Can Alzheimer's Disease Be Accelerated?

Fatty acid deposits in the brain may contribute significantly to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, researchers discovered in a recent study.


The discovery supports the theory that Alzheimer's disease is a metabolic brain disease similar to obesity and diabetes being peripheral metabolic diseases. Researchers suggest treatments for obesity that are under development could prove useful against Alzheimer's disease as well.

"We discovered that these fatty acids are produced by the brain -- that they build up slowly with normal aging -- but that the process is accelerated significantly in the presence of genes that predispose to Alzheimer's disease," said Karl Fernandes, a professor at the University of Montreal, in a press release. "In mice predisposed to the disease, we showed that these fatty acids accumulate very early on, at two months of age, which corresponds to the early twenties in humans. Therefore, we think that the build-up of fatty acids is not a consequence but rather a cause or accelerator of the disease."


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How to Eat Healthy This Summer

No one wants to spend hours planning menus, making countless trips to the grocery store and slaving in the kitchen, only to endure dull and tasteless food. If you want to eat healthy, home-cooked meals without all the fuss, try a seasonal pantry makeover. To do it, stock up on locally-grown foods, and simply create meals based on what's in season in your region. Eating locally is delicious, nutritious, interesting and, believe it or not, easy. Local food tastes better because it really is fresh (not shipped-from-across-the-country-yet-still-bearing-a-label-that-says-fresh).

It's healthier for you because you get the higher nutrient levels from just-picked produce. It's healthier for the environment because local food uses less fossil fuel for transport. Seasonal food is also interesting, as each season brings a new crop of foods that you haven't had for an entire year. Before you've had a chance to tire of its bounty, the season changes to bring new, flavorful foods. And shopping for seasonal foods is easy—a fun trip to your local farmer's market will yield the majority of the ingredients you need.

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The Skinny on Subscription Snack Boxes - The Latest Craze

They call it the fourth meal.

For many, snacking is the number one cause for derailed diets, unintentional calorie overloading and an increase in sugar or salt intake. But the snack is often the saving grace of the work day – the only problem is most of us are left with limited choices at the office vending machine.
Enter the subscription snack box – the latest online food craze that has businesses big and small betting on people looking for healthier snack options.

Silicon Valley-based company NatureBox has been leading the charge on the healthy snack front since its launch in 2012.

The idea for the company was born, in part, out of CEO and co-founder Gautam Gupta’s struggle with obesity. After teaching himself about nutrition and exercise in high school, Gupta lost 70 pounds, but struggled with finding snack options he felt good about eating when on the go.

“Twenty-five per cent of our daily calories come from snacking and we’ve found people will often say they don’t feel satisfied after they snack,” said NatureBox spokesperson Nicki Briggs. “So we thought it was a really big opportunity to make a difference.”

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Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.

There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.

Learn More and see original article from the Mayo Clinic.

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Returning to the Gym Benefits New Moms

Has the new year also brought along a new bundle of joy? New moms may be finding that their 2015 resolution to get their body back post-baby is more difficult than they originally calculated.
According to Minerals Sports Club Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor Barbara Matchett, an average woman gains approximately 30 pounds during pregnancy. She admits it's difficult “having patience and realizing that it took nine months for your body to gain the weight and it will be a process. I think the hardest part is probably fitting it in your schedule. You have a new baby that requires all of your attention, but remember it's important to find time for you, too. If you have a good support system at home, don't be afraid to leave the baby for an hour or try to find a gym that has child care. Your health is crucial so you're there to take care of your baby.”

“I think it's a challenge,” Minerals Fitness Director Betty Tobin said. “You see celebrities on TV get their bodies back in 20 days after having a baby,” she said with a laugh, saying the time frame is slightly unrealistic.

Tobin said several new moms have returned to the gym recently to work on their new physique, one only days after giving birth.

