The people that live in countries around the Mediterranean have diets that are low in artery clogging foods.
Their diets consist of fruits and vegetables and oil's very low in saturated fat.
Many health care physicians are asking their patients to adopt this lifestyle. as they see the benefits of eating these foods.
The following is a recipe from the Contadina web site, and as the article states, it captures the essence of Italian cooking. They Also have a coupon for 75 cents, if you purchase 3 cans of their tomato paste. Giant (a food store) has double and triple coupons. NOT BAD
The recipe contains beans that are high in fiber and olive oil which is composed of unsaturated monounsaturates and polyunsaturates.
There are a few herbs and a small amount of pasta which is considered a carbohydrate.
TUSCAN PASTA AND BEAN SOUP
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
28 ounce can Contadina Crushed Tomatoes with Roasted Garlic
2 tlbs Olive Oil
1 cup Chopped Onions
2 14.5 oz cans chicken broth( you can make your own by using an oven stuffer roaster( about 5 lbs) place in a large pot, place water over the chicken until covered, bring to a boil and let simmer for a good 2 hrs by this time the chicken will be falling apart if not continue cooking until the chicken reaches this point. You can salt to taste. when finished strain chicken with cheese cloth.
This makes a rather tasty base, save what you don't use , place in baggies, rest the baggie flat in freezer, you won't be taking up much room, by doing so.
15 oz can KIDNEY BEANS(undrained)
2tlbs FRESH PARSLEY chopped or 2tsp dried parsley,crushed
2tlbs BASIL dried and crushed
one-quarter tsp PEPPER
one-half cup SHELL PASTA small in size
INSTRUCTIONS
1)Heat oil in large saucepan over heat. ADD onion:cook2to3min or until tender.Stir in tomatoes,broth,beans,one-third cup of water,basil,parsley and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2) Add pasta:reduce heat to low. Cook,stirring occasionally, 12 to 15 min or until pasta is tender.
Add some bread(a nice crusty Italian) PANERA'S has great breads that are whole grains and they are great in texture and flavor.
Make a salad and you have an Mediterranean Meal.
The fat content of this meal
Olive oil if using 1 tlbs,
Cal 120
Fat Cal 120
Total Fat 14gms.
Sat fat 2 gms.
Trans Fat 0gms
Polyunsat. Fat 2 gms
Monounsat. Fat 10gms.
As you see from the above, olive oil has fat but they are the good fats. REMEMBER you have to substitute the bad fats(like butter,ice cream,whole milks, and meats.) and then add good fats like the above. Twenty % of your total calories should come from the good fats.
Panera's has a book in its stores and if you ask, they are very accommodating as to the contents of their breads.
I just found a spray bottle salad dressing put out by WISH BONE . Follow the pkg directions. Total Fat for 10 sprays is: 1gm. no sat fat or trans fat. It is 2 cal per servings (10sprays.) This product does not contain that much fat and eliminates over loading salads with dressings. Products change with input from their customers. Be a savvy shopper.
I will post recipes every so often that are healthy, hope you enjoy.I'm sure my tech friends will appreciate,right Patty.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
LITTLE KNOWN RISK FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Many know that a healthy diet is the best way to keep dietary cholesterol levels in an acceptable range and exercise also contributes to improved cholesterol levels
Do not let your doctor overlook the following factors:
INCREASED HEMATOCRIT: I went into a lengthy post earlier in my writings, as to how an increased hematocrit contributes to artery damage. Increased hematocrits make the blood thicker and circulation is impaired. This can triple your risk for heart disease. As we age our bodies have a tendency to dehydrate and if living in a climate that is conducive to dehydration(Florida is an example of an area that has a climate that is much hotter then other parts of the country.)the need for fluids should not be ignored. Also, there are disease's that have an increased hct called Hemosiderosis and Hemochromatosis. Have your arteries checked with these conditions.
If you drink alcohol, (even the recommended amount) this is a dehydrating agent.
If you drink coffee, this also effects the fluid ratio in the body and leads to dehydration.
