Galleria UNICO and Dr. Dominic  Gaziano
present a special event this week,

Wednesday, September 10th
6:30 - 10pm

In the new  Galleria Unico,
44 E. Superior, on the 2nd floor.


TEA  FOR  YOUR HEALTH, BEAUTY & CANCER PREVENTION TREATMENT!

     Free mini-spa treatments - 6:30-7:30pm

     Presentation -  7:30-8:15pm

     More mini-spa treatments - 8:15-9:00pm

     Music   8:30-10:00pm

     Tea bar, wine , appetizers all evening!



Tickets are $25 by September 8 .....or $30 at the door
Purchase advance tickets online through Galleria Unico
Program details online
All proceeds to benefit  IMERMAN ANGELS - the world's LARGEST one-on-one cancer support group!



 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

What is GERD (acid reflux)?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining (cause, cause esophagitis) of the esophagus although visible signs of inflammation occur in a minority of patients.

At night during sleep, gravity is not in effect, swallowing stops, and the secretion of saliva is reduced. Therefore, reflux that occurs at night is more likely to result in acid remaining in the esophagus longer and causing greater damage to the esophagus.

Heartburn symptoms caused by GERD are usually relieved by drugs called proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, Zegerid), however, some people take a holistic approach as well. Karen Hanrahan at Mother Earth says, "Here is a potential list of high qaulity nutritional products that can offer relief and rebuilding and perhaps even a natural prevention strategy for esophageal cancer."

 

Chewable Calcium - a natural antacid without the high sodium, food dyes or artificial sweeteners

Friendly Bacteria - all health begins in the colon - by creating a strong fluora you absorb nutrients more effectively from your diet. A healthy colon also increases immune function

Digestive Enzymes - when the stomach begins to falter sometimes the enzymes needed for digestion are hindered - this supplement gives you specific enzymes needed to process certain foods

Calcium Magnesium - acid reflux has muscle spasmatic symptoms - calcium and magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant

Essential Fatty Acids - offer natural reduction of inflammation

Alfalfa - can alter the stomach PH making it less acidic

Peppermint and Ginger - a tea that can be soothing

Medicine.net has a list of 28 lifestyle tips that could also help. Like avoiding acidic foods, excessive chocolate and alcohol, avoid/cut down nicotine, and elevate your head and/or bed for sleeping.

A bitter taste in the mouth, a chronic cough, sore throat, throat pain, fatigue ... if you're waking every morning with these symptoms of nighttime heartburn / GERD, talk to your doctor. 


 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

Yoga books tell us that Yoga, as we all know, is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit.

Yogis view that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself.
 
Yoga therefore is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement.
 
It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start practicing Yoga - to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful.

Many benefits come from yoga like sleeping better, improvement of memory, it can help regulate cholesterol, and even help boost energy level.

You can find a lot of useful information online at A B C's of YOGA  and  Yoga Basics.


 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

A  study published in The New England Journal of Medicine last week says," A low-fat diet is not the only safe and effective way to shed pounds, according to a new study that shows low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets also result in weight loss, and appear to also offer other health benefits."

Iris Shai , RD, PhD, and researchers from Harvard University and other institutions assigned 322 moderately obese men and women, average age 52 and with a body mass index (BMI) of 31, to one of three diets.

The low-fat diet was based on American Heart Association guidelines. In the group following this diet, women ate 1,500 calories a day and men ate 1,800 calories. They took in just 30% of calories from fat, including 10% saturated fat, and were limited to 300 milligrams of cholesterol a day. (A large egg has about 200 milligrams of cholesterol). They focused on eating low-fat grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits -- and reduced intake of extra fats, sweets, and fatty snacks.

The Mediterranean diet was based on the writings of Walter Willet from Harvard Medical School. In the group following this diet, women consumed 1,500 calories a day and men consumed 1,800 calories. The goal was to eat no more than 35% of calories from fat, and the main sources of added fat were olive oil and a few nuts a day. The diet was rich in vegetables and low in red meat, with fish and chicken replacing beef and lamb.

