A new study conducted by the March of Dimes and the CDC have shown that the statistics of the dramatic increase in c-section delivery and pre-mature babies are directly related. One in eight babies is delivered prematurely within the USA every year and one in three of these babies are delivered by c-section. This study found almost 60,000 pre-mature deliveries within the USA between the years of 1996-2004. More than 9 out of 10 of these deliveries were c-section instead of natural child birth. C-sections increased by a large 36% during this period for single births.

Although there are more and more risk factors for the mother to be considered such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, this is not enough to account for such a dramatic rise in c-section deliveries. The reason for this incredible increase is more likely connected to liability on the physician, maternal risk factors and the fact that hospitals will not perform natural child birth with a mother who has already undergone a successful c-section. Many new mothers are told they may need to have a c-section or an induced labor before 39 weeks of gestation and if this sounds like you then you need to ask why.

One survey was performed and it showed that many of the women who had a c-section could not identify the reasons why. Pre-mature babies are at risk for far more conditions and health complications than a baby that is born later. Although the birthing process may be easier for the mother at this stage as well as the physician, it is harder on the baby. With this information presented to you it may be time to start thinking more about natural child birth. Women were built for child birth and whatever new health or medication complications have arisen in women today, they are sure to be less than the complications a pre-mature birth can cause for your newborn.

Although there has been a great deal of documentation meant to scare women out of natural child birth there are many benefits that can be taken advantage of through this natural process.

• You are able to feel your body’s reflexes and therefore push better and faster.
• The pain you experience during labor has a purpose.
• It is meant to encourage the mother to shift positions and therefore the baby will shift positions; which in turn will make labor that much easier and faster.
• Research has shown that babies adapt quicker to the outside life after natural childbirth and are easier to breast feed.
• Mothers after child birth can get up easier and go to the bathroom unassisted, which makes for a quicker and easier recovery.
• Your baby will come out when they are ready, not when you are ready.

As you can see natural child birth may be the easier route for any mother, even if your doctor is suggesting a planned c-section. This way your baby will be ready to enter the new world and healthy and you will feel better about your decision.

A study published in the April issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that men who were frequently exposed to the one very popular pesticide DDT, are at a higher risk for the most common form of testicular cancer. The scientists within this study found that men with a higher level of DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene), which is a chemical by-product of the DDT pesticide were 1.7 times more likely to develop the testicular cancer cells then men with lower levels or even no levels at all.

DDT was developed in the 1940’s as a bug killer. This pesticide was used to kill mosquitoes and airborne illnesses such as Malaria at this time. It then later developed to a new form of use when farmers began using it to spray on their crops to promote better growth. It was not until 1972 that the USA banned DDT from the market when health risks were discovered. Although it was banned fairly early on, the by-products and chemicals this pesticide released into the air can survive in the environment for years after. Studies have linked constant exposure to this pesticide to reproductive complications as well as cancer.

The rate of men who are found with testicular cancer has been increasing for the past 30 years, about the time that DDT was banned from the market. Today there are still pesticides that are used on the foods we eat as the farmer’s use them to fertilize and protect their crops from dangerous insects. With this in mind many people are choosing to turn towards organically grown products in order to reduce any risk they may be promoting by eating foods grown in pesticides. This is only one study that shows the effects of a pesticide exposure and farmers today are exposed to it on a regular basis.

There are natural ways that can be utilized in order to make sure crops are growing successfully without the use of chemicals. Crop rotation, hand weeding and tillage are a part of organic farming. Traditional farmers are not only putting themselves at risk but the millions of people who consume their plants once they are in the grocery store. Although it is true that the natural forms of pesticides are not as effective as the chemical sprays they do offer more health benefits.

It’s more expensive for farmers to produce organically grown foods as they must be constantly spraying their crops with natural fertilizers because they are not nearly as effective as the chemicals. This is where farmers have to weigh their pros and cons in order to make an informed decision. If you’re a farmer who is surrounded by pesticides on a regular basis the study outlined above should worry you. These types of chemicals can be very harmful to your health and maybe the extra expense to use natural forms of pesticides to grow your crops seems more worth it.

Farmers need to check into the natural alternatives today and reduce their risk of testicular cancers and other cancers, which have been linked to regular chemical exposure.

