Sometimes you really have to read between the lines.

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 24 2004

You know, I always find it interesting when a new "guideline" is published for the general population regarding health and wellness.

Sometimes you have to look a little deeper into the studies used to support a ruling...

Here's an interesting Associated Press article I found over at Newsday dated September 23, 2004, 9:11 PM EDT

http://www.newsday.com/news/health/wire/sns-ap-cholesterol-controversy

"A consumer group and 35 doctors and scientists asked the federal government Thursday to convene an independent review of the science that led to new guidelines urging wider use of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.

In a letter to National Institutes of Health director Dr. Elias Zerhouni and other officials, the writers say there isn't enough evidence to justify the recommendations, especially for women, older people and diabetics.

The guidelines -- issued in July by a nine-member panel convened by the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and the government -- would add 7 million Americans to the 36 million already taking statin drugs, the top-selling class of medications in the nation.

Days later, a consumer group, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said the rules were tainted because eight of the nine panelists had financial deals with makers of the drugs."

These days, it's difficult even for doctors to keep up with all the conflicting information flooding the world regarding health and wellness.

For example, most experts will agree good nutrition is extremely important for good health... but the conflicting viewpoints begin when they try to define what "good nutrition" really is.

Personally, when researching a specific area, I rely heavily on third-party independent studies, yet even I sometimes have trouble verify the connections those third parties may have to the subject of their studies.

My best advice is to consult with a qualified professional regarding any area concerning your diet and your health, but it also helps to be just a little bit skeptical and seek a second or third opinion in some cases, right?

Just my humble opinion.

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

Pediatritians urged to use caution when prescribing antidepressents to children?

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 24 2004

A recent article in the Boston Globe provides more insight regarding the current wave of alarm...

The article was titled "What's next for depressed kids?" and goes on to state:

----- copy -----

Last week's finding by a government advisory panel that the newest generation of antidepressants is linked to suicidal behavior in a small percentage of children has left parents and care givers in a quandary as they weigh the drugs' risks against possible benefits and search for other options.

The nine medications, which the Food and Drug Administration panel said should be labeled with the agency's sternest "black box" warning, already presented doctors with a confusing array of treatment choices.

Only one, Prozac, has been shown effective in treating depression in children, but doctors prescribe the others in the belief that they work better for some children. Now doctors will have to balance this potential benefit against an even murkier level of risk -- since the extent of each drug's suicide risk remains unclear.

There are alternatives to the drugs -- mainly talk therapy -- but therapists are in short supply nationwide, and insurers often provide minimal or no coverage, said mental health professionals.

To view the full article, visit:
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/health_science/

---- end copy ----

What were the advisory panel findings regarding antidepressants? You can check out the latest FDA Statement published Sept. 16, 2004 here:

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01116.html

The first paragraph in the above Statement will give you a glimpse into the scope of the news regarding antidepressants in pediatric patients:

"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally supports the recommendations that were recently made to the agency by the Psychopharmacologic Drugs and Pediatric Advisory Committees regarding reports of an increased risk of suicidality (suicidal thoughts and actions) associated with the use of certain antidepressants in pediatric patients. FDA has begun working expeditiously to adopt new labeling to enhance the warnings associated with the use of antidepressants and to bolster the information provided to patients when these drugs are dispensed."

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

How Important Is Breakfast?

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 24 2004

A Gallup Poll co-sponsored by the American Dietic Association (ADA) found that an alarming 51% of the 400 children surveyed did not eat breakfast. According to the ADA, recent studies show that students who eat breadfast do better on some tasks of attention and memory and are more likely to have reduced nurse visits and attend school more frequently. In addition, children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to meet their daily nutritional needs, keep their weight under control and have lower blood cholesterol levels.

"It turns out Mom was right, after all," says Carolyn O'Neil, mother, registered dietitian and author of "The Dish On Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!" "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It's no secret that a good breakfast gives kids the energy and nutrients to fuel their brain, but eating a healthy morning meal also helps mom and dad maintain a healthy weight."