The low-carb diet was based on the Atkins plan. In this group, calories weren't restricted. These participants were told to eat about 20 grams of carbs a day (about the amount in two slices of bread) for two months, and then increase it to no more than 120 grams a day. They focused on vegetarian sources of fat and protein and avoided foods with trans fat.

All the details of the report were on WebMD this week!


 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

If you belong to a gym--and there are 42.7 million of you! Putting in time at the gym is supposed to make you healthier, but if you aren't careful, it could cause an unexpected illness. If fungi or bacteria wanted to find the ideal place to grow, your gym might offer one of the best sites around. Fungi and bacteria thrive in warm, moist places, such as hot tubs, pools, shower stalls and sweaty clothes. According to Brian Adams, M.D., "There are a bunch of things people can pick up at their gym if they aren't careful."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a bacteria called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was recently found in recreational athletes. Although, MRSA is a version of the common staph bacteria, it is resistant to the methicillin antibiotic, which makes it especially hard to treat. While "normal" staphylococcus aureus is a microbial skin infection easily treated with antibiotics, MRSA is more difficult to treat and can infect the blood and bones--a potentially life threatening complication. MRSA's antibiotic resistance also makes it more likely to spread, since the normal course of treatment does not eliminate it and the infected person remains a carrier. The CDC cites close physical contact and equipment sharing as reasons for outbreaks. Researchers have also found E. coli, strep-bacteria and the influenza virus in gyms and on athletic equipment.

Always wipe down a machine before getting using it - preferably with a sanitizer

Always wash your sweaty clothes after a work out and shower off your body

Wear flip flops in public showers

Don't re-use your water bottle

Always take a fresh hand towel to the gym with you

Try not to touch your face or mouth during your workout



 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

      

You've probably noticed that when you pet a soft, warm cat or play fetch with a dog whose tail won't stop wagging, you relax and your heart feels a little warmer. Scientists have noticed the same thing, and they've started to explore the complex way animals affect human emotions and physiology.

Study after study has shown that animals have a calming effect on us humans (unless you are house breaking). Enjoy outdoor activities with your pup. Take a long walk, go to the dog park or beach, and be social with other dog owners. If you don’t have a dog, tag along with a dog owning friend or ask to pet sit for an afternoon. A good game of chase is great aerobic activity. Did you know that there is a place called “lets pet puppies” that lets you socialize a young pup by playing with them.

Ready for a bigger animal and a bigger challenge. Go horseback riding.

If you have ever done any real horseback riding (and I’m not talking about the ponies that circle around), you know what a great workout it can be. Horseback riding not only exercises your body, but your mind as well. Learning how to control your horse and use your body can be a mental and physical challenge. Even with the challenges, being with horses out in nature can be incredibly relaxing.

Scared of dogs or horseback riding? Go to the zoo and watch the orangutans. At least they will make you laugh!

 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

I've recently learned about an incredible event about which I'm pleased to provide some information...

The first ever International
Happiness Day on July 10th!

The goal: Get 1,000,000 people or more to choose to experience deep inner happiness starting on July 10th!  More than 194 countries will be participating.

How much happiness and joy are you willing to experience in your life?

Why happiness? People who choose to experience happiness daily enjoy great health, fulfilling relationships and success. 



The International Happiness Day Panel have created tools, mp3 audios and live phone events to support people in choosing happiness for themselves...all FREE!

And you can find an example of some of the free tools and checking out the "Happiness Increasing Techniques".

Decide that this monumental day will be the first day of the rest of your happy life!  Check out the events, tools and video and the Happiness Panel .

Inform everyone you know and be a part of International Happiness Day on July 10th, 2008!


Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
  The Feel Good Health Guy / Health & Wellness Expert 

Dancing is so popular!

It's all over television these days. And it can be great creative exercise for the people that say they don't have time to exercise! Everyone can find some time dance....dance while you are cleaning the house!

Dance forms develop flexibility and coordination.

Dance encourages creativity and reduces tension.

