The Physical Dangers of Stress

Following is a list and explanations of the physical damage stress can cause to all our different body parts.

The Brain
Stress begins in the brain, with a surge of hormones causing intense alertness. In this hyped state, we cannot relax or sleep. But our minds cannot function at this extreme level for prolonged periods: Eventually the hormone surges and exhaustion cause tension headaches, irritability, aggression, inability to concentrate and memory loss. Unchecked stress can also trigger depression, which strikes twice as many women as men. Stress suppresses the hypothalamus, the emotion control center in our brains, curbing the production of the hormones that energize us and make us feel well.

The Ears
The surging hormones induced by stress improve our hearing to help us react to danger. But better hearing can actually be bad for the body: A Cornell University study concluded that even moderate noise elevates heart damaging stress hormones. Studies have also shown that a lot of small noisy stressors added together -- honking horns, ringing telephones and loud co-workers -- can be more dangerous to the body than one major stressful event.

The Lungs
One of the first things we do when we feel stressed is hyperventilate. It is part of the body's fight-or-flight response -- in case we are in danger and need the extra oxygen in our bloodstream to run for cover. Those quick breaths can cause dizziness and sharp pains in the diaphragm. Sever stress can aggravate asthma and other dangerous respiratory conditions.

The Eyes
The adrenaline rush from stress dilates the eyes, improving vision. But it also triggers eye ticks because eye muscles become fatigued. Eyes may bulge if stress over-stimulates the thyroid gland.

The Mouth
Dry mouth, bad breath and difficulty swallowing occur when stress makes us take short, shallow breaths. Under constant stress, some people clench their jaws or grind their teeth.

The Hair
Considered a barometer of inner health, hair is often the first to suffer. A body under stress burns nutrients like the vitamin selenium, and that can lead to dull hair and premature graying. Chronic stress can trigger the autoimmune system to attack hair follicles, causing hair to fall out completely or in clumps.

The Heart
A heart under stress pumps fast and hard. Blood pressure rises as the body produces the hormone epinephrine as well as the hormone cortisol. That can lead to heart palpitations and chest pains. In those with heart disease, stress can prevent blood from clotting properly and stimulate the formation of plaque that plugs arteries. Researchers say that even thinking about something stressful raises blood pressure. A Swedish study concluded that stressful romantic relationships were more damaging to a person's heart than work-related stress: Those in troubled marriages were three times more likely to be hospitalized for heart problems.

Immune System
Did you ever get sick after a stressful event? Extreme and constant stress lowers our white blood cell count, making us more susceptible to disease and hampering our body's ability to heal itself. One study showed that the pneumonia vaccine was less effective in people under constant stress. Meanwhile, researchers are studying the link between stress and autoimmune disorders like Graves disease, in which antibodies attack the thyroid, eye muscles and skin.

Joints, Muscles and Bones
At tense moments, our brain sends messages to the muscles, tightening them and preparing them for action. Chronic stress can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis, cause sore muscles and make us prone to sprains.

Skin
Stress causes hormones to be released that make acne, rashes and itchy patches worse. Some people blush, while others go pale when the small blood cells in the skin contract. Under extreme stress, people can become covered in hives. Any skin problem will get worse when you are under stress.

Digestive System
Under stress, the brain shifts blood flow away from the digestive tract, which slows digestion. The result: indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, incontinence and colon spasm. Stress increases acid production, aggravating ulcers. It is also linked to colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, a painful and sometimes debilitating disorder.

Tips from stress experts:
Exercise. Just 40 to 60 minutes three times a week triggers hormones that relax the body and boost the immune system. Try yoga -- many doctors are so sure it relieves stress they send patients with high blood pressure to classes.

Watch your diet. Stress elevates blood insulin levels, so you will be hungry. Avoid sweets, which will only raise insulin levels higher and make you hungrier. Eat food high in protein during the day to keep you satisfied and alert. Fruits and vegetables will help counter stress effects on skin and hair, while dairy products protect bones.

