#hydration #water benefits - tips for a proper hydration.

How Much Water?

Drinking a gallon of water a day can increase your effectiveness in performance situations, whether at work, in the gym, or on the field.

People tend to think that it’s impossible to drink a gallon of water a day. These often are the same people who have three cups of coffee in the morning, a couple of diet soft drinks with lunch, and alcoholic beverages during and after dinner. They all provide hydration, but are not nearly as healthy as water.

Drink two glasses when you wake up, two glasses with every meal, and plenty of water before, during, and after working out. Take a water bottle to work and drink all day. Keep a bottle in the car. If you’re training hard, especially in warmer climates, you may find you actually exceed a gallon a day.

Hydration and Weight Loss

Proper hydration regulates appetite. A lot of times people think they’re hungry when they’re really just thirsty. If you’re trying to lose weight, have a glass of water before eating, and you’ll have that satiety that keeps you from overeating.

Are You Dehydrated?

How do you know if you’re properly hydrated? Take a look at your urine. Generally speaking, the clearer the urine, the better hydrated you are. If it is a clear-pale lemonade color, you are hydrated. If it is a darker lemonade to apple juice color, you are dehydrated. And if it is dark and cloudy, you are severely dehydrated and should notify medical staff immediately.

Benefits of good hydration

Look Younger

Water has a direct impact on the aging process. Because of the dehydration, inactivity, and trauma from daily life, the connective tissues around our muscles and joints dry up over time. Recent research suggests that any beverage, even one with caffeine, promotes hydration, but there’s still nothing better than water.

A Healthier Smile

Recent research suggests that modest consumption of artificial sweeteners is a better alternative to high fructose corn syrup and other sugars: a regular drink that’s loaded with sugar  can has about 150 calories, all from sugar. If you drink coffee, don’t overdo the cream and sugar. Again, goes back to making healthier choices. Consider a healthier alternative such a green or black teas, which have antioxidant properties.

Sports Drinks

Don’t assume that sports drinks are an equal substitute for water, especially for people in everyday life. In fact, most are loaded with a ton of high glycemic carbohydrates that elevate blood sugar and ultimately contribute to body fat. Sports drinks are most valuable for endurance athletes competing in prolonged, intense activity. These athletes need to replace sugars immediately. But most of us never reach that level of exertion. 

Water Intoxication

Hyponatremia, also known as “water intoxication,” is a potentially fatal condition experienced by endurance athletes who over-hydrate with water. This condition is brought on by extremely low blood sodium levels and triggers symptoms from nausea and muscle cramps to coma and even death. A runner died from the condition following the 2002 Boston Marathon, and another spent four days in a coma following a marathon in Jamaica.

The problem happens when there’s too much water and not enough electrolytes (potassium, sodium, and chloride) flowing through the body. Water keeps coming in, but because of a lack of electrolytes, the blood sodium level is low, which throws off heartbeat.

Water is a better choice than sports drinks, since it has no calories; this is certainly true in everyday life. But when competing in an event or a training session of extreme exertion, it’s important to hydrate with products that can replenish electrolytes. Good choices include Gatorade and Amino Vital Endurance Formula, or you can take products such as Gatorlytes, Gu, or Hammer Gel with water.

#blood - why do blood types differ?

Blood consists of red and white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Antigens and various proteins float in the plasma and on red blood cells. An antigen is any substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies — certain proteins — to fight it off.

The ABO grouping system refers to the genetically-determined individual differences in the presence of two antigens (A and B), which stimulate the production of different antibodies. Type-O blood has both the antibodies anti-A and anti-B, whereas type-AB has neither. Perhaps you know your own blood type, and perhaps you know those types with which you're compatible to give to and receive from. 

"Polymorphism" describes a stable coexistence of different genetic forms within a species, and the reason for blood group polymorphism is not known.

In 2004 researchers from University College London proposed that the presence of certain bacteria and intracellular viruses may have put evolutionary pressure on certain antigen-producing genetic mutations. In populations where viruses prevailed, gene O dominated. Those with bacteria-heavy environments found themselves more likely to have A or B type.

This theory does not explain why blood types don't evolve with constantly mutating viruses and bacteria strains. But it is clear that some manner of environmental pressure is a factor in blood group polymorphism.

