Lifewellness

HIV: One Step Closer to a Cure?

Anne Boyd — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:21:26 +0000

Earlier this month, the news media reported that a baby had been ‘cured’ of HIV. This child represented the possible potential to reduce the number of children living with the virus. As you might know, when you have HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and your immune system is weakened to a point where the virus progresses, it leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Announcing a ‘cure’ for babies with HIV was a remarkable development in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

As a reminder, HIV can be transmitted in a multitude of ways, including in this case, from a pregnant mother to her offspring. In the United States the transmission of HIV from mother to infant (known as perinatal or vertical transmission) accounts for nearly all new HIV infections in children. HIV transmission can occur antepartum (in the uterus), intrapartum (during labor or delivery), or postpartum (through breast-feeding).The ‘cure’ was achieved by aggressive treatment of the HIV virus in the newborn with antiretroviral drugs.

Let me explain. Bacteria are separate organisms from our own cells. Bacteria have a ‘susceptible’ outer coat, if you will. Antibiotics act by disrupting this bacterial coating and killing the bacteria without affecting our own cells. Viruses (including HIV, the flu virus, and the HPV virus) are trickier and are not affected at all by antibiotics. Viruses invade and become part of the DNA within our own cells and infect them. Thereafter, the infected cells become a factory or production line for the virus. Healthy cells normally divide and replenish our body’s cells. Virally infected cells, now living amongst our healthy cells, divide right along with our healthy cells and therefore replicate more diseased cells. The only way to traditionally kill these infected cells was to kill off our own (healthy and unhealthy) cells, which made fighting viruses an enormous challenge.

In the Mississippi case that was reported in the news, the mother arrived in labor and gave birth prematurely. She had no prenatal care and did not know she had HIV. Tests on the baby 30 hours later showed a low viral load for the child. However, since the tests were positive so early in life, it suggests the infection occurred in the womb rather than during delivery.

The child was given a treatment (not preventative) dose immediately. Virus levels rapidly declined with treatment and were undetectable by the time the baby was a month old. That remained the case until the baby was 18 months old, after which the mother stopped coming to the hospital and stopped giving the drugs. When the mother and child returned five months later, doctors expected to see high viral loads in the baby. But the tests were negative.

Although the results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, some experts argue that the baby was never truly infected. Therefore, this would not be a case of cure, but of prevention which has previously been well documented. Other experts are convinced that the baby was infected. There had been many positive tests in the first month of the baby’s life, and once the treatment started, the virus levels in the baby’s blood declined in the pattern characteristic of infected patients. Currently this is being called a “functional cure.” Now 2 1/2, the child has been off drugs for a year with no sign of functioning virus.

Much controversy remains and further studies are warranted to distinguish cure from prevention of neonatal HIV. But this case certainly does give us hope that science is making progress in hopes of one day eradicating HIV. For the present time, however, Lifewellness continues to promote protection and prevention, with the focus on limiting the transmission and spread of HIV. Remaining healthy for you and your offspring is a far superior option than enduring or watching the physical and psychological effects of HIV or AIDS.

Going Green…and Staying Lean

Quan Campbell — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:50:28 +0000

These days we’re all trying to do our part to be green. And, just like trying to be healthier, you can’t do everything at once – but you can change one habit at a time. So now that the days are getting longer again, let’s consider a few things that you can do to be a little greener AND get a little leaner.

Bike more. Instead of driving to the grocery store, consider dusting off that old bike, attaching some baskets and biking to the store for your groceries. If you feed a family of 5, it’s not likely you’ll be able to get everything home in one run. Maybe you can enlist the other 4 to help with this task (family fun!) or vow to go multiple times during the week (extra calories).
Buy local food. Buying local reduces fossil fuel consumption and increases freshness. It’s also likely to increase the number of fruits & veggies on your plate. Bike to your local farmer’s market and fill those baskets with what’s in season.
Shoes. More and more manufactures are starting to make shoes with recycled rubber outsoles. Look out for these to reduce your environmental impact while you reduce your weight.
Hydrate smartly. Ditch the disposable water bottles and carry your own. They’re easier to carry and easier to refill. Added bonus? Keeping well hydrated can help us from over eating!
Ditch the drive-thru. Think of all the gas that you burn while idling in the drive thru line. Now, think of all the calories you’re about to grab through that window… and how much sweating it will take to work off those calories. Maybe you’ll think twice about your meal options.
Grow your own food. Gardening burns calories, lets you enjoy the great outdoors…and when the work is done, they’re nothing better than fresh veggies from your own garden.
Recycle your toys. Before you run out and by a new bike/treadmill/bocce ball set – look around and see if someone has one for sale. Places like craigslist.org, freecycle.org and yard sales are great for finding functional, slightly used toys.

