It probably sounds ridiculous to be thinking it is good to eat what people refer to as bad foods.� While we always have a different perception that bad foods� are those that are simply not good for our health, expert diet gurus have come up with an incredible insight about how we can use these bad foods� to our advantage. Strict dieters are very meticulous about avoiding the so-called foods that are bad for the health. After all, they are known to increase our weight and are generally unhealthy food choices.

On a different light, you won't feel so bad after all that eating some bad foods may not be too bad after all. Now, it is time not to completely forbid yourself about eating them or make yourself suffer long enough with the guilt that you committed a mortal sin for breaking down your dietary rules. Taking some bad foods� can probably even help you attain your fitness goals. If you ever wonder how true this concept is, here are the top 3 reasons why you should eat some bad foods� and obtain some health benefits along the process.

Reason No. 1 � Bad Foods tame your cravings

It is very rational to make it a part of your strict diet rule to avoid sweets and foods with high levels of calories. These are in fact major sources of the extra bulges growing in your belly and upper arms. Foods that are high in cholesterol are indeed unhealthy and with a high calorie level you are likely to be building unwanted fats on problematic areas of your body like the stomach, arms, hips and the thighs. But health experts pointed out that people tend to worry too much about avoiding foods that are high in cholesterol and calories that they end up craving for it some more and at the end of the day ate more of it than they should.

The body's pang of cravings can sometimes be so powerful as to make people feel so guilty of depriving themselves from some few helpings of chocolates, cakes or ice cream. Just to make it up for that guilt, they tend to eat more than they intend to. This begins as a small treat� for such deprivation and eventually one gets helplessly carried away. A solution for this problem is to give yourself some favor and address your cravings for some bad foods� and give yourself some small servings. This will help tame your cravings and you will find yourself unlikely to be unforgiving for depriving yourself from such a treat. In fact, small amounts of calories will provide your body some surge of energy which will not be disastrous to your dietary regimen.

Reason No. 2 � Rev up your metabolism

The body's metabolism can often go awry when you challenge it by preventing yourself from eating some foods that contain the essential energy to rev up its metabolic activities. The metabolic process in the body is essential for better digestion of foods and to help control the body weight. Some bad foods in fact can help increase the metabolic system of the body which helps to convert fats into energy thereby preventing the fatty build-ups in the body. Sugars like sucrose are used by the body for energy conversion and giving the body with an adequate supply of sugar will help you eliminate fats more quickly from your system. However, always make sure to keep it in minimal to moderate helpings just sufficient to supply the body with the energy it needs for faster metabolism.

Reason No. 3 � Reduce negative perception about eating

Some dieters often fail to become successful in their diet goals because they developed a wrong or negative perception about foods. Forbidding oneself from the foods they want to eat often tend to create a different behavioral and psychological response to eating which in serious cases lead to binge eating and other eating disorders. Having the freedom to eat anything including bad foods� at a moderate serving will eliminate these negative psychological responses to eating. Eating what you consider as bad food� in moderation will help you develop a more responsible behavior about eating. This helps you to avoid jeopardizing your health in general while helping you develop a better attitude towards the attainment of responsible diet goals.

Now that you know that bad foods are not so bad after all stop depriving yourself with the indulgence of tasting them just for small servings in order to optimize the result of your diet.

Healthy food help fight off UV rays

If you tend to spend more time outdoors such as driving, walking or doing errands out on the street you are not spared from exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. The UV rays from sunlight are known to cause cancer and other skin problems and protecting the body against its harmful effects should be a priority. There are many sunscreen products like lotion, creams and facial products in the market today that can offer some adequate protection against the harmful effects of the UV rays on our skin but sometimes this may not be enough to completely shield the body from the internal harm that exposure to sunlight can cause.

Not too many people that there are foods that can provide the body with adequate protection against the harmful effects of the UV rays from sunlight. Making them part of our diet plan can help reduce the risks to cancer and other potential illnesses that the harmful rays of the sun can cause to the body. These five foods can do wonder to the body, making it healthy inside and out despite sun exposure.