The major blood groups were not figured out until the early 1900s, and before then blood transfusions sometimes turned mysteriously fatal because the different blood groups are incompatible. In 1940, experiments on Rhesus monkeys revealed an additional antigen factors now known as positive or negative "Rh factors." This led to the nomenclature "O positive" or "AB negative." Since then, hundreds of other less-significant antigen differences have been identified, most of which do not lead to transfusion problems.

#skin - how skin changes can signal serious health problems.

The largest organ in the body, the skin, is sometimes said to be a window into a person's general well-being, because it can carry clues about the health of other organs. Changes in the skin, ranging from discoloration to new growth, may sometimes be early signs of more serious underlying health problems. When people spot these signs, they might need to see their doctor, especially if they get worse during the time.           

Rashes and patches on the skin

In general, a rash that does not respond to treatment, and is accompanied by other symptoms — such as fever, joint pain and muscle aches — could be a sign of an internal problem or infection. A rash may also occur due to an allergy or signal a reaction to a medicine, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

A velvety dark rash on the back of the neck or around the arms,known as 'acanthosis nigricans', is a sign that the patient may have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and  thus blood sugar should be checked. Less commonly, this velvety rash could be a warning sign of cancer in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver.

On the other hand, a purple rash on the lower legs that does not respond to topical medication can be a sign of hepatitis C infection.

Bronzing of the skin and other discolorations

In people with diabetes, a bronzing of the skin can be a sign of a problem with iron metabolism. A yellowing of the skin, on the other hand, may signal liver failure, and may occur along with the yellowing of the whites of the eyes.

A darkening of the skin — mostly visible in scars and skin folds, as well as on joints, such as elbows and knees — could be a sign of hormonal disease, such as Addison's disease, which affects the adrenal glands.

New growths

People who see new growths on the skin should always have them looked at by a doctor, as they could be skin cancer, and are sometimes also a sign of internal disease or a genetic syndrome, according to the AAD.

For example, in a condition called eruptive xantomas, yellow bumps on the arms, legs or rear could be a result of high triglyceride levels, signaling uncontrolled diabetes.

The distribution pattern of acne also can provide clues about the underlying problem. In women, acne that appears mainly along the lower face or jaw line can be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The condition often causes other symptoms, such as weight changes, thinning hair and increased hair growth on the face.

Nail changes

Changes in the color or shape of nails can often be a sign of deficiency or organ system issues. For example, nail changes that look like fungal infection may actually be a result of psoriasis in the nails, even though the condition typically affects the skin. People who also have joint pain could have a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.

In addition, liver and kidney problems can sometimes cause changes in the color of the nails.

Read more on nail changes.

Changes in skin's hardness and dryness

High blood pressure and kidney problems sometimes result in a thickening of the skin on the shin. Moreover, very dry, itchy skin could be a sign of hormonal problems, such as an underactive thyroid.

People with an autoimmune disease called systemic sclerosis may experience a swelling and hardening of the skin. In more severe cases, this could result in the hardening of internal organs, such as the lungs or heart, according to the AAD.

On the other hand, very loose and silky skin is a symptom of a rare connective tissue disease, called acquired cutis laxa, which could signal blood cancers such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma.

#HeartAttack - warning symptoms and signs

Heart disease is the #1 killer of U.S. men and women, accounting for 40% of all deaths. That’s more than all forms of cancer combined.

Why is heart disease so deadly? One reason is that many people are slow to seek help when symptoms arise. Yes, someone gripped by sudden chest pain probably knows to call 911. But heart symptoms aren’t always intense or obvious, and they vary from person to person and according to gender.

Because it can be hard to make sense of heart symptoms, doctors warn against ignoring possible warning signs: that’s especially true for people over 65, as well as for people with heart risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. And specialists highlight: a serious heart problem can mean sudden death!

Here are a dozen symptoms that may signal heart trouble.

1. Anxiety. Heart attack can cause intense anxiety or a fear of death. 

2. Chest discomfort. Pain in the chest is the classic symptom of heart attack, but not all heart attacks cause chest pain, and chest pain can stem from ailments that have nothing to do with the heart.