Chill out. Allot three hours on the weekend for chores, then go have fun. Massage,meditation and breathing exercises relieve tension. Take up crossword puzzles, or play card games to distract you from stress while stimulating you mentally.

Resources on Stress:
The American Institute of Stress -- Dedicated to Advancing Our Understanding of Stress in many facets of our lives.

Health Education: Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Drug Use -- The Medical Basis of Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Problems and Drug Use.

Ten Exercise Myths

Although some old fitness fictions, such as "no pain, no gain" and "spot reducing" are fading fast, plenty of popular exercise misconceptions still exist. Here are some of the most common myths as well as the not-so-common facts based on current exercise research.

1. You Will Burn More Fat If You Exercise Longer at a Lower Intensity.
The most important focus in exercise and fat weight control is not the percentage of exercise energy coming from fat but the total energy cost, or how many calories are burned during the activity. The faster you walk, step or run, for example, the more calories you use per minute. However, high-intensity exercise is difficult to sustain if you are just beginning or returning to exercise, so you may not exercise very long at this level. It is safer, and more practical, to start out at a lower intensity and work your way up gradually.

2. If You Are Not Going to Work Out Hard and Often, Exercise Is a Waste of Time.
This kind of thinking keeps a lot of people from maintaining or even starting an exercise program. Research continues to show that any exercise is better than none. For example, regular walking or gardening for as little as an hour a week has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. Yoga Is a Completely Gentle and Safe Exercise.
Yoga is an excellent form of exercise, but some styles are quite rigorous and demanding both physically and mentally. As with any form of exercise, qualified, careful instruction is necessary for a safe, effective workout.

4. If You Exercise Long and Hard Enough, You Will Always Get the Results You Want.
In reality, genetics plays an important role in how people respond to exercise. Studies have shown a wide variation in how different exercisers respond to the same training program. Your development of strength, speed and endurance may be very different from that of other people you know.

5. Exercise Is One Sure Way to Lose All the Weight You Desire.
As with all responses to exercise, weight gain or loss is impacted by many factors, including dietary intake and genetics. All individuals will not lose the same amount of weight on the same exercise program. It is possible to be active and overweight. However, although exercise alone cannot guarantee your ideal weight, regular physical activity is one of the most important factors for successful long-term weight management.

6. If You Want to Lose Weight, Stay Away from Strength Training Because You Will Bulk Up.
Most exercise experts believe that cardiovascular exercise and strength training are both valuable for maintaining a healthy weight. Strenght training helps maintain muscle mass and decrease body fat percentage.

7. Water Fitness Programs Are Primarily for Older People or Exercisers With Injuries.
Recent research has shown that water fitness programs can be highly challenging and effective for both improving fitness and losing weight. Even top athletes integrate water fitness workouts into their training programs.

8. The Health and Fitness Benefits of Mind-Body Exercise Like Tai Chi and Yoga Are Questionable.
In fact, research showing the benefits of these exercises continues to grow. Tai chi, for example, has been shown to help treat low-back pain and fibromyalgia. Improved flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, strength and stress management are just some of the potential results of mind-body exercise such as yoga.

9. Overweight People Are Unlikely to Benefit Much From Exercise.
Studies show that obese people who participate in regular exercise programs have a lower risk of all-cause mortality than sedentary individuals, regardless of weight. Both men and women of all sizes and fitness levels can improve their health with modest increases in activity.

10. Home Workouts Are Fine, But Going to a Gym Is the Best Way to Get Fit.
Research has shown that some people find it easier to stick to a home-based fitness program. In spite of all the hype on trendy exercise programs and facilities, the "best" program for you is the one you will participate in consistently.

What is Skin Cancer?

Each year there are thousands of individuals who die from skin cancer. Skin cancer is mostly developed after a long period of overexposure to the sun or tanning beds. If skin cancer is detected in enough time it is possible for the cancer to be treated. This is often difficult because a large number of skin cancer victims do not display any symptoms or even develop skin cancer until years after their initial overexposure took place.