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Don't Go Broke this Holiday Season

Your Guide to Frugal Cheer

Finding it hard to feel festive when all you can think about is that fat credit card bill or those student loans you're (still) paying off? Unfortunately, you're not alone: three in four American households are currently saddled with some kind of debt.
So, as we enter a new holiday season — with shoppers planning to spend even more than last year — here's how to affordably take part in the giving season and keep a lid on debt.

Plan Around Your Real Budget 

Aiming to cap your holiday spend at $500? Map out your spending according to that exact figure, not on money you "think" is going to come rolling in. Avoid temptation by sticking to cash and prioritizing your budget.
First, set aside money for folks who deserve nice tips — the babysitter, dog walker, house cleaner, etc. — and buying a few gifts for the kids.

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WeCareOnline December Staff Highlight - Melanie Fischer

This month we meet Melanie Fischer. 

Melanie has worked in healthcare for the past 21 years.  She originally needed a summer job when she was in high school and applied for a housekeeping position at Ellis Good Sam.  Melanie enjoyed the position, but wanted to do more to help the residents she served. Her love for helping others is what attracted her to healthcare and made the healthcare field a perfect fit.  Melanie is now an RN.

Melanie and her husband have been married for 16 years and have a farm in the Ellis area where they have cattle running about. Melanie and her husband have 4 beautiful children.  

When she is not working, Melanie likes spending time with her children.  Her boys are in 4-H and the entire family is very involved in the club. 4-H is the Fischer family’s biggest activity and involves all family members in raising and caring for the animals they show at the fair. The family has raised and shown different types of livestock.  They have raised and shown bucket calves, show pigs and flocks of show chickens and ducks.

Melanie’s advice to anyone seeking to enter healthcare is to have patience with those you work with, including residents and workers. Melanie’s mantra is to always put first those you are serving, and to put your own wants and needs last. Melanie believes in working as a team player no matter what personal conflicts you may have with another co-worker, and to always show respect for those you work with and to be professional when you are working.

Everyone at WeCareOnline plays an important role in helping students have the best online learning experience possible. Melanie answers phone calls that come into her office for all CNA and CMA questions. She also assists in the set up process for classes; helping the clinical instructors in the set up process.  She helps students to enroll in classes, and provides support and assistance to advertise upcoming classes. While Melanie supports WCO mission in numerous ways, she views her most important role at WCO is the work she does educating the students in the classroom, monitoring grades, and answering emails from students/instructors or individuals interested in the WCO program.

What is the Best Way to Wash Your Hands?

National Handwashing Awareness Week is December 1-7. Make sure you are washing your hands the right way to prevent the spread of cold and flu this season.

When you see that sign in the restroom with instructions on how to wash your hands, you can’t help but roll your eyes, right? It’s OK to admit it. We all know the best way to wash our hands and how important this simple act is to helping us stay healthy and avoid disease. At least that’s what many people think.
But are you really washing properly? Do you know why you are doing it? What is the recommended amount of time? What’s better: hand washing or hand sanitizer? Take a moment to answer the following questions to see if you have all the information necessary to take your health into your own hands this cold and flu season…your clean hands that is.

Handwashing: what is the best way to wash your hands?

Did you know that a third of Americans don’t wash their hands after using the restroom? Rule number one: wash your hands frequently, and always after using the restroom. Rub your entire hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. This includes the backs of your hands and between your fingers. If there’s a hand towel available, grab one. The good thing about drying your hands with a clean towel is that you can use the towel to turn off the faucet.

What is the best way to reduce germs?

As simple as it may sound, it still holds true. Washing our hands frequently is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick during flu season and throughout the year.

For More and Original Article:
http://www.healthbytesnyc.com/cold-and-flu/national-handwashing-awareness-week-2014-dec-1-7/

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Great Winter Vegetables to Add to Your Meals

Sparkly snowflakes, cozy blankets, rich hot chocolate… Winter has a lot going for it, but fresh produce is usually not on that list. In colder climates, eating locally through the winter can be downright challenging. But we’re here with some good news: Every meal doesn’t have to revolve around potatoes and onions until April. With a bit of advanced planning and creativity, it’s possible to eat fresh fruits and vegetables with plenty of nutrients and flavor all winter long.