If you smoke, your body's fluid level decreases, there is a condition called secondary polycythemia and the fluid part of the blood is decreased in this condition making your blood much more viscous, and it is also called smokers polycythemia.
Now you know what smoking is doing to your body, and have a better understanding, as to why smoking is deliterous to your body.
Checking to see the color of your urine, this is a way of telling if you are dehydrated( if it is very dark yellow) not pale yellow or light yellow as this is the normal color of urine, drink some water. If you are thirsty it is time to start drinking water.
ELEVATED HOMOCYSTINE: this risk factor bears repeating and repeating, as many are not aware how detrimental homocystine is to your arteries(it promotes the increasing of cholesterol levels on the arteries.)
Get your Homocystine level checked There are supplements that can be taken to decrease the level.
INFECTIONS: More than half of adults with a common respiratory bacteria called Chlamydia Pneumoniae (this is not the sexually transmitted disease) have atherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries) Get tested for C Pneumoniae.
Who is at risk? those with repeated bronchitis or sinusitis infections,consider using a Neti pot to clean the sinuses.
What to take? usually a 14 day course with the antibiotic Zithromax.
Hostility and Anger is as much a risk to the coronary arteries, as high cholesterol and hypertension.
See my post on being happy.
ELEVATED FIBRINOGEN LEVELS have your physician test for this, as any value over 250mg./dl, should have intervention.
How to offset these levels is NOT to eat a high fat diet and eliminate trans fats from the diet. Fats stimulate the liver to make more cholesterol.
If you have an elevated fibrinogen and have peripheral artery disease or suffer from heart disease or stroke. Your doctor might recommend the B vitamin Niacin along with the appropriate statin.
ELEVATED PLATELET COUNT
The role of the platelet in the body is to heal. If you have ever been cut, and start to bleed, usually in a few minutes you will stop(this is to say, it is not a cut on a major artery or a vein) In my years as a specialist in hematology I have reviewed many smears, and have reported clumps of platelets(this is not normal.) This is saying to me, there is something going on in the arteries and if you remember( the post on plaque buildup) before the plaque ruptures, it is because of too many platelets. The platelet is the last insult to the artery that is laden with plaque.
Platelets will adhere to anything that is not smooth , this is there nature. When in normal amounts they are lifesaving but when seen in clumps. Something is brewing.
Ask you doctor when he orders your blood count, to have the lab note if there are platelet clumps, and not try to break them up.
Talk to your doctor about the right medication to take, aspirin is one, but not everyone can take aspirin. Asprin increases the bleeding time and makes the blood much thinner.
Magnesium also works to prevent platelets from forming clumps. It also stabilizes heart rhythm,thus reducing the risk of damage to the heart during a heart attack. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE ADDING THIS SUPPLEMENT.
FOOD SOURCES OF MAGNESIUM ARE: artichokes,beans,shellfish,nuts and whole grains.
Low dose aspirin (81mgms) may save your heart.
CHEMOTHERAPY
If you have had chemotherapy it is wise to have your arteries checked. Chemotherapy can have adverse effects to arteries. An ounce of prevention in this area is worth that pound of cure,especially if you have other risk factors.
This site is a lipid site but there comes a time when the addressing of factors that are not that known is beneficial to those of us whose arteries are compromised by diet related or genetic cholesterol.
Stay Healthy
Do not let your doctor overlook the following factors:
INCREASED HEMATOCRIT: I went into a lengthy post earlier in my writings, as to how an increased hematocrit contributes to artery damage. Increased hematocrits make the blood thicker and circulation is impaired. This can triple your risk for heart disease. As we age our bodies have a tendency to dehydrate and if living in a climate that is conducive to dehydration(Florida is an example of an area that has a climate that is much hotter then other parts of the country.)the need for fluids should not be ignored. Also, there are disease's that have an increased hct called Hemosiderosis and Hemochromatosis. Have your arteries checked with these conditions.
If you drink alcohol, (even the recommended amount) this is a dehydrating agent.