Skin cancer comes in many different forms. It is common for skin cancer to be basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma cancer. Each form of cancer is dangerous and potentially deadly; however, melanoma is the deadliest. Squamous and basal cell cancers are the most common, but melanoma cancer spreads more quickly. When the caner cells spread it effects the body and many important organs.

Skin cancer may not present a lot of warning signs or symptoms; however, individuals who have been tanning in the past or were constantly outdoors are encouraged to keep an eye on their body. The best way to notice signs of all forms of cancer is to look for new body moles and monitor old ones. It is not uncommon for cancer to develop into a new mole or one that is already on the skin. Everyone should always be on the lookout for new moles that develop, ones that bleed, are tender when touched, swollen, or itchy.

Although it is possible for skin cancer to be hereditary it is mostly developed from tanning or a large amount of sun exposure. There are a number of ways that an individual can decrease their chances on contracting skin cancer. When going outside at all, even on a cloudy day, individuals are encouraged to wear sunscreen. Sunscreen should regularly be applied to individuals who will be outdoors for thirty minutes or more. Protective clothing is also another great way to help prevent an individual from developing skin cancer. Clothing should cover the majority of the body. Wide brimmed hats are a great way to protect the head, the back of the neck, eyes, ears, and the nose.

Individuals who notice an odd looking mole on their body are encouraged to visit their doctor or a local dermatologist to have it examined. Each years millions of Americans wonder if their high school tanning spree may now impact their health. When in doubt speak with a healthcare provider because they are likely to give you the answers that you are looking for.

Black tea may relieve stress

Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world (the most popular is water). It is made by steeping processed leaves, buds or twigs of the tea bush Camellia sinensis in hot water for a few minutes. The processing can include oxidation (fermentation), heating, drying and the addition of other herbs, flowers, spices and fruits.

There are four types of true tea: black tea, oolong tea, green tea, and white tea. The term herbal tea usually refers to infusions of fruit or herbs such as rosehip tea, chamomile tea and Jiaogulan leaves.Tea is a natural source of caffeine, theophylline, and antioxidants, but it has almost no fat, carbohydrates, or protein. It has a cooling, slightly bitter and astringent taste.

Black tea is the most common form of tea in southern Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan etc) and in the last century many African countries including Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The literal translation of the Chinese word is red tea, which may be used by some tea-lovers. The Chinese call it red tea because the actual tea liquid is red. Westerners call it black tea because the tea leaves used to brew it are usually black.

Most recently researchers found that regular cups of tea can help speed recovery from stress, researchers from University College London (UCL).

Men who drank black tea four times a day for six weeks were found to have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than a control group who drank a fake tea substitute, the researchers said in a study published in the journal Psychopharmacology.

The tea drinkers also reported a greater feeling of relaxation after performing tasks designed to raise stress levels.

Andrew Steptoe, of UCL's department of Epidemiology and Public Health, and one of the report's authors, said the findings could have important health implications.

"Slow recovery following acute stress has been associated with a greater risk of chronic illness such as coronary heart disease".

"Although it does not appear to reduce the actual levels of stress we experience, tea does seem to have a greater effect in bringing stress hormone levels back to normal".

In the study, 75 tea-drinking men were split into two groups, all giving up their normal tea, coffee and caffeinated drinks.

Half were given a fruit-flavored caffeinated tea mixture made up of the usual constituents of a cup of black tea.

The others were given a caffeinated substitute, identical in taste but without the active tea ingredients.

Neither the participants or the researchers knew who was drinking real or false tea.

At the end of six weeks the participants were given a series of tests designed to raise their stress levels, including being given five minutes to prepare and deliver a presentation.

The researchers found that stress levels, blood pressure and heart rate rose similar amounts in both groups.