The Scoop on Avocados

Sabrina Zaslov — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:41:26 +0000

California produces about 90 percent of the nation’s avocado crop and those of us lucky enough to be living in San Diego County are right in the heart of the Avocado Capital of the U.S. Once reserved for the tables of royalty, avocados today are enjoyed by millions around the world in both familiar and unique ways. These creamy textured fruits are being added in salads, sliced on sandwiches, mashed to make guacamole and even pureed with sugar and milk as a dessert.

Not only is this is fruit a versatile addition to any menu, according to the January 2013 issue of Nutrition Journal, avocado consumption is associated with improved overall diet quality, nutrient intake, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome.

Let’s take a look at why…a medium avocado can contain 300-400 calories but they are also nutrient dense, so along with those calories you get fiber, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins, Vitamin C and folic acid. One avocado provides 20% of the recommended potassium for the day, which has been shown to help with blood pressure control. Avocados are also sodium and cholesterol-free and even though they contain fat, you can feel confident that they are “healthy” mono- and polyunsaturated (omega-3) fats, helping to protect your heart.

Been thinking green for St. Patrick’s Day? Maybe avocados aren’t traditional fare, but they’re delicious and even environmentally “green”. Did you know that California avocados rank amongst the lowest of all fruits and vegetables for pesticide use? In addition, like other orchards, they help renew our air supply by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing more oxygen.
Now that you have the scoop, feel free to dig in…try this Green Lemonade courtesy of our own Nurse Lisa…just replace yogurt with avocado and you have the perfect St. Patrick’s Day smoothie.

Blended Green Lemonade

serves 4

Ingredients:

¾ cup water
1-2 kale leaves, stems removed
½ romaine heart
½ cucumber, chopped
½ ripe avocado
1 apple, cored
1 frozen banana
juice of 1 lemon or 1 whole key lime (with rind)
handful of ice
>

Directions:

Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. (You may need to use a tamper to help the ingredients reach the blades.)

Add more water, if needed, to facilitate blending, and then serve immediately.

March eHealth Newsletter Intro

Dr. E Lee Rice — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:28:51 +0000

You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day…here at Lifewellness we’ve found some creative ways to “go green”. Quan has some friendly suggestions that not only help the environment but keep you healthy at the same time, like dusting off your bike and riding to the farmer’s market for some fresh produce. And, while you’re there, pick up a few California avocados…Sabrina offers a treasure of information about our county’s bounty and we even have a recipe for a smoothie courtesy of our wonderful nurse, Lisa. On a more serious but hopeful note, Dr. Anne fills us in on the recent developments in HIV research…the announcement that a baby, born with HIV, has been cured of the virus.

February eHealth Newsletter Intro

Dr. E Lee Rice — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:39:03 +0000

February is American Heart Month and Quan has given us a must-read article that might surprise you…especially if you think heart disease is more of a “man’s issue”. Read it and share it with the women in your life. Speaking of sharing, Sabrina has some interesting news about cinnamon…we might love the heavenly aroma of buns baking in the oven on a lazy Sunday morning, but did you know that it’s also good for your health? Sabrina fills us in on how this delicious spice has therapeutic properties too. Just in case you’ve been eating too many of those cinnabuns without brushing and flossing, our guest author, Doug Disraeli, DDS, enlightens us about the perils of periodontal disease.

Read articles from the February eHealth eNewsletter:

Getting to the Root of Periodontal Disease

Dr. Doug Disraeli — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:35:49 +0000

Dentists check for many problems during an exam however it might surprise you to know that decay is not at the top of list. Decay is important to monitor and it is examined but, if you are consistent with your checkups, your dentist is usually able to keep your decay levels very low or non-existent. The problem most concerning is periodontal disease (“perio” means around and “dontal” refers to tooth) which is the disease of the surrounding gum tissue and bone. Periodontal disease is a slow, progressive disease that you can stop for a while, but never cure, which is why dentists pay close attention to it.

Anatomically, the tooth sits in bone and is surrounded by gingiva (gum tissue). In a healthy adult, there is a three millimeter “pocket” surrounding every tooth that represents the thickness or height of the gingiva. The pocket is like a three millimeter turtleneck sweater around the neck of the tooth. A probe can slide inside the pocket until it touches the base or shoulder (right about where the bone starts) and measure the actual depth.