If you drink coffee, this also effects the fluid ratio in the body and leads to dehydration.
If you smoke, your body's fluid level decreases, there is a condition called secondary polycythemia and the fluid part of the blood is decreased in this condition making your blood much more viscous, and it is also called smokers polycythemia.
Now you know what smoking is doing to your body, and have a better understanding, as to why smoking is deliterous to your body.
Checking to see the color of your urine, this is a way of telling if you are dehydrated( if it is very dark yellow) not pale yellow or light yellow as this is the normal color of urine, drink some water. If you are thirsty it is time to start drinking water.
ELEVATED HOMOCYSTINE: this risk factor bears repeating and repeating, as many are not aware how detrimental homocystine is to your arteries(it promotes the increasing of cholesterol levels on the arteries.)
Get your Homocystine level checked There are supplements that can be taken to decrease the level.
INFECTIONS: More than half of adults with a common respiratory bacteria called Chlamydia Pneumoniae (this is not the sexually transmitted disease) have atherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries) Get tested for C Pneumoniae.
Who is at risk? those with repeated bronchitis or sinusitis infections,consider using a Neti pot to clean the sinuses.
What to take? usually a 14 day course with the antibiotic Zithromax.
Hostility and Anger is as much a risk to the coronary arteries, as high cholesterol and hypertension.
See my post on being happy.
ELEVATED FIBRINOGEN LEVELS have your physician test for this, as any value over 250mg./dl, should have intervention.
How to offset these levels is NOT to eat a high fat diet and eliminate trans fats from the diet. Fats stimulate the liver to make more cholesterol.
If you have an elevated fibrinogen and have peripheral artery disease or suffer from heart disease or stroke. Your doctor might recommend the B vitamin Niacin along with the appropriate statin.
ELEVATED PLATELET COUNT
The role of the platelet in the body is to heal. If you have ever been cut, and start to bleed, usually in a few minutes you will stop(this is to say, it is not a cut on a major artery or a vein) In my years as a specialist in hematology I have reviewed many smears, and have reported clumps of platelets(this is not normal.) This is saying to me, there is something going on in the arteries and if you remember( the post on plaque buildup) before the plaque ruptures, it is because of too many platelets. The platelet is the last insult to the artery that is laden with plaque.
Platelets will adhere to anything that is not smooth , this is there nature. When in normal amounts they are lifesaving but when seen in clumps. Something is brewing.
Ask you doctor when he orders your blood count, to have the lab note if there are platelet clumps, and not try to break them up.
Talk to your doctor about the right medication to take, aspirin is one, but not everyone can take aspirin. Asprin increases the bleeding time and makes the blood much thinner.
Magnesium also works to prevent platelets from forming clumps. It also stabilizes heart rhythm,thus reducing the risk of damage to the heart during a heart attack. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE ADDING THIS SUPPLEMENT.
FOOD SOURCES OF MAGNESIUM ARE: artichokes,beans,shellfish,nuts and whole grains.
Low dose aspirin (81mgms) may save your heart.
CHEMOTHERAPY
If you have had chemotherapy it is wise to have your arteries checked. Chemotherapy can have adverse effects to arteries. An ounce of prevention in this area is worth that pound of cure,especially if you have other risk factors.
This site is a lipid site but there comes a time when the addressing of factors that are not that known is beneficial to those of us whose arteries are compromised by diet related or genetic cholesterol.
Stay Healthy
Thursday, January 14, 2010
THREE TESTS THAT DETERMINE THE NEED FOR CHOLESTEROL LOWERING MEDICATION
Every year more than 800,000 Americans suffer their first heart attack and many of these people have average cholesterol levels.
The thinking today is ldl cholesterol should be no higher than 100 and in those with known cardiovascular problems it should be even lower 70 or 50.
When is there a need for for drug therapy?
When diet and exercise alone has not lowered your ldl(bad cholesterol) and your numbers are still elevated (160 or above). and you have the following risk factors, smoke,have high blood pressure,diabetes and/or family history of heart attack or stroke,and in some cases even if you do not have the above risk factors.