Tomato

Tomato is rich in lycopene which has a cancer busting component that fights off bad radicals in the body. It helps to keep the skin healthy and fights off the harmful sun rays. The antioxidant level in lycopene is very high which is responsible for making the body more capable of fighting off cancer cells, harmful radicals and body toxins. It also reduces the skin's hypersensitivity to sunlight exposure. At least 55 grams of tomato paste in the diet for at least 12 weeks of intake can help achieve the sunlight protection that the skin needs. Three months of consistent drinking of tomato juice can also reduce the signs of sunburns.

Fish

The omega 3 fatty acid levels in fish helps to keep the body healthy and reduces the risks to skin cell damage due to UV ray exposure. The type of the omega 3 fatty acid seen in fishes is EPA which can deliver about 4,000 mg of omega 3 to the body as a powerful cell damage deterrent due to sun exposure. This can be obtained from at least 12 ounces of salmon which has the highest level of EPA which is good for skin care and cell damage protection.

Chocolate

Eating chocolates can also help protect the body against cellular damage due to sun exposure. Dark chocolates in particular has this characteristic of protecting the skin from sun damage but it is important to keep track of your intake because it has a high level of calories. Drinking cocoa for three months helps to reduce the redness of the skin from sunburn by at least 25%. This is believed to be due to the high level of antioxidant content found in cocoa and it is also rich in flavanol that makes the skin moist instead of dry thereby reducing the scaly appearance of the skin caused by sun damage.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate has an antioxidant property that is capable of preventing cellular damage due to the exposure to UV rays. The pomegranate seed oil is a safe and effective food to eat in order to prevent skin tumor from developing as well. Its fruit extracts are known to inhibit the negative cellular changes in the skin cells when exposed to the UV light.

Green tea

Green tea can help reduce the visible signs of sunburn and also prevents the pre-cancerous changes in the skin due to sun exposure. 2 cups of green tea every day can help protect the skin against UV light and it also reduces the risks to cancer, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

So, start eating these healthy foods that are our skin’s best friend against the harmful effects of sunlight, you can also learn the Pro Skin tips by clicking Here!

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Healthy breakfast meal with egg

One of the most favorite staples for breakfast is eggs. Being the most important meal of the day, you want to serve your family a hearty breakfast that is healthy and delicious. Your meal plan should consist of serving a balanced meal with less fats but will provide the body with an adequate supply of carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins and minerals. Serving an egg for breakfast can be a fun way of making� the body energized and rejuvenated before starting the day's activities.

What makes the egg an ideal breakfast servings

Researchers found out that a breakfast served with egg can provide the body with better energy and can make one feel with a full stomach longer. The egg has high protein and fat content that supplies the body with sufficient energy while the feeling of a full stomach prevents craving for foods in between meal while giving the body with enough energy supply to perform strenuous work and activities. The feeling of fullness in the stomach is also good for those who are dieting as this prevents them from feeling the pang of starving to eat snack in between meal time.

Health benefits of eggs

Eggs are very inexpensive as compared to other foods that are usually prepared for breakfast. It seems to be a practical solution for your budget but there are more reasons why you should prepare a breakfast other than its price. Eggs have many health benefits. It can provide a complete source of natural proteins, vitamins and nutrients to the body. It is also good for the heart but caution must be observed to take it moderately. An egg has a high cholesterol level too but those in the egg yolk are not more harmful to the blood vessels than the cholesterol present in some other foods. Thus, eating six eggs a week can become a part of a healthy and balanced meal.

Among the healthy components of eggs include omega 3 fatty acids which are excellent in helping the circulation flow more smoothly throughout the body. Together with choline, they are nutrients found in eggs that improve the brain function. Eating an egg as part of your diet plan will provide your body with some energy that enhance the alertness throughout the day. It also contains tryptophan and tyrosine which are two important amino acids known to contain high level of antioxidants that fights cancer cells and other forms of diseases. Eating an egg will also help slow down the body's aging process. The zeaxanthin and lutein are two important antioxidant components in egg that can keep the eye healthy and protects it from the harmful rays of the sun during exposure. It also fights the risks against developing cataracts.

5 Ways to make a healthy breakfast with eggs

There are many ways on how to cook a breakfast with eggs but these 5 ways of cooking eggs are the all-time favorites:

Serve egg with bread

Scrambled Eggs

Simply mix the egg in a bowl and add some salt and pepper to taste. Putting some herbs will also make an added good taste to the eggs and milk too. Cook the egg on a fry pan on low heat. Turn it into a delicious omelet by tossing in some cheese and sliced vegetables.