Read on to learn about some of the unexpected vitamin-rich cold-weather foods you should stock up on right now.

1. Cabbage 
Time to head to the cabbage patch, kid! This super-healthy, budget-friendly vegetable is a close cousin to other cold-weather favorites like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli . Cabbage is loaded with vitamins and minerals (Vitamins C and K and folate, in particular), fiber, antioxidants, and anti-carcinogenic compounds called glucosinolates. Some studies claim that the spherical vegetable can even reduce cholesterol and lower risk of cancer and diabetes .

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Multigenerational Household - Is This For You?

Several of my friends are living in multigenerational households. Some of their arrangements are by design and others a result of unplanned life events. Whether it’s a college-aged child moving home to save money while job-hunting, a senior choosing to live with an adult child, or a daughter bringing a new baby to live with her grandparents, this communal living has primarily been driven by recent economic uncertainties Although multigenerational strictly means three generations under one roof, two age groups living together have similar benefits and challenges. Even as the economy shows signs of recovery, it’s clear this is a lifestyle trend that’s not going away.

The latest U.S. Census figures support that multigenerational households are continuing to grow. In 2000, 3.7 percent of U.S. households were inhabited by three generations and by 2010, that number had grown to 4 percent. Citing areas with housing shortages, single parents, and new immigrants living with relatives, census reports give detailed breakdowns of geographic locations, etc. But a recent Pew Research Social & Demographic Trends report found young adults to be the biggest driver of multigenerational living situations.

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7 Fabulous Fall Date Nights

The air is getting crisper, the leaves are changing, and nature has become the perfect backdrop for a romantic get-together. Enjoy the season with your sweetie by trying out any of these great date ideas. Added bonus? They’re all super budget-friendly.

1. Go Apple Picking

'Tis the season for apple picking! Check out a local orchard or farm and make a day of it. Take a tour, make your own apple butter or cider, and (hopefully) eat some great cider donuts. Plus, going home to make an apple pie together? Adorable and delicious!

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Get in touch with your inner child and set out for a day of picking pumpkins. Make sure to choose a few good ones and take some great, aw-worthy pictures. Most pumpkin patches also have fun activities, such as petting zoos, pumpkin tosses, and even corn mazes, a great excuse to extend your date even longer! (Visit PumpkinPatchesAndMore.org to find a patch near you!)

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Simple Steps to Start Saving Money

Save your loose change. Putting aside fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund.

Keep track of your spending. At least once a month, use credit card, checking, and other records to review what you've purchased. Then, ask yourself if it makes sense to reallocate some of this spending to an emergency savings account.

Never purchase expensive items on impulse. Think over each expensive purchase for at least 24 hours. Acting on this principle will mean you have far fewer regrets about impulse purchases, and far more money for emergency savings.

Use debit and credit cards prudently. To minimize interest charges, try to limit credit card purchases to those you can pay off in full at the end of the month. If you use a debit card, don't rely on an overdraft feature to spend money you don't have. With either approach, you'll have more money available for emergency savings.

- See more at: http://americasaves.org/for-savers/make-a-plan-how-to-save-money/54-ways-to-save-money#sthash.gArg5FF2.dpuf

Save your loose change. Putting aside fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund.

Keep track of your spending. At least once a month, use credit card, checking, and other records to review what you've purchased. Then, ask yourself if it makes sense to reallocate some of this spending to an emergency savings account.

Never purchase expensive items on impulse. Think over each expensive purchase for at least 24 hours. Acting on this principle will mean you have far fewer regrets about impulse purchases, and far more money for emergency savings.

