Cat Health

Vaccine guidelines promised by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Academy of Feline Medicine1 have finally been completed. In January 1997, the Advisory Panel on Feline Vaccines of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Academy of Feline Medicine (the AAFP/AFM), established practice guidelines for vaccinating cats.
AAFP Vaccine Recommendations
Feline Vaccination Protocol
Vaccines continue to play an important role in the control and prevention of feline infectious disease in an overall preventative health care program for cats. The ubiquitous nature and the seriousness of infection with feline panleukopenia (FPV), feline viral rhinotracheitis (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), and rabies justifies vaccinating all cats against these diseases. These vaccines will be referred to as CORE vaccines. Vaccines against chlamydiosis, FeLV, FIP, and ringworm will be called NON-CORE vaccines. Factors that affect the immune response to vaccines should be considered prior to vaccine administration. Cats at high risk of exposure, such as those entering boarding facilities, or shown frequently at cat shows, may benefit from more frequent revaccination. DOI studies indicate that three-year rabies vaccines demonstrate effective immunity.
While vaccine administration is not an innocuous procedure, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks for the majority of cats. The objective of feline vaccination protocols should be to vaccinate more cats in the population, vaccinate individuals less frequently, and only for the diseases for which there is a risk of exposure and disease.
Vaccine site recommendations should be followed in accordance with those established by the AAFP and the Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force. It is important to standardize vaccine sites.
Administration of vaccines more frequently than that recommended by the manufacturer is neither endorsed nor recommended. A routine physical examination is recommended prior to the administration of vaccines to cats. CORE vaccines should be administered to healthy FeLV and FIV infected cats. Killed virus vaccines are preferred for immunocompromised patients because of the potential risks for vaccine-induced infections with modified live virus vaccines.
Vaccinating cats receiving corticosteroid therapy is controversial. The actual risks associated with vaccination of pregnant cats are poorly documented. It is recommended that individuals administering vaccines record the following information in a permanent medical record of the patient: date the vaccine was administered, name of the person administering the vaccine, vaccine lot number or serial number, expiration date of the vaccine, name of the vaccine, vaccine manufacturer, and site of vaccine administration.

Mental Health

Your Area Agency also has information on home care agencies and volunteer groups that provide transportation, chore, respite, yard work and home repair services. In addition to your Area Agency on Aging, good sources for referrals to individual home care workers and home care agencies include the Hospital or Nursing Home Discharge Planner or Social Worker, if your older relative has been hospitalized.
If you decide to hire a home care worker, you will need to determine how much help your older relative needs. You also need to decide what type of home care worker your relative needs. Following are descriptions of the types of home care personnel available:
A Homemaker or Personal Care Worker is supervised by an agency or you and provides personal care, meal planning and household management and medication reminders.
Nonprofit and for profit home care agencies recruit, train, and pay the worker. Social Service agencies, in addition to home care services, may provide an assessment of the client's needs by a nurse or social worker, and help with the adjustment or coordination of the care plan.
Home Mental Health Care Agencies focus on the medical aspects of care and provide trained health care personnel, such as nurses and physical therapists.
Who supervises the worker?
Unless your older relative needs care for a limited number of hours each day, the rates charged by private home care agencies for homemaker home mental health aide services and van services for transportation are often beyond the means of middle income families. If an older person is discharged from a hospital and receives skilled health care services at home, such as nursing or physical therapy, they are usually eligible for homemaker-home health aide services from home care agencies paid for under Medicare. When hiring the worker yourself, be sure that the home care worker has the necessary qualifications and/or training. If your older relative needs a considerable amount of help or round the clock care, consider hiring live-in help. If the home care worker is going to drive the family car, be sure to check with your insurance company concerning any limitations on your policy.
Your interview with the prospective home care worker should include a full discussion of the client's needs and limitations; as well as the home care worker's experience in caregiving and her expectations. If the home care worker has a car, discuss use of the worker's car on the job, insurance coverage for the worker's car or other travel arrangements.
If you work and are heavily dependent on the home care worker, emphasize the importance of being informed as soon as possible so that you can make alternative arrangements, if the home care worker is going to be late or absent. You should have a list of home care agencies, neighbors, or family members who can step in should the home care worker be late or absent from work.
Respite care services can be arranged through your Area Agency on Aging. While home care may not necessarily be less expensive than nursing home care or assisted living, it offers older people and their families the opportunity to remain at home and together.

Dog Health

It's now a well established fact that being a dog owner helps you live a longer, healthier, happier life. All the benefits of Yoga, suppleness, flexibility and muscle toning and dogs can join in too. Take your dog with you on that journey for internal peace. An excellent work out for both human and dog is a good old ‘tug-o-war’. Walking the dog should never be a chore.
Make minor diet adjustments. Changing an overweight dog’s portion size beats re-designing his whole diet plan.
A camping trip with your dog is fun and can offer lots of opportunity for exercise. If you are looking for an easy ride, but want your dog to get a work out get a Frisbee. If possible, incorporate water into the activity. If you have a lazy dog, a good way to encourage exercise is to move his toys whenever you go upstairs. Long haired breeds require frequent grooming. You will notice that your dog will only ‘shake out’ when his head gets wet.
Older dogs will benefit from a presence of fish in the diet.

For a dog health coat. Even the dog should get some factor 12 on his nose.
Water, water everywhere. It is always good for the dog to have a fresh water supply, as an over excited dog can become de-hydrated very quickly.

Regular Check ups. A great way to judge a dog health is by the state of his coat. A full, glossy coat spells a healthy, well looked after dog. Former West Ham United star John Harley is famous amongst his football pals for training with his dog. Anything athletic will or at least should, appeal to a healthy dog. This works all muscle groups. Most dogs love a good splash about, you’ll spot the ones that don’t.

World Health Organization

(NewsTarget) The world remains at great risk of infectious disease epidemics and pandemics, and new diseases are emerging at an "historically unprecedented" rate, according to an annual report from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The report, titled "A Safer Future," says that never before have new diseases developed at such a high rate, averaging more than one per year. Since the 1970s, the WHO has identified 39 new diseases, including Ebola, SARS, bird flu, Nipahvirus and Marburg hemorrhagic fever.