If you carry the genetic form of cholesterol lipoprotein a ( Normal levels are 20 or lower.)
If you have an elevated homocystine, this test is not as known as it should be, and few doctors's test for this risk factor. Have it checked and the levels should be 10 or less.
CT Scan of the heart, this will give the amount of plaque that has accumulated on the arteries and may predict future heart attacks.
The three factors listed above( when elevated )is when medication should begin, and the sooner the better. These factors are not known by primary care physicians. Remember to be an advocate for your own health and be assertive when seeking testing. It is better to err on the side of doing too much rather than not enough when it comes to your health.
Taking the above approach gives one a sense of well being in that you are doing all you can to live a healthy lifestyle.
TIP OF THE DAY Any form of alcohol raises HDL and reduces clotting(if consumed in moderation) no more than 2 glasses a day. Red wine contains resveratrol ( powerful antioxidant that guards cholesterol formation.) Oxidation ( think of how an apple, after peeled, turns brown this is oxidation.
Stay healthy
The thinking today is ldl cholesterol should be no higher than 100 and in those with known cardiovascular problems it should be even lower 70 or 50.
When is there a need for for drug therapy?
When diet and exercise alone has not lowered your ldl(bad cholesterol) and your numbers are still elevated (160 or above). and you have the following risk factors, smoke,have high blood pressure,diabetes and/or family history of heart attack or stroke,and in some cases even if you do not have the above risk factors.
If you carry the genetic form of cholesterol lipoprotein a ( Normal levels are 20 or lower.)
If you have an elevated homocystine, this test is not as known as it should be, and few doctors's test for this risk factor. Have it checked and the levels should be 10 or less.
CT Scan of the heart, this will give the amount of plaque that has accumulated on the arteries and may predict future heart attacks.
The three factors listed above( when elevated )is when medication should begin, and the sooner the better. These factors are not known by primary care physicians. Remember to be an advocate for your own health and be assertive when seeking testing. It is better to err on the side of doing too much rather than not enough when it comes to your health.
Taking the above approach gives one a sense of well being in that you are doing all you can to live a healthy lifestyle.
TIP OF THE DAY Any form of alcohol raises HDL and reduces clotting(if consumed in moderation) no more than 2 glasses a day. Red wine contains resveratrol ( powerful antioxidant that guards cholesterol formation.) Oxidation ( think of how an apple, after peeled, turns brown this is oxidation.
Stay healthy
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
STRESS REDUCING TECHNIQUES THAT KEEP CHOLESTEROL LEVELS FROM RISING
The focus on cholesterol reduction is through medications and diet and most of the general public are aware of the risk factors and the need to reduce high blood pressure, control diabetes, and replace saturated fats with good fats(monounsaturates and polyunsaturates) but little is known that ldl cholesterol can rise through stress.
Cholesterol levels are affected by stress, in a recent study, men's level of ldl (bad cholesterol rose by 5% during periods of high stress.
Women showed no elevation of ldl (bad cholesterol )during stressful periods.
The following are ways to reduce stress:
1) Laughter: find the humor in situations. This increases endorphins ( a hormone that gives a sense of well being) and decreases the stress hormones(cortisol and adrenaline.) Humor lengthens your life, you should be able to laugh at yourself and at humorous situations. If you loose this ability,you're in trouble.
2)Don't be a perfectionist. Perfectionist are never happy. I once read a sign that stated, Perfection is like a moving target the more you aim for it the more it moves. Strive for excellence.
3)Don't dwell, write those nagging thoughts on a piece of paper. You will be surprised at how much can be accomplished by doing this small gesture. Write the things that are in your control, and work on them. The items that are out of your control, let them go. It is surprising how things have a way of working out without our intervention.
4)Be assertive, it is ok to disagree. There is a difference between aggressive and assertive behavior. Give out compliments and accept compliments,make friendships and initiate conversations.