Use debit and credit cards prudently. To minimize interest charges, try to limit credit card purchases to those you can pay off in full at the end of the month. If you use a debit card, don't rely on an overdraft feature to spend money you don't have. With either approach, you'll have more money available for emergency savings.

For More Ideas and Original Article.

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25 Ways to Have Cheap Summer Fun

Looking to enjoy your summer without breaking the bank? Check out the following ideas for frugal summer fun.

1. Get in the Water

We can’t talk about summer without mentioning pools, right? Whether you have a pool in your backyard or in your community, this is not only a way to have fun, but swimming laps is also great exercise. No pool? No problem! Break out the hose and get a packet of water balloons for a few dollars or less.

2. Have a Picnic

Even if your job requires that you work year-round, you can still have picnic lunches with coworkers during the workweek or with friends on the weekends. Assign each person a drink or food item to bring, and have a great meal without an exorbitant cost.

3. Run a Car Wash to Raise Money for Charity

If you want to beat the heat, why not do it in a way that will also help out others?

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4 Health Breakfasts to Beat the Heat

I eat breakfast every day regardless of the time of year—breakfast provides me with a much-needed morning energy boost and keeps me focused. And research shows that regular breakfast eaters weigh less and have an easier time keeping weight off. (Who doesn’t love that?)

In the cooler months, I almost always eat a hearty, healthy bowl of oatmeal. But in the heat of summer the last thing I want is a steaming-hot breakfast. Luckily, there are plenty of refreshing breakfast options to help me beat the heat and start my day right. Here are my 4 favorite breakfast ideas to stay healthy and cool all summer long.

1. Smoothies
We don’t get into the triple-digit temperatures very often in Vermont, but it definitely gets hot enough to whip up a frozen treat in the morning.

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Avoiding Extra Pounds During the Holidays

This is a hectic time of year.  We are all very busy working a full time job, part time job, managing the household, chauffeuring the kids to everyplace under the sun. The fall sports season is about to end, the winter sports season is gearing up. Holiday shopping is on your mind and you are behind schedule.  Your friends and family are beckoning you for visits,  your laundry is overflowing and you have to still figure out what to cook for dinner.

Does this sound familiar?  The holidays can be a stressful time of year.   There is so much stuff to do and the days don’t grant you extra hours to get it all done. The daylight turns to a night time sky earlier than you desire and you feel sleepy at 5 pm because of it.

On top of all of the above, it becomes difficult for many of us to eat healthy during the holiday season because we are always on the go and sometimes we make bad choices. Not to mention, we are perpetually surrounded by baked goods and delicious treats . . .

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How to Balance School and Work as an Adult

Many health care workers work while taking classes at community colleges to try to get ahead. For community college students, more than a quarter work greater than 35 hours weekly. Additionally, nearly one-quarter of college students have dependent children.

In some cases, the rigors of juggling work and school prove to be too much. Given the choice between income and education, and faced with fewer dollars to go around in terms of student loans, many students leave college before attaining a degree, choosing the immediate reward of a paycheck over the expected reward of a higher-paying job upon graduation.


For these nontraditional students, it’s imperative to strategize about how to balance work and school. Using the tips outlined below, you can do both, without either one suffering.

1. Take assignments with you. While I advocate for keeping work and school separate, I do think you can fit in your schoolwork at other times during the day. For instance, if you’re sitting at your daughter’s soccer practice or folding laundry, use the time to study.

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No Time for Exercise? Try These Tips

You found your keys. You found the motivation to clean out your closet. Now you’ve got to find 30 minutes in your day to get physically active — and there are plenty of easy, no-cost ways to do it.
Think you don’t have time? You don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once.

You’ll get the same benefits if you divide your time into two or three 10- to 15-minute segments a day.

“Building physical activity back into our daily lives is one of the great public health challenges of this century,” said Russell Pate, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Exercise at the University of South Carolina. “Our bodies were designed to be physically active, and they don’t do well with long-term exposure to sedentary living.  Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.”

