The Good and Bad of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an important molecule that is  essential to human metabolism, cell structures, and production of certain hormones and vitamins within the body.

Synthesis of cholesterol occurs in several organs. A large portion of cholesterol is produced within the liver. Other sites for production include: intestines, adrenal gland, and some reproductive organs.

Dietary cholesterol is equally as important and a large cause of health effects associated with elevated cholesterol.  Animal fats are typical places to find cholesterol. Plants and vegetables do not contain cholesterol unless it has been added through cooking process or other means.

Sources of Cholesterol include:

-    Cheese
-    Beef
-    Chicken
-    Eggs
-    Pork
-    Shrimp

Another few players in cholesterol are Trans Fat and Saturated Fat

Saturated Fats can be seen in chocolate, some oils, animal fats, and some dairy products.

Trans Fats can be seen in baked goods, fast food, snack foods, fried foods, margarine, and hydrogenated vegetable oil. Trans fats are produced by partially hydrogenating unsaturated fats. These are not found largely in nature. It has been recommended to limit or eliminate trans fats to improve your health.

The health concerns of elevated cholesterol are intense and severe:

Hypercholesterolemia

Is when a high amount of circulating cholesterol can be found in the blood

It is not specifically a disease but may result from other issues such as diet, family genes, diabetes or thyroid problems.

Cholesterol can always be found in the blood – but when levels becomes quite elevated then the concern arises.

Elevated cholesterol can lead to serious medical concerns such as: Atherosclerosis, Coronary Artery Disease, Worsening High Blood Pressure , Stroke, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Angina, and others

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a response or result of damage to arterial blood vessels.

Is the result of hardening in the arteries and is typically caused by a build up of fatty molecules such as cholesterol.

It is a more specific term then the general term of arteriosclerosis.

Coronary Artery Disease

Plaque fills the inner pipes of arteries that supply oxygen to the heart.

Smoking is the #1 preventable risk factor but so is elevated cholesterol

Coronary arteries supply the muscle of the heart with oxygen.

Plaque can fill or line the arteries of the heart

Rupture or tearing of the arteries can occur causing serious consequences.

Prevention and Exercise

Prevention is necessary for several reasons. Diabetes and Hypertension are serious diseases that can be made much worse with elevated cholesterol. Diet and exercise are central to a good health in both improving cholesterol and additional symptoms associated with this disease.

As in many other areas, preventing cholesterol build up before it changes your life can be difficult but critical. HDL can be considered “the good cholesterol” and acts as a buffer to prevent a build up of unwanted cholesterol. HDL is a lipoprotein that can be improved through exercise. Other ways to improve HDL is stopping smoking, improving diet, weight loss, fish oil, flax seed and others.

Tis The Season for Spam

Spam is on the rise.  Truthfully it has always been present but it seems that I am getting a stocking full of spam during this time of the year.

This health blog is always getting spam, as is yours I assume.

It seems part of the business.  This website is only the blog portion of a larger website designed as “InterActive Health” and also called iahealth.

Spamming is getting so alarming that most of the spam has nothing to do with the health industry.  Usually I will get a weekly spam regarding the  Top 100 drugs, or diabetes and quite often about male reproduction.

Recently spamming has included apartments in Moscow, dating, vacuums, metal world and much more.

Spamming can be entertaining to see what is put on the blog portion. I am always looking for informative questions but my favorite quote on spamming is “I love your website, don’t have time to look, but will add a RSS feed and come back later.”

This last statement seemed to appear 15 times over the weekend and during the holidays.  What a present to open today!!!

Take a look also at InterActive Health Blog

Health Care Spending

Health care is an area of demanding and controversial health care programs, insurance and spending.  

Medicaid and Medicare are government run programs that account for a large portion of health care cost.

Insurance overall is a funny business – there is insurance for almost anything including pets, fire, medical, vehicle, and others. Insurance has become so essential that many either overspend for insurance or work in terrible jobs, just to get insurance.

But then there is the large portion of individuals, for whatever reason, are unable to get insurance at all.

Private insurance is even more difficult to understand. These programs are allowed by employers or private individuals and vary from company to company and policy to policy. It is believed that over the last 7-10 years, employee-sponsored health insurance premiums have increase over 100%. This is almost 5 times the amount of inflation over the same period of time.

This is markedly more difficult for individuals and employers. Less and less companies are able to afford these important programs. And this will continue to get worse and worse.

It is believed that by 2020 or so – it will cost a family of 4 more than $25,000 per year to cover health insurance. Currently it is almost $13,000 per year for health care.

Cost for employers will continue to rise as well. Currently the cost to employers for insurance is just over $300 billion dollars. Within 10 years that number may jump to the mid $800 billion dollar range.

Don’t be fooled either – the coverage will not improve as time continues. Increasing costs, number of sick, and rising average age will continue to worsen the actual coverage by each individual.