Boiled Eggs

Whether you cook the egg hard or soft, boiled eggs are the perfect meal with fruits for breakfast.

Poached Eggs

Poached eggs are made by cooking the egg with organic leaves like spinach or bat kale leaves that you can often find in your backyard.

Fried Eggs

Fried eggs cooked with butter, salt and pepper are delicious. Simply place the butter on low heat, wait for it to melt then use it to coat the pan instead of using an oil and cook the egg while sprinkling some salt and pepper.

Sunny Side-Up

Cooking a sunny side up egg for breakfast is fun and only takes a few minutes to cook. Toss in some potatoes and string beans to make a hearty egg breakfast and serve it with coffee and bread.

So, start including eggs as part of your healthy breakfast meal plan to enjoy its health benefits.

Taking alcohol regularly isn't a funny matter. A recent study has featured the reasons why taking alcohol can take away muscle strength little by little.

Alcoholism

The problem of alcoholism�is an ancient problem ever since the discovery of alcohol as a drink. Since then, many people have abused alcohol by having a distinct physical desire to consume alcohol which may be uncontrollable by any means including willpower. Alcoholics may have some sort of a physical compulsion to drink alcohol along with a mental obsession. An alcoholic may be subjected to enormous cravings with which he or she has no control over. Because of this, alcoholism is considered to be a long-term physical and mental disease. Alcoholics do no not when they will stop drinking. This problem will often cause serious problems at home and at work.

Alcohol abusers are different from alcoholics. The former do not manifest the characteristics of alcoholism�yet they may also habe problems with drinking alcohol. They may not be as dependent as alcoholics but they may have little control over the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol, when taken in moderately does not create addiction and health problems on the user; however people who abuse it may often have serious physical and psychological problems which may result from heavier than normal alcohol consumption.

There are millions of alcoholics around the world and one should simply help them. Majority of these alcoholics�around the world are still not yet treated. Alcohol is considered one of the top reasons for deaths worldwide; a lot of accidents have occured due to drunk driving. Also, alcoholism can lead to life-threatening complications such as liver failure, atherosclerosis, stroke and heart disease. Thus alcoholism should be stopped because it may continue to claim the lives of many. However, moderate use of alcohol may have positive benefits on health.

A person who has alcohol addiction may exhibit numerous signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms are often dependent of the degree of intensity of alcohol addiction. These alcohol abusers may drink alone or drink secretly to hide the habit from family and friends. They often do not have the ability to limit the amount of alcohol to be consumed. They may also experience frequent blackouts and may not remember some episodes at work or at home.

These alcohol abusers often have rituals of drinking before or after work. They may feel irritated or annoyed when these drinking rituals are disturbed. These people may also lose interest in their old hobbies and activities, which they used to enjoy in the past. They often feel an urge to drink and they feel irritable when these drinking times occur. They may get angry or irritated when during those times alcohol is not available for some reason. They people may also hide alcoholic drinks in several places.

During social events, these alcohol abusers may often gulp drinks down in larger amounts so that they would feel good while being drunk. Their greatest enjoyment is getting drunk. They often have relationship problems due to their drinking and may get into problems with the law when they drink. They may also get into trouble at work and may even lose their jobs as a result.

Alcohol and Muscle Weakness

A recent study has shown that muscle weakness in alcoholics and in persons with mitochondrial problems may be attributed to inability of the mitochondria for self-repair. The results of this study are published in the online April 21 issue of The Journal of Cell Biology. Mitochondria are cell organelles that are involved with creating energy for muscles, the brain and other organs of the body. The researchers first found out that of the mitofusin�(Mfn) fusion proteins, Mfn1�was most important in skeletal muscle cells. They also found out that Mfn1�abundance went down as much as 50 percent in rats on a regular alcohol diet-while other fusion proteins were unchanged. The decrease was coupled with a massive decrease in mitochondrial fusion. When Mfn1�was restored, so was the mitochondrial fusion. They also linked the decreased Mfn1 and mitochondrial fusion to increased muscle fatigue.