5) Music is a quick stress reliever, anything that takes you away from an offending stressor is good for your well being.
6) Plan your day, if you know traffic is going to be heavy at a certain time of the day, plan to leave at a different time.
7) DOGS The top stress reducer. When facing a particular stressful situation those who had their pets with them had lower heart rates and blood pressure.
We are all individuals and unique in our psyche. Know what elevates your stress level and work on eliminating these stressors. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath.
Every day accentuate the positive and downgrade the negative, you will soon find this to be a habit and a good habit.
Make happiness a choice.
Visit the top of my page and play with the penguins. A sure stress reliever. The fish on this page will also accomplish the mission.
Stay Healthy
Cholesterol levels are affected by stress, in a recent study, men's level of ldl (bad cholesterol rose by 5% during periods of high stress.
Women showed no elevation of ldl (bad cholesterol )during stressful periods.
The following are ways to reduce stress:
1) Laughter: find the humor in situations. This increases endorphins ( a hormone that gives a sense of well being) and decreases the stress hormones(cortisol and adrenaline.) Humor lengthens your life, you should be able to laugh at yourself and at humorous situations. If you loose this ability,you're in trouble.
2)Don't be a perfectionist. Perfectionist are never happy. I once read a sign that stated, Perfection is like a moving target the more you aim for it the more it moves. Strive for excellence.
3)Don't dwell, write those nagging thoughts on a piece of paper. You will be surprised at how much can be accomplished by doing this small gesture. Write the things that are in your control, and work on them. The items that are out of your control, let them go. It is surprising how things have a way of working out without our intervention.
4)Be assertive, it is ok to disagree. There is a difference between aggressive and assertive behavior. Give out compliments and accept compliments,make friendships and initiate conversations.
5) Music is a quick stress reliever, anything that takes you away from an offending stressor is good for your well being.
6) Plan your day, if you know traffic is going to be heavy at a certain time of the day, plan to leave at a different time.
7) DOGS The top stress reducer. When facing a particular stressful situation those who had their pets with them had lower heart rates and blood pressure.
We are all individuals and unique in our psyche. Know what elevates your stress level and work on eliminating these stressors. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath.
Every day accentuate the positive and downgrade the negative, you will soon find this to be a habit and a good habit.
Make happiness a choice.
Visit the top of my page and play with the penguins. A sure stress reliever. The fish on this page will also accomplish the mission.
Stay Healthy
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
NEW CHOLESTEROL THERAPY FOR LOWERING Lpa(lipoprotein subfraction alpha)
Why take niacin? The combination of a statin and niacin in a recent study has halted the progression of heart disease. The use of statin drugs alone did not have the same results.
Statins are expensive and not everyone has insurance to cover this type of medication and the long term side effects of taking statins is not known. This is not to say, stop taking a statin because the risk and benefits have to be taken into consideration.
Niacin lowers the dangerous particles of apolipoprotein a, this sub-type of cholesterol is particulary dangerous to the artery wall. The ldl cholesterol is a small dense particle that because of it's size also adheres to the walls of arteries and has the same effects as the sub-type apo a.
Niacin is rather inexpensive and the cost is not prohibitive. Talk to your doctor if there is a cost problem. Niacin does have adverse reactions, So monitoring this medication is important.
If you are following my site, you will remember that I had my carotids checked in Oct. 2009 and they were in regression. The above adds credence to my story.
The results of this combination therapy came out of recent clinical trials.
The sub-types of cholesterol are dangerous and have to be treated more aggressively as they have a tendency to promote clotting.
If you have to make a choice, go with Niacin, but a combination is better.
Statins do not have the ability to increase HDL(the good cholesterol) or lower the two dangerous particles which are ldl cholesterol(bad cholesterol) and the sub-type apo a.
I was treated with Crestor because of its ability to bring down total cholesterol quicker than other statins on the market.
As always check with your doctor before embarking on any therapy and always weigh the benefits as opposed to the risks of taking certain medications.