Children under the age of 2 years old are at a higher risk when it comes to side effects and even dangers related to cough and cold medications, which can be found over the counter today. This is becoming so common that the FDA has advised parents not to give their children of this age cough and cold medicine of any kind, which is not prescribed by their doctor. A study conducted by Katherine O’Donnell, M.D. of Children’s Hospital Boston, has taken this advice one step further by researching more in depth into these dangers and what causes them.

As a parent it is important to know that although there are many cough and cold medications to choose from, which are targeted towards children, this does not mean there are no FDA warnings or they have not been recalled due to dangerous affects. When you are choosing a medication for your child make sure to read the label and you may find FDA warnings that you otherwise would have missed. According to this study 1-in-3 children who were taken to an emergency center had been given an over the counter cough and cold remedy to cure their bronchiolitis. This is a common respiratory infection, which children of this age tend to be more susceptible to.

Although this study did not find any particular groups that were found to be at a higher risk than others, there were common factors discovered. Factors such as daycare attendance, exposure to second hand smoke, wheezing and use of antibiotics were all associated with the increased used of cough and cold medications. With this being said as a parent of a young child you may want to look into the alternative and natural methods of healing this type of cold for their safety.

Honey is one of the most popular natural alternatives to a cough and cold medication. It has been used for centuries to help cure and alleviate any infection within the respiratory area and is still just as effective today. In comparison to over the counter drugs, honey is by far much safer and provides the same if not faster results. This is what parents are looking for today. Another option is the use of garlic. You may already be aware of its healing properties when it comes to cancer and other serious conditions but it can be a great asset when it comes to the common cold in children as well. Basically you will want to remove the skin of 5-6 cloves of garlic and prepare a necklace using these cloves. During the day and when your child is sleeping the garlic will work its magic!

By making sure that your children are receiving all the nutrients and vitamins they need from their diet you are taking action to prevent these colds from becoming a regular occurrence. A young child with a weak immune system becomes susceptible to any cold or virus they come in contact with and this can lead to more and more serious conditions when not acted on immediately. Begin thinking about the natural ways to solve these cough and cold problems so you no longer have to worry about side effects or long lasting dangers that can be derived from over the counter products.

A study conducted in Korea was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in May 2008 showing their findings and benefits of walking in connection with high blood pressure. This study found that walking only 40 minutes a day can greatly lower high blood pressure for anyone suffering from hypertension. Hypertension is a condition where your blood pressure readings are higher or equal to 140 over 90. With 23 men involved

in the study and half suffering from hypertension and the other half with normal readings of 120 over 80, more benefits of exercise have been discovered.

The researcher’s measured the men’s blood pressure after their 40 minute walk and four different sessions of a 10 minute brisk walk. When the term “brisk” is used this generally means the speed of about 3-4 miles per hour; very casual. Their blood pressure readings dropped considerably after each walking session. The top number in the blood pressure reading dropped an amazing 5 points after the 40 minute walk and 3 points following the shorter brisk walking sessions. The bottom number dropped consistently 2 points after each form of exercise.

When it comes to exercising on a regular basis there are more people who say they don’t have time to go to the gym or participate in an exercise program. If this sounds like you why not take the time for a walk each night after dinner? This is all it takes to help lower your blood pressure and maintain good health. The researcher’s involved in this study believe that these results can be maintained as long as the men involved continue with their walking. Walking offers more benefits than what this study has found. Dozens of studies have been done in the past looking closer at what a simple walk can do for our health.

Some of these additional benefits include:

· Reduce risk of heart disease and stroke.
· Reduce high cholesterol.
· Decrease the amount of body fat we carry.
· Maintain a healthy weight.
· Enhance our mental state.
· Increase bone density.
· Promote flexibility and coordination to reduce falls as we age.

This is just a small list of the many other benefits we can receive from a simple walk. You do not have to run for miles at the gym in order to remain healthy, all it takes is a brisk walk to reduce health risks and conditions. High blood pressure is the number one cause for many other conditions we suffer from as well. Although it may seem common and far from dangerous it can lead to other conditions when it is not treated from the beginning. Take control of your life and your health and enjoy a walk each and every day to lower your blood pressure levels.

A breakthrough and unique study conducted by researchers from UCLA cancer research department has found that smokers who consume 3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day may be reducing their risk of developing lung cancer. Within fruits, vegetables and organic tea (green and black tea) are natural chemicals known as flavonoids. The participants within this study that consumed a diet with high levels of flavonoids were found to lower their risk of lung cancer. This is quite a breakthrough finding as over 90% of lung cancer cases are developed by tobacco smoke.