Heart-related chest pain is often centered under the breastbone, perhaps a little to the left of center. The pain has been likened to “an elephant sitting on the chest,” but it can also be an uncomfortable sensation of pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Women, more than men, can also experience a burning sensation in their chest, rather than a pressure or pain.  Sometimes people make the mistake that the pain comes from a stomach problem.

3. Cough. Persistent coughing or wheezing can be a symptom of heart failure — a result of fluid accumulation in the lungs. In some cases, people with heart failure cough up bloody phlegm.

4. Dizziness. Heart attacks and also arrhyrthmias can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness. 

5. Fatigue. Especially among women, unusual fatigue can occur during a heart attack as well as in the days and weeks leading up to one. And feeling tired all the time may be a symptom of heart failure.

6. Nausea or lack of appetite. It’s not uncommon for people to feel sick to their stomach or throw up during a heart attack. And abdominal swelling associated with heart failure can interfere with appetite.

7. Pain in other parts of the body. In many heart attacks, pain begins in the chest and spreads to the shoulders, arms, elbows, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen. But sometimes there is no chest pain — just pain in these other body areas like one or both arms, or between the shoulders.  The pain might come and go.

8. Rapid or irregular pulse. Rapid or irregular pulse — especially when accompanied by weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath — can be evidence of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. Left untreated, some arrhythmias can lead to stroke, heart failure, or sudden death.

9. Shortness of breath. People who feel winded at rest or with minimal exertion might have a pulmonary condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But breathlessness could also indicate a heart attack or heart failure. Sometimes people having a heart attack don’t have chest pressure or pain but feel extremely short of breath.

10. Sweating. Breaking out in a cold sweat is a common symptom of heart attack.

11. Swelling. Heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate in the body. This can cause swelling (often in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen) as well as sudden weight gain and sometimes a loss of appetite.

12. Weakness. In the days leading up to a heart attack, as well as during one, some people experience severe, unexplained weakness. 

#gynecomastia #bullying

Enlargement of the breasts in men is called gynecomastia. This over-development can happen in any age, but it is especially troublesome in teenagers. Obesity, heredity, hormones and certain drugs are the reasons behind gynecomastia. Almost always, gynecomastia means emotional distress: confidence levels and self-esteem usually go down and bullying can occur.

The most common causes refer to: 1. over-development of glandular tissues; 2. accumulated or localized fat.

Treatment

Testosterone replacement is carried out in cases of low testosterone levels. Plastic surgery is beneficial in severe long term gynecomastia, reducing breasts size and making them look normal.

Patients should maintain the body weight after the surgery or treatment; otherwise, gynecomastia may recur.  

#genetics - anomalies in melanin production: albinism, heterochromia and others.

Melanocytes are specialized cells that produce melanin, a pigment of dark brown coloration. These cells are found in the skin and retina. The color of the hair, for example, is determined by the melanocytes activity, producing melanin from the amino acid tyrosine. The addition of another amino acid known as cysteine produces a yellow pigment called pheomelanin. The ratio of the pigment melanin and pheomelanin gives rise to the various hairs colors. 

Genetic abnormalities related to the production of melanin can cause disorders and diseases such as albinism, melanism, heterochromia, piebaldism, among others. 

Albinism: is the genetic abnormality in which an enzimatic defect in the production of melanin resuls in total or partial lack of pigmentation of the skin, eyes and hair. Albinism can be associated with vision defects, such as photophobia, nystagmus and astigmatism. Lack of skin pigmentation makes the organism more susceptible to sunburns and skin cancer. 

Melanism: In this case the opposite occurs, ie, animals and plants carrying this anomaly produce a greater amount of melanin, in a disorderly manner. 

Heterochromia: is a genetic abnormality in which the individual has eyes in different colors. This is due to a change in EYCL3 and EYCL1 genes located on chromosome 15, which encode the amount of melanin present in each eye. It also occurs in animals, such as dogs and cats. 

Piebaldism: is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by an irregular development of the melanocytes in the embryonic period. White hair forelock (poliosis) and a triangular depigmentation area located centrally on the forehead are clinical findings suggestive of the disease.

#darkcircles - a new study reveals the causes and predisposing factors.

Peri-orbital dark circles are a cosmetic concern worldwide and numerous causes and risk factors have been advocated as playing a role:

• allergy
• atopic dermatitis
• blood stasis or impaired venous circulation
• structural shadowing effects
• a thinner epidermis/dermis under the eye.