To know more about the dangers of alcohol feel free to read our other articles on this site.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria belonging to Borrelia species. This disease can bring about abnormalities in the joints, the skin, the heart and the nervous system. A recent study has shown that once infected with a particular strain of the Borrelia bacteria, humans can develop immunity against that strain that can last for six to nine years.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a medical illness caused by bacteria belonging to Borrelia species such as Borrelia burgdorferi�or Borrelia afzelii. These bacteria are transmitted by deer, who harbour the bacterium in their stomachs. Lyme disease can be spread by these ticks when they bite the skin, so that the bacterium can gain access into the body thereafter. The infected person cannot transmit Lyme disease to other people. Further health problems can develop after infection, such as those pertaining to the skin, the heart, the joints and the nervous system. There may be various degrees of progression that may differ from person to person.

After the initial tick bite in the skin, there may be an expanding reddish rash in the skin that may result. This rash may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. It can then spread to other parts of the body such as the heart, the nervous system and the joints.

There are three phases of Lyme disease.�The first phase consists of an early localized disease with skin inflammation. The second phase consists of early disseminated disease with heart and nervous system involvement. This second phase may bring about palsies and meningitis. The third phase is termed as the late disease with motor and sensory damage and brain inflammation along with arthritis.

During the first phase which is the time within days to weeks after the tick bite, the skin develops expanding redness with a central clearing, termed as a “bull’s-eye” appearance. The spreading rash is termed as “erythema migrans” (formerly called erythema chronicum migrans). However in one out of four patients, there may be no rash. The skin manifestations in the first phase of the disease may be accompanied by generalized fatigue, joint stiffness, muscle stiffness headache and swollen lymph nodes.

After about a month, the redness resolves, even without treatment. After several months after the initial skin redness, the bacteria may spread to other parts of the body, and may bring about diseases in the heart, joints and nervous system. In the later phase of the disease there may be effects in the heart such as inflammation of the heart muscle. This can further result to abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. Effects on the nervous system may bring about facial muscle paralysis (Bell’s palsy), abnormal sensation due to disease of peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathy), meningitis, and confusion. Inflammatory arthritis may also result in the form of joint swelling, pain and stiffness. The joints affected are usually the knees.

People with Lyme disease can also develop anxiety and depression. Doctors usually diagnose Lyme disease by finding the classic red rash described above. The patient's medical history may also be obtained. Other diseases should be ruled out such as those affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. Blood tests may be done to help confirm the diagnosis. Antibodies against the bacteria can be screened using a laboratory method called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Antibiotics are usually given by the doctor to treat the infection.

Lyme Disease Immunity

A recent study done by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have found out that once a person is infected with a particular strain of bacteria, they can develop immunity against that strain for six to nine years. The findings of this study were published in the April issue of Infection and Immunity. The researchers gathered data from 17 patients. They soon found out that strain-specific immunity would need to last a minimum of four years in order to result in the suite of infections that the 17 patients acquired, and that immunity lasts in the range of six to nine years. However, the researchers also claimed that there is likely to be variation in the strength and duration of immunity among people and perhaps even among strains of the Lyme bacterium.

If you want to know more about Lyme disease and its complications, feel free to read our other articles on this site.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of the lungs which usually includes chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive airways disease and emphysema. A recent study shows that old people with COPD who take benzodiazepines may have poor respiratory outcomes.

What is COPD?

COPD can lead to difficulties in breathing due to the narrowing of airways and airflow obstruction. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as breathlessness, cough with phlegm, and frequent respiratory infections. COPD is due to smoking and is dependent on how long you have been smoking and how many cigarettes you smoke per day. Over time, the lungs develop inflammation and the walls of the airways thicken to produce more mucus. The walls of the air sacs or alveoli become damaged and the lungs lose elasticity. These changes lead to emphysema that further leads to scarring and narrowing of the smaller airways. These changes further develop symptoms such as breathlessness, cough and productive phlegm. COPD is often caused by dust, air pollution, fumes, and genetic disorders.

COPD often affects adults over the age of 35; most of these adults get diagnosed in their 50s. It is important that COPD needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible so that early treatment may be given to preserve lung structure and function. Without early treatment, there may be deterioration of lung structure and function. COPD is usually diagnosed by medical history, physical examination and breathing tests.

