Kurriosity

Saturday, May 4, 2013

3d Mammograms

MONDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have developed a new technique to produce 3-D images of breast tissue that they say are two to three times sharper than current hospital CT scans with a lower radiation dose than is delivered currently by conventional mammograms.

"Mammography relies on two-dimensional images," said Jianwei Miao, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a researcher with the university's California NanoSystems Institute.

That may help explain why 10 percent to 20 percent of breast tumors go undetected on mammogram, Miao said.

CT scans are also three-dimensional, Miao said, but are not considered useful for detecting breast cancer, as it requires a larger dose of radiation than a mammogram.

To improve detection of breast cancer, Miao, working with UCLA colleagues and German scientists, developed ''a new way to visualize human breast cancer in three imensions with a radiation dose somewhat lower than that in current mammograms."

To develop the new technique, Miao's team combined a type of X-ray imaging with an image-reconstruction method known by scientists as "equally sloped tomography." One reason the technique may be better for detection is that it measures the difference in the way an X-ray oscillates through normal breast tissue compared to tissue with cancer, the scientists said.

Five independent radiologists have now evaluated the method. They found that it can reduce the radiation dose by about 74 percent compared to conventional methods. It produced images with the highest image quality compared to 3-D images of breast tissues captured through other standard methods.

The report of the technique and evaluation appeared Oct. 22 in the online edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The technique won't be available to patients for some time, Miao said.

"Before our technique is available, we need a more advanced X-ray source," he said. The equipment for that source is available now only in large-scale research lab environments.

The X-ray source needs to be smaller so it can fit easily into a hospital or clinic room, he said. It could be a decade or more before the 3-D technique is clinically available.

Any technique that would lower radiation doses from mammograms would be good, said Dr. Debra Monticciolo, chairwoman of the American College of Radiology Quality and Safety Commission.
But she, too, cautioned that the technique is still in the research phase.

"The clinical equipment to develop these 3-D images is not currently available," she said. "It hasn't been developed yet."

Mammograms performed on modern equipment deliver very low doses of radiation, according to the American Cancer Society. For one mammogram, the dose is about 0.1 to 0.2 rads, a measure of radiation. To put that in perspective, that is about the same amount of radiation a woman would receive flying coast to coast on a commercial airplane, according to the society.

More information
To learn more about mammograms, visit the American Cancer
Society.
Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

53 Ways to Sneak Pumpkin Into Any Meal

Sure, you can carve a pumpkin. But did you know you could also enjoy it in a bowl of oats, between the bun, or in a fancy cocktail? We’ve rounded up 53 ways to enjoy this
super-fruit that comes with as much versatility as it does protein, fiber, and everyone’s favorite fall flavor.

Morning Mealtime

1. Quick breads. Fresh out of the oven, pumpkin bread is a delicious morning treat that makes getting out of bed a breeze. Now, if only eating the whole loaf in one sitting was a good idea…

2. Scones. For a healthified breakfast baked good with a little more crunch than a muffin, try a pumpkin scone with that cup of tea. With a little spice, this morning treat is nothing but nice. Plus, the pumpkin puree adds moisture to these typically dry and crumbly treats.

3. Pancakes. Our favorite Sunday morning tradition got better. Stir some pumpkin puree in pancake batter for an autumnal spin on breakfast. Try some pumpkin protein pancakes to really fill you up with the good stuff.

4. Waffles. Le’go my ego and give me the pumpkin! For a crispier (and healthier) morning meal, one cup of pumpkin puree will spice up any ordinary waffle.

5. Oatmeal. Pumpkin pie for breakfast? We went there. For a creamy bowl of oats, simply add some pumpkin puree. Topped with graham crackers, pecans, and a touch of maple syrup, and it’s basically (almost) pumpkin pie.

6. Yogurt. It may be hard to find pumpkin flavored yogurt in the dairy section, but luckily it’s easy to make at home. Simply combine ½ cup of plain, low-fat Greek yogurt with about ¼ cup canned pumpkin, and add any desired sweeteners and toppings of choice (we’re fans of cinnamon and pecans!).