This recent study, a dermatologist evaluated 495 Brazilian women and the severity of dark circles. Hyperspectral image analysis was used to determine the relative contribution of melanin, blood volume, degree of tissue oxygen and dermal scattering.

The results and conclusions are listed below:

1. Average age of onset: 24 years
2. Severity higher when younger onset
3. Asthma is highly significantly associated with dark circles
4. Allergy and sleep deprivation do not play a role in the severity of the condition
5. Spectral Imaging showed that melanin was the main component correlated with dark circles severity, wheareas oxygen is less so.

Regarding TREATMENT, for mild cases, topical cosmetics can be enough, I recommend AOX EYE GEL (Skinceuticals) to be applied at night. Its formula contains caffeine which improves blood circulation. For more severe cases, procedures at the clinic are necessary, such as CARBOXITHERAPY and/or INTENSE PULSED LIGHT.

#thyroid - symptoms associated with hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, can have a dramatic impact on a huge variety of bodily functions, and if you're a woman over 35 your odds of a thyroid disorder are high—more than 30%, by some estimates. At least 30 million Americans have a thyroid disorder and half—15 million—are silent sufferers who are undiagnosed, according to The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Women are as much as 10 times as likely as men to have a thyroid problem.

Located above the Adam's apple, thyroid produces thyroid hormone (TH), which regulates, among other things, body's temperature, metabolism, and heartbeat. Things can start to go wrong when your thyroid is under- or over-active. Causes of thyroid disease may be genetics, autoimmune, pregnancy, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or even toxins in the environment.

Here I list some symptoms and signs that could indicate a thyroid disorder:

You're exhausted

Feeling tired and having no energy are issues associated with lots of conditions, but they're strongly linked with hypothyroidism, the disorder that's the result of too little thyroid hormone. According to specialists, fatigue is the number one symptom. It’s the kind of fatigue where you’re still tired in the morning after a full night’s sleep.

You're feeling down

Feeling unusually depressed or sad can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism. That's because too little thyroid hormone can have an impact on levels of serotonin in the brain. 

Your appetite is altered

An increased appetite can be a sign of hyperthyroidism when too much thyroid hormone may have you feeling hungry all of the time. However, the higher food intake won't result in weight gain. 

You've lost your interest in sex

Having little or no desire in the sack could be a side effect of a thyroid disorder. Too little thyroid hormone could be a contributor to a low libido, but the cumulative impact of other hypothyroidism symptoms—weight gain, low energy, and body aches and pains—could also play a part.

You're feeling all fluttery

That fluttery feeling you're having may be heart palpitations. It can feel like your heart is actually fluttering or skipping a beat or two, or beating too hard or too quickly. You may notice these feelings in your chest or at pulse points in your throat or neck. Heart flutters or palpitations can be a sign of too many thyroid hormones flooding your system (hyperthyroidism).

Your skin is dry

Skin that's dry and itchy can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, due to slowed metabolism. Skin without enough moisture can quickly become dry and flaky. Likewise, nails can become brittle and may develop ridges.

Your bowels are unpredictable

People with hypothyroidism sometimes complain of constipation. The disruption in hormone production has likely caused a slowdown of digestive processes. On the reverse side of the spectrum, an overactive thyroid gland can cause diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements, which is why they're symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Your periods have changed

Longer menstrual periods with a heavier flow and more cramps can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Periods may be closer together. If periods are extra-heavy, anemia should be chcked too.

You have high blood pressure

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been fingered as culprits. By some estimates, people with hypothyroidism have two to three times the risk of developing hypertension. 

Your thermostat is on the fritz

Feeling cold or having chills is associated with hypothyroidism. The system slow-down caused by an underactive thyroid means less energy is being burned by cells. Less energy equals less heat. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid puts energy-producing cells into overdrive. That's why people with hyperthyroidism sometimes feel too warm or sweat profusely.

You've gained weight

Weight gain is one of the top reasons women are checked for thyroid disease. In such cases, no specific reason or habits changes can justify the gain. It’s almost always due to an underactive thyroid. 

Your hair is thinning or falling out

Dry, brittle hair that breaks or falls out can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Too little thyroid hormone disrupts your hair growth cycle and puts too many follicles into "resting" mode, resulting in hair loss—sometimes all over your body including at the outside of your eyebrows. On the other hand, hair issues due to hyperthyroidism typically show up as thinning hair just on your head.