Not all people are prone to develop COPD. COPD is usually caused by exposure to smoke and air pollutants both in the home and in the workplace, thus people who are exposed to these things are at high risk for the condition. Those who are more likely to acquire COPD are those who are aged 65 to 74 years old, non-hispanic whites, women, those who are unemployed or who are unable to work, those who have lower educational attainments and lower incomes, those who are divorced or widowed or separated, those who are current or former smokers, and those with a history of asthma.

COPD is usually treated by stopping smoking and by intake of medications such as inhalers. Surgery may be an option for people with COPD.

COPD and Benzodiazepines Intake

A recent study has shown that benzodiazepines, a class of drugs which are commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia can significantly increase the risk for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD to visit their doctors or the emergency department for respiratory reasons. One author commented that these benzodiazepines are able to contribute to respiratory problems such as respiratory depression and pneumonia. The results of this study are published in the online issue of the European Respiratory Journal. This is said to be the first study that can look at the clinical outcomes of patients with COPD who prescribe these drugs. This study utilized data from the databases at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Studies to identify older adults in Ontario who had been diagnosed with COPD, as well as prescription, health insurance and hospitalization records.

The researchers soon found out that patients who have COPD who have just been prescribed with a benzodiazepine have a 45% increased risk of exacerbation of symptoms which may require treatment. These patients also have a 92% increased risk of having visits in emergency rooms for COPD exacerbation or pneumonia. Thus physicians should be careful in prescribing benzodiazepines to people with COPD because serious medical complications may result from it.

You may read more about COPD if you browse our other articles on this site.

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer and is prevalent in those who have a positive family history of it, suggesting a genetic factor involved in it. A recent study has found out that customizing treatments with the use of genetic testing can maximize treatment of melanoma.

Melanoma

Melanoma�is a type of skin cancer which can have serious complications. As a type of skin cancer, melanoma is caused by uncontrolled growth of pigment cells which are called melanocytes. Normally, melanocytes are flound in the basal layer of the epidermis, otherwise known as the bottom part of the outer portion of the skin. Typically, these melanocytes are cells that produce a pigment called melanin which functions to absorb ultraviolet light in the skin to protect it from the damage caused by radiation. There are an equal number of melanocytes in both black and white skin, however black skin is said to contain more melanin than fair-colored skin. This is why people with dark-colored skin can withstand damage caused by radiation as compared to those with fair-colored skin.

Melanocytes can often develop non-cancerous growths called moles or benign melanocytic�naevi�and freckles or ephelides�and lentigines. Cancerous growth of melanocytes, on the other hand, can result to melanoma. There are people who are especially at risk for melanomas. These people include those who are white-skinned, those who are adults, those who are of older age, males, those who have pervious invasive melanomas or melanomas in situ, those who have previous non-melanoma skin cancers, those who have many melanocytic�nevi�or moles, multiple atypical nevi, strong family history of melanoma or with two or more first-degree relatives who are affected and those who have fair skin that can burn easily. These are just risk factors, though anyone can be affected likewise.

A melanoma grows due to the uncontrolled multiplication of melanocytes. This uncontrolled growth is governed by genes that control cell growth. The changes in these genes can also promote invasion of normal healthy tissue that surrounds the tumor. Other experts also think that melanoma is a result of uncontrolled proliferation of transformed melanocytic stem cells.

There are many types of melanoma. Melanoma�may first start out as superficial melanoma which may spread out within the outer layer of cells or the epidermis. This may be noted as radial or horizontal growth phase. Melanoma in situ is a type of melanoma confined to the epidermis. Another type of melanoma, the lentigo�maligna, is melanoma in situ that is found in hair follicles on skin which is sun-damaged. This is more often found on the skin of the face or of the neck. Invasive melanoma is a type of melanoma wherein cancer cells have grown through the basement membrane into the deeper layer of the skin or the dermis. If the pathologist notes a vertical growth phase of the melanoma, the lesion is said to be potentially more dangerous than the horizontal growth phase. Initially, nodular melanoma may be invasive from the start and may be on not related to sun exposure.