I placed some penguins at the top of my site and they are there for a reason and are not decorative(they are cute.) I will touch on how stress increases cholesterol (and this includes the sub-types of cholesterol.) Also, the fish are there for the above reasons.
Take some time during your day to de stress, this is an important part of keeping that cholesterol level in tow.
The penguins will follow
your cursor and if you click on them you can move them anywhere on the rectangle.
IMPORTANT
IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED FROM A HEART ATTACK,STROKE OR HAVE PAD(PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE) YOUR DOCTOR MAY RECOMMEND THE B VITAMIN NIACIN AND/OR A CHOLESTEROL LOWERING DRUG, SUCH AS A STATIN.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST COUSE OF TREATMENT
Stay Healthy
Statins are expensive and not everyone has insurance to cover this type of medication and the long term side effects of taking statins is not known. This is not to say, stop taking a statin because the risk and benefits have to be taken into consideration.
Niacin lowers the dangerous particles of apolipoprotein a, this sub-type of cholesterol is particulary dangerous to the artery wall. The ldl cholesterol is a small dense particle that because of it's size also adheres to the walls of arteries and has the same effects as the sub-type apo a.
Niacin is rather inexpensive and the cost is not prohibitive. Talk to your doctor if there is a cost problem. Niacin does have adverse reactions, So monitoring this medication is important.
If you are following my site, you will remember that I had my carotids checked in Oct. 2009 and they were in regression. The above adds credence to my story.
The results of this combination therapy came out of recent clinical trials.
The sub-types of cholesterol are dangerous and have to be treated more aggressively as they have a tendency to promote clotting.
If you have to make a choice, go with Niacin, but a combination is better.
Statins do not have the ability to increase HDL(the good cholesterol) or lower the two dangerous particles which are ldl cholesterol(bad cholesterol) and the sub-type apo a.
I was treated with Crestor because of its ability to bring down total cholesterol quicker than other statins on the market.
As always check with your doctor before embarking on any therapy and always weigh the benefits as opposed to the risks of taking certain medications.
I placed some penguins at the top of my site and they are there for a reason and are not decorative(they are cute.) I will touch on how stress increases cholesterol (and this includes the sub-types of cholesterol.) Also, the fish are there for the above reasons.
Take some time during your day to de stress, this is an important part of keeping that cholesterol level in tow.
The penguins will follow
your cursor and if you click on them you can move them anywhere on the rectangle.
IMPORTANT
IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED FROM A HEART ATTACK,STROKE OR HAVE PAD(PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE) YOUR DOCTOR MAY RECOMMEND THE B VITAMIN NIACIN AND/OR A CHOLESTEROL LOWERING DRUG, SUCH AS A STATIN.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST COUSE OF TREATMENT
Stay Healthy
Monday, January 11, 2010
CHOLESTEROL DRUGS AND THE CAUSES OF ADVERSE REACTIONS
A genetic variation in a gene can cause medications (and these include those that taken for high cholesterol)) to be eliminated in a manner, that can be too slow,too fast or not at all. This explains why certain people have adverse reactions to certain medications. Here, we are dealing with cholesterol, but there are other drugs that are eliminated in the same manner.
This is why some, not all, do not receive the benefits of the medications they are prescribed.
If you go to http://www.fda.gov/ and search for"genomic biomarkers." You will view a more complete list of the medications that are known to be affected by genetic variations.
The above site gives examples of drugs with FDA approval labels, that recommend or require genetic testing. It will also give the availability of the test.
These genetic variations are called , SNP(single nucleotide polymorphism.)
Just to give a few others drugs of note: Trade Names with generic in parentheses
Strattera (atomoxetine) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Warfarin(Coumadin and generic) to prevent blood clots
Imuran(azathioprine) for rheumatoid arthritis
Plavix (clopidogrel) for blood clotting problems
This information can let one know why a medication is not working properly.
Your Primary physicians may be of little help in this area, and this is due to a lack of genetic education in medical schools. Seek out a genetic counselor or start your own investigation as to why a drug may not work, and the above site noted is a good place to start.