You have trouble getting pregnant

If you've been trying to have a baby for an extended period of time with no luck, an under- or over-active thyroid could be a contributing factor. Difficulty conceiving has been linked to a higher risk of undiagnosed thyroid problems. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with ovulation, which impairs fertility. Thyroid disorders are also linked to pregnancy complications.

If you have one or more of these symptoms and suspect it's your thyroid, see your doctor; thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T3, and Free T4 must be tested. Based on test results, your symptoms, and your physical exam, you may be prescribed synthetic hormones. 

#healthyliving - fats that won't make you fat

There are a lot of myths out there regarding nutrition. One of the biggest misconceptions is that fat makes you fat. Our society is obsessed with low-fat and fat-free products thinking they are healthier. This simply is not true. The majority of foods that are labeled low-fat or fat-free are refined processed foods in which the fat has been replaced with more sugar: bad option! Our body requires fat in order to function properly. Plus, many necessary vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning the only way your body can absorb them is in the presence of fat. 

Here are a few types of good fats that are great to incorporate into your diet. Not only will you feel better, but you will be less hungry, and your body won’t feel deprived. 

Nuts

Nuts are very diet-friendly and are loaded with a ton of amazing nutrients, healthy fats, and protein. Nuts are one of the best sources of alpha-lenolenic acid, a type of heart-healthy omega-3. Omega-3s offer numerous health benefits from lowering cholesterol to disease prevention. They are also rich in L-arginine, an amino acid that has been shown to boost immune function, promote wound healing, improve blood vessel function, and help manage cardiovascular disease. Additionally, nuts contain soluble fiber and Vitamin E. Fiber helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels while Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E is essential for proper immune function, healthy skin, and DNA repair. Good options are almonds, walnuts, and brazil nuts. You can add them in bars, salads, or alone. Nut butters are another delicious way to enjoy this nutrient-dense food.

Avocados 

They are an excellent source of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps cleanse and protect your body by detoxifying, removing heavy metals, and fighting free radicals. Glutathione helps maintain a healthy immune system and slows the aging process. Avocados are rich in folate, which has been shown to decrease the incidence of heart disease and stroke. They are also the best fruit source of Vitamin E. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut products offer an array of health benefits, and coconut oil is a great oil to use for cooking, or it can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, and other dishes. Coconut oil offers antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. Coconut oil had a bad reputation for a while primarily because it is composed of saturated fat, which we are told to stay away from. However, the saturated fat in coconut oil is different from that in animal products. The fatty acids in coconut oil are medium-chain triglycerides, which are easily metabolized and used as energy by the body. Research suggests that these fatty acids may boost your metabolism, promote weight loss, and increase HDL, the good, protective cholesterol in your body. 

Olive Oil 

This fantastic oil is rich in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, and vitamin E.  Olive oil is great for reducing blood pressure, cancer prevention, managing diabetes, and lessening the severity of asthma and arthritis. In fact, including olive oil in your diet can help you maintain a lower, healthy weight. 

Seeds 

Like nuts, seeds contain a number of heart healthy properties. They offer beneficial fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Seeds are also packed with health-promoting minerals such as magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Some great seeds to include in your diet are flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Chia seeds, in particular, are considered a superfood due to their extremely high nutrient profile. They are super rich in omega-3s, even more than flax seeds. Plus, they are loaded with powerful antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc. Seeds can be enjoyed many ways. They are great in smoothies, baked goods, nutrition bars, salads, trail mix, yogurt, and other foods. 

I'm glad to know that brazil nuts, avocatos and olive oil are in my list of favorite foods! ;-)

#contactdermatitis - common skin irritants found at home.

Chemicals and other irritants are so common, in fact, that many people don’t pay attention to minor skin rashes that come and go. For some, however, rashes and other skin problems can be a chronic issue, and a little knowledge about common skin irritants will go a long way toward solving the problem. Below is a list of some household skin irritants:

1. Soap:

Although we are encouraged to wash our hands often to ward off bacteria and viruses, washing too much can lead to dry, chapped skin. Eventually skin can crack and bleed. Soap removes natural oils from the skin, and can also cause contact dermatitis for people who are allergic to certain ingredients and fragrances found in a lot of soaps. 

