A large waist and your lungs

A large waistline may be making your lungs gasp for air. According to the New York Times, "researchers who reviewed the health of 120,000 people in France found that those who were obese around the abdomen had worse lung function."

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Anything larger than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men is considered too large and can put you at risk.

The decrease of lung function could lead to cardiovascular disease in the future as well as many other health issues.

To read the complete story go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/health/17patt.html?ref=health

To read the complete published study go to:
http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/179/6/509

Researchers say the brain begins aging before 30

New research by the University of Virginia shows that mental abilities peak at 22. The decline? It may begin as early as 27.

According to healthnews.com, the study included 2,000 men and women from ages of 18 to 60. The participants were asked to solve visual puzzles, repeat words and remember story details. They were also asked to recognize patterns.

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The studies objective was to better learn how the brain functions and when mental ability peaks. They hope this will offer more insight into how Alzheimers and other illness' work.

To read the complete story go to:
http://www.healthnews.com/family-health/aging-getter-older/brain-aging-starts-before-age-thirty-2817.html

New hope for allergy sufferers

According to Web MD, doctors report early success with a new approach that would shorten the course of treatment for allergy sufferers.

Doctors hope that a shorter course of allergy shots will build up an allergy suffers' immune system and help with the allergies. This is known as immunotherapy. It’s the idea that someone with allergies to food or pollen can build up their immune system by being given small amounts of allergen.

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Although it is still early, the company developing the shots hopes to apply for FDA approval of the product in the next year and have already applied for approval in the European Union.

To read the full story and get more details visit:
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20090318/new-hope-for-pollen-milk-allergies

Obesity and life expectancy

With over half of the population overweight and obesity on the rise it is clear by now that American's need to change their relationship with food.

The dangers related to obesity include type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea, and a dozen other complications not only physical but emotional.

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CNN reports that a recent study found obesity can shorten lifespan by two to four years and severe obesity can shorten your lifespan up to ten. The study was published in the journal The Lancet.

To read the complete article on CNN go to:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/18/healthmag.obesity.lifespan/index.html

To calculate your BMI and find out if your weight puts you at risk visit:
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

To learn more about the risks of obesity visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/Obesity/

"Talk and Die" Syndrome

Most people at some point in their lives have bumped their head. Many of us feel fine afterwards and continueour day without realizing the potential damage that may have been caused. After the death of actress Natasha Richardson from a fall at a ski resort, many people have taken a second look at the threats of head injuries.

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According to CNN, an epidural hemorrhage is when blood gets trapped between the skull and the hard layer of skin between the bone and brain. This puts pressure on the brain and can be deadly. Many doctors refer to it as “talk and die” syndrome because the patient usually seems fine and then deteriorates rapidly. It is important to get treated quickly after a head injury even if you have no symptoms because the swelling is irreversible and the damage is usually permanent.

To read the complete story go to:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/18/brain.injury/index.html

For more information on epidural hemorrhages and the symptoms visit:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/248840-overview

Blushing and the increased risk for cancer

Many people, particularly from East Asian ancestry, blush when they drink alcohol. The blushing is caused by an inherited deficiency in an enzyme called ALDH2, according to the New York Times, and may increase the risk for throat cancer according to researchers.

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It’s not just heavy drinkers that are at risk because even half a bottle of beer can cause the reaction. The flushing response usually comes with nausea and a rapid heart beat and people who have two beers a day have six to 10 times higher risk for esophageal cancer than someone without the enzyme deficiency.

To read the complete article go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/21/health/research/21alcohol.html?_r=1&ref=health

To learn more about ALDH2 deficiency go to:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=507646

"Brazilian" waxing may pose health hazard

The state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling in New Jersey is considering a ban on all Brazilian waxing after two women were hospitalized for infections. Brazilian waxes have increased in popularity in the last year and although the Board of Cosmetology only allows waxing of arms, legs, face, neck and abdomen the rule was never really enforced when it came to so called "Brazilian" waxing.

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USA Today reported the story and says the procedure costs between $40-$50 and because the area is so sensitive to hot wax it can become irritated causing a rash, ingrown hair and infection. Traditional bixini waxes will not be banned. The earliest ban could begin in May which will likely mean a drop in sales for business owners who provide the service.


To read the complete story and get more details regarding the ban go to:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-19-brazilian-wax_N.htm

To learn more on hair removal options and their safety visit:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/for-women-only-best-options-for-hair-removal