But 50 minutes after the tasks cortisol levels had fallen an average of 47 percent among the tea drinkers, compared to 27 percent in the fake tea group.

Steptoe said it was not known which ingredients in tea were responsible for the effects found in the study.

Black teas should be added at the boiling point (100 °C or 212 °F), except for more delicate teas, where lower temperatures are recommended. This will have as large an effect on the final flavour as the type of tea used. The most common fault when making black tea is to use water at too low a temperature. Since boiling point drops with altitude, this makes it difficult to brew black tea properly in mountainous areas.

It is also recommended that the teapot be warmed before preparing tea, easily done by adding a small amount of boiling water to the pot, swirling briefly, before discarding. Black tea should not be allowed to steep for less than 30 seconds or more than about five minutes (a process known as brewing or [dialectally] mashing in the UK).

After that, tannin is released, which counteracts the stimulating effect of the theophylline and caffeine and makes the tea bitter (at this point it is referred to as being stewed in the UK). Therefore, for a "wake-up" tea, one should not let the tea steep for more than 2- 3minutes. When the tea has brewed long enough to suit the tastes of the drinker, it should be strained while serving.

Get more calcium containing food and vitamin D especially after the age 30

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the U.S. government's National Institutes of Health, developed the DASH plan to reduce blood pressure, finding that blood pressure went down after only two weeks of being on the diet. Since the initial studies, researchers have found the DASH plan may offer other health benefits, too, such as protection against osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease and diabetes.The DASH plan is especially effective in reducing blood pressure in blacks and older adults. In addition, if adopted early, the DASH plan can prevent hypertension. The DASH plan is especially effective in reducing blood pressure in blacks and older adults. In addition, if adopted early, the DASH plan can prevent hypertension.

The DASH eating plan is rich in grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. It also includes fish, poultry and legumes. Red meat, sweets and fats are included in smaller amounts. This variety means the DASH plan is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, total fat, and sodium while rich in protein, fiber and healthy nutrients, particularly magnesium, potassium and calcium.

Calcium is an important component of a healthy diet. A deficit can affect bone and tooth formation, while overretention can cause kidney stones. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium.Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the growth, maintenance, and reproduction of the human body. Calcium is essential for the formation of and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.It is also important for blood clotting.

The bones incorporate calcium into their structure. The teeth and bones contain the majority of the body's calcium (about 99%). Like other tissues in the body, bones are continuously being reabsorbed and re-formed. Teeth incorporate calcium in their structure in a manner similar to bones.Calcium is essential for the normal growth and maintenance of bones and teeth, and calcium requirements must be met throughout life. Long-term calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, in which the bone deteriorates and there is an increased risk of fractures. Calcium has also been found to assist in the production of lymphatic fluids.

Calcium has other functions in addition to maintaining healthy teeth and bones. Blood coagulation, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, normal heartbeat, stimulation of hormone secretion, activation of enzyme reactions, and other functions all require small amounts of calcium.

In the life of a human bone, it's all downhill after 30.That's the typical cut-off point for bone-building, so experts say it's crucial that younger people take in enough calcium and another nutrient, vitamin D, to maximize the skeleton's potential. After age 30, those same two nutrients are key to slowing the gradual bone loss that comes with age.

Calcium isn't just important to bones, though.

"It's also important to help prevent colon cancer and for good muscle contraction, including heart muscle," said Katharine Tallmadge, a Washington, D.C., dietitian and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "It might even be important for lowering blood pressure and helping to burn off fat."

In fact, calcium is so important to so many aspects of health that "if we don't get enough in our diet, our body pulls it from the bones," Tallmadge said. "It's a critical mineral."