It stretches and strengthens the muscles, and lubricates the joints.

Dance fitness videos are exciting and effective. These dance exercise videos and dvds combine high-energy music with non-stop movement. Here you'll find dance workout videos in a variety of motivating styles. From jazz to ballroom, from Salsa to Brazilian -- these dance workouts will keep you moving!



 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
  The Feel Good Health Guy / Health & Wellness Expert 

Summertime...It’s time to show some skin.

You should do a general body survey, looking for dark moles that may have changed in color or gotten bigger lately. If you have been a sun worshiper most of your life, then it is time to take a closer look at your skin.

Many skin conditions heal themselves all on their own. The skin is a pretty remarkable organ, but some times it is necessary to see your primary care doctor. Yes, your regular doctor can help treat a number of skin issues. It’s time to see your doctor if a new rash appears or if you notice any changes in your skin. They may refer you to a dermatologist for specific issues and concerns.

 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

The victim count in the tainted tomato outbreak leaped to 550  last week even as U.S health officials announced that the salmonella contaminant did indeed come from farms in Florida and Mexico. The whole scare seems to be over - "The marked increase is not due to new infections, but mainly because some states improved surveillance in response to this outbreak, and laboratory identification of many other previously submitted strains has now been completed," said Casey Barton Behravesh, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - So it would appear that the tomato scare is over and most markets and restaurants are starting to return to normal.

Salmonellosis is an infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella. Most people infected with Salmonella develop fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps 12 - 72 hours after exposure. Although illness usually lasts 4 - 7 days and most people recover without treatment, severe illness may occur that requires medical attention and hospitalization. In these patients, the Salmonella infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites. In this situation, the infection can cause death unless the patient is treated promptly with antibiotics. Infants, elderly people, and people with impaired immune systems are more likely than other people to become severely ill.

ALWAYS WASH YOUR PRODUCE! Fresh produce has a natural protective coating that keeps in moisture and freshness. Whether produce comes from your garden or from the store, it should always be washed just before serving, to help reduce health risks. 

 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

I recently discovered Judy Lubin and her book THE HEART OF LIVING WELL - and her blog, HEART AND STYLE. Judy is  founder of Heart and Style, is a women’s health and lifestyle expert, speaker, advocate and author. Judy inspires and empowers women to live a heart-inspired life—a life that embraces wellness and celebrates who we are at heart. Originally developed to educate women about their risk for heart disease, Heart and Style now merges Judy’s passion for and philosophy on living a healthier and fuller life.

She did a great post called 5 SECRETS TO A HAPPY HEALTHY HEART. She explains "While most of us recognize that there’s more to health than just our physical wellbeing, the emotional link to our heart health is often overlooked. But the reality is that our emotions have plenty to do with keeping our hearts in tip-top shape."


 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

In the news recently, an experimental vaccine can provide long-term protection against prostate cancer in mice genetically predisposed to the disease, new research indicates.

"By early vaccination, we have basically given these mice life-long protection against a disease they were destined to have," senior investigator Dr. W. Martin Kast, from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, said in a statement.

"This has never been done before and, with further research, could represent a paradigm shift in the management of human prostate cancer."

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel announced the  new treatment designed to turn the body's own immune system against deadly prostate cancer tumors is both safe and effective.

Last week it was announced, more than half of men with metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer had longer-than-estimated survival after treatment with an adenovirus/PSA vaccine, showed a phase I study.

About half the patients had increased PSA doubling time and about 70% had anti-PSA T-cell responses associated with tumor destruction, reported David Lubaroff, Ph.D., of the University of Iowa in Iowa City. No patient had a vaccine-related adverse event.

This is exciting news for men!


 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

Gout (also called metabolic arthritis) is a disease created by a buildup of uric acid. In this condition, monosodium urate or uric acid crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the blood stream. This provokes an inflammatory reaction of these tissues.

A  rheumatologist can diagnose gout and give you guidelines for dealing with the symptoms and how to improve your diet. The serum level of uric acid is the primary risk factor for gout. A diet low in purines reduces the serum level of uric acid, unless these levels are caused by other health conditions and not as responsive to dietary changes.