It is only recently that genes have been mapped, and not all physicians have to deal on an every day bases with gene interpretation
Stay Healthy
Laura
This is why some, not all, do not receive the benefits of the medications they are prescribed.
If you go to http://www.fda.gov/ and search for"genomic biomarkers." You will view a more complete list of the medications that are known to be affected by genetic variations.
The above site gives examples of drugs with FDA approval labels, that recommend or require genetic testing. It will also give the availability of the test.
These genetic variations are called , SNP(single nucleotide polymorphism.)
Just to give a few others drugs of note: Trade Names with generic in parentheses
Strattera (atomoxetine) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Warfarin(Coumadin and generic) to prevent blood clots
Imuran(azathioprine) for rheumatoid arthritis
Plavix (clopidogrel) for blood clotting problems
This information can let one know why a medication is not working properly.
Your Primary physicians may be of little help in this area, and this is due to a lack of genetic education in medical schools. Seek out a genetic counselor or start your own investigation as to why a drug may not work, and the above site noted is a good place to start.
It is only recently that genes have been mapped, and not all physicians have to deal on an every day bases with gene interpretation
Stay Healthy
Laura
ALZHEIMERS DISEASE AND CHOLESTEROLS SUB-TYPE (apolipoprotein E)
It has been written that if you live long enough, you will be subjected to Alzheimer's Disease. How valid is this statement?
There is no test to predict if a person who is asymptomatic for the disease will likely acquire this form of dementia.
There is screening for those who do have dementia and this MAY help diagnose those with Alzheimer's
There is much that can be done if you are at risk for Alzheimer's
1) Staying active, this means keeping your mind and body challenged. This can be done with exercise for body and challenging the mind with reading and doing things to keep your mind active. Much depends on the individuals skill levels and learning abilities.
2)The best way to determine your risk for this disease, is to look into your family history,as this is the BEST way to determine this pattern of inheritance. There are times when depression can mimic this form of dementia. Make sure before you accept a diagnosis of this disease that you or your loved one is thoroughly tested.
3) If you do suspect an emerging pattern be sure to check with a qualified genetic counselor, there is a web site that is brought to you by THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF GENETIC COUNSELOR'S (Web sitewww.nsgc.org)).
4) These counselors are trained to look into your family history and give advise as to whether genetic counseling is warranted and to interpret test results.
5) Home based testing has draw backs and are for informational knowledge only.
6) What is usually done is a small sample is sent in for analysis and are scanned for genetic variations called SNP(single nucleotide polymorphism) found in the DNA of cells. This type of testing is flawed by the fact that there are many outside issues that can skew the results of these tests.(this means conditions such as the enviorment can cause an alteration in the gene.
7) This testing is not covered by health insurance and is only covered when ordered by a physician.
8) Early intervention before the acquisition of Alzheimer's is crucial, as there are medications that delay this disease. Example, Aricept, and there are others.
9) As always check with your physician for guidance.
10) There are privacy issues that apply to patient care, but not all protect against discriminating practices.
11) Even though there are security measures placed ,there are times when this type of information can fall into the wrong hands, an example could be computer hacking.
It is important to get medical care early in this disease and testing for cholesterol sub-type apolipoprotein E does not always predict the outcome of Alzheimer's,but can be predictive.
Stay Healthy
Laura
There is no test to predict if a person who is asymptomatic for the disease will likely acquire this form of dementia.
There is screening for those who do have dementia and this MAY help diagnose those with Alzheimer's
There is much that can be done if you are at risk for Alzheimer's
1) Staying active, this means keeping your mind and body challenged. This can be done with exercise for body and challenging the mind with reading and doing things to keep your mind active. Much depends on the individuals skill levels and learning abilities.
2)The best way to determine your risk for this disease, is to look into your family history,as this is the BEST way to determine this pattern of inheritance. There are times when depression can mimic this form of dementia. Make sure before you accept a diagnosis of this disease that you or your loved one is thoroughly tested.
