The Health Benefits of Red Wine

The wisdom about healthy eating changes frequently, and it can be hard to keep up, but one consistent thing is that many studies point to there being health benefits from drinking red wine. Red wine is said to aid digestion, as well as help keep your arteries and heart healthy. Red wine also enhances the flavor of certain foods. Fans of red wine often like to talk about the 'legs' and 'body' of their wine, and enjoy the full flavor and texture that red wine has to offer.

White wine is really just a mix of alcohol, water, and flavoring ??the grape juice that the wine starts off as is oxidized by the yeast added in the wine-making process, and the sugar is converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. If you are on a diet, it is best to choose a low alcohol white wine.

That said, both red and white wine have a positive effect on the digestive system in moderation ??one glass of wine with your meal will probably be beneficial to you.

How Is Red Wine Good?

Red wine is not a 'cure all' but it can be a good preventative for a number of diseases, including heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Some studies show that drinking a glass of red wine each evening can reduce the risk of heard disease by as much as 30%. It can also have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood pressure.

What is In Red Wine?

Those who live in France and many parts of the Mediterranean region have a lower rate of heart disease than certain other parts of the world, even though they consume a relatively high fat diet. It is though that this is because there are certain anti-oxidants found in red wine. These anti-oxidants increase the amount of HDL cholesterol in the blood. HDL is the 'good' form of cholesterol, and can help prevent blood clots and plaque from forming on arteries. The anti-oxidants also have anti-cancer properties.

How Much Should I Drink?

The important thing to remember is that red wine is good in moderation ??it only takes a small amount of red wine to see the health benefits ??one glass of wine per day for women, and one or two for men. A glass is typically four ounces, so a 'home measure' of wine in most cases is probably more than enough.

Drinking too much red wine can eliminated the health benefits. Red wine is also not advised for people with a history of alcoholism in their family, or those who have health conditions that could be made worse by the consumption of alcohol.

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The Health Benefits of Wine / Resveratrol

Interest in wine?s health benefits in the last two decades may have been sparked by a desire to establish a reason for the so called ?French Paradox?? There is a where a lower incidence of heart disease is found in the French. The French have a diet rich in fat and it is rational to think this antagonistic diet would be incompatible with good health. The French are known to eat more beef, cheese and butter than their European neighbors. Several researchers concluded that along with their rich fatty foods they also have a significant intake of red wine when compared to other Europeans and even Westerners. Thus the door was open for many researchers to study the health effects of wine (especially red wine) as a possible solution to this quandary. There is research supported information that moderate red wine consumption (that is one glass for women and one to two for men) can protect you against heart disease, hypertension and cancer. It also has been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Of course moderation is key here. This is certainly not an example of where a little is good a whole lot is better. Therefore, the medical community is very cautious to recommend routine use of red wine for obvious reasons.

Some studies in women regarding the consumption of alcohol and risk of breast cancer found an increase of this type of cancer in women who consume at least one drink daily. According to a report by the American Cancer Society in 2004 there was an increase of 30% in the death rate from breast cancer in women who would drink alcohol daily. This confounding information aside consumption of one or two drinks per day is associated with a reduction in risk of approximately 30 to 50 percent in coronary heart disease. Heart disease being the overwhelming number one killer of woman annually makes it the major target. So wine consumption has an overall positive effect on death rates in the female population.

The compounds responsible for the protective powers of wine are a class of compounds called antioxidants. Red wines contain several antioxidants the key isolate being the polyphenol compound called trans-Resveratrol or Res for short. Res is found in other fruit besides grapes including mulberries, raspberries and muscadine grapes (indigenous to the Americas). And in this particular grape Res is reported to be seven times as concentrated. Resveratrol is also encountered in peanuts and other nuts. Researchers at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Illinois found that Res has both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. A paper published by the UNC researchers in 2000 in the journal Cancer Research reports that Res inhibits the activity of a protein called NF-kappa B which attaches to DNA inside human cells. This protein acts like a switch turning certain genes on and off. Cancer cells propagate and continue to survive by means of NF-kappa B and thus under controlled settings researcher introduce Res which turns off this protein and thus causes the death (apoptosis) of cancer cells.

In 1992 Harvard Medical School researchers included moderate alcohol consumption as one of eight ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk. The cardioprotective effect is attributed to the antioxidants found in wine grape skins and seeds. These antioxidants (flavonoids) are found in higher concentration in red as opposed to white wine. As part of the red wine making process grape skins, stems and seeds are kept in contact with the juice for a long period of time imparting not only the ?red??color but also these health-benefiting flavonoids. It should also be noted that certain flavonoids found in oak wood are conveyed, as many red wine spends much time ?aging??in oak barrels.