Dr. Zuo-Feng Zhang was one of the researchers involved in this study and he stated that there are several flavonoids in particular, which provided smokers with the protection they needed to combat lung cancer more than others. Within this study were 558 people with lung cancer and 837 people who did not have lung cancer. The scientists and researchers analyzed the dietary habits of each participant and found that participants in this study who ate certain foods were more protected than others. Dr. Zuo-Feng Zhang stated that the flavonoids, which appeared to be most protective were catechin. This can be found in strawberries and green tea, kaempferol that can be derived from apples and lastly quercetin, found in beans, onions and apples.

It is important to note that Dr. Zuo-Feng Zhang is not advocating smoking or telling anyone that they do not need to quit smoking. The truth remains that the best course of action is to quit smoking to save your health and your life. If you cannot or do not wish to quit smoking than yes, eating at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day is a great way to start with a regular beverage drink of green tea. Flavonoids are especially potent antioxidants, which are chemical compounds that plants produce for their own protection against bacteria and parasites.

Throughout the history of time, flavonoids have been used in alternative and natural forms of medicine to protect our health as well. There are over 4,000 different types of flavonoids, which can be found in:

· Fruits
· Vegetables
· Spices
· Seeds
· Soy products
· Teas

Certain types of flavonoids that can be found within fruits and vegetables today actually have a higher antioxidant activity than Vitamin C and E. Eating healthy can be the key to preventing the onset of lung cancer. The Flavonoids we consume through our diet can help eliminate the free radicals, which can damage our cells and therefore prevent the development of cancer. Take a look at your diet and make the changes necessary to prolong your life.

A new study, which was conducted by the Swedish Medical University Karolinska Institutet, has found that golf is not only a great hobby for men and women today but possibly a form of activity that can prolong your life expectancy. Within this study, the research found that men and women who golf have a 40% lower death rate than men and women of the same age and health who do not golf. This equals out to a 5 year life increase. Hearing that exercise is good for your health isn’t new news. However this is one of the first studies to target a particular activity and its unique benefits.

This study was based on research and collective data from 300,000 Swedish golfers. There are several different aspects of the game of golf, which can be seen as beneficial for your health in more ways than one. If you are an avid golfer then you may already know that when you head out for a round of golf you are gone for at least 4 hours. Although you do have the option to rent a golf cart, choosing to walk the course is one of the reasons this sport is so beneficial for your health. Also, the fact that you are able to play golf into your elderly years is definitely a bonus. As we get older there are few activities we can take part in and the ability to golf is something that is never lost.

The researchers from within this study have stated that the lower the handicap you have the better you can increase your life expectancy. Of course, if you have a low handicap it is because you play on a regular and constant basis, which is great for your health no matter how young or old you may be. Many of the younger generations are beginning to take part in the game of golf and starting out at a young age is a great way to get a handle on the game for your elderly years. In the past, the game of golf was considered to be only for the elderly but today more and more people are beginning to enjoy this relaxing form of exercise.

The benefits of regular and moderate exercise are limitless today and now with this study proving the power of golf, many people can enhance their health and enjoy the fun of the sport. With the summer months practically here, men and women are searching for activities they can take part in to help maintain their weight and promote a healthy body and golf is a great place to start. It can be a frustrating game for those who are new to it but as you begin to get the hang of it, you will want to walk the course each and every day. It is nothing less than a full body workout with the walking from each green as well as the swinging, which works all your upper body muscles. Never underestimate what moderate exercise can do for you.

In the past the majority of people believed that in order to remain healthy and lose weight you have to perform and take part in intense workouts, which left you breathless and gasping for air. This is not true. Simply walking through the golf course and enjoying the sport has been proved to be enough to prolong your life by 5 years for most men and women within the study. Get rid of these old thoughts and step into the present where studies and researchers are proving what activities are best for you and your overall health.

The Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet has found that men who exercise on a regular basis are far less likely to die of cancer then men who do not exercise at all. Within this study 40,708 men were analyzed and all within the ages of 45 and 79 years. Over the 7-year period of the study 3,714 of the men developed cancer and 1,153 of the men died of one form of cancer or another. The men within the study who chose to walk for at least 30 minutes a day were actually able to increase their survival rate by 33% over those who did not exercise at all.