3) If you do suspect an emerging pattern be sure to check with a qualified genetic counselor, there is a web site that is brought to you by THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF GENETIC COUNSELOR'S (Web sitewww.nsgc.org)).
4) These counselors are trained to look into your family history and give advise as to whether genetic counseling is warranted and to interpret test results.
5) Home based testing has draw backs and are for informational knowledge only.
6) What is usually done is a small sample is sent in for analysis and are scanned for genetic variations called SNP(single nucleotide polymorphism) found in the DNA of cells. This type of testing is flawed by the fact that there are many outside issues that can skew the results of these tests.(this means conditions such as the enviorment can cause an alteration in the gene.
7) This testing is not covered by health insurance and is only covered when ordered by a physician.
8) Early intervention before the acquisition of Alzheimer's is crucial, as there are medications that delay this disease. Example, Aricept, and there are others.
9) As always check with your physician for guidance.
10) There are privacy issues that apply to patient care, but not all protect against discriminating practices.
11) Even though there are security measures placed ,there are times when this type of information can fall into the wrong hands, an example could be computer hacking.
It is important to get medical care early in this disease and testing for cholesterol sub-type apolipoprotein E does not always predict the outcome of Alzheimer's,but can be predictive.
Stay Healthy
Laura
Sunday, January 10, 2010
FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY(ACQUIRED OR INHERITED) RISK FACTOR FOR GENETIC CHOLESTEROL FORMATION
Folic Acid is a supplement that when in decreased amounts can cause the accumulation of artery clogging cholesterol.
Folic acid deficiences can be either acquired or inherited.
When inherited it is related to a disease state that is called Homocystinuria and when acquired it is due to the following.
The main cause of decreased folic acid is a decrease in dietary intake and has it's causes from
1) Poverty
2) Old Age
3) Alcoholism
4) Chronic Diseases
MALABSORPTION
1) Tropical Sprue
2)Gluten-sensitive enteropathy
3)Childhood celiac disease
INCREASED REQUIREMENTS
Pregnancy( In the United States the goverment urges women that are planning to become pregnant to increase their levels of folic acid by eating foods that are high in folic acid or take vitamin supplements to increase their folic acid level.
4)Infancy
5)Malignancy (Their has been an association between low folate levels and leukemia in high risk patients.
DRUGS
Methotrexate
Primethamine
Phenytoin
Alcohol
Isoniazid
Oral Contraceptives
Others
The decrease in folate whether acquired or inherited can lead to
cholesterol build up on the arteries which leads to atherosclerosis.This supplement is added to many types of breads,grains and rice. This is done to boost our nutritional needs.
Reference Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis
Denise M. Harmening Fourth Edition
Stay Healthy,
Laura
Folic acid deficiences can be either acquired or inherited.
When inherited it is related to a disease state that is called Homocystinuria and when acquired it is due to the following.
The main cause of decreased folic acid is a decrease in dietary intake and has it's causes from
1) Poverty
2) Old Age
3) Alcoholism
4) Chronic Diseases
MALABSORPTION
1) Tropical Sprue
2)Gluten-sensitive enteropathy
3)Childhood celiac disease
INCREASED REQUIREMENTS
Pregnancy( In the United States the goverment urges women that are planning to become pregnant to increase their levels of folic acid by eating foods that are high in folic acid or take vitamin supplements to increase their folic acid level.
4)Infancy
5)Malignancy (Their has been an association between low folate levels and leukemia in high risk patients.
DRUGS
Methotrexate
Primethamine
Phenytoin
Alcohol
Isoniazid
Oral Contraceptives
Others
The decrease in folate whether acquired or inherited can lead to
cholesterol build up on the arteries which leads to atherosclerosis.This supplement is added to many types of breads,grains and rice. This is done to boost our nutritional needs.
Reference Clinical Hematology and Fundamentals of Hemostasis
Denise M. Harmening Fourth Edition
Stay Healthy,
Laura
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