Health Blogs (951)

Oh yes, there's a part 2, but only because I gave some wrong information in my previous blog.

Quick note: The app I use is one that came preinstalled on my phone, so it does not have a name. One other app you can use is called Step Counter: Healthy Habits. That app tells you the distance you've walked as well as how many calories you've burned in a day. It apparently also rewards you for walking. A million coins gives you a $50 gift card for Amazon - allegedly. I haven't tested it out yet. I will let you know if it's legit or not

I mistakenly thought that the 184 miles was the total distance walked. It wasn't. It was the total steps walked this month.

Back in May, my phone told me that I had walked 98211 steps. In June, that number shot up dramatically, to 344178 steps. Given that this is the last day of July, the 31st, I am marking down my total steps this month as 442988.

So let's do the math. 98.211 + 344.178 + 442.998 is 885.387 steps - in about two and a bit months. How many kilometers is that? That's 708.3 km. That's about 440 miles, if you count imperial. That means my math was WAY off. In a year, I will walk 4248 kilometers, or 2640 miles. That's the same distance from New York City to Fernley, Nevada.

You'd think you could see it on me, but alas. You can't. Maybe in a years time, possibly.

My phone keeps up with how many steps I take in a day, and calculates that into kilometers. Since I have had my current phone, I have walked 423.456 steps, or 296.42 kilometers. In USA measurement, 296.42 kilometers is 184 miles.

How long has my phone kept a tally of my steps? Since mid-may, so I have been walking 184 miles in two and a half months. Let's say I keep this up, just for the sake of making the math easy, I will just count it as 2 months.

The math is as follows: 184 divided by 2. That's 92. Then take the 92 and multiply that by 12. That means that by June 2024, the number of steps I have taken will equal 1104 miles, or 1776 kilometers. For reference: 1104 miles is the same distance from Burkeville, Texas to Dragoon, Arizona. It's quite a distance.

It's important to point out, that this is just a quick average monthly number. It can be higher or it can be lower.

The point is - I have walked 184 miles in two and a half months. Something I didn't ever think was possible, given that I am the laziest person ever. It helps that I have a job that I love.

Does your phone keep a tally of your steps?

He's 81 now. It's time to be put to pasture. Please Mitch, do America a favor. Take the gold watch and shake hands.

The data used for this study was collected between 2011 and 2019. It featured U.S. veterans between the ages of 40 and 99. Over 30,000 participants died during the follow-up.
The study found that men who have adopted all eight habits at the age of 40 would be predicted to live 24 years longer, on average, than men who adopted none of these habits. Women who have adopted all eight habits by age 40 would live 23 years longer on average compared to those who adopted none.

The eight identified habits are:

* being physically active
* not smoking
* managing stress
* maintaining a good diet
* not regularly drinking alcohol excessively
* maintaining good sleep hygiene
* maintaining positive social relationships
* not developing an opioid addiction

Link: Medicalnewstoday

I've changed dentists a few times over the years and the last was referred by my insurance agent because she's in my network. This came around the time of COVID. The price was right but the work was so-so. I preferred she was the only dentist in the office and each room was separate. Returned for a cleaning earlier this year, I did a deep cleaning procedure and had to pay out of pocket because she claimed the insurance company wasn't paying her invoices. She would reimburse me when she got paid from the insurance company.
As a followup, I called the insurance company to inquire about the reimbursement and they said that dentist was no longer in network. They should have notified me prior to their service they had a status change... instead, I was lied to believing I would be reimbursed after she resolved her billing issues.
Due to the unusual circumstance, the insurance company filed a grievance report and will notify me of the outcome.
I'm back to a previous dentist who I've used a few times, leaving because I didn't like the corporate environment with several dentists, hygienists and staff running around in a 'corral-like' environment. Okay, the COVID fear subsided and the only ones wearing masks are the dentist and assistant.
I went for a cleaning last week and x-rays revealed some decay in a tooth that has a large composite filling on both sides. Crown was recommended. I have a VIP insurance plan with them so the dental work is discounted. Today was the day for preparation of a crown. I was in the chair for 90 minutes and the procedure this time used a digital 3D scanner and not the 'old fashion' rubberized casting that gets mailed to the laboratory for creation of the crown.
It's quickly becoming the standard for dentistry and coincidence, one of my clients works at a dental lab telling me how much better crowns that are cut using the digital technology fit.
I'll know in less than 10 days when I go back for the final.