7. Muffins. Blueberry muffins are so two weeks ago. Pumpkin puree perks up any ordinary breakfast treat. Swap in whole-wheat flour and sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for a healthy start to the day!

8. Granola. Pumpkin seeds take center stage in this recipe, packing an extra crunch to an already healthy mix of whole-grains, nuts, and spices. Serve it atop some pumpkin yogurt for one big pumpkin party in your mouth.

9. French toast. Pumpkin puree, plus peanut butter, plus whole-grain bread equals probably the best French toast ever.

10. Biscuits. Skip the gravy and enjoy these biscuits all on their own. Light, fluffy, and oh, filled with pumpkin, it’s near impossible not to resist seconds (or thirds…).

11. Sandwich bread. There’s whole-wheat, multi-grain, 7-seed, and…pumpkin bread! Toast it up, add some jam, or even go crazy and use it to make French toast or in a classic sandwich. (Editor’s note: Try the classic “Thanksgiving” sandwich on this bread! The combo of turkey and cranberry with the pumpkin is perfect!)

Spreads, Snacks, and Sides

12. Mashed potatoes. Potatoes mashed with pumpkin, stirred with spinach, and mixed with almond milk? Yes, please. This out-of-the-box mashed potato recipe is as unique as it is nutritious and damn delicious.

13. Hummus. For a slightly sweeter dip that’s still filled with tahini and chickpeas, just add pumpkin puree. With a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, this spin on the classic Middle Eastern spread will knock your (fall-themed) socks off.

14. “Butter.” Not to be confused with that stuff in the dairy section, pumpkin butter is a great sweet treat to spread on toast or a piece of fresh fruit. Just some stirring over the pan will create a homemade spread that’s better than anything from the jar.

15. Frosting. Want a spread with some staying power? Try mixing canned pumpkin with almond butter, protein powder, and a dash of cinnamon. Perfect on a pita, cupcake, or banana.

16. Dessert dip. For a little indulgence, try this pumpkin dip with Greek yogurt, brown sugar, and of course, pumpkin! Slice up an apple and you’ve got yourself the perfect afternoon snack.

17. Bruschetta. For a snack, appetizer, or side dish, give pumpkin bruschetta a try. Sauté sweet pumpkin, top with goat cheese, and serve on a thinly sliced piece of multi-grain bread for the perfect autumn bite.

18. Party dip. Take a dinner cheese dip up a notch by using pumpkin instead. This recipe is both party-approved and vegan, and is great smothered on whole-grain bread.

19. Pickles. No cucumbers are necessary for this savory, autumn treat! Pickle thick slices of pumpkin instead for a salty, tangy side to any sandwich.

20. Roasted seeds. Pumpkin seeds are another great way to enjoy all this fruit has to offer. Simply roast them in the oven with a little olive oil and salt (or other spices!) for a crunchy snack.

21. Guacamole. If avocados with some cilantro and lime isn’t good enough, how bout’ adding some pumpkin, too? Those tortilla chips won’t know what hit them!

22. Dinner rolls. Sometimes, there’s nothing like a warm roll straight from oven with a drizzle of olive oil! To amp up our favorite carb-treat even more, pumpkin puree does the trick.

23. Pesto. There’s no need for basil in this pesto recipe. (Trust us!) With pumpkin puree, pecans, garlic, and some parm cheese, you’ll end up with a sweet and savory spread that goes great on pasta, crackers, or straight up with a spoon.

24. Garlic knots. Better believe it. Adding some canned pumpkin to homemade dough makes the knots nice and moist, while adding some extra fiber and protein.

Lunch and Dinner Ideas

25. Mac n’ cheese. Our favorite comfort food just got creamier (and tastier!). Add pumpkin puree to the pan and those elbows won’t know what hit it.

26. Soups. For a creamy soup without the cream, head to the pumpkin patch! Cozy up with a bowl-full of pumpkin-apple or Thai-spiced soup — it’s perfect as the weather cools down.

27. Salads. The main crux of a salad doesn’t have to be greens. Adding chopped and roasted pumpkin to the bowl of arugula makes the perfect base for a salad with all the right fixin’s. (Our favorites? Dried cranberries, pecans, and roasted chicken.)