With the ever-increasing pace of global transportation, diseases are also spreading faster than ever. The WHO says that with 2.1 billion airline passengers per year, the risk of a new major epidemic is high. Diseases such as cholera, epidemic meningococcal disease and yellow fever have made comebacks, while new diseases such as bird flu have the potential to infect as much as 25 percent of global population. Poor medical practices, such as misuse of antibiotics, also make the emergence of drug-resistant strains ever more likely.

"It would be extremely naive and complacent to assume that there will not be another disease like AIDS, another Ebola or another SARS, sooner or later," the report says.

The World Health Organization has recorded more than 1,100 epidemics worldwide in just the last five years, including bird flu, cholera and polio.

The report urged both rich and poor governments to share information, skills and technology with each other.

"Given today's universal vulnerability to these threats, better security calls for global solidarity," said World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan. "International public health security is both a collective aspiration and a mutual responsibility."

Many countries have been reluctant to share information with the World Health Organization or other countries, for fear that the information will be used to their detriment. Indonesia, for example, has refused to hand over samples of the H5N1 avian flu, claiming that pharmaceutical companies will just use the information to develop and patent costly vaccines that the poor of Indonesia cannot afford.

Health Care

Health care embraces all the goods and services designed to promote health, including “preventive, curative and palliative interventions, whether directed to individuals or to populations”.The National Health Service in the United Kingdom was the world's first universal health care system provided by government. Universal health care contrasts to the systems like health care in the United States or South Africa, though South Africa is one of the many countries attempting health care reform.

Health care systems
Purely private enterprise health care systems are comparatively rare. A Publicly funded health care model is where the residents of the country are insured by the State. Within this branch is Single-payer health care, which describes a type of financing system in which a single entity, typically a government run organisation, acts as the administrator (or "payer") to collect all health care fees, and pay out all health care costs. In practice this means that the government collects taxes from the public, businesses, etc., creates an entity to administer the supply of health care and then pays health care professionals. In almost every country with a government health care system a parallel private system is allowed to operate. This is sometimes referred to as two-tier health care.
World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised United Nations agency which acts as a coordinator and researcher for public health around the world.
Health care systems
Australia and New Zealand both have publicly funded health care systems, though under the Conservative government in Australia, there has been new funding and incentives for people who pay for private health insurance.
Medicare was introduced by the Whitlam Labor Government on 1 July 1975 through the Health Insurance Act 1973. All of Europe has publicly sponsored and regulated health care.
Health care in the Republic of Ireland
Health care in the Republic of Ireland is governed by the Health Act 2004, which established a new body to govern the national health service in the Republic of Ireland, the Health Service Executive. Currently the HSE is continuing to manage the health service under the Health Act 1970 structures.
Health care in Slovenia

The Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (the Institute) was founded on March 1, 1992, according to the Law on health care and health insurance, after declaring independence from Yugoslavia. The Institute conducts its business as a public institute, bound by statute to provide compulsory health insurance. The system provided the insured persons with a smart card and set up data links between the health care service providers and health insurance providers (the Health Insurance Institute and the two voluntary health insurance providers).
Health care in Switzerland is regulated by the Federal Health Insurance Act. Health insurance covers the costs of medical treatment and hospitalisation of the insured.

health beauty

Natural Face masks are more than just goofy tricks that women try to get their "beauty rest." They are an important part of skin care. Facial masks can be soothing or energizing, and the actions and rituals often involved with applying them can be an effective tension reliever.
A facial mask is generally defined as a substance that is applied to the face, much like smearing on cream. Many masks make use of clay or gel as a base, as these will stay in place when applied, and they are generally harmless to most skin types (although gel is used most for sensitive skin, as heavy clays irritate it). The materials in most masks are safe to be washed down the drain.
Most facial masks include both deep cleaning and moisturizing ingredients within them. This allows the pores in the face to be cleansed completely, getting rid of oily build up and trapped dirt. This can help reduce or even prevent blemishes. Additionally, many masks help slough off dead skin. The dead top skin is inert and lusterless. This leaves younger, healthier cells exposed as the face's surface. This means tighter skin and a more glowing complexion. In spas, these masks are applied with special techniques and often include a massage. You can give your own face a soft massage just prior to applying the treatment, and if you are systematic about it, you can apply the mask in a way that is exceptionally soothing. All masks should be applied to a freshly washed face, rinsed with warm water. Apply the mask in a circular motion until it covers the face. Finally, when it is time to rinse the mask, do so in cold water. Many people enjoy making their own facial masks from normal household products like bananas (for wrinkles), avocados, and honey (antibacterial). Butter can also be used as a remedy for dry skin. Other masks can be created using different compositions of clays, and different essential oils can be used for distinct skin types. Oatmeal is very soothing, and most sensitive skin types can use masks of this sort.

health insurance

Who and where are the 45 million Americans that the Census Bureau found without health insurance? Roughly a third of those lacking insurance earn $50,000 a year or more. The BlueCross BlueShield study notes that 1 in 3 of the uninsured are eligible for — but not enrolled in — a government-sponsored health program. Because Medicaid and children's health programs allow patients to be signed up literally in the ER, these individuals could be covered; they just choose not to do the paperwork.

And of the remaining uninsured, 6 million lack insurance for only a few months.

The bottom line: About 8.2 million Americans, not 45 million, are chronically uninsured and low-income. And they are the working poor. They have jobs but, because of the high cost of insurance, no coverage. Insurance is expensive. In an attempt to make health insurance more equitable and fair, regulation after regulation was added to the books. Many states now dictate what health insurance must cover (including pastoral counseling in Vermont), who must be covered and at what price. That millions of people lack insurance isn't surprising: Millions of Americans would lack clothes too, if governments insisted that we shop only at Saks.