Coincidentally, if you are very diligent, the deepest your toothbrush can clean bacteria (plaque) effectively is three millimeters. Unfortunately most people miss a spot here and there and the bacteria at the base of the pocket begin to colonize. The body recognizes it as a periodontal infection. The good news is that the human body usually goes right to work creating inflammation which fights infection in the body. As you might know, some of the signs of inflammation include swelling, heat, pain, redness and bleeding. Unfortunately this periodontal bacteria is not “in” the body, it is “on” the tooth and “on” the gums, so the inflammation actually causes more problems than it solves. For example, when the gum tissue swells, the top of the pocket increases in height so your toothbrush no longer reaches all the way to the bottom. Then the bacteria has nothing to stop it from multiplying and the periodontal disease gets worse.

The bacteria multiply and the body fights it with inflammation with neither side winning. The loser is the battleground and the battleground is the bone and gingiva. It slowly degrades as the disease progresses which causes an even deeper pocket. Eventually, enough bone has been lost so that it can no longer support the gingiva and we see this as receding gums.

The severity of the disease determines the treatment. A very small amount of disease can easily be treated by professional teeth cleaning a few times a year. A slightly higher level would be treated by professional cleanings three to four times a year accompanied by tips from a hygienist on how to improve home care. The next level of care involves a deeper cleaning requiring anesthesia. The good news is that you are able to stay with your general dentist even though you need more frequent cleanings and better homecare. However, if the deep cleaning is ineffective, you will be referred to a periodontist.

The goal of the general dentist and the periodontist is to make it effective for you to keep your teeth clean on a daily basis with only slight help from the dentist. Unfortunately, severe periodontal disease needs surgery to reach that goal. The surgery removes excess gingiva and reshapes the bone so that the base of the pocket is cleansable with daily care. In some people, the damage is too severe and your dentist will request removing the tooth that is involved (and sometimes more than one). Your general dentist will then work with you on how to replace the missing tooth while strengthening your remaining teeth.

Periodontal disease never stops, it can only be controlled. The longer you put off your dental visits, the more ground gained by the disease which makes it even more difficult to hold it steady. So listen to your dentist when you are advised to clean your teeth more frequently even if your insurance doesn’t pay for it; the price of extra cleanings is nothing compared to the cost of surgery, both monetarily and in time lost from work.

Read other articles from the February eHealth eNewsletter:

Cinnamon: Not Just a Spice

Sabrina Zaslov — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:31:21 +0000

Ahhh, the warm, sweet distinctive fragrance of cinnamon, you can’t help but think about hot cinnamon buns and mulled apple cider. If only a daily stop at your local Cinnabons could supply you with the health benefits without all those pesky fats and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Of all the 250 recognized species of Cinnamomun, Chinese Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), is the one cultivated in China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, and comes from the fragrant inner bark of an evergreen tree. The branches of the tree are harvested, cut, peeled and dried to form cinnamon sticks and also can be ground.
Due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin sensitivity properties, Cassia has been used therapeutically as well as making a nice addition to tea or toast. Methylhydroxychalcone is the polyphenol compound found in this species of cinnamon which is thought to be responsible for cinnamon’s health benefits. Studies have shown that the equivalent of a quarter to half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon given twice per day decreased by 10 to 30 percent the risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, including glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. These studies also show cinnamon’s ability to block inflammation and improve circulation in the body, further increasing the potential for the spice.

Cinnamon for therapeutic uses can be obtained in powder or capsule form. Just make sure it is Cassia Cinnamon. If you decide to go the capsule route, suggested use is about 1 gram and up to 6 grams in divided dosages. Overall, cinnamon is well tolerated, however, it does contain small amounts of coumarin which acts as a blood-thinning agent. People with liver disease or on blood-thinning agents should take precautions when taking therapeutic doses for long periods of time.

Try not to think about those cinnamon buns, there are healthier ways to include this powerful spice in your diet. Sprinkle it on fruit, plain low fat Greek yogurt, or add it to your oatmeal or morning smoothie. And don’t forget, you can also dust it on that square of dark chocolate on Valentine’s Day!

Read other articles from the February eHealth eNewsletter:

A Healthy Heart…What Women Need to Know

Quan Campbell — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:29:19 +0000

There are so many myths about women and heart disease that it’s hard to know where to begin. Probably the most surprising fact to men and women alike is that heart disease, not cancer, is the No 1 killer of women, that’s 1 in 3 deaths each year! That’s not all – since 1994, heart attacks have killed more women than men; and two-thirds of heart attack deaths occur in women with no history of chest pain.

One of the women in your life is more likely to die of heart disease than cancer, and it still doesn’t get the attention, nor does it have it have the ‘overwhelming’ support of studies to spur education and prevention. A dismal 24% of the participants in heart disease-related studies are women, only supporting the myth that heart disease is more a man’s issue.