28. Chili. To add some extra spice to a comforting bowl of chili, just add pumpkin. It will add a sweet, nutty flavor to the bowl to satisfy any autumn taste bud.

29. Panini. Skip the mayo and add pumpkin spread to build a perfect fall Panini! A mixture of pumpkin puree, garlic, salt, and pepper compliments an array of veggies and adds a sweet, robust flavor in every bite.

30. Pizza. No pepperoni needed for this killer pie. Making a sweet, tangy pizza sauce with pumpkin is the perfect base for our favorite Italian meal. (Bonus points for impressing dinner guests!)

31. Pasta. Who doesn’t like to occasionally indulge in a bowl of pasta with a comforting creamy sauce? Get that velvety sauce texture without the excess calories by using pumpkin puree as the base combined with chicken stock, almond milk, and seasonal spices.

32. Risotto. This dish is thick and velvety to begin with, so adding pumpkin only intensifies its creamy deliciousness. Top the risotto with roasted pumpkin to really feel like fall! Or, add some pumpkin puree to the simmering mixture.

33. Raviolis. This is a true autumn meal. Wrapping up creamy pumpkin and cheese filling with a pasta shell results in a sweet, comforting dish that makes sure nobody goes home hungry. Go extra healthy and swap the pasta for wonton wrappers.

34. Burgers. To bulk up that veggie burger and add a touch of sweetness, pumpkin is the way to go. This simple recipe combines canned pumpkin with black beans to make a mean burger without the meat.

35. Savory bake. For some baked, autumn goodness, stick a pumpkin in the oven. Baked alongside sweet potatoes and brown sugar, and you’ve got a sweet meal anyone will enjoy.

36. Quesadillas. For a filling Mexican treat, put some chopped, sauteed pumpkin (along with some jalapeños and cheese for good measure) between the tortillas. No sour cream necessary!

Sweet Treats

37. Custard. For a cool and creamy autumn treat, pumpkin custard is the answer. Go the no-bake route to save some time, and mix the pumpkin with Greek yogurt for good measure.

38. Cheesecakes. It’s no Cheesecake Factory, but you will save some calories and still get that pumpkin fix. Mixed with low-fat cream cheese on top of a vanilla wafer crust, there’s no way this pumpkin puree-based dessert will be anything short of a crowd pleaser.

39. Pudding. For a spin on a classic kid’s treat, add pumpkin puree to an instant vanilla pudding mix and throw some fall spices in for good measure. It’s that simple. And delicious.

40. Cookies. Move over snicker doodle, tis’ the season for pumpkin oatmeal cranberry chocolate chip cookies. (We’re stoked, too.) Make em for your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, or simply yourself.

41. Pies. Pumpkin pie is a classic, and for good reason: It’s delicious. For a healthier spin, use rolled oats for the crust, and add applesauce and coconut oil to the pumpkin mix.

42. Popsicles. Yep, pumpkin can come on a stick, too! Surprise your friends with this icy treat that’s still great to chow down during the fall.

43. Cakes. Don’t let them eat just any cake, Queen Marie-Antoinette. Pumpkin cake is the way to go for a moist and sweet cake with just the right touch of spice.

44. Whoopie pies. This Maine-born treat needs some pumpkin love. Add a can of pumpkin puree to the pie mix and have yourself an autumn indulgence we all deserve.

45. Brittle. To bring pumpkin seeds back in the forefront, try this pumpkin seed brittle for a salty and sweet treat. With only a few simple ingredients, this is a dessert that’s both easy to make and devour.

46. Sherbet. If you were to take the filling of a pumpkin pie and freeze it, it’d taste just like this pumpkin sherbet. Creamy (without the fat!) and perfectly spiced, we can eat this straight from the tub.

Drinks

47. Hard cider. Cider drinks, don’t sweat it! Now you can have a share of the pumpkin brew fun, too. Try your hand at making it yourself or give one of the newer bottled versions a go.

48. Milkshakes. Pumpkin pie in a glass just happened. Try this pumpkin pie milkshake filled with frozen bananas, low-fat pumpkin fro-yo or pumpkin puree, and a touch of maple syrup, and try not to slurp it down in one gulp.

49. Protein shakes. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a post-workout snack, whip up a pumpkin pie smoothie that’s packed with protein (thanks to protein powder!) for staying power.

50. Coffee drinks. For a cheaper and healthier latte option, make some DIY pumpkin spice syrup to flavor any cup of coffee or latte. You’ll never want to leave home after wrapping your hands around this coffee mug.

51. Hot chocolate. Canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice is all you need to take hot chocolate up a notch. So give pumpkin spice hot chocolate a whirl to warm up your hands and heart.

52. Beer. Beer lovers, unite! With autumn comes the arrival of pumpkin ales on every store aisle, and for good reason. To go DIY, brew your own pumpkin beer for a non-stop stash.

53. Cocktails. Who says you can’t put pumpkin in that martini glass? Just add a little pumpkin puree to rum, milk, spices, and ice — and blend or shake!

Have some more pumpkin
ideas not on this list? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet the author @lschwech.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Develop 6 Pack Abs

We all have ‘em---abs. Abdominals, Core, 6-pack, stomach muscles! Whether you can see them or not is another story. And regardless if you have a 4, 6 or 8-pack, being lean, functional and strong in the mid section is a must. Here are sure-fire ways to develop your abs.

Good attitude. Be optimistic and confident about your body. Visualize your 6-pack as the lean strong muscle it will be.

Proper nutrition. Eat small meals, eat breakfast, and find the foods that optimize your metabolism.

Endurance Exercise. Do interval training, cross-training, and classes such as indoor cycling, and classes innovated by the author such as cardio core cross-spin, cardio yoga, etc.

Resistance Exercise. Keep a steady stream of individualized, intense strength workouts for all muscles.

Isometric Exercise. Include core builders such as high and low planks, bridges, as well as disciplines such as yoga and pilates.

Stability Ball. Use exercise balls for crunches, situps, core balancing and core stretching.

Train the entire core. Do not just train abs, utilize exercise for complete core activation of lower back, obliques, transverse abdominus and pelvic floor muscles.

Breath. Learn how to yogic breath to better activate the abs, utilize the diaphragm and allow the body to lengthen the core.

Using these simple yet important tactics will highlight your 6-pack and also improve your function and overall health and wellness.

Marc D. Thompson BS,VPT is a national innovator of on-line virtual training and group instruction (via Skype). Thompson has 25-years of experience as a fitness trainer and personal coach focusing on medicine and exercise physiology. He has dedicated his life to isolating the physical strengths and weaknesses of each client and matching them with a multitude of fitness disciplines to improve their physical, mental and psychological well-being.

Marc D Thompson, VirtuFit^TM

Virtual Personal Training, Live & Online^TM

Aquatic Fitness

Aquatic fitness is any healthy activity performed in water. The use of water for fitness is not new but it has many benefits. Water provides a cushion, to keep impact to a minimum. It is soothing and relaxing. Water also maintains our body temperature as we perform high heart rate exercises.

Water allows movement for those with orthopedic limitations that could not be performed safely on land. Here are a few aquatic ideas to discover how water can best enhance your wellness.

1. Aquatic cross training (land and water exercises intervals)

2. Deep water lunging

3. Laps without using arms

4. Laps without using legs

5. Speed strokes

6. Butterfly laps

7. Water yoga

8. Water Tai Chi

9. Water Pilates

10. Surface diving drills

Flip Flops

Researchers at Auburn University have found that wearing flip-flops alters the way one walks, changing the gait in subtle ways that can lead to serious sole, heel and ankle problems. The toes are designed to balance our body, wearing flip flops forces the toes to act as stabilizers.

Blueberries and Memory

Wish you had a better memory? Feel like you just can’t remember things like you used too? What if you found out that popping a few blueberries in your mouth could do the trick? Well in fact, scientists are saying that among their many nutritional benefits, blueberries might be playing a larger role in our memory then we ever knew before.

Blueberries, which have been coined a super food for many years, may be even more powerful than anyone had first imagined. Blueberries are known to be rich in antioxidants, an important defender to protect our bodies from cancers. Not to mention the high fiber content of the blueberry has made it a highly recommended dietary choice for those with a history of irritable bowel, constipation or high cholesterol.

So what is this about memory? Most recently much attention has been focusing more specifically on a type of antioxidant found in the blueberry called anthocyanins. These are part of a large group referred to as polyphenols, which are in abundance in most fruits and vegetables. It is however the blueberry that appears to contain the most significant amount of anthocyanins.

Recent studies have shown that those who consume diets rich in blueberries, and blueberry juice, have greater evidence of anthocyanins in the part of their brain that is involved in improving memory, learning, decision making, comprehension and numerical ability. It appears that the role of the anthocyanins is related to allowing the neurons of the brain communicate and thus enhance memory. Studies going one step further have even suggested that increased consumption may help slow the decline in mental status of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and the natural decline seen in aging.

So just how many blueberries will have your brain powered up? Most studies suggest about 3 cups of blueberries, or 2- 2 ½ cups of blueberry juice a day will do the trick!

Marlo Mittler, MS RD is a Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Consultant, journalist and public speaker specializing in nutrition, wellness and healthy lifestyles. Marlo has been in practice for over 15 years, specializing in Pediatrics, Adolescents and Family Nutrition. Marlo, has appeared nationally on FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS News.

9 foods that help you burn fat

Men Who Are Obese While Young...

MONDAY, April 29 (HealthDay News) -- Men who are obese in their early 20s have a significantly increased risk of dying or of having serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease by the time they reach age 55, a new long-term study indicates.

Researchers tracked the health of 6,500 Danish men from age 22 until age 55. At the start of the study, 83 percent of the young men had normal weight, 5 percent were underweight, 10 percent were overweight and 1.5 percent were obese.

By the end of the follow-up period, nearly half of the men who were obese at age 22 had been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure, suffered a heart attack, stroke or blood clots in the legs or lungs, or had died.

Compared to those with normal weight, obese young men were eight times more likely to develop diabetes, four times more likely to have a potentially fatal blood clot, and more than twice as likely to develop high blood pressure, have had a heart attack or to have died, according to the study published April 29 in the online journal BMJ Open.

Every unit increase in body mass index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight) was associated with a 5 percent increased risk of heart attack, a 10 percent increased risk of high blood pressure and blood clots, and a 20 percent increased risk of diabetes.

Overall, obese young men had a nearly 50 percent risk of developing any of these serious health problems by middle age, compared with a 20 percent risk for young men with normal weight, according to a journal news release.

The findings suggest that rising rates of obesity may counteract the decrease in deaths from heart disease, and place a huge burden on health care systems worldwide, concluded study author Henrik Toft Sorensen, a professor at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, and colleagues.

The study found an association between obesity in young men and a greater risk of serious health problems or death by age 55. However, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases outlines the health risks of being overweight.

Blind Cords Pose Danger to Toddlers, Doctors Warn

Young children are at high risk for accidentally strangling themselves with window blind cords and parents need to be aware of this threat, doctors report.

Children aged 16 to 36 months seem particularly vulnerable to this danger, because they have relatively large heads compared with the rest of their bodies as well as softer windpipes, the doctors noted. They also have less muscle control than adults, which makes it harder for them to disentangle themselves from the cords.

The British doctors wrote their warning, published online April 29 in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, after they treated a 22-month-old boy who was brought into the emergency department after being found hanging on the pull chain of a window blind cord.

The child was discharged after an overnight stay in hospital, but not every child in this type of situation is so lucky, the doctors noted.

"In the U.K., it is thought that one or two young children die each year from blind cord strangulation," they wrote. "It is believed that there are probably many more under-reported near misses."

Data indicates that more than 200 infants and young children in the United States have died from accidental strangulation in window blind cords, Dr. Manas Datta, from the department of pediatrics at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex, said in a journal news release.

The British Blind and Shutter Association and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommend installing cordless blinds, short pull cords, using safety devices and keeping children‘s beds away from blind cords.

The best option would be a ban on looped window blind cords, the doctors said. Until that happens, "it is imperative that parents are educated about the hazards of window blind cords and appropriate safety devices are installed in homes with young children," they concluded.

More information

The Window Covering Safety Council offers window covering safety tips.