What, then, to do about the uninsured? President Bush wants to give every uninsured person a tax credit for $1,000 to help with the cost of coverage. The plan offers too much help to those who don't need it and does too little for the working poor. State regulations have crippled insurance choices and driven up the cost of coverage in many jurisdictions. By shopping around, uninsured Americans could find a low-regulation (and thus low-cost) state in which to buy coverage. According to a recent study published in Health Affairs, the government spends almost $35 billion a year providing care to those lacking coverage. Because these programs primarily fund emergency care provided by hospitals rather than insurance, they end up serving hospitals' interests more than patient health.

Here's an alternative: Washington should offer states block funding (using welfare reform as a model) and allow them to experiment with coverage options. Some states would spend the money on the people who need it most: the chronically uninsured. By not focusing on the higher-income uninsured, or those eligible for government insurance, a state-created voucher program could potentially offer thousands of dollars per person for coverage — enough to buy insurance in any state in the nation.

Vitamin d deficiency

Many Americans, particularly African Americans, may be suffering from unrecognized deficiencies of a key nutrient -- vitamin D -- that increase the risk of bone problems and perhaps a host of other diseases, a growing number of scientists say.
Pediatricians scattered around the country have been surprised to see children suffering from rickets, a bone disorder caused by vitamin D deficiency that had been largely relegated to a bygone era. In response, many scientists have begun pushing to sharply boost the official recommendations for how much vitamin D everyone should get daily, either by taking supplements, by eating more food that contains the nutrient or from the sun -- a major source of vitamin D.
Suggestions that people get more sun exposure, however, have sparked an unusually intense, and sometimes bitter, debate. Skin cancer experts are alarmed that people will disregard warnings about unprotected sun exposure, making them more vulnerable to what is the most common malignancy.
The debate is complicated by the many uncertainties about vitamin D. Skin produces vitamin D when hit by ultraviolet light in sunlight. The amount depends on where people live, skin pigment, age and other factors. With people spending more time indoors, covering up and slathering on sunblock when they are outside, and smog obscuring the sun on many days, the amount of vitamin D people create naturally is probably very low, many scientists say.
"All along the northern United States, where we have long winters, a lot of snow, not much sunshine all winter, there is endemic vitamin D deficiency," said Paresh Dandona of the State University of New York at Buffalo, who treated six patients disabled by misdiagnosed vitamin D deficiencies.
A number of studies have found what could be disturbingly low levels of vitamin D in many populations, including children, the elderly and women. One federal study of women nationwide found that perhaps nearly half of African American women of childbearing age may be vitamin D deficient.
Milk was fortified with vitamin D in the 1930s to eliminate the disorder, which can cause bowlegs and other bone malformations. Formula is fortified with vitamin D, but breast milk contains little, especially among women with dark skin.

In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics last spring instructed pediatricians to prescribe that all children, especially breast-fed babies, take vitamin D supplements through adolescence.
While it is clear that low vitamin D levels can lead to rickets in children, muscle problems in older people and probably brittle bones in the elderly, the link to other serious illnesses remains far more tentative. Vitamin D appears to interact with virtually every tissue in the body. Moreover, the incidence of certain diseases seems to vary depending on sun exposure and vitamin D levels.
"The highest rate of prostate cancer is among African Americans, followed by countries in northern Europe. "One way that they are alike is both groups have very low levels of vitamin D."
Similarly, vitamin D appears to damp down the immune system, and researchers have also found associations among sun exposure, vitamin D levels and the incidence of "autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and diabetes, in which the immune system attacks the body.
Some studies suggest vitamin D can reduce blood pressure, which would cut the risk for heart disease and strokes -- the nation's leading causes of death. Others suggest that low vitamin D levels may contribute to depression and other psychiatric conditions.
"It's a major health problem," said Michael F. Holick, a Boston University scientist who is the most prominent proponent of the role of vitamin D in health. "Everybody has always associated vitamin D deficiency with rickets in children, and after childhood you don't have to worry. Many people are not getting even that amount of sun exposure on a regular basis, Holick and others say.
"There's no question that chronic, excessive exposure to sunlight and sunburning incidents markedly increases your risk for skin cancer. But there's little evidence out there that if you practice safe sun exposure, it would increase your risk for skin cancer or wrinkling," Holick said.
But dermatologists and skin cancer experts argue that those recommendations are irresponsible and have little firm scientific support.
"Dr. Holick says vitamin D is a cure-all magic pill. If everyone took vitamin D, there would be no more cancer. But there's no evidence that is true," said James Spencer, vice chairman of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
"Ultraviolet light contained in sunlight causes skin cancer and wrinkles. "We already have an epidemic of skin cancer in this country."
Many experts who believe vitamin D deficiencies play an important role in a range of diseases say people can get enough safely by taking vitamin D supplements, sidestepping the contentious sunlight debate.
"There's a lot of emotion in this fight, which is unfortunate," said Hector F. DeLuca, who studies vitamin D at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. We really need to address two important questions: Are we getting enough vitamin D?