The most important thing about milk is that it's one of the few sources of vitamin D and calcium for children," he notes. "Putting vitamin D fortification into milk has reduced the incidence of rickets in a lot of children, however, for kids who don't drink much milk, rickets is a real threat."Most women 19 and older - including those who are pregnant - don't often get the daily 1,000 mg of calcium that's recommended. Because your growing baby's calcium demands are high, you should increase your calcium consumption to prevent a loss of calcium from your own bones. Your doctor will also likely prescribe prenatal vitamins for you, which may contain some extra calcium.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's recommended daily allowance of calcium amounts to about 1,000 milligrams a day for adults ages 19 to 50 years of age and 1,200 milligrams a day for adults over 50. While many people turn to supplements for their calcium, Tallmadge said food is always a better bet.

"I encourage people to get three high-dairy foods per day, each containing about a third of the daily requirement" she said. "That could be a cup of milk, fortified soy milk, fortified orange juice, a cup of yogurt, one-and-a-half ounces of hard cheese." Lactose-intolerant individuals should still be able to consume skim or lactate-free varieties of milk, or they can turn to fortified non-dairy products.

There are also calcium-laden food sources besides dairy products -- such as grains and vegetables -- but it's tougher for the body to get enough of the nutrient from these foods, Tallmadge said.

Bone-building doesn't rely just on calcium, however.

"The really other important factor here is vitamin D -- it's just as important, if not more important, than calcium," Tallmadge said. Without this nutrient, the body's intestines simply cannot absorb dietary calcium.

There's one big hitch, though: Vitamin D isn't found naturally in most foods. Instead, human skin uses ultraviolet sunlight to manufacture the body's own supply of this nutrient.

That was a great system in prehistoric days, when humans spent most of their lives outside and poorly clad. But it's not so ideal today.

"People aren't out so much anymore and when they do go out, they cover themselves with sunscreen," Tallmadge said. "So, we are experiencing a rash of vitamin D deficiencies -- rickets -- in children. That causes a softening of bones that can lead to bow-legs."

The problem is more pronounced in black children because natural pigments in darker skin block out much of the sun's rays. The problem has gotten so bad, Tallmadge said, that "the U.S. National Academy of Sciences is now working on a new report on vitamin D, and I believe that, unofficially, we're going to double the daily requirement from 400 units to 800 or even 1,000 units per day."

Spending more time outside -- at least a half hour or an hour at midday -- is one way of boosting vitamin D levels. Foods and supplements can also help, according to Tallmadge. "In a cup of milk, you usually get 100 units, and in a multivitamin, you might get 300 or 400 units," she said. Makers of multivitamins are now formulating higher-dose supplements based on the expected change in daily requirements, she added.

The bottom line is that everyone needs to get adequate daily amounts of both of these "partners in health," calcium and vitamin D, beginning in childhood and continuing throughout the life span.

"After your 30s, that will really help to prevent bone loss," Tallmadge said. "And remember, those losses start to really accelerate after your 50s."

Skin Care For Men

Although most of the men do not like to take care of their skin, but it is recommended that at least they should follow some basic steps to make their skin healthy. Skin cell behavior would change automatically with the age. The skin gets thinner, sebaceous glands grow less active, number of blood vessels decreases and skin becomes more fragile. These are the symptoms of skin aging. In order to keep their skin healthy for long time, men should take precautions of their skin health time to time.

Cleansing, moisturizing and toning these 3 steps they should follow everyday like a routine. Pollution, bacteria etc. are mainly responsible for causing blackheads and blemishes. Lines and wrinkles on the face which leads to premature aging happen mainly due to of pollution. So making clean your face is a very necessary step. Generally most men use soap for cleaning their faces. But as most of the soaps contain such ingredients which are not very much friendly to our skin, so it can make skin dry. High alkaline soaps can also alter the pH balance of the skin. So it is recommended to use a cleanser instead of using soap. As men are more exposed to environment, so there is a chance of debris and pollutant factors to their skin’s health. To make skin clear and firm, toning is very necessary. After shaving men should use a moisturizing cream which is non irritant. Fair and Handsome of Emami is a cream for men which moisturizes skin even after shaving. It also enhances skin’s natural tone. UV rays of sun are very harmful for our skin. So men should also avoid sun as much as possible to protect their skin from serious damages.