Increasing Health Concerns

1.) Health Care Spending

- United States is leading all countries in the percent of GDP that is spent on Health Care.

- United States currently spends 16.2% as of 2007 and was around 15% in 2006

- Switzerland and France follow at around 11%

- Other countries above 10% are: Canada, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Austria

- most of these values are from 2006

2.) Cost

- as the cost per person rises – the burden increases for employers and individuals to get enough coverage and the correct coverage

- $2.2 trillion dollars were spent in the United States in 2007 on health care costs

- $700 billion in 1990

- $250 billion in 1980

3.) Bankruptcy and Foreclosures

- Over 50% of bankruptcy are linked to lingering health or medical expenses

- 1.3 plus million people loose their homes because they also have medical expenses that can’t be meet

- Many families with the above mentioned health care costs do have insurance – over 75% on average

4.) Aging

- It is believed in the United States that by 2030 the number of individuals over the age 65 will double

- Over 70 million Americans will be over 65 at that point

- This will comprise around 20% of the population

- The cost of an older individual is 5 times greater for someone over 65 than under 65 [on average]

- The overall projected spending is believed to increase by 25%

“The aging of the U.S. population is one of the major public health challenges we face in the 21st century. One of CDC’s highest priorities as the nation’s protection agency is to increase the number of older adults who liver longer, high-quality, productive, and independent lives.” Julie Louise Gerberding, Md, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – 2007

5.) Smoking, Poor diet, and physical inactivity

- It is believed that these 3 items result in 35-35% of deaths each year

- These are preventable conditions

- Are quite costly to individuals, companies, governments, and tax payers

- Are risk factors for serious medical conditions of: Diabetes, Stroke, Cancers, and Heart Disease among others

6.) The Uninsured

- Some do not qualify for government-provided health insurance

- Some do not qualify for private health insurance

- Not provided insurance by employer

- Some are unable to afford health insurance

- Some choose not to have health insurance

- As of 2007 – 15% of population or 45 million individuals were without health insurance

- 2008 numbers are expected to be statistically similar to 2007 despite the recession, but a rise to 46 million is anticipated

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2007:

Of the 45 million uninsured:

. 37 million between ages 18 and 65
. 27 million worked at least part time
. 38% had household income of greater than $50,000
. 36 million are legal U.S. Citizens
. 10 million are non-citizens (This may or may not include illegal immigrants)
. 20% could afford insurance
. 25% are eligible for public coverage
. 55% need financial assistance to cover health insurance

7.) Fraud

- It occurs daily and helps “almost” no one

- Occurs on many levels and by many individuals

- Health Care is often about profit

- The most visible areas are Medicaid and Medicaid

- However, fraud occurs in all health care areas

- It is believed to occur on 5-10% of all health care expenditures

- Your increased health cost is, at least in part, to health care fraud

8.) Disparities

Defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration as …”population-specific differences in the presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care.“

Goldberg, J., Hayes, W., and Huntly, J. “Understanding Health Disparities.” Health Policy Institute of Ohio (Nov 2004) page 3

- Medicare and Medicaid spending is often quite different from state to state

- Sometimes the spending amount is double in one state when compared to another
. Example [Medicare in Miami in 2006 - $16,351 and in San Francisco $8,331]

- Access to health care and insurance is often a cause point, but not always

- The cost for such disparities may directly impact social and economic status

- Race, ethnicity, socioeconomic, sex, age, medical conditions, sexual orientation, and more are all linked to disparity

All is not loss

We are doing several things well – probably not perfectly but well

1.) Improved overall medical quality and treatment allow for a larger number of patients to live longer

2.) Improved Mammogram screening

3.) Improved Cholesterol screening

4.) Overall awareness for preventative care increasing, it still must increase in importance to not only improve care, quality of life, and overall balance health care costs.

5.) Disparities have begun to be looked at more closely and continue monitoring and goal setting to manage specifically targeted areas have been put in place.

Post originally seen at InterActive Health: Health Care Spending

For further information take a look at the following

- http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml

- http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/saha_exec_summary_2007.pdf

- http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5813a5.htm

- Goldberg, J., Hayes, W., and Huntly, J. “Understanding Health Disparities.” Health Policy Institute of Ohio (Nov 2004) page 3

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Merck Company Foundation. The State of Aging and Health in America 2007. Whitehouse Station, NJ: The Merck Company Foundation; 2007.

Watch out for sleep – or not enough

Healthy sleep is quite more difficult then most think. Recently I was asked about risk factors and concerns for not getting enough sleep.

“Sleep is one of the most overlooked areas in the improvement of your own health. “

But on the flip side, it may be a very difficulty concept or rather practice for some. Insomnia or difficulty sleeping is detrimental in some cases and should be monitored closely. And often we have trained ourselves so much that we think we are better off when we don’t get enough

It is not only essential for your body but it is equally important for your mind. Dreams and sleep are quite necessary and constant interruptions or decrease in the amount of sleep can be detrimental both emotionally and physically.