The researchers within this study also found that men who take part in a more intense form of cardio such as biking or jogging for longer durations of 60-90 minutes are able to reduce the risk of cancer by yet another 16%. On the other hand more moderate forms of exercise such as housework throughout the day are also able to provide the same decrease in the risk of dying from cancer for men within this age group. This is only one study that promotes and proves the effects of regular exercise on our health.

One of the obvious benefits of exercise is of course to promote and maintain a healthy body weight. This is one benefit we have been trying to utilize for centuries but unfortunately it is easier said than done to include regular physical activity within our daily routines. Aside from maintaining our weight, exercise like a simple walk a day can help combat other chronic and deadly diseases besides cancer and even death itself. Walking 30 minutes a day or more actually increases your white blood cell count and therefore can help you combat and fight off diseases and colds easier and more successfully.

For those of you out there suffering from high cholesterol levels, regular exercise of any kind can actually help promote the healthy cholesterol and decrease the amount of bad cholesterol. Walking and exercise of any kind can help keep the blood flowing smoothly by lowering the build-up of plaque in your arteries. If you currently find that you are winded from going up a flight of stairs or walking from your car to the grocery store door then it is time to include exercise in your routines. Exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs to help you function more efficiently by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues within your body.

It is amazing what exercise can do for our health and we have spent years ignoring this fact. Our health is a delicate balance that can be easily thrown off by our lifestyles and the foods we eat through our dietary habits. Start inserting exercise into your day slowly with a brisk walk to the store instead of driving and you will slowly get your body used to this new routine. As you begin to enjoy your exercise a bit more you can increase the length of your walk or the intensity depending on your age and preferences. No matter how intense your exercise routine is you can be sure that you’re taking a major step in the fight against disease. Begin taking care of your health today and minimizing your risk of cancer and other deadly conditions.

During the school year, the stresses of after-school jobs, finals and looming project deadlines leaves students’ time for sleep limited.  But poor sleeping habits apparently die hard as students often don’t change them in the summer months.  Instead of doing what they ought to do – sleeping a minimum of seven to eight hours a night – many students would rather gulp down caffeine-laden energy drinks to suppress the side effects of sleeplessness during the weekend than going to bed early. 

You knew such habits weren’t good for them.  A recent study suggesting energy drinks being linked to risk taking reveals why.

According to a study published in the March issue of The Journal of American College Health, frequent consumption of energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star and Amp is linked to “toxic jock” syndrome – characterized as risk-taking behavior that can involve unprotected sex, violence and substance abuse.

The study’s researchers, led by University of Buffalo professor and author Kathleen Miller, note that while the drinks themselves don’t cause risk taking, but there does seem to be a correlation between high consumption of energy drinks and the likelihood teens will put themselves in harm’s way. 

Though stimulants like guarana and ginseng are some of the ingredients responsible for these drinks designed to provide a non-alcoholic “buzz,” the chief culprit is the caffeine.  In an ordinary 12 oz. can of caffeinated soda, the caffeine content can range from 38 mg in your average Diet Pepsi or 41 mg in your average Diet Dr. Pepper.  But in an 8 oz. can of Red Bull, the caffeine content is nearly double that amount – 80 mg!  In a 16 oz. Rockstar energy drink?  Try 160 mg!

What’s the solution?  STOP drinking these physical – and mental – health hazards!  They’re not only loaded with caffeine, but also loaded with sugar.  And any “boost,” one gets from these is temporary, leading one to crash back to their tired selves once the caffeine rush wears off.

Granted, your high school and college-aged kids are young adults at this point and they’re going to do what they want to do.  But do the best you can in impressing upon them the importance of getting a good night’s rest; perhaps then they’ll be less inclined to need these drinks.  It may be a matter of appealing to their interests.  For instance, if your son or daughter is an athlete, studies show that a quality night’s rest improves athletic performance.  This research was presented in January 2007 at the 21st Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.  Perhaps your son or daughter is struggling in class, or is an overachiever and wants to be valedictorian.  A survey of students in Korea demonstrated that those who went to bed late at night are more likely to have diminished performance in school, whether those activities are at the desk, on the field or in the band.   