There are lots of good suggestions online, but as always, check with your personal care physician.

Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing gout and can bring on a sudden attack if you are already a gout sufferer. Drinking fluids reduces the likelihood of crystals forming in the kidneys. As a general rule, drinking 8–10 glasses of fluids a day (1–1.5 litres) is recommended. All drinks, except alcohol, count towards your fluid intake, including caffeine containingdrinks such as tea, coffee and cola.

 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 
 

General guidelines for anti-aging and better skin say low saturated fat, lots of salmon, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and low salt and low sugar.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific foods that have a roll in anti-aging and that you should regularly include in your diet.

WATERMELON - Both the flesh and seeds of the watermelon are nutritious so try blending them together in a food processor and drinking as a juice.

Avacado - A good source of Vitamin E.

Berries - loaded with anti-oxidents.

Dr. Perricone, the anti-aging guru, suggests Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, and L-Glutamine vitamin suppliments  also help slow down the aging process and can help turn back the clock slightly.  

Since we spend more time outside in the summer, we are exposed 
to more insects, like bees and wasps that can sting us. We
are also exposed to outdoor allergens. If you are an atopic person
(a person with allergies) you should take steps to prevent or
treat possible allergic reactions. If you are allergic to bee stings
and you have been told you have severe anaphylactic reactions,
it is best to have your doctor prescribe you an Ana kit.

An anaphylactic reaction is a severe allergic reaction to an
allergen, or something we are allergic to. The symptoms include
fever, rash, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. If the heart is affected,
the blood pressure could drop quickly, and you will need
to seek immediate medical attention; this is a medical emergency.
An Ana kit is an injection of epinephrine to counteract the life
threatening reaction.

You can administer this injection yourself if you get a severe
allergic reaction. Having this on hand can save your life. If you
have been prescribed an Ana kit in the past, make sure you know
where it is and it has not expired.

 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

The American Cancer Society did an article about food choices and colon cancer. The link between diet and colorectal cancer is so strong that learning to make sound food choices can influence your risk of developing,  or not developing  this disease.

In the American Cancer Society's book, Colorectal Cancer, Bernard Levin, MD, writes of the importance of filling your shopping basket with foods that help prevent colorectal cancer as well as other kinds of cancers.

"The key dietary strategy for preventing cancer of the large bowel is to increase your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits (especially vegetables) while lowering the amount of fat you eat," writes Dr. Levin.

Green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts, are generally best for you. They offer large amounts of vitamins A and C and moderate amounts of B vitamins, potassium and iron.

Roots and bulbs, such as carrots, beets, onions and potatoes, are good sources of fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. The stems and flowers group of veggies  which includes broccoli, artichokes and celery  gives you vitamins A, C and E as well as B vitamins, iron, calcium and potassium.

The legumes (beans and peas) provide a range of nutrients and contribute protein. However, they don't provide everything you need for complete protein balance; whole-grain foods can provide that balance.


If you're 50 or older, schedule a colon cancer screening.

Maintain an active lifestyle. Make healthy food choices!

 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

FDA Approves VYVANSE™ (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), the First and Only Once-Daily Prodrug Stimulant to Treat ADHD in Adults.
 
Within the first eight months since its introduction in the United States, VYVANSE has achieved over one million prescriptions.
 
In a clinical study with adults, VYVANSE was shown to significantly improve the symptoms of ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity).


“We are very pleased with this FDA approval of the adult indication for VYVANSE,” said Matthew Emmens, Chief Executive Officer of Shire. “This approval provides physicians a new treatment option that can help their adult patients by significantly improving their ADHD symptoms. VYVANSE has been well accepted by the medical community.  With Shire’s experience as a leader in the development and commercialization of ADHD medications, we are confident that this approval for adult patients will help continue to increase prescription share and volume of VYVANSE.”
 