O'Neil suggests stocking the pantry and refrigerator with healthy breakfast items to help get the entire family off to a good start ...including 100 Percent, Not-From-Concentrate Orange Juice. She states drinking orange juice every day helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

When you consider that the new Himalayan Goji Juice contains 500 times the vitamin C per weight than oranges and far more trace minerals, as well as 19 amino acids (8 of which are essential for life) ...you might want to consider keeping a chilled bottle on hand for the morning breakfast rush in your home. Keep in mind, Goji Juice is NOT made from concentrate... it contains the juice from more than 2 full pounds of the highest potency goji berries found on earth. It just makes good sense to have the power of this juice ready for your morning rush.

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

We all know, or at least are aware, that billions of dollars flow into drug research each and every year. It's not surprising, therefore, to find drug companies wanting to expand their markets further.

But are things getting a little bit out of hand? Are some of us being pushed too forcefully towards drug dependent solutions?

In a recent news review by Mary Pickett, M.D., with the Harvard Medical School, an interesting article was brought to the surface. It appears drug companies are widening their explorations for use of drugs into other areas (which in turn, could potentially widen their markets):

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

Drug Alert: antipsychotic drugs

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

The FDA wants updated warning labels on AstraZeneca's Seroquel and five rivals: Risperdal, Clozaril, Geodon, Abilify, and Zyprexa. All are so-called "atypical antipsychotics," designed to correct imbalances in chemicals that enable brain cells to communicate. When prescribed for schizophrenia, they reduce delusions and hallucinations, supposedly with fewer side effects than conventional antipsychotic drugs such as Haldol and Thorazine.

Besides referring to studies linking the drugs to diabetes symptoms, the label would say the precise risk isn't understood. The label would also say that some patients who developed symptoms required continued treatment for diabetes even after dropping the antipsychotic. More labeling changes may be forthcoming, according to the letter the FDA wrote to Eli Lilly and Co., the Indianapolis-based maker of Zyprexa.

According to Washington Associated Press: "The Food and Drug Administration and pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. warned doctors that the company's antipsychotic drug Geodon has been linked to extremely high blood sugar and diabetes."

It's interesting to note that when the drug was first approved for use by the FDA in February of 2001, even prior to this date concerns (by citizens) were brought forward ...for example, this article published in the year 2000...

http://www.citizen.org/ELETTER/ARTICLES/zeldox.htm

Zeldox was the former name for the product now referred to as Geodon.

And in July 2002, more than a year after the FDA approval for the drug went through, this article came forward:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-07/dumc-rwa062802.php

The above article begins with, "Research from Duke University Medical Center suggests there might be a link between at least one drug used to treat schizophrenia and the onset of diabetes, a disease widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S."

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

Atkins Diet Controversy Resurfaces

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

In the news again, although this time from London England Associated Press, the Atkins Diet surges to the headlines.

An estimated 20 million people worldwide are currently on the Atkins Diet which is quite possibly why it is receiving so much serious attention by scientists and the medical community.

In the recent article...

Study: Atkins Diet May Bring Side Effects September 3, 2004

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/7228/398088.html

"Danish obesity expert Dr. Arne Astrup, whose survey is published this week in The Lancet medical journal, concludes that headaches, muscle weakness and either diarrhea or constipation are reported more often by Atkins dieters than people on conventional diets. Those side effects may be signs that the eating plan isn't healthy in the long run, he says.

However, other experts said the diet remains a viable option for some because the side effects aren't bad enough to throw them off the eating plan famous for its shunning of bread, pasta and many fruits."

Here at Best Liquid Vitamins we remain semi-neutral on the subject. We've heard both negative and positive testimonials from people currently on the highly contraversial diet.

What does concern us somewhat is the focus away from a "balanced NUTRITIONAL diet" that seems prevalent among many of the more popular diet programs out there.

We are, after all, very strong proponents for HEALTHY NUTRITION.

In any case, regardless of which program you choose to help you through to your ideal weight goals, please be sure to consult with a QUALIFIED professional and/or your doctor. We care about you.