Melanoma cells, once they have reached the dermis, can spread to other tissue of the body through the lymphatic system and the lymph nodes or through the bloodstream to organs such as the lungs or the brain. This process of spreading to the other parts of the body is known as metastatic disease.

Genetic Testing in Melanoma Treatment

A recent clinical trial made by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) have found out that genetic screening of melanoma�can help doctors in the customization of effective treatments. The study showed that the cancer immune therapy drug ipilimumab�can prevent recurrence in patients whose melanoma shows high expression of immune-related genes. Patients who underwent genetic testing and were found out to have higher levels of expression of a group of immune-related genes, either before or soon after treatment with ipilimumab, have a 63% lower risk for recurrence of cancer after surgery.

You can read more about melanoma if you read our other articles on this site.

Elite athletes, weekend warriors and average gym joes alike are squeezing into knee-high socks and even figure-hugging bodysuits that promise to improve performance and recovery.

But with the domain of compression clothing awash with perplexing phrases and scientific claims such as �anti-Odor technology', �stimulate oxygen delivery' or �anatomic fit' � what, you may wonder, does it all mean? And, more importantly, can a piece of clothing make much difference?

It might be a stretch to say compression clothing will make you a better athlete, but the idea of performance improvement, muscle recovery and injury prevention can't be shunned, however. Here's what research has to say about the big squeeze.

Effect on performance

A study was conducted to examine the effects of external compression wear on the calf muscle energy consumption in short-term exercise, and the effects of compression on tissue oxygenation in moving muscles. The participants consisted of sixteen healthy male individuals, and each of them was asked to do calf raises � standing in a normal position and raising heel to a maximum onto their toes before returning to normal stance. This exercise was performed 4 times per minute.

All participants underwent two trials: one with compression on both feet and one without compression. The results of the study found the compression condition with 24% higher Tissue Oxygen Index compared to the non-compressed condition, indicating the former plays an important role for tissue oxygenation.

How does this affect your performance? The idea is that because of increased oxygen and blood delivery to the muscles, by-products, which cause fatigue, can be flushed out quicker, increasing the wearer's performance.

Performance improvement sometimes extends beyond time. For individuals who have experienced lower limb injuries, compression wear can act as a security blanket and allow activity. An accountant training for Ironman Lauren Riley said that after having knee surgery to replace the torn ligaments in her knee, wearing compression during exercise gives her reassurance that everything stays in place and aligned.

Effect on recovery

Compression calf socks, tanks and sleeves for men�and women arguably has the most scientific backing when it comes to promoting recovery. The gear can be worn comfortably and discreetly under clothing to reduce lactic acid production and improve oxygen delivery to the muscles.

A 2007 research study, published in the Journal of Sports Science, showed males wearing compression experienced less delayed-onset muscle soreness 24 hours after 10K time-trial runs. And a 2009 research study, published in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, revealed that subjects doing jumping and sprint tests experienced less muscle soreness after training.

Lower leg compression wear such as compression socks are also believed to transport greater amount of blood deep into the calf muscle pumps and the legs, allowing for less soreness, pooling and swelling � and less lactic acid production.

The potential benefits extend to include increase muscle response, improved posture and form when these garments are worn on other body parts. Some athletes have also been wearing them during sleep; it's more than the mindset to these garments. If you can recover quicker you can train better.

Effect on sport injury risk

Every time your muscles undergo movement, they are prone to tiny tears inside the muscle tissue. With compression and extra support, muscles move to a less extent. This reduces the micro damage that can occur on impact, and reduces muscle soreness and pain both during and post exercise, as well. The clothing may also help to prevent and alleviate injuries suffered from uncontrolled, sudden movements, which form the basis of exercise.

A research cited by biological conclusions says through measuring markers of muscle activity breakdown, researchers were able to if compression garments could reduce muscle damage while exercising. The garments, interestingly, were found to reduce muscle damage occurrence for the wearer while exercising, and afterwards.

The positive effects associated with compression garments vary from study to study; some reports tout large effects while others reveal modest effects. The underlying theme, however, was that compression wear was, at best, useful for muscle recovery, blood circulation, injury prevention and swelling, and at worst, was ineffective. The clothing didn’t hamper athletic performance in any aspect.