Sleep is different for so many people. Balance of family and work and schedule is quite demanding and difficult for most. Some form of sleep is necessary for all. The more is usually the better but watch out for too much sleep – it can be as much of a problem as too little.

 

How much sleep is needed?

Adults – need between 6 and 8 hours of sleep

School age children and teens – need 9 hours

Newborns – need between 16 and 18 hours

Preschool children – need 10 and 12

 

What happens while you sleep?

Your brain brain never stops nor does your heart. But while asleep different metabolic and physiologic events occur. Sleep allows your body to rest but it also allows your body to recover.
Recovery is much more important than rest. Some argue that the ability to learn may, in some way, depend on our ability to recover and sleep.

Health risks due to poor sleep:

1.) Illness – you may be 3 times more likely to get sick when not getting enough sleep

2.) Stress – this is the case of filling the bucket – as stress is added on your life – sooner or later it will overflow – you may snap at a family member, a co-worker, or that idiot that just cut you off while driving.

3.) Depression – depression is much more likely in someone who has little sleep. However – this can
also be argued that depression may cause you to sleep to little or to much

4.) Overweight – hormones that are used and may be synthesized during sleep may be altered. This change can lead or increase your risk for weight gain.
- If you are awake more you may consume more
- Some get so fatigued they don’t want to take the time to make a proper meal – when fatigued the Happy Meal sounds so much better than a salad – you know it is true!!

5.) Hypertension – high blood pressure may be seen in those getting little sleep

6.) Diabetes- increase weight gain and worse diet lead many to diabetes and a common denominator is lack of sleep – watch out

7.) Heart Disease – increase risk for above mention items increases your risk for heart disease

8.) Hormones – often for children – growth hormone, proteins, and other necessary growth related events are necessary and sleep helps regulate and control proper adolescent growth.

9.) Falling asleep while driving

10.) Making mistakes at work or other

12 possible sleep options

1.) No alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine prior to bed

2.) Exercise

3.) Keep the same sleep schedule

4.) If you can’t sleep – get up and do something – then try again – If you can’t sleep don’t remain in bed

5.) Be careful of medication that may cause you to be awake

6.) Take a hot bath prior to sleeping

7.) Meditate, read, write in journal just prior to sleep

8.) Don’t take a nap after 4 pm and try to keep them under 60 minutes

9.) If your bed is uncomfortable – get a new one – this is essential

10.) Take away TV, music, or other distractions [If these affect you]

11.) Meet with a medical provider if you have a sleep disorder or may have one – don’t hesitate to get treatment

12.) You need the sun – get outside for at least 30-60 minutes

*** – Remember you may be different and the above items may not apply to you and some items may be the only way you fall asleep. Often this has to due with the way you have trained your body.

Marathon – The running that actually will set you free

May 2009 – 5 months ago I decided to get back to into running. I am not a great runner and have only ran a half dozen 5k races over the past few years. I have always wanted to enjoy running but I believed that to learning to love running would be impossible. However, a friend asked if I had ever considered running a marathon. Running a marathon had always been a goal but time seemed to get into my way. We made a goal to run daily and see where it would take us.

I finalized my goal for running: “I wanted to run my first marathon and if no setbacks to run at least 2 marathons this year and if all went well then 4“

As I look back…that was a pretty intense goal to make. However, setting such a high goal pushed me to run when I didn’t want to. Just this last week I finished my first marathon and have learned to love running. Running has become addicting and I am only 1/4th of the way to my goal.

I wanted to finish the marathon in under 6 hours. I actually finished around the 5 hour 20 minute mark.

I am not a 3 hour marathon runner and probably never will be, but to have finished was amazing. Running allows you to burn calories, stress, boredom, and laziness.

June 2009

I recently finished by second marathon. It was a killer!!! What an experience. My training has been rather consistent but this race seemed much more difficult.

I finished just under 6 hours. Cramping in my legs seemed to be the worst part of the race. The sites through the mountains and the time to exercise, think, and listen to music was perfect.

Two down and now two to go!!!

September 2009

Family, work, and pain in both knees will prevent me from finishing my two marathons this year. I have continued to run but my long distance running has decreased. I have targeted a few marathons for next year and will continue training through the fall and winter months.

My running

I had never ran more then 6 miles previously. When I started running recently I hadn’t ran in over 6 months. I was scared and out of shape.

I started running the day after Christmas. I made a goal and started running/walking 3 miles a day 5 or 6 times a week

I then forced myself to run 3 miles without stopping for 2 weeks. I then ran a 5 mile “long run”. From there I went to 4 miles a day for 3 weeks and another long run of 7.5 miles. I soon bumped it up to 5 miles a day and running a “long run” every 2 weeks. I went to 10 miles, then 12 miles, then 15, 18 and finally 20 miles.