Coronary heart disease reduction by Res and other antioxidant flavonoids occur in part due to a reduction in the production of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the increase of the good high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Additionally these agents reduce blood-clotting factors limiting thrombus from causing ?clots??in the coronary arteries. Some of these properties may be attributed to the fact that Res has mild estrogenic properties and estrogens as a class of hormones seem to be cardioprotective.

Still another study indicated that Resveratrol aided in the formation of nerve cells. There are those experts that believe this may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer?s and Parkinson?s in the near future. There is even one study out there claiming that daily moderate wine consumption will result in weight loss.

Not all wines are created equally. Studies from the University of California at Davis conducted studies on several varietals. They determined that higher concentrations of flavonoids are present in Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir grapes. Merlot and Red Zinfandels have far fewer flavonoids. Whites once again came out short, as the bigger bolder more tannic wines seemed best for high flavonoid yields.

Resveratrol has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries in the form of a plant called Polygonum cuspidatum for the treatment of liver and heart conditions. Why take a bitter herb when you can sip a fine wine?

According to recent statistics, year 2002 wine volume in the United States was approximately 595 million gallons. Up 34 million gallons of annual wine production when compared to 2001 records and the trend continues. California remains the largest wine producing state in the US with 90 percent coming from this state alone.

With wine sales in the United State reaching $21.1 billion in 2002, it has helped push the US to fourth in world wine production and third in consumption. The Greek philosopher Plato is quoted as saying "Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine was ever granted by the gods to man." And this may be true beyond his imagination given the stated health benefits. The questions remains, with the increased consumption in recent years, will it have a noticeable impact on the health of Americans? Cheers.

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References: (upon request to author at jpsaleeby@aol.com)

JP Saleeby, MD is co-director of the Emergency Department at LRMC in Hinesville, GA. He is a strong advocate of nutritional medicine and an oneophile of sort founding the Savannah Wine Club. He holds faculty position at GSU in Statesboro, GA, lecturing graduate nurse practitioners. He also maintains a blog at http://www.docsaleeby.blogspot.com and http://www.members.aol.com/savannahwine. To email use jpsaleeby@aol.com.

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Senior Dog Health - Excellent Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy

Senior dog health is something that you should be concerned about, especially if you own an older dog. A senior dog?s needs are different from that of younger dogs, and its energy level is much lower, too. As a dog owner, you?re going to have to be more careful about handling senior dog health.

A dog is considered senior at different ages, depending on the breed. Smaller dogs may reach their senior years at the age of 10, and bigger breeds can be considered senior as early as five years old.

To be sure, consult your veterinarian about this matter. If your dog does indeed fall under the category of senior, then you should start being more aware of its needs and taking note of any developments. You may notice that your dog may be moving more slowly than it used to, and it is less resistant to diseases and may be having frequent bowel movements and urination.

As your pet grows older, you should look into a different kind of food for him, one that is specially formulated for older dogs. This kind of dog food can help maintain your dog?s weight, keeping it from tipping the scales, unlike those containing lesser nutrients that may make your pet vulnerable to diseases.

Even though your dog is aging, this doesn?t mean that you should just leave it alone and keep it from moving. Exercise is especially important for senior dog health, because simply having your dog do nothing but lie around will not help it in any way, and may even accelerate its body?s deterioration.

As part of being aware of senior dog health, you should also bear in mind that your dog will be susceptible to certain diseases.

If your dog suffers from arthritis, you will notice that its movements are stiff, and it may even have difficulty keeping up with you during walks. You can help ease this condition by helping your dog lose weight or through recommended medication.

If your dog?s hearing and vision are deteriorating, you should consult the veterinarian to find out what causes these changes. In the meantime, make sure you pet is kept out of harm?s way.

Periodontal disease is another sign that better attention must be given to senior dog health. Its symptoms include the buildup of plaque and even gingivitis. In this case, you should have your dog?s teeth cleaned regularly and don?t forget to give it chew toys as well.

You should remember to stay on top of senior dog health and always be alert when it comes to any changes taking place in your older dog. Schedule regular checkups with the vet and make sure that your senior dog still gets enough exercise. Your dog may be getting on in years, but this is no reason for you to stop enjoying its company and making sure it stays in good condition.

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Long Term Blessings Of The Daily Walk

The daily habit of a twenty minute walk can bring remarkable improvements to a body and a bathroom.

Every day has a basic timetable. The walking must be given a program as regular as the morning breakfast and specific as the early morning news. It may be round the block but it must happen without hindrance. The initial smile may be forced but will become part of the new face from a new happiness with the preferred bathroom.

The good feelings