To sum it up, compression gear has legitimate benefits, some backed by research studies, some from positive experiences. And to a degree, if there are no negative effects � as long as it's not too tight to squeeze in, or irritating � then compression gear can give you an edge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AiY_G-l6Ic

Could a genetic health test for prostate cancer help prevent the disease? If you thought breast cancer was probably the type of cancer that causes most deaths, think again. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the USA after lung cancer and the also the most common in the UK. Breast cancer, caused by similar genes and just like prostate cancer, also influenced by hormones, is of course also fairly common amongst women but very rarely seen amongst males. Like with all diseases and especially cancer, the key to successful treatment is early diagnosis.

The Prostate gland

The prostate gland is located just below the bladder. The urethra, a tube structure that carries semen and urine, passes right through it. This gland plays a very important role in that it balances the PH of semen by producing prostatic fluid, an alkaline substance that neutralizes the acidity caused by the passage of urine. Without this buffering substance, the sperm cells would be killed by the acidity of the urine left behind in the duct as well as by the traces of urine inside the vagina.

The prostate gland tends to sometimes increase in size with age but in young males it is usually the size of a walnut. If the gland swells or grows, pressure might be exerted on the urethra causing the characteristic difficulty in urinating experiences amongst men with enlarged prostates.

Prostate Cancer�

Most cases of prostate cancer start from one type of cell making up the prostate gland (although there are other types of cancers caused by other types of cells forming this gland). If the cancer is caused by gland cells, the most common type of prostate cancer, it is referred to as adenocarcinoma. The beginning of this cancer can be traced back to Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) � here essentially, tiny changes begin to take place in the cells forming the prostate. The cells might begin to pack together in a different way or the cell nuclei will begin to have varying shapes and sizes. If cancer results, the doctor will need to assess how much it has grown, how fast it is growing or whether the growth has stopped and whether the growth has spread to other cells.

In the USA, the number one killer cancer is lung cancer and next is prostate cancer. Although this fact is somewhat worrying, you might be relieved to know that most men who get diagnosed with prostate cancer do not actually die of it. This is also because this cancer not only strikes later in life but is also slow at progressing and thus, men sometimes die of old age without even knowing they had prostate cancer.

If your doctor suspects you might have prostate cancer, he or she might ask some basic questions to see whether further testing is required. Many males with prostate cancer exhibit very much the same symptoms which include: difficult urinating, pains (usually in bones), frequent urinating, blood in urine and discomfort when ejaculating. Predisposition testing for this type of cancer is also now available by many companies including homeDNAdirect Australia, easyDNA and The Genetic Testing Laboratory.

Before conducting a biopsy, a DRE (digital rectal exam) may have to be carried out followed by a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The DRE is a rather dreaded experience for most men where the doctor inserts a finger up the rectum to feel the prostate. Lubricant is used to ensure the insertion of the finger causes less pain or discomfort.

Genetics of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is far from being rare.� This cancer has a hereditary component and tends to run in families. If you have a direct male, blood relative who has suffered from prostate cancer you might have inherited those genes giving you an increased risk of developing the disease when compared to males who did not inherit those same genes. In monozygotic twins the incidence rate is even higher.

The two genes involved in cancer of the prostate are the very same genes which are responsible for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. These genes are known as BRCA 1 and BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 1 and breast cancer gene 2). To note that we all have the BRCA genes but it is only certain mutations on these genes that are responsible for breast cancer or prostate cancer. Healthy BRCA genes help control tumors and are in fact known as tumor suppressor genes because they produce certain proteins which suppress any abnormal cell growths.� Mutations may result in the gene not to play out its proper function and thus, allow any growths to keep progressing uncontrolled.

A genetic predisposition test for prostate cancer can help to establish the chances the person has of developing prostate cancer. These tests are indeed useful as they can help determine an individual's risk factor. Following the results of a DNA test, you can work hand in hand with a genetic councilor to see what exactly can be done to try and keep the disease at check and make required lifestyle changes. For example, prostate cancer has been linked to the use of anti-inflammatory medication. Have you been using such medications long-term?

Are there any factors which could increase your chances of prostate cancer that you can control? Here are some of those factors:

• Being overweight/ chances worsening with obesity
• Males who have suffered from gonorrhea
• High saturated fat and diary product diet