2. Clothing:

Wool is notoriously itchy, and some people are genuinely allergic to it. Formaldehyde resins used on some fabrics can cause a variety of allergic reactions including dermatitis. If you suspect that certain articles of clothing are causing irritation, cotton and cotton poly fabrics are usually a safe option.

3. Clothing Detergent and Fabric Softeners:

People with skin allergies can be sensitive to the chemicals and fragrances contained in clothing detergent and fabric softeners. Some companies offer versions of their product that are free from fragrances and other allergens.

4. Household Cleaners:

If your skin is at all sensitive, you’ve probably experienced dryness or irritation after having contact with some common household cleaners. Products ranging from all-purpose cleaners to dish detergent and toilet disinfectants can cause problems if they come in contact with your skin. Protective gloves while using cleaning products are indicated; always make sure the area where you are using cleaners is well ventilated.

5. Latex:

Latex is a natural rubber found in many household gloves. Some people are hypersensitive to latex: any contact with it can cause severe symptoms and anaphylaxis. The American Latex Allergy Association provides more information.

6. Facial Creams:

If your skin stings or burns when you apply a facial cream, you should consider avoiding the product. Common irritants in facial creams include fragrances, ascorbic acid, paraban preservatives, and alpha hydroxy acids. Wrinkle creams, skin peels, and cleansers can all be major skin irritants.

7. Plants:

Most of us are familiar with the red, itchy rashes caused by poison ivy, but there are other plant irritants that can lurk in your yard. Poison oak and poison sumac are two other common offenders. All three contain urushiol, which triggers an allergic reaction. It’s a good idea to learn to recognize these plants so you can avoid them. The Poison Ivy, Oak, & Sumac Information Center provides identifying information and photos.

8. Nickel:

Allergies to nickel are relatively common. Nickel is found in watchbands, zippers, costume jewelry, and other common items.

9. Sunscreen:

Some chemicals in sunscreens can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. The most common reactions are to PABA-based chemicals, so it’s a good idea to seek out an alternative.

#antiaging food products: feeding for a great skin! Font: health.com

Carrots, peaches, and apricots

Eat it: Orange fruits and veggies are great sources of beta-carotene, a compound that converts into vitamin A preventing dry, flaky skin and reducing lines and wrinkles.

Apply it: St. Ives Timeless Skin Apricot Scrub moisturizes as it sloughs off dead skin cells.

Tomatoes

Eat it: A diet rich in tomatoes — packed with the powerful antioxidant lycopene—increases your body's ability to prevent skin damage from UV rays by as much as 30%.

Apply it: Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Daily Moisture Lotion SPF 28 contains lycopene to help reduce levels of free radicals.

Olives and olive oil

Eat it: These Mediterranean diet staples contain antioxidants like vitamin E that protect against free radicals and boost hydration.

Apply it: Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Peptide Complex ups moisture levels in skin and reduces fine lines.

Cherries, pomegranate, and blueberries

Eat it: Research shows that the antioxidants in these fruits prevent collagen destruction, protecting against wrinkles. They are also high in vitamin C, which is associated with fewer wrinkles and less skin dryness.

Apply it: Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment.

#melanoma - first approved treatment on the Programed Death (PD) for melanoma.

The first immunotherapy product to act on the programmed death (PD) pathway has just been granted its first approval in the world. Nivolumab has been approved for use in melanoma in Japan as Opdivo (Ono Pharmaceutical). The drug is licensed elsewhere to Bristol-Myers Squibb.

This is one of the most highly anticipated drug approvals in oncology — the product has shown unprecedented responses in melanoma, as well as several other tumor types, and the data on this drug have dominated the news coming out of oncology meetings for the last 2 years. It has led to a huge interest in immunotherapy, and manipulation of the PD pathway in particular, and many pharmaceutical companies are investing in this research area, considered to be one of the most promising in the whole cancer field.

The Japanese approval for nivolumab is for use in unresectable melanoma. Because there was a "very limited number" of patients treated with nivolumab in Japanese clinical trials, Ono company is required to perform a postmarketing use/results survey covering all cases until data on a certain minimum number of patients have been accumulated. Currently, only the chemotherapy dacarbazine is available as a standard drug therapy for patients with advanced melanoma in Japan.