You can quote me on this:
"The only pain you should feel from a dentist is paying the bill when services are rendered!"

Me, 50 yrs old.
Sunblock spf 60 & mineral water.
Lots of antioxidant pills & low carb diet.

I see we have yet another blog about the above....
and truthfully we've heard it all before on previous blogs.

Not that I disagree with any such topics as some are therapeutic for many....
I sympathise with anyone who must live with such conditions
if and when genuine.

But when is anyone ever going to have the balls to blog about the other side of the matter that no-one ever really wants to discuss.

If and when someone ever does, by all means give me a shout.

Chia seeds come from a flowering plant native to Mexico and Guatemala called Salvia hispanica, says registered dietitian Kayla Kopp, RD, LD. For centuries, people in those regions have incorporated chia seeds into their diet. With good reason — chia seeds are loaded with nutrition. Some people even call them a superfood.
Why are chia seeds good for you?
Though chia seeds are small, they’re among the best seeds to eat. “Few foods pack such a nutritional punch,” says Kopp.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of many nutrients. One ounce of chia seeds can help contribute toward your daily value of fiber, protein, minerals and B vitamins.
Nutrient Milligrams (mg) in 1 ounce of chia seeds Daily value (mg) Percent of daily value
Fiber 9.8 28 35%
Protein 4.7 50 9%
Magnesium 95 420 23%
Phosphorus 244 1250 20%
Calcium 179 1300 14%
Zinc 1.3 11 12%
Iron 2.2 18 12%
Thiamine (vitamin B1) 0.176 1.2 15%
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) 0.048 1.3 4%
Niacin (vitamin B3) 2.5 20 13%
Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Antioxidants fight free radicals that can damage your cells. Free radicals occur in your body naturally, as well as from exposure to harmful substances like:
* Alcohol.
* Cigarette smoke.
* Pollution and other toxic chemicals.
* Radiation.
When you eat chia seeds, you also get a sizeable dose of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential for brain and eye health, immunity and even heart health.
Benefits of chia seeds
The richness of nutrients in chia seeds may translate to many health benefits. Research on the health effects of chia seeds is still in its early stages, but the results so far are positive.
Of course, chia seeds are just one component of a healthy diet, notes Kopp. To maximize their benefit, they should be part of the healthy foods you eat every day. 
Some of the benefits of chia seeds include:
1. Improve digestive function
Studies show that chia seeds boost vitamin and mineral absorption in your gut. They also promote the growth of “good” gut bacteria.
“And based on their fiber content, it’s also likely that chia seeds can help relieve constipation,” adds Kopp.
2. Aid with weight loss
Drinking a glass of chia water (chia seeds mixed with water) may help you eat less. Chia seeds expand when they get wet and take up room in your stomach. You may feel less hungry, which can lead to weight loss.
But be careful. “Too many chia seeds can actually cause digestive problems,” cautions Kopp. “If you’re not drinking enough water, the seeds absorb the water in your gut. This may cause constipation, bloating and gas.”
3. Help prevent chronic diseases
Research suggests that chia seeds may help prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and maybe even cancer. Results of human studies show that chia seeds may:
* Decrease inflammation.
* Improve control of blood sugar levels.
* Lower blood pressure.
* Raise levels of omega-3 fatty acids in your blood.
* Reduce triglycerides.
But not all studies agree. For example, one study looked at disease risk factors in 76 people who have overweight or obesity. Participants received chia seeds or a placebo (fake) supplement mixed with water twice a day for 12 weeks. The researchers found no differences between the groups in weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure or inflammation.
More research is needed to better understand the health benefits of chia seeds and the ideal amount you should consume each day. “But even without this evidence, you can confidently include chia seeds in your diet,” says Kopp. “We know they are excellent sources of nutrition and contribute to your overall health. Just don’t go overboard. Moderation is best with any food.” Link:

Polish-British scientist Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz has developed a synthetic embryo which doesn't require egg or sperm.

We lost Willy last month. Miclee who was MIA returned briefly. namaron has been gone for a long time with no update. galrads was hospitalized with health issues returned for a short time and is gone again. Does anyone have contact with him outside of CS?