Dedicating at least eight hours to shut eye is a definite “do.”  But there are a few other dos and don’ts to adopt that will help ensure a good night’s sleep night after night:

• Do go to bed at the same time every night

• Don’t eat a big meal before going to bed

• Don’t use the bed to watch TV or read; use it for its primary purpose:  sleep

• Do avoid napping in the late afternoon

• Do clear your head.  Nothing is more detrimental to sleep than worrying about something or thinking about what you’re going to do the next day.  Do your best to “clear   the mechanism.” (The mechanism=your mind)

Three weeks makes a habit.  If you can at least persuade your young adult to put more of a premium on sleep, I’m certain they’ll feel the difference and make the appropriate changes.

You may already know that Vitamin D can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis and fractures but for many people this is the extent of what they know about this vitamin. More and more studies are beginning to uncover a number of new benefits related to Vitamin D such as its ability to prevent cancers, heart disease, MS, arthritis, infections, Type 1 Diabetes and even chronic pain. As you may know if you are a sufferer of any of these conditions in the past they were thought to be without a cure and certainly without a method to prevent them.

A study published by the Mayo Clinic in the journal, Pain Medicine took a closer look at Vitamin D and found its ability to prevent and control many different forms of chronic pain. Their study looked closely at those suffering from different forms of chronic pain and found that those who did not have adequate levels of Vitamin D required almost twice as much pain medications as those with higher levels. This study clearly shows that a deficiency in Vitamin D is directly related to not only the type of chronic pain that is being suffered from but the extent of the pain as well.

The Archives of Internal Medicine published a study, which looked at reducing the risk of falls in older women and how Vitamin D can help. Three hundred women from Australia between the ages of 70-90 were given dosages of 1,000 IU of Vitamin D per day for this study. Prior to this study they were all prone to falls or had fallen within the past year. This study found that the supplementation of Vitamin D reduced their risk of falling; especially in the winter months of the year when the sun is less prominent and they receive a less amount of Vitamin D naturally. 

As you already know sun exposure is the number one source of Vitamin D but this is not the only way you can receive Vitamin D. Food sources include:

· Cod Liver Oil
· Fatty salt water fish
· Dandelion greens
· Oysters
· Vegetable oils
· Parsley
· Sweet potatoes
· Oatmeal
· Salmon

There are many different foods you can consume on a regular basis in order to help make sure that you do not suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency. It is a good idea to have your Vitamin D levels tested so you know exactly where you stand in this matter. From here you can know whether supplementation is required or you simply need to adjust your diet during the winter months to compensate for the lack of sunshine.

A recent study has been published stating that children who were breastfed for at least 3 months were discovered to have higher intelligence scores than children who were not breastfed during these crucial years of development. According to the studies from the Archives of General Psychiatry, the breastfed children received better results in overall academics as well as verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This study’s findings confirm the beliefs of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund that breastfeeding is not only more affordable but it greatly aids in the cognitive development of the child. Â

The researchers involved in this project looked at 17,046 healthy infants and followed up with 13,889 of these same infants, 6.5 years later. At this point they studied the children’s teacher evaluations when it came to reading, writing and math as well as their IQ scoring. The children who were breastfed scored 7.5 points higher on the verbal testing, 2.9 higher on the non-verbal testing and 5.9 points higher when evaluating overall intelligence. Right now it is still not confirmed whether these cognitive qualities come from the breastfeeding itself or the qualities from the mother who make the choice to breastfeed.

IQ scoring and cognitive abilities are not the only benefits that can be received from breastfeeding. There are benefits that the mother can take advantage of as well. Milk from the mother can help prevent food allergies; constipation, digestive problems as well as protect the baby more effectively from infections and diseases at this early stage of life. Nursing can also promote a closer bond between mother and child as well as promote the healthy oral development through suckling needs.

Breastfeeding has benefits for the mother as well. For example, breastfeeding encourages the uterus to contract and return to its original size before the pregnancy and you are less likely to experience hemorrhaging from the placental site. Studies have also shown that breastfeeding can help reduce the onset of arthritis for women. Women who breastfed for a total of 12-23 months had a 30% decreased risk of developing arthritis in their lifetime.

It is important to note and realize here that breastfeeding is not easy for every mother and child but as long as you do everything you can to make this your number one option for feeding your newborn you are well on your way. Breastfeeding has so many benefits for both mother and child that it is hard to believe why some women choose an expensive formula when a woman’s body is perfectly built to sustain your new baby’s needs for up to 23 months. Any new mother should consider these benefits and promote health in your new baby as early as you can.