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

New Alzheimer Studies Might Bring Us Closer To Answers

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

Here's an excerpt from a recent article on this important subjec:

"About 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, a creeping brain degeneration that slowly robs its victims of memory and the ability to reason, communicate and care for themselves. With the aging population, a staggering 14 million may have it by 2050.

No one knows what causes Alzheimer's. Some scientists think fibrous tangles of a protein called tau that builds up inside brain cells kills them.

But the leading theory is that something spurs abnormal production of another protein, beta-amyloid, which forms clumps that coat the outside of brain cells and kills them -- plaque that is the disease's trademark."

They are still several years away from solutions, and yet there is hope on the horizon. Visit the following link for the rest of this interesting and informative article:

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/7228/398122.html

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

Clinton Had Seven of the Nine Risk Factors for Heart Disease

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

A recent article suggests Bill Clinton's quadruple bypass shouldn't come as a surprise when you consider he had 7 of the 9 risk factors for heart disease, plus warning signs for several months of an impending heart attack.

"This guy was within a cat's whisker of death. There's no question in my mind," said Dr. Donald LaVan, a University of Pennsylvania cardiologist and a spokesman for the American Heart Association.

What were the 7 risk factors he had?

1. Clinton is male,
2. he's over 50,
3. has a family history of heart disease

(the above 3 risk factors he can't control)

4. he also smoked (cigars),
5. had high blood pressure,
6. had high cholesterol,
7. and was overweight.

The only two risk factors he doesn't have are:

1. he doesn't have diabetes,
2. and lack of exercise (he jogged regularly).

Average Americans who are physically active and ...at least on the surface... appear physically fit, often don't even concern themselves with their own potential risk.

Dr. Jonathan Halperin, director of cardiac clinical services at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City states... "Until an artery is substantially blocked, there are no symptoms at all, because the heart's still able to get enough blood and oxygen during exercise to meet its needs."

Needless to say, there's no reason to give tests to people with no symptoms, right?

And therein could be the danger.

What are the symptoms? Are you at risk?

A recent article on the subject by the Harvard Medical School may just have some of the answers you need:

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/7228/398167.html

Also, when was your last check-up? Have you checked your blood pressure and cholesterol levels lately?

Maybe it's time to book your next appointment with your doctor.

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

Is There A Gene That Links Alcoholism And Depression?

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

Don't get too excited yet, since third-party independent studies are needed to confirm findings... (and one such study will be complete in a few short weeks) ...but it appears scientists may have found the "link" for the trend of alcoholism and depression which in some cases appears to be passed generation to generation.

According to the National Institutes of Health, alcoholism affects 7.9 million American adults, and 18.8 million suffer from depression.

"Clinicians have observed a connection between these two disorders for years, so we are excited to have found what could be a molecular underpinning for that association," said Alison Goate, the Washington University School of Medicine researcher who led the study.

Associated Press further reports:

"Scientists say they've identified a gene that appears to be linked to both alcoholism and depression, a finding that may one day help identify those at higher risk for the diseases and guide new treatments."

Get the full story here:

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/7228/398164.html

Meanwhile, if you have been through detox, or are considering it, did you know part of the regimine for recovery includes supplements?

Contact us for details if you would like to know more on this subject. We'd be happy to help!

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

Drug Alert: Erythromycin

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

A recent news review by Harvard Medical School may be cause for alarm among heart patients.

Most people are now aware that mixing common drugs, and even some natural herbs and supplements, can cause harm. This recent article is cause for alarm...

"A widely used antibiotic, erythromycin, can sharply increase the risk of cardiac arrest when taken with certain other common drugs for infections or high blood pressure, says a study published Sept. 9 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The other drugs concentrate erythromycin in the blood, which can trap salt inside heart muscle cells and trigger a potentially fatal change in heart rhythm, the Associated Press (AP) reports. The drugs include verapamil and diltiazem for high blood pressure, clarithromycin for bacterial infections, fluconazole for vaginal yeast infections, and ketoconazole and itraconazole for fungal infections, the AP says."