Vitamin K

In 1929, Danish scientist Henrik Dam investigated the role of cholesterol by feeding chickens a cholesterol-depleted diet.[6]For several decades the vitamin K-deficient chick model was the only method of quantitating of vitamin K in various foods: the chicks were made vitamin K-deficient and subsequently fed with known amounts of vitamin K-containing food.
Function in the cell
The precise function of vitamin K was not discovered until 1974, when three laboratories (Stenflo et al.[10][12]) isolated the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor prothrombin (Factor II) from cows that received a high dose of a vitamin K antagonist, warfarin. The extra carboxyl group in Gla made clear that vitamin K plays a role in a carboxylation reaction during which Glu is converted into Gla.
Within the cell, Vitamin K undergoes electron reduction to a reduced form of Vitamin K (called Vitamin K hydroquinone) by the enzyme Vitamin K epoxide reductase (or VKOR).[13]The carboxylation reaction will only proceed if the carboxylase enzyme is able to oxidize Vitamin K hydroquinone to vitamin K epoxide at the same time; the carboxylation and epoxidation reactions are said to be coupled reactions. Vitamin K epoxide is then re-converted to Vitamin K by the Vitamin K epoxide reductase. These two enzymes comprise the so-called Vitamin K cycle.[16]Warfarin and other coumadin drugs block the action of the Vitamin K epoxide reductase.[17]See Warfarin.
Gla-proteins
At present, the following human Gla-containing proteins have been characterized to the level of primary structure: the blood coagulation factors II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X, the anticoagulant proteins C and S, and the Factor X-targeting protein Z. The bone Gla-protein osteocalcin, the calcification inhibiting matrix gla protein (MGP), the cell growth regulating growth arrest specific gene 6 protein (Gas6), and the four transmembrane Gla proteins (TMGPs) the function of which is at present unknown. Remarkably, in some cases activation is accomplished by snake Gla-containing enzymes that bind to the endothelium of human blood vessels and catalyze the conversion of procoagulant clotting factors into activated ones, leading to unwanted and potentially deadly clotting.
Another interesting class of invertebrate Gla-containing proteins is synthesized by the fish-hunting snail Conus geographus.[18]Several of the conotoxins contain 2-5 Gla residues.[19]
Function in Bacteria
Many bacteria, such as Escherichia coli found in the large intestine, can synthesize Vitamin K2 (menaquinone),[20] but not Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). In these bacteria, menaquinone will transfer two electrons between two different small molecules, in a process called anaerobic respiration.[21]The menaquinone, with the help of another enzyme, will in turn transfer these 2 electrons to a suitable oxidant, such fumarate or nitrate (also called an electron acceptor). Escherichia coli can carry out aerobic respiration and menaquninone-mediated anaerobic respiration.