Besides applying moisturizer, cleanser they should also eat healthy foods containing Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Drinking plenty of water is also very important to clean the system. It is also recommended to avoid excessive smoking, drinking alcohol and stress and fatigue as they can damage the skin leads to premature aging.

Growth hormone (GH) / somatotropin promotes growth only during childhood and adolescence not for elderly people

Your body makes growth hormone to help fuel growth in your childhood and to help maintain your tissues and organs throughout your life. Growth hormone is produced in your pituitary gland — a pea-sized structure at the base of your brain. As you age, your body slowly reduces the amount of growth hormone it produces. The level of growth hormone in your body begins to drop in your 40s.

Growth hormone deficiency results from a disruption in the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland (a gland at the base of the brain) or a disruption in other hormones from the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) that signal GH release.Growth hormone (GH or somatotropin) is a polypeptide hormone synthesised and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland which stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other vertebrate animals.

Studies of healthy older adults taking growth hormone are limited. Many involve a small number of people followed for a short period of time. The studies that have been conducted have found that growth hormone injections can increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of body fat in healthy older adults.

That increase in muscle doesn't translate into increased strength. Though the study participants gained muscle, they weren't any stronger. One study compared older men who took growth hormone with older men who went through strength training programs. The bottom line: strength training can increase both your muscle mass and your strength, making it cheaper and more effective than taking growth hormone.

The findings from a new study suggest that growth hormone is not a useful therapy for "setting back the clock" in elderly individuals. The beneficial changes in body composition that the hormone produces are small and side effects are common.

Growth hormone is widely used as anti-aging treatment, even though the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for this purpose, the researchers report in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Secreted by the pituitary gland, growth hormone promotes growth during childhood and adolescence. It acts on the liver and other tissues to stimulate insulin-like growth factor, which leads to its effects. However, blood levels of circulating insulin-like growth factor tend to decrease as people age or become obese.

Several studies have shown that growth hormone treatment can improve body composition, bone density, cholesterol levels, and may even stave off death in growth-hormone deficient individuals. The safety and effectiveness in healthy individuals seeking an anti-aging solution, however, is unclear.

Some evidence shows that side effects of growth hormone may be more likely in people over the age of 60 than in younger adults. Also, because the studies of healthy adults taking growth hormone have been short term, it isn't clear whether these side effects could eventually dissipate or become worse. For instance, though growth hormone produced arthritis-like symptoms, it isn't clear if this would progress into arthritis.

Dr. Hau Liu, from Stanford University in California, and colleagues examined the risks and benefits of hormone therapy in elderly individuals by analyzing data from relevant studies identified through a search of MEDLINE and EMBASE. Data from 31 studies with a total of 220 participants were included in the analysis.

The average patient age at the start of the study was 69 years and the most of the subjects were overweight but not obese. The average initial growth hormone dose was 14 micrograms per kilogram per day, and the average treatment duration was 27 weeks.

Although statistically significant, the drop in overall fat mass and the increase in lean body mass were small, -2.1 kg and 2.1 kg, respectively. The net effect of these changes, as expected, was that body weight did not change significantly.

Growth hormone therapy led to a decrease in total cholesterol levels, but the reduction was not statistically significant after accounting for body composition changes. Growth hormone had no apparent effect on bone density or fat levels in the blood plasma.

As noted, the side effects were common with growth hormone therapy and included swelling, joint pain, gynecomastia, (breast development in men), and carpal tunnel syndrome (painful compression of the median nerve that extends from the forearm into the wrist.) In addition, growth hormone therapy may have slightly increased the risk of diabetes.

"Although growth hormone has been widely publicized as an anti-aging therapy and initial studies suggest that it might be clinically beneficial and safe in the healthy elderly, we find little evidence to support these claims," the authors state. "On the basis of available evidence, growth hormone cannot be recommended for use among the healthy elderly."