Here are some of Dr. Pate’s tips for getting active:

1. Get out the leash and walk your dog. It’s a great activity for both man and man’s best friend. Your heart — and your pooch — will thank you!
2. Take your child for a brisk walk. It’s an excellent way to get some one-on-one time (or one-on-three, depending on the size of your brood.) Spice up your routine by exploring new neighborhoods or turning your walk into a scavenger hunt.
3. Mall walk. Are you sweating (or shivering) at the idea of walking outside? Take a brisk stroll around your local mall instead. Window shop, people watch and give your heart a workout in a climate-controlled environment.

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Bucket List for Nurses

I don’t know about any of you but it’s extremely important for me to be happy and to have a fun filled life. When I think about how hard we work as nurses, and the hours we dedicate to others, it’s overwhelming. Isn’t it time for us to take care of ourselves, too?

Can we allow ourselves a two minute break to assess our own well-being? How many of us actually do that?Hobbies, friends and vacations rank at the top of my bucket list, not to mention quiet time to just sit and do nothing but reflect and ponder.  Sometimes as I am taking a solitary walk or soaking in a tub filled with bubbles, I plan my next move. My thought process is clear and uninterrupted during those moments. I can close my eyes and decide what will come next in my life. Remember, “What we think about, we bring about.” (From the Secret)

Now, to you this may not count as a bucket list. Some people view bucket lists as end of life, last chance events. I don’t. And I also don’t think of bucket lists as action filled, life altering adventures. I prefer to keep my heart rate and blood pressure fairly stable, much to my husband’s dismay.   

I don’t like fast rides at amusement parks, scuba diving or jumping out of air planes. I would never get on the back of a motorcycle, no matter who was driving. I like what I like and that’s OK.Oh, sure, someday I’d like to travel to Africa. I would also like to serve a humanitarian mission and I’d like to move to a warmer climate in my old age (ions from now).     

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Cabin Fever Anyone?

Holidays can always be such a fun time of year, especially if you have school-age kids.

But let's be honest somewhere around the middle of the vacation it seems like the symptoms of cabin fever start to set in. Usually a little exercise, fresh air, and creativity are all the doctor would order.  Here's some ways to follow "doctor's orders":

1. Google: "Things to do in (fill in your city)" and see what you find.
You may be surprised at what there is to do right in your own back yard.

2. Go to the zoo.
Most areas have a zoo or aquarium or some kind of wildlife rescue area. (Ever wonder where they take celebrity tigers when they've gotten too old?)

3. Use where you live to your advantage.
If there is snow on the ground, get out in it! Bundle up and have an old-fashion snow ball fight with the forts and all! Or if your weather is mild, find a local park and organize a flag football game or a neighborhood Capture the Flag competition.

Whatever you choose to do, getting the energy out goes a long way to cure cabin fever.

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Top 10 Reasons to Shop at a Farmers Market

Why shop at a farmers market?

10. Farmers markets are easy to find.
Use the USDA Farmers Markets Search to find one near you. Due to their flexible locations, some community farmers markets provide fresh, healthy foods when other sources aren't as easily accessed. Learn more about how the USDA helps to expand healthy food access through the development of local food systems.


9. SNAP and WIC cards are accepted at most farmers markets.
Click here for more information on food assistance programs.


8. You can try a new fruit or vegetable!
Have you ever tasted gooseberries or rhubarb? Many farmers markets offer lesser known fruits and vegetables, providing a variety that can be both tasty and nutritious. Learn how to select the best quality, how to store, and about the nutritional values of these rarer fruits and vegetables (and some common ones, too) in the Fruit Nutrition Database and Vegetable Nutrition Database.


7. Farmers often have good recommendations on ways to prepare their products.
For more inspiration, visit Fruits and Veggies More Matters to see recipes using fresh fruits and vegetables.



To Read More of this article at Nutrition.gov.
 
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