish, and red meats are good sources of easily absorbable iron. Plant sources of iron include beans and lentils, dark leafy greens, and potatoes. Many breads and cereals are also enriched with iron.”
  • Trace minerals. These include iron, chromium, copper, zinc, iodine, manganese and selenium. “A daily multivitamin can be helpful to ensure you’re getting those vitamins and minerals that your body, and your hair, need most,” Varona says.

“A healthy, well-rounded diet often contains all the foods and nutrients needed for beautiful, healthy hair,” Varona says. “A simple blood test can check for nutritional deficiencies, and if they are found, a change in diet or supplementation may improve your hair and stop hair loss.” About Dr. Chris Varona Dr. Chris Varona (www.varonahairrestoration.com) is a leading hair restoration specialist and the owner of Varona Hair Restoration in Newport Beach, Calif. One of the few hair surgeons who perform FUE graft extractions manually himself, Varona focuses on follicular unit extraction (FUE surgery) and also performs follicular unit transplantation (FUT). He has performed over 5,000 cases. 

Statistics Canada to examine the health of Toronto residents

Some residents in Toronto will soon take part in an important surveyOttawa, July 23, 2019 — Approximately 500 households will be randomly selected to participate in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), a national survey conducted by Statistics Canada. In Toronto, the survey will begin on July 30th, 2019Two-phase surveyThe first phase involves an in-home interview with the selected individuals. They will be asked questions about, among other things, nutrition, alcohol and tobacco consumption, medical history, and level of physical activity. In the second phase, participants go to a mobile examination center, temporarily located in the parking lot Ontario Science Centre (OSC) in North York, to undergo a number of tests. Mobile examination centerAt the mobile examination center, health professionals employed by Statistics Canada will take participants’ physical health measures, including height, weight, neck and waist circumference. The specialists will also do tests to measure blood pressure, fitness level, vision and musculoskeletal health.  Finally, biospecimens will be collected to assess participants’ cardiovascular health, nutritional status, and exposure to environmental contaminants. The participation of selected individuals is importantData from the CHMS help provide an accurate portrait of the health of Canadians. Various health care stakeholders, including professionals, researchers and public health planners, use this data to adapt programs and services to the population’s needs. Moreover, well-known national organizations such as the Canadian Public Health Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation have shown their support for the survey. Our priority: Confidentiality and securityThe CHMS is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which guarantees that all the information provided by participants remains confidential. The health specialists hired by Statistics Canada are fully qualified and certified. About the CHMSStatistics Canada has been conducting the CHMS, in partnership with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, across the country since 2007. For each cycle, 16 sites are randomly selected to participate in the survey. The participants from Toronto will take part in Cycle 6 of the CHMS.