What leads to more deaths in women is an inability to recognize their symptoms for what they are, a heart attack. When someone complains of “an elephant sitting on my chest”, the usual response is to activate the emergency medical system. But, when a woman complains of nausea/vomiting, back or jaw pain, fatigue and dizziness she might not even go to a doctor, thinking the symptoms are due to overexertion or eating something that didn’t agree with her. Rarely does ‘heart disease’ spring to mind. Even emergency and medical professionals have misdiagnosed heart attacks in women, sending them home only to have them die before getting the proper help.

That’s why education, prevention and early diagnosis are the keys to lowering the risk for heart disease and fatal heart attacks. Studies have shown that making healthy choices can result in 330 fewer women dying from heart disease per day! Right at the top of the prevention list are quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Of course, staying active can help make sure that your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are under control; not to mention your waistline. We also urge you to share this American Heart Association link with the women in your life; everyone should know how a heart attack presents in women.

Heart disease in women does not discriminate; it touches young and old, the couch potatoes and the fitness freaks and women who have never had any symptoms. That’s why it’s important for all women, of all ethnicities and ages, to talk to their primary care provider about heart disease. A great practitioner will help explain overall risk factors, considering everything—family history, diet and current physical and mental state.

Learn what to look for and what you personally can do to help yourself. Have 10 minutes to spare? Check out this great site for a quick Go Red Heart CheckUp to assess your risk today!

Read other articles from the February eHealth eNewsletter:

January eHealth Newsletter Intro

Dr. E Lee Rice — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:34:24 +0000

Is it true that being overweight can lead to a longer life? Read about a new study with these findings, and our opinion on the topic. Now that the New Year is underway, you’ve decided to join a gym! Great! Here are some things to consider before signing a contract anywhere. Also, there’s a connection between Fructose and your appetite – learn about how it can affect weight management and keeping off those extra pounds.

Read articles from the January Health eNewsletter:

Reconnect with your Appetite for Successful Weight Control

Sabrina Zaslov — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:12:17 +0000

Achieving a healthy weight can no doubt be a challenge, and maintaining a healthy weight can be even more of a challenge. The equation for weight control, “calories in vs. calories out” is so simple, yet there are multiple factors that play a role in controlling our intake which in turn helps control weight.

You probably already know the following nutrition strategies for controlling intake and our weight:

Space meals and snacks 2-4 hours apart
Balance your carbohydrates with lean protein
Choose whole, unprocessed foods
Avoid excessive amounts of fatty foods

Obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent and can be the result of the types of foods ingested, so it is crucial that we add one more nutrition strategy to our list above to assist in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight……Reconnect with your hunger and appetite by minimizing intake of fructose!

Fructose is a monosccharide found fruit, sucrose (table sugar) and high-fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is used by manufacturers because it is inexpensive, super sweet and extends the shelf life of products like sodas, energy drinks, fruit juice drinks, snacks, processed meats, sauces and many other foods. Diets high in fructose are thought to promote weight gain and insulin resistance, predisposing you to developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A study published just this month in The Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that there was a difference in the activation of the regions of the brain that regulate appetite, motivation and reward processing after consumption of fructose compared to glucose. Basically, they found that after ingesting fructose, your brain doesn’t send out messages to your body alerting it that you’re full, which means you continue eating and intake more calories.

What does this mean to you? Do NOT avoid natural sources of fructose found in fruit!! It is the excess consumption of processed sugar you should be concerned with. With regards to weight control, fructose is not yet proven to be the cause of the obesity epidemic, but it is a possible contributor. Consuming fructose may increase your desire for sweets, leaving you feeling hungry soon after you have eaten a meal, resulting in increases in food-seeking behavior and, in turn, promoting extra food intake.

All of this may ultimately make weight loss and weight control a continuous challenge. So the concept of just “eating less” may not be the only factor in controlling weight. Ample attention must be given to our appetite and hunger which both attribute to our intake regulation and act as major determinants in controlling our weight. Don’t forget to read food labels….avoid any fructose or high fructose corn syrup in the ingredient list.

Lifewellness

HIV: One Step Closer to a Cure?

Going Green…and Staying Lean

The Scoop on Avocados

Blended Green Lemonade

March eHealth Newsletter Intro

February eHealth Newsletter Intro

Read articles from the February eHealth eNewsletter:

Getting to the Root of Periodontal Disease

Read other articles from the February eHealth eNewsletter:

Cinnamon: Not Just a Spice

Read other articles from the February eHealth eNewsletter:

A Healthy Heart…What Women Need to Know

Read other articles from the February eHealth eNewsletter:

January eHealth Newsletter Intro

Read articles from the January Health eNewsletter:

Reconnect with your Appetite for Successful Weight Control

Read other articles from the January Health eNewsletter: