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Keep insulin levels balanced for good health

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin but does not use it properly. When excess glucose builds up in the blood, this sets the stage for diabetes. Many people with insulin resistance have high levels of glucose and insulin in their blood at the same time.

Physician, health advocate and author of “The Blood Sugar Solution,” Dr. Mar

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How Sleep Training Can Help (And Maybe Even Save!) Your Relationships

Recently, some clients have shared that one of the hardest things they face when dealing with their babies’ sleep struggles is the way that the lack of sleep (for everyone) is damaging their relationships with their partners. Many of these clients say the same thing: their constant exhaustion puts enormous strain on their relationships. This makes sense, after all; when you’re exhausted and sleep-deprived, you barely have enough energy to meet your baby’s needs, let alone your partner’s. And, if youre a single parent, you may be feeling the effects on relationships with friends, parents, or other loved ones.

Today, more Americans than ever are sleep-deprived. But alt

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“Premium Support” Is Just Another Way To Privatize Medicare

Note: This post comes from my new blog reforminghealth.org I have left The Century Foundation and can be reached at nfreund2@gmail.com

Out of the rubble of the failed budget deficit negotiations, it seems a new movement is afoot to transform Medicare into a “premium support” program with the goal of moving more seniors and the disabled into the private insurance market.

As Robert Pear reported last week in the New York Times;

“Members of both parties told the [budget deficit] panel that Medicare should offer a fixed amount of money to each beneficiary to buy coverage from competing private plans, whose costs and benefits would be tightly regulated by the government.”

Before we go any further, let’s be clear: Premium support means very different things to different people. And the “

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Vitamin C and Diabetes

The pressing issue of type 2 diabetes recently took on an unexpected spokesman: Paula Deen Ever since the highly publicized announcement of her illness and related drug endorsement, a hailstorm of negative and positive reactions has made its way to all forms of media Instead of adding yet another voice to the chorus, Ive decided to share some breaking information for Ms Deen and other type-2 diabetics that may improve their health care prospects

The simple addition of Vitamin C to conventional diabetes treatment can safely and significantly improve fasting, postmeal and long-term HbA1c blood sugar levels in adults with diabetes mellitus or DM This finding was published in the December 28th edition of the journal Advances in Pharmacological Sciences In the 12 week study, 500 mg of ascorbic acid Vitamin C was taken twice-daily along with the popular diabetes drug metformin Another relatively obscure trial from March 2011 reports that a combination of purified fish oil EPA and Vitamin C effectively lowers blood sugar, LDL bad cholesterol and triglycerides, while elevating HDL good cholesterol The latter study employed a daily dosage of 500 mg of EPA and 200 mg of Vitamin C

Sadly, many physicians do not recommend therapeutic levels of Vitamin C to patients with DM Their rationale is based on a general consensus that supplemental antioxidants dont confer important changes to health outcomes in diabetics But, its important to note that even conservative reviews of antioxidant therapy in DM tend to point out some benefits For instance, a critical summary from February 2011 states that antioxidants, can decrease lipid peroxidation, LDL-cholesterol particles oxidation and improve endothelial function and endothelial-dependent vasodilatation changes that lower the risk of cardiovascular disease In addition, current studies reveal that adults with blood sugar disorders and related complications tend to have lower plasma Vitamin C than healthy adults All of this research strongly suggests that improving Vitamin C levels via diet and/or supplementation addresses an underlying cause of diabetes and its comorbidities

For those who prefer getting their Vitamin C partially or wholly from food, consider my top ten list of fruits and vegetables that contain the most Vitamin C: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lemons, limes, mustard greens, red bell peppers and strawberries Of the ten, I want to emphasize the value of eating more red bell peppers A single serving provides upwards of 300% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C Peppers also contain a wealth of complementary antioxidants and phytochemicals which may yield additional protection for diabetics and just about everyone else When selecting peppers, I recommend choosing the organic variety and opting for those that are kept under refrigeration Conventionally grown bell peppers are on the Environmental Working Groups Dirty Dozen list of produce containing pesticide residues Refrigeration is important because unrefrigerated peppers demonstrate a precipitous decline in Vitamin C content

Cosmetic Dentistry Revenues Stable, Growth Seen in Some Categories, says AACD Survey

Revenues generated from cosmetic dental procedures will likely remain stable, if not increase, in the coming year, according to a recent industry survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

The AACD conducted its 2011 State of the Cosmetic Industry Dentistry Survey, and found that while the cosmetic dentistry industry has declined, then flattened, since a 2007 benchmarking industry survey, respondents strongly believe that they will continue to see increasing revenues from cosmetic procedures into next year.

Respondents indicated that the demand for cosmetic dentistry procedures was primarily driven by referrals from others who had positive experiences.

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New CDPH Agenda Places HIV/AIDS Prevention among its Top Priorities

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently released its latest health care agenda, Healthy Chicago, which serves as a “blueprint for action intended to serve as a framework for a focused, yet comprehensive, approach to how the CDPH will lead and work with partners to improve the health and well-being of Chicagoans.”  The city has listed HIV prevention as one of its top priorities in making Chicago a healthier city.

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago supports CDPH’s aggressive agenda for preventing and treating HIV and AIDS, which includes advocating for both State and Federal funding for increased access to HIV medications through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program; providing greater access to HIV prevention education, prevention materials, and testing services; and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

We look forward to working with the Chicago Department of Public Health on implementing these goals and ensuring that the appropriate resources are put into place(1)  to reduce the rate of new HIV infections and (2) to provide effective treatment to those living with HIV and AIDS in Chicago.

You can read the full report here.

Plastic Surgery vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

Plastic surgery is costly and often involves a painful, lengthy recovery. There are easier ways to rejuvenate your face, starting with a smile makeover.

A very noticeable “face lift” benefit of your smile makeover is the lengthening of your back teeth and expansion of your bite. People who have ground down or lost their back teeth often have a caved in look to their face. The “dental face lift” rebuilds the bite and restores a more youthful, full facial appearance. It can even make your lips and cheeks appear younger, fuller, and healthier because they are better supported by your teeth. Your lo

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