Vitamin b12

One of the most important nutrients we get from animal foods is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 works with folic acid in many body processes including synthesis of DNA, red blood cells and the insulation sheath (the myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve cells and facilitates the conduction of signals in the nervous system.
ABSORPTION
Absorption of vitamin B12 is a complex process, subject to problems at several points.
B12 from animal food enters the stomach as part of animal proteins and must first be liberated by pepsin and hydrochloric acid. Free B12 then attaches to R-protein, which is released from the salivary cells and parietal cells (the same cells that release hydrochloric acid). B12 then binds with the intrinsic factor and proceeds through the gut to the lower portion of the small intestine, where the intrinsic factor-B12 complex attaches to cell receptors, a process that involves calcium.
Thus, deficiencies in pepsin, hydrochloric acid, R-protein, pancreatic enzymes, intrinsic factor, calcium and cell receptors can all lead to B12 deficiency through blocked absorption.
Deficiency in the required enzymes can block this conversion.
Fortunately, the body absorbs about 1-5 percent of free B12 by a process of passive diffusion. Thus supplementation with large doses of crystalline B12 or with foods extremely rich in B12 can successfully treat deficiencies caused by compromised protein digestion or lack of R-protein, intrinsic factor or pancreatic enzymes. Supplementation with the coenzyme forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin (the forms found in the cells) can overcome B12 deficiency in the cells caused by lack of, or malfunction of, conversion enzymes.
VEGETARIANS
B12 is found almost exclusively in animal foods such as liver, kidney, meat, fish, shellfish, milk products and eggs but the original source of B12 in nature is bacteria, the only creatures able to manufacture this vitamin. Some studies indicate that B12 is better absorbed from milk than from meat.5 However, one source indicates that B12 in milk is destroyed by boiling.6 Analysis of B12 in pasteurized milk reveals only a 10 percent loss; however pasteurization deforms the milk proteins that aid in B12 absorption.7
Interestingly, some sources claim that fermentation of yoghurt from milk lowers B12 levels,8 although food tables indicate similar levels in commercial milk and yoghurt.
Proponents of vegetarianism pointed to inhabitants of India, who did not seem to exhibit signs of B12 deficiency in spite of very low levels of animal foods in the diet. Yet as early as 1974, an American study found that 92 percent of vegans, 64 percent of lactovegetarians, 47 percent of lacto-ovovegetarians and 20 percent of semi-vegetarians have blood levels below normal, that is, below the low range that marks the onset of pernicious anemia.10
Plant foods said to be sources of B12 actually contain B12 analogs (called cobamides)--substances that block the uptake of true B12 and increase the body’s need for the nutrient.12 A surprising source of cobamides is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines, which can produce B12 analogs.13 The use of antibiotics, or a diet high in refined carbohydrates, can encourage the proliferation of bacterial overgrowth and lead to B12 deficiencies.
The late Victor Herbert, a noted B12 researcher, maintains that many multivitamin products contain spurious and even dangerous analogs of B12 possibly formed when crystalline B12 interacts with other nutrients in multivitamin products, such as vitamin C, iron and copper.14
High levels of folic acid can accelerate neuropsychiatric complications in persons with B12 deficiency.15 Since folic acid intakes of vegetarians tend to be high (from green vegetables and from grain products that have been fortified with folic acid), those following a vegetarian lifestyle may be at increased risk of neurological and psychological problems.
The body stores considerable B12 in the liver. Thus a delay of 5-10 years may separate the beginning of a vegetarian diet (or absorption problems) and the onset of deficiency symptoms. Some people have a more efficient recycling system than others and hence can go longer on a vegetarian diet without signs of deficiency. However, more B12 is excreted in the presence of high levels of fiber, a common feature of vegetarian diets.17
Vegan and vegetarian diets present a real danger for growing children because their stores are very low, especially if their mothers avoided animal foods during pregnancy and lactation. The scientific literature contains numerous case studies describing severe anemia, dramatic growth retardation, irritability and delays in the acquisition of motor skills in B12-deficient children from vegetarian families.
In a recent study, researchers assayed cognitive development in 72 young people raised on diets free of all animal products until at least the age of six and then on a diet containing milk and eggs. When compared with children who had eaten normal mixed diets (including meat) all their lives, they scored substantially lower on tests measuring spatial ability, short-term memory and "fluid intelligence," that is, the capacity to solve complex problems, abstract thinking ability and the ability to learn.18
MEASURING B12 DEFICIENCY
American medical opinion defines blood levels lower than 200 pg/mL as an indication of deficiency. This number is based on the level associated with the most severe manifestation of deficiency, pernicious anemia. Physicians in these countries consider blood levels of 500-1300 to be the normal range.19
According to Dr. John Dommisse, an expert in B12 deficiency, the acceptance of high levels as normal in Japan, and the willingness to readily treat psychiatric symptoms with B12 explains the low rates of Alzheimer’s dementia in that country--as well as the reason for the very high rates of Alzheimer’s in the US.20
PERNICIOUS ANEMIA
The most common underlying cause of pernicious anemia is an autoimmune reaction that attacks and destroys the stomach cells that produce intrinsic factor. The disease is characterized by immature, abnormally large red blood cells (macrocytes), which are very inefficient at carrying oxygen, and by white blood cells with abnormal nuclei.
Early symptoms of pernicious anemia include paleness, weakness and fatigue; severe anemia causes shortness of breath, dizziness and a rapid heart rate.
Those suffering from pernicious anemia require very high levels of B12 to overcome the lack of intrinsic factor. Today doctors prescribe injections or oral supplements of even higher doses.
SYMPTOMS OF AGING
B12 deficiency mimics many of the features of old age--ataxia (shaky movements and unsteady gait) muscle weakness, spasticity, incontinence, slowed reactions, memory loss, disorientation, depression and confusion can all occur when B12 levels are low.
Whether or not Alzheimer’s disease constitutes a condition of B12 deficiency is the subject of considerable debate among physicians. A recent and fascinating study of a family in Wales provides convincing evidence that low levels of B12 and Alzheimer’s are linked.22
Researchers evaluated members of a family with a genetic predisposition towards Alzheimer’s disease. They found that four out of six (67 percent) family members with confirmed Alzheimer’s disease had abnormally low blood levels of vitamin B12, compared to one out of 12 (8 percent) who were at equal genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s but did not. The researchers speculated that a vitamin B12 deficiency could result in impaired methylation reactions in the central nervous system, a characteristic feature of Alzheimer’s, as well as the possibility that the genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s may actually be related to a genetic impairment in the ability to absorb B12.
Investigators have found vitamin B12 deficiency in 3-42 percent of persons aged 65 and older. In a recent study of geriatric patients, 43 percent had levels below 295 pmol/L.23 Should a higher point be used as bench mark, it is likely that almost all seniors would be diagnosed as deficient.
Research shows tremendous potential for B12 to reverse mental decline in elderly patients.
HEART DISEASE
It was Dr. Kilmer McCully who elucidated high blood homocysteine levels as a marker for heart disease.
CANCER
Low levels of B12 are associated with cancer of the cervix27 and the breast28 in human studies.
In one study, high levels of vitamin B12 were associated with an up to 3-fold increase in risk of developing prostate cancer.29
Furthermore, holistic physicians have reported good results giving B12 to cancer patients. Dr. Max Gerson, who treated terminal cancer patients with extraordinary success, gave his patients liver injections, often combined with additional B12.32
NERVOUS DISORDERS
Recurrent seizures may be a manifestation of B12 deficiency. One study found that individuals who suffered from seizures had low B12 levels.36
Other neurological problems associated with B12 deficiency include urinary incontinence37 and migraine headaches.38 In one case history, B12 worked better than steroids as a treatment for Bell’s palsy.39 Another case study reports that shaky leg syndrome responds well to B12 injections.40
FERTILITY
B12 plays a critical role in cellular replication so it is no surprise that deficiency can manifest as low sperm count. High doses are key to successful treatment. In one study, 27 percent of men with sperm counts less than 20 million given 1000 mcg per day of vitamin B12 were able to achieve a total count in excess of 100 million;41 in a study in which men were given 6000 mcg per day, 57 percent of men with low sperm counts demonstrated improvement.42
As pernicious anemia often leads to infertility, B12 supplements can allow a woman to conceive. Prolonged B12 deficiency results in infertility.
OTHER DISEASES
Osteoblast activity in the bones depends on B12 and bone metabolism is affected by deficiency.44 Low B12 is associated with osteoporosis45 and B12 supplements can help remineralize the bones.46
B12 deficiency occurs in 10-35 percent of all patients tested positive for HIV, attributed to various factors such as low intake, reduced absorption and depletion by drugs like AZT. B12 deficiency exacerbates neurological symptoms of AIDS. Researchers in Germany have reported using B12 as part of the successful treatment of a variety of skin conditions, such as hives, seborrhea, dermatitis, eczema, shingles and lupus.49 One journal article describes a successful treatment for psoriasis.50 Huge doses were needed--30 injections of 1000 micrograms each. Deafness is associated with B12 deficiency; supplements have been useful in treating tinnitus and noise-related hearing loss.55
B12 may be necessary for antibody response;58 low levels are associated with impaired immunity and increased infections.59
B12 injections have been beneficial in treating viral hepatitis.62
The many factors in our modern lifestlye that block the complicated uptake pathways of this important nutrient--from nutrient deficiencies to exposure to toxins to factors in processed foods that cause reduced stomach acid, autoimmune disease and enzyme disruption--make it difficult to obtain sufficient quantities from our normal diet; and since vitamin B12 in supplements is produced in exactly the same way as B12 in nature, that is, by bacterial fermentation, the danger of high doses in most cases is negligible.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans, and is a powerful biological antioxidant. Studies are underway to determine whether vitamin E might help prevent or delay the development of those chronic diseases.
What foods provide vitamin E?
Vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables are the main dietary sources of vitamin E. Fortified cereals are also an important source of vitamin E in the United States. The table of selected food sources of vitamin E suggests foods that contain vitamin E.
What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin E for adults?
The 2000 RDAs for vitamin E for adults, in International Units (IUs) are: 22 IU for men and women over age 19 including pregnant women, and 28 IU for lactating women.
The RDA for vitamin E is based on the alpha-tocopherol form because it is the most active, or usable, form.
When can vitamin E deficiency occur?
Vitamin E deficiency is rare in humans. A vitamin E deficiency is usually characterized by neurological problems due to poor nerve conduction.
Who may need extra vitamin E to prevent a deficiency?
Individuals who cannot absorb fat may require a vitamin E supplement because some dietary fat is needed for the absorption of vitamin E from the gastrointestinal tract.
Very low birth weight infants may be deficient in vitamin E . Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare inherited disorder of fat metabolism that results in poor absorption of dietary fat and vitamin E. Individuals with abetalipoproteinemia may be prescribed special vitamin E supplements by a physician to treat this disorder.
Current Issues and Controversies about Vitamin E
Vitamin E and heart disease
Preliminary research has led to a widely held belief that vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease. Vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol. Vitamin E also may help prevent the formation of blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack.
Observational studies have associated lower rates of heart disease with higher vitamin E intake.
A study of approximately 90,000 nurses suggested that the incidence of heart disease was 30% to 40% lower among nurses with the highest intake of vitamin E from diet and supplements. The range of intakes from both diet and supplements in this group was 21.6 to 1,000 IU (32 to 1,500 mg), with the median intake being 208 IU (139 mg).
• A 1994 review of 5,133 Finnish men and women aged 30 - 69 years suggested that increased dietary intake of vitamin E was associated with decreased mortality (death) from heart disease. The researchers suggested that it is unlikely that the vitamin E supplement provided any protection against cardiovascular disease in the HOPE study.
Vitamin E and cancer
Antioxidants such as vitamin E help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer.
Some evidence associates higher intake of vitamin E with a decreased incidence of prostate cancer and breast cancer. There is evidence that vitamin E may reduce the size of cysts in women with fibrocystic breast disease, which is a risk factor for breast cancer. However, an examination of the effect of dietary factors, including vitamin E, on incidence of postmenopausal breast cancer in over 18,000 women from New York State did not associate a greater vitamin E intake with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
A study of women in Iowa provided evidence that an increased dietary intake of vitamin E may decrease the risk of colon cancer, especially in women under 65 years of age. On the other hand, vitamin E intake was not statistically associated with risk of colon cancer in almost 2,000 adults with cancer who were compared to controls without cancer.
At this time there is limited evidence to recommend vitamin E supplements for the prevention of cancer.
Vitamin E and cataracts
Observational studies have found that lens clarity, which is used to diagnose cataracts, was better in regular users of vitamin E supplements and in persons with higher blood levels of vitamin E.
What is the health risk of too much vitamin E?
The health risk of too much vitamin E is low.
Even though this study provides evidence that taking a vitamin E supplement containing 530 mg or 800 IU for four months is safe, the long term safety of vitamin E supplementation has not been tested.
Some food sources of vitamin E
Vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables are good dietary sources of vitamin E. Food manufacturers fortify many foods with vitamins and minerals. Almonds, dry roasted, 1 oz: 7.5 IU ~ 25% DV
Safflower oil, 1 Tb: 4.7 IU ~ 15% DV
Corn oil, 1 Tb: 2.9 IU ~ 10% DV
Turnip greens, frozen, boiled, 1/2 c: 2.4 IU ~ 8% DV
Mango, raw, 1 fruit: 2.3 IU ~ 8% DV
Peanuts, dry roasted, 1 oz: 2.1 IU ~ 8% DV
Kiwi, 1 medium fruit: 0.85 IU ~ 2% DV
Spinach, frozen, boiled, 1/2 c: 0.85 IU ~ 2% DV
•