“Many people may think of ADHD as only a childhood disorder but the fact is that the majority of children diagnosed with ADHD still have symptoms as an adult.  These symptoms can significantly impact them at work, home and in relationships, where they have important responsibilities,” said David W. Goodman, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and director of the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Center of Maryland. “The good news is that in a clinical study with adults, one daily dose of VYVANSE significantly improved ADHD symptoms of inattention, such as the ability to focus and organize, as well as hyperactivity and impulsivity.”

Talk to your doctor to see if this drug might be right for you. 

 Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Expert 

Trusera is an online network where people can find and share common health experiences with others. In a nutshell, Trusera connects people with others who have been through similar health experiences, sharing what worked for them. Trusera gives people relevant, useful and actionable information so they can take advantage of the power of "been there."

Trusera is a rapidly growing Seattle-based startup founded in 2007 by former Amazon.com executive Keith Schorsch. The business plan grew from his own struggle to find relevant health information on the web.

According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, nearly 113 million people now turn to the Internet for health information.



Many consumers then face a maze of generic, and at times unreliable, health information. The maze takes them through health portals, message boards, chat rooms and blogs.


The consumer is left to sort through conflicting or irrelevant information to find data directly relating to them. Most leave the Internet exhausted. A lucky few leave well-informed.

Trusera believes the answer lies in both people and technology. First, invite a group of people with experience in health and wellness. Encourage them to share their experience and invite others. Second, provide the community with the tools to personalize the health information they create and receive. Enable them to control their experience through filtering, privacy controls and personalization.

If you would like to be a part of the Trusera community,
use the invite on their site...   

http://www.trusera.com/group_invitations/welcome

I have a friend who works for an upscale retail store, for a very upscale skin care line. And it amazes me to watch the people that go from counter to counter, looking for  a miracle cream or serum to give their face a "face-lift". Companies that claim their eye cream will turn back time!

Lancome used these words recently, "Visibly rejuvenate, repair, relenish.  Skin regains youthful substance, firmness and radiance, as if signs of aging are visibly repaired.  Wrinkles appear reduced, skin feels firmer and more elastic and is deeply hydrated and revived.."

Clearly, these companies carefully choose their words!

But what's allowed and what's not when it comes to wrinkle cream advertising, because there are tons of examples of wrinkle creams outright stating they get rid of wrinkles in an instant?

Susan Brienza, an attorney for the law firm of Patton & Boggs, in Smoothing out confusing cosmetic claims offers examples of clear cosmetic labeling violations as well as one's that are probably ok.

Brieza mentions that wrinkle cream ads must not state:

• "FDA Approved"
• "Better than Botox"  or "Facelift in a jar"
• "pharmaceutical strength" or "cosmeceutical"
• "erase deep wrinkles," "obliterate cellulite cells" or "repair damaged skin.' - all claims where the product affects the structure of the skin.

Wrinkle cream claims that appear to be acceptable to regulators?

• "Clinically proven"
• "Elle magazine Editor's pick"
• "Wrinkles appear reduced"
• "Smooths the appearance of fine lines."
• "Stimulates skin for that youthful glow."

Bottom line is that cosmetics labeling is loosely regulated so you'll see plenty of ads incorporate "must not state" claims in their promotional materials. 

My blogging buddy at Embrace Health For Life, said recently, "The manufacturers are careful not to make words that are untrue by saying that their product "HELPS" to smooth lines and wrinkles and visibly reduces bags and dark shadow. It might only be filling in the lines but the effect is minimal, hardly noticeable to the naked eye.

You cannot eliminate fine line and wrinkles unless you use retinoic acid (available on prescription only), collagen implants, fat transplant, deep skin peels, or a face lift. If this gel reduce dark circles and puffiness, it is classified as a drug that would not be available over the counter."

Don't be mislead. At the very best, these creams will moisturize and "soften the appearance of fine lines." There is not a whole lot of difference between a $10 drugstore jar and $100 high-end jar. 


  Dr. Dominic Gaziano - Dr. G 
                The Feel Good Health Guy /  Health & Wellness Ex