Other Tumor Types

Although the clinical efficacy of nivolumab was first demonstrated in melanoma, it has since shown efficacy in a number of other tumor types, and Bristol-Myers Squibb has numerous studies with the drug ongoing.

In the United States, the US Food and Drug Administration has granted a fast track designation for melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, and it was recently granted breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma after failure of autologous stem cell transplant and brentuximab.

The market for cancer immunotherapy in major world markets is set to grow from a value of $1.1 billion in 2012 to nearly $9.0 billion in 2022, according to a new report from Decision Resources.

#onychomycosis - new topical treatment approved by US FDA.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved an antifungal called tavaborole 5% solution (Kerydin, Anacor Pharmaceuticals) for the topical treatment of toenail onychomycosis. Anacor specializes in drugs based on the element boron.

The drug is the second the FDA has approved within roughly a month for the topical treatment of toenail onychomycosis. On June , the agency cleared efinaconazole 10% solution (Jublia, Valeant Pharmaceuticals) for market take-off.

Tavaborole is indicated specifically for onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Label instructions call for once-a-day application to infected toenails for 48 weeks. Nail debridement is not necessary.

The FDA determined the efficacy and safety of tavaborole based on 2 multicenter, double-blind, randomized trials involving 1194 subjects. The primary endpoint was "complete cure," defined as a completely clear nail (0% clinical involvement), plus mycologic cure, consisting of a negative KOH test and a negative culture. Complete cure was found in 6.5% of patients using tavaborole in trial 1 and 9.1% of those in trial 2 compared with 0.5% and 1.5%, respectively, of patients applying the vehicle (control patients)..

#Alzheimer's - new research reveals risk and protection factors.

One in three cases of Alzheimer's disease worldwide could be prevented according to a new study from the University of Cambridge, UK. In an article published in The Lancet Neurology, a team of British scientists analyzed data from population-based surveys to discover the main risk factors for developing the disease. 

While age is the major risk factor for most cases of Alzheimer's, there are several factors that can increase or decrease the chances of a person to develop the disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, depression, smoking and low level of education. According to the scientists, one third of Alzheimer's cases may be connected to factors linked to the lifestyle of patients, which can be modified. These factors are often associated; for example, the reduction of dedentarism also decreases, as consequence, the rates of obesity, hypertension and diabetes. 

The researchers then looked at how to reduce these risk factors could affect the number of cases of the disease in the future. They found that by reducing each risk factor in 10%, nearly nine million cases of the disease could be prevented by 2050. Current estimates suggest that over 106 million people worldwide will live with Alzheimer's in 2050, more than three times the number of people affected in 2010. 

Among the risk factors, the highest proportion of cases of Alzheimer's in the United States, Britain and elsewhere in Europe can be attributed to physical inactivity. According to the study, one third of the adult population of these countries do not practice physical activities. In conclusion, although there is not a single way to prevent the disease, some changes in habits and lifestyle mayi, in the future, reduce the risk of dementia in old age.

#psoriasis - a promising new treatment. Font: CBC News

Dr. Richard Langley, a professor at Dalhousie Medical School in Halifax, headed an international team of researchers in a study which verified the protein that causes psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease which affects roughly 1 - 2% of the world's population. The study also identified a promising new treatment.

Psoriasis causes painful, itchy lesions and has been linked to a host of other medical problems. Patients who have psoriasis are at a higher risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, arthritis, even inflammatory bowel disease. Many patients feel stigmatized by the condition. In children, this can result in sufferers not wanting to play sports or go swimming for fear of being teased or having their skin condition exposed. Psoriasis also affects people as they shift into adulthood and some are hesitant to enter relationships because of the condition.

This new research focused on identifying IL-17, the protein which is linked to psoriasis, as well as developing secukinumab, a molecule which targets IL-17 and has had promising results when it comes to treating the skin disease. For the trial, patients received a weekly, and later monthly, injection. The results of the trial found secukinumab was almost twice as effective as some other treatments currently on the market! The study was funded by the drug company Novartis. 

When this treatment might be available to the public is unknown, as approval is currently being sought from Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The cost of treatment is also unknown. The findings of the research appeared in last week's New England Journal of Medicine.