Vitamin World

Nutritional supplements are in huge demand and one of the most established companies in this competitive market is Vitamin World. Vitamin World is a well established manufacturer and retailer of nutritional supplements. There are over 550 Vitamin World stores in the United States. The Vitamin World website has an extremely efficient automated order fulfilment system that is extremely sophisticated. The manufacturing side of Vitamin World was established in the 1960s in Long Island, New York. Nowadays, vitamin world produces more than a thousand nutritional supplement products. The product range that Vitamin has is extremely extensive and includes vitamins, minerals and herbs in every available type including tablets, two piece capsules, soft gel capsules, powders and liquids. All of the Vitamin World products are manufactured in their own state-of-the art facilities in Long Island. The demand for quality nutritional supplements is constantly increasing and Vitamin World keeps ahead of the trends with its own scientists and researchers striving to develop new products to satisfy the needs of the public. The processes used by Vitamin World have become the benchmark for many other nutritional supplement manufacturers and retailers to aspire to. The efficiency of their website strives to deliver quality vitamin supplement products in the shortest time possible and guarantees full customer satisfaction.

Vitamin Water

Vitamin waters have recently appeared in every drug store and natural-foods market around town, their pastel-colored liquids promising flavor, their labels promising potency and/or wisdom with every sip. Most of the 15 varieties of VitaminWater contain 100 percent of the FDA's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C per bottle, 25 to 50 percent of four B vitamins, and unspecified amounts of magnesium lactate, calcium lactate, and monopotassium phosphate, all labeled "electrolytes." 2½ cups (20 ounces) filtered or distilled water
¼ teaspoon Nature's Path Buffered C powder ($9.99 for a 4-ounce jar at Madison Market)1
¼ teaspoon Twinlab Super B Complex liquid vitamins ($16.19 for an 8-ounce bottle at Rainbow Natural Remedies)2
3/8 capsule of Natural brand guarana seed extract ($7.79 for 90 capsules at Madison Market)
3 tablespoons (1 ounce) crystalline fructose ($1.19 per pound bulk at Madison Market)Power C ("dragonfruit")
2½ cups filtered or distilled water
½ teaspoon Buffered C powder1
¼ teaspoon Super B Complex2
1/5 drop AquaChrome chromium ($9.95 for a 300-drop vial at Rainbow Natural Remedies)
Several shavings off a Country Life 50-milligram zinc tablet ($7.39 for 100 at Madison Market)
3 tablespoons (1 ounce) crystalline fructoseFocus ("kiwi-strawberry")
2½ cups filtered or distilled water
¼ teaspoon Buffered C powder1
1/8–1/12 teaspoon Super B complex
1 small drop from a Nature's Life 20-milligram lutein capsule ($19.99 for a bottle of 60 at Madison Market)3
3 tablespoons (1 ounce) crystalline fructosePerform ("lemon-lime")
2½ cups filtered or distilled water
1 packet Emergen-C multivitamin formula ($0.49, purchased singly, most anywhere)4
2½ tablespoons crystalline fructoseNotes:
1. Buffered C powder is ascorbic acid whose sourness is balanced by calcium, magnesium, and potassium—in other words, electrolytes.
2. 1/8 ounce might be more appropriate, depending on the number of the B vitamin.
3. Jean from Madison Market recommends pricking the capsule with a pin and squeezing gently.
4. This shortcut unfortunately provides additional amounts of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, along with biotin, iodine, zinc, manganese, chromium, and sodium.
Notes:
The experienced cook and/or chemist will note two problems with these recipes. Eight ounces of Knudson's Pure Black Cherry Juice ($3.49 per 32-ounce bottle) has the same 33 grams of sugar as a bottle of VitaminWater.

gmc vitamin

GMC vitamins are a synonym to the most trusted vitamins and supplements. Gritman medical center has come up with vitamins that are essential part of one’s nutritional diet.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects your cells against damaging free radicals and plays other vital roles in the body. Vitamin B6: Helps amino acid and protein metabolism; enables red blood cell metabolism; it helps the nervous system function efficiently; helps the immune system function efficiently, enables the breakdown of glycogen to glucose; Aids in the metabolism, transportation, and distribution of selenium, and assists in the metabolism of calcium and magnesium.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. In addition to all these it provides vitamin D, E, B12, B1, K, zinc and many minerals making complete vitamins and minerals products suiting
In addition to their regular vitamins, GMC has also come up with discount GMC vitamins and herbs that lead to the making of herbal vitamins. Unbiased, interactive authority on herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other food supplements tells you what's proven to work - and what's not. Intake of multi vitamin supplements can increase your body’s immune system and make you resistant towards common cold, flu seasonal fever and viral. This is what GMC offers, but it doesn’t necessarily make their vitamins the best.

A supplement that has a good ratio of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc and antioxidants will Not only improve your body’s immune system but also do wonders for your overall health, healthy hair and glowing skin.

Vitamin Shoppe

The Vitamin Shoppe has announced the withdrawal of its women's multivitamin product from store and online sale while it investigates the cause of allegedly high lead content from ConsumerLab.com.
The review of multivitamin/multimineral products from ConsumerLab has attracted considerable interest from mainstream media. The singling out of Vitamin Shoppe's product has caused consternation from some in the industry who called on the retailer to take swift action to minimise potential damage to the category as a whole.
"Negative publicity won't go away until we, as an industry, engage in self-regulation and help ensure that current government regulation is enforced," the Council for Responsible Nutrition's vice president for communications, Judy Blatman, told NutraIngredients-USA.
CEO Tom Tolworthy said the company has asked its contract manufacturer and an independent scientific lab to conduct separate tests on the product.
"Using a scientifically valid testing methodology is absolutely necessary to achieve reliable results."
However this was disputed by Tod Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab, who told NutraIngredients-USA: "Anyone can access our testing methods."
"Every problem we report is confirmed in two separate laboratories and the identity of the product was blinded to both," said Cooperman. The Vitamin Shoppe was not able to provide NutraIngredients-USA with further comment in time for this article.
"Because we've never seen such a high content of lead in a vitamin or mineral supplement before, we've only seen it with herbals."
ConsumberLab said it randomly selected 21 products that were then independently tested. "All Vitamin Shoppe products are manufactured in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration's Good Manufacturing Practices for food and highest industry standards," said Tolworthy. In Cooperman's opinion sufficient self-regulation is enough for dietary supplement manufacturers to avoid running into any such problems and he refuted the Vitamin Shoppe's defense that it uses Good Manufacturing Practices.
This newest wave of negative attention began with reviews of a recently released book - Natural Causes by Dan Hurley - which allegedly slams regulation of the supplement industry. The main trade associations have also stressed that the supplement industry needs to present a credible face through increased publicity.
For instance in 2006, the CRN announced its intention to armor a multimillion dollar industry-wide project to counter a proliferation of bad news on the industry. Similarly, the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA), a industry coalition, this week announced a paid advertising campaign aimed at building consumer confidence in dietary supplements.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D exists in several forms, each with a different activity. The liver and kidney help convert vitamin D to its active hormone form.
What does Vitamin D do?
Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen.
What are the sources of Vitamin D?
One cup of vitamin D fortified milk supplies about one-fourth of the estimated daily need for this vitamin for adults. The list below includes selected food sources of vitamin D.
• Exposure to sunlight
Exposure to sunlight is an important source of vitamin D. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
How much vitamin D do we need?
Ages 51-69: 400 IU
When can vitamin D deficiency occur?
A deficiency of vitamin D can occur when dietary intake of vitamin D is inadequate, when there is limited exposure to sunlight, when the kidney cannot convert vitamin D to its active form, or when someone cannot adequately absorb vitamin D from the gastrointestinal tract.
The classic vitamin D deficiency diseases are rickets and osteomalacia. In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, which results in skeletal deformities.
Who may need extra vitamin D to prevent a deficiency?
Vitamin D supplements are often recommended for exclusively breast-fed infants because human milk may not contain adequate vitamin D. Since infant formulas are routinely fortified with vitamin D, formula fed infants usually have adequate dietary intake of vitamin D.
Current Issues and Controversies About Vitamin D
A greater vitamin D intake from diet and supplements has been associated with less bone loss in older women. Since bone loss increases the risk of fractures, vitamin D supplementation may help prevent fractures resulting from osteoporosis.
Treatment of vitamin D deficiency can result in decreased incidence of hip fractures, and daily supplementation with 800 IU (20 micrograms) of vitamin D may reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures in elderly populations with low blood levels of vitamin D.
• Vitamin D and cancer:Laboratory, animal, and epidemiologic evidence suggest that vitamin D may be protective against some cancers. Well-designed clinical trials need to be conducted to determine whether vitamin D deficiency increases cancer risk, or if an increased intake of vitamin D is protective against some cancers. Vitamin D and Alzheimer's Disease: Adults with Alzheimer's disease have increased risk of hip fractures.
What is the health risk of too much vitamin D?

Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are essential to our good health. They build immunity against colds and flus, protect the heart, keep our bones strong, and prevent neural tube birth defects. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that keeps the immune system strong and responsive, and many people faithfully consume large daily quantities to ward off colds. In fact, recent studies indicate that a daily dose of up to 250 mg of vitamin C is sufficient to strengthen the immune system and lower the risk of developing heart disease, cancer or cataracts.1,2,3 However, smokers require almost double that amount to receive the same benefits.2,4 Doses of up to 2,000 mg per day of vitamin C appear to be safe and have been shown to reduce allergy and cold symptoms and result in fewer workdays lost due to illness.2,5,6 One orange contains 70 mg of vitamin C, a cup of cranberry juice provides 108 mg, and a single half-cup serving of broccoli contains 60 mg. Other good sources of vitamin C include lemons, grapefruits, strawberries, peaches, raspberries, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and baked potatoes.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and may cut the risk of heart disease. Growing evidence suggests that the optimal daily intake of vitamin E is around 100 mg, or 100 IU.7,8 But avoid taking high daily doses of vitamin E, since they can depress the immune system,9 and excess quantities are stored in the liver. Good sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, apricots, peaches, seafood, wheat germ and whole grains.
Calcium and vitamin D work together to maintain the body and bone mass. Women under 25 require 1,200 mg of calcium daily to maximize their bone mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Adults require about 1,000 mg of calcium per day, but women over 50 not taking estrogen, pregnant women, and women who are breast-feeding need at least 1,500 mg to maintain their bone mass. Other good sources of calcium include spinach, broccoli, canned salmon with the bones, tofu made with calcium sulphate, almonds, brazil nuts and sunflower seeds.
A glass of milk contains approximately 100 IU of vitamin D. Folic acid has also been implicated in the prevention of cancer and heart disease in both men and women.17,18 Fruits and vegetables, particularly romaine lettuce, spinach, and broccoli are good sources of folic acid.

Vitamin C

As many as 70 percent of the population is taking supplements, mostly vitamins, convinced that the pills will make them healthier.
But researchers say that vitamin supplements cannot correct for a poor diet, that multivitamins have not been shown to prevent any disease and that it is easy to reach high enough doses of certain vitamins and minerals to actually increase the risk of disease.
No longer, the experts say, are they concerned about vitamin deficits. "Certainly," he said, "by consuming supplements, people can reach that level."
Until recently, there was little concern about vitamin A and bone health."
Researchers say the questions involve multivitamins taken by healthy people, not specific vitamins or minerals taken by groups with specific needs. Dr. Annette Dickinson, president of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a group that represents the supplement industry, says 70 percent of Americans sometimes take supplements usually multivitamins or individual vitamins and minerals and 40 percent take them regularly.
Scientists once thought those vitamins could help prevent ailments like cancer and heart disease, but rigorous studies found no such effects.
Vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and studies of vitamin C supplements consistently failed to show that it had any beneficial effects.
Excess vitamin C is excreted in the urine, but excesses of some other vitamins are stored in fat, where they can build up. Of particular concern, researchers say, is vitamin A. Several recent large studies indicate that people with high levels of vitamin A in their blood have a greater risk for osteoporosis. People can easily reach a potentially dangerous level, about five times the recommended dose, by taking vitamins and supplements, nutrition researchers say. Others warn about overdosing on other vitamins and minerals.
Studies have suggested that high levels of folic acid can protect against heart disease by lowering levels of another substance, homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risks of heart disease, but there is no study showing definitively that reducing homocysteine levels protects against heart disease.
"People ask me what vitamins I take," she said. Dr. Caballero also does not take vitamins. Dr. Caballero also notes that large, rigorous studies that were supposed to show that individual vitamins prevented disease ended up showing the opposite. A large study of vitamin E and heart disease found that it did not prevent heart attacks and that people taking it had more strokes.
Another study, of women with heart disease, found that antioxidant vitamins might actually increase the rate of atherosclerosis.
Dr. Caballero said people were deluding themselves if they thought multivitamins could make up for poor diets.
"If you eat junk food every day, vitamins are the least of your problems," he said. We tried beta carotene, vitamin E and antioxidants, and they didn't work.

Love Your Self ,take Great HEalth

In chronological order our 'loves' are numerous but somewhat 'out of order'. Where does "Love Your Inner Self" come into the equation?

How many times do we dust, clean, sort and rearrange our house? We pay money to have our hair done, our nails prettied, our car cleaned and polished, yet we pay or do little to pretty, clean or polish our inside.

Go forward and begin to create a new you; A clean, healthy, happy 'you'. Your Immune System is one of the most important issues you should be involved in apart from your spiritual wellbeing.

In the same way, if we don't maintain our engine, our inner health, what good will we be to anyone, most importantly our loved ones?!

Take the information I give you, then research yourself and make up your own mind to suit your lifestyle.

Your positive mind and soul is a huge healer.

2. Juicing is a great way to cleanse away right to those precious, important cells that motivate our body.

3. Taking a highly recommended anti-oxidant is a sure way to boost your immunity. Check with your health food outlet but I take one with 12,000mg of grapeseed. 4. I recommend 75% roar fruit and vegetables intake daily, with some protein, carbs etc. Be creative. 5. Olive Oil ... use lime and olive oil for dressing. At least a tablespoon of olive oil a day is excellent for good health.

6. Water, water and more water ... you should have approximately 2 litres of purified water a day. Combined with 3 capfuls of Aloe Juice, this becomes a fantastic blood purifier, cleanser and circulator. It is great for the digestive system eg. relieves heartburn.

'Not everything I know to date but now you have a list of some of the important, and I find, essential ways to boost your immune system.

Here's to Great Health ... not just Good Health ... GREAT HEALTH !