Read the full story here:
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/24479/36146/398279.html?d=dmtContent

If you are currently taking erythromycin, stay safe --- talk to your doctor and make sure he/she is aware of any other medications you may be on. Also, if you are taking any additional natural herbs or supplements, be sure your doctor is fully informed.

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

It's Canning Season. Are You Ready?

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

Along with the cooler air and the brightly changing colors of leaves on the trees, fall brings with it harvest time for those among us who are avid gardeners. Are you ready?

If you are new to canning foods and preserves, here's a website that may provide a good introduction:

http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/4078.htm

Keep in mind, food acidity will affect the canning process required to safely preserve your harvest. There is an excellent book available that we highly recommend although it can be very hard to find called the "Ball Blue Book" (we found our copy at WallMart).

Next week we'll bring you some of our personal favorite recipes. See you next week!

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

Are All Juices Created Equal?

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

Definitely not! Manufacturers of juice beverages are required to list the percentage of juice on the label of their product. Look for juices with labels that say 100% fruit juice. Products labeled "fruit or juice drink," "juice beverage," or "juice cocktail" may be mostly sugar water and only 5 to 10% juice. Grape and orange soda, and other fruit flavored soft drinks contain no juice.

Not all 100% fruit juices are equal either. Grape and apple juices contain little vitamin C and are naturally higher in sugar than most other fruit juices. On the other hand, orange juice is naturally low in sugar and high in vitamin C and potassium.

As you know, here at Best Liquid Vitamins we highly recommend Goji Juice. Non-pasteurized, the Goji Juice is 100% juice, no water added... with more than 2 pounds of berries used to produce each bottle.

Considering the Goji berry used to produce our Goji Juice (known by the latin name lycium barbarum) contains 500% more Vitamin C by weight than oranges, you can be certain you are getting a powerful nutritional punch each day with as little as 1 to 3 ozs.

And the best news... it tastes DELICIOUS! Enjoy!

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

Children And Physical Activity - Did You Know?

-- Posted by kmyers001 on Friday, September 10 2004

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES III - 1988-94) found that the prevalence of overweight American adolescents age 12-19 was 20 percent for males and 22 percent for females. There was an increase of 180 percent from 1970 to 1999. Preliminary data from the 1999 NHANES IV shows a 2-3 percent increase compared with NHANES III.


The National Health Examination Survey found that about 10 percent of children and adolescents are overweight. From 1965 to 1999, obesity increased 225 percent among children 6 to 11 and from 4 percent in 1965 to 13 percent in 1999.

Healthful lifestyle training should begin in childhood to promote improved cardiovascular health in adult life. The following good health practices should be promoted among children:

• regular physical activity
  
• a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet after the age of two
  
• smoking prevention
  
• appropriate weight for height
  
• regular pediatric medical checkups

---

Author: K. Myers (aka kmyers001)
Click Here To Visit Website

---

NEW! Add Our News Feed To Your Website (or myYahoo Page) Today! Keep totally up to date with changes to our website, including the latest and hottest news items with a BLV Health News feed! Simply use the following RSS URL feed for importing to your myYahoo page and/or to your website: http://bestliquidvitamins.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Finally The World's Most Powerful Anti-Aging Food Is Here! Hear what others are saying about Goji Juice! Testimonials Part 1 Testimonials Part 2 Delicious! Nutritious! Himalayan Goji Juice It Doesn't Get Any Better! * 19 amino acids, * B-Complex Vitamins, * more Vitamin C than oranges, * Vitamin E (rare in fruit!), * 4 unique polysaccharides, * richest source of carotenoids, * richer than carrots in beta-carotene, * 21 trace minerals including germainium, * more protein than even whole wheat, * known as the happy berry for mood, * and much much much more! BUY NOW Himalayan Goji Juice is 100% juice - more than two pounds of the most potent goji berries in every bottle - no sugar added!

Currently available in 11 countries! Soon available in more than 40 different countries. Click here for full details. If you would like to help us share this amazing product with the world, click here. 90 Day Empty Bottle Money Back Guarantee! The World's Most Powerful Anti-Aging Food Himalayan Goji Juice Helps You Lose Weight Too! Click Here For More Goji Details!