There was not 1 day while training that I loved running — it wasn’t until the marathon itself — and then I really only loved the first 20 miles. I hated the last 6 and then loved the last .2 miles or so.

To finish and accomplish a goal is truly amazing.

11 marathon Hints

1.) Time – running is about putting in the time. That is all it is. If it takes you 15 minutes or 4 minutes to run
a mile – put in the time.

2.) Get good equipment – Shoes, shorts, socks, food, water – get the good stuff [not always the expensive stuff].

3.) Run inside and out – Running everyday can get boring…and often excuses are made according to weather – running inside and outside
to change tempo and the view can be refreshing.

4.) Travel to run – Try out new places and new courses…when you know how far you have run [or how far you have to go] it can make
running more difficult..try a new place.

5.) Stretch – I have never stretched before a run [though I should] but we all need to stretch after a run. It allows your body to heal or recuperate better and more fully.

6.) Have a running partner – Run with someone or train with someone – the difference is that they may not be with you every day or even ever…but you can still share goals and stories. Get a friend or find a new one!!!

7.) Plenty of fluids and food – Find good and healthy training foods – They will prevent injury, fatigue, nausea, and dehydration.

8.) Music – Get a play-list of music and run the miles away while listening to your favorite band or songs. If you love to think rather then listen – this one is not for you.

9.) Set a goal – Start today…make the plans…then make it happen.

10.) Be mindful of the outhouses – You evolve into a runner when a potty break occurs regularly while running…but be careful…you don’t want to be somewhere unprepared!!

11.) Run for a reason – whether for yourself or another – running for a purpose can be fun and powerful.

Healthy running

Shedding the weight or even improving your health can be obtained by running. To start running today can have dramatic and life long
benefits to your appearance, emotions, and your overall physical and mental health.

Often your Nutrition will improve because by running often you want to put better foods into your body.

Exercise is always a first line of treatment to several medical conditions. Diabetes, Heart Diease, Obesity, High Cholesterol and Heart Attack are just a few disease that can be improved and often prevented by getting a bit of exercise.

A marathon may not be attainable for everyone. Try to incorporate some sort of activity into your daily life , even if it’s just walking to spend less time on the couch.

Good luck!!!

Some key websites to take a look at:

Runners World – http://www.runnersworld.com/

Marathon Guide – http://www.marathonguide.com/

Cool Running – http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/1/1_18/7420.shtml

Susan G. Komen for the Cure http://ww5.komen.org/

and many others!!

Originally seen at Marathon running

Diabetes Challenge – Win $10,000

I love finding honew and exciting websites that deal with several different aspects of health care. I recently found this fantastic website dealing with diabetes: www.DiabetesMine.com

Since starting my own website regarding health care, medical informatics, blogging, and book reviews; I have been entranced by websites that are well put together.

To make things even better, I noticed that this website was holding a competition. It is called: The 2009 DiabetesMine™ Design Challenge and it all first began back in 2007. It was initially designed as an answer to a question that was posed by the writer of this website. It then expanded to a more creative and organized concept. Last years winners received $10,000 dollars. Second prize for the “most original” took home $5,000. A third winner in the category of best design by someone under 18 or “kids category” grabbed $2,000. This year the prizes are the same.

I was hooked the moment I read about this contest. And the amazing part, all that was required was, an “innovative new diabetes device or web application”. This competition isn’t necessarily asking
for a finished product but I am sure that would help improve your chances.

I read further and found that only a handful of participants were in the original competition. I felt my chances were pretty good!!

My idea isn’t spectacular but it would be useful and helpful for my goal of interaction with health care and diabetes. So I started to tackle some brain storming issues and how to get things into place.

It worked well and I came up with an idea for an animation to explain the process of diabetes in a way that would be beneficial for someone who had just learned of their diagnosis. I am trying to work with students from Brigham Young University and their animation department.

I entered the competition and the results just came in recently. I didn’t win. Often winning isn’t the most important thing for an entrepreneur but it certainly would have helped.

The amazing aspect is that over 150 teams entered the competition each with a design to improve diabetes health care and to win $10,000.

The winner for 2009 is LifeCase & LifeApp System. They designed an application that allows an iPhone to become an all encompassing glucometer and case with a controller for your pump built in.
It appears that this system could work for any smartphone.

This was definitely a great opportunity and more importantly a fantastic competition that allows a group of people to express their concepts and ideas.

Please take some time to take a look at all the concepts for this year at www.diabetesmine.com

My own entry can be found at the following: The Animation Dialogue

Unfortunately the competition has already been decided, at least for this year – but next year isn’t too far away and maybe you can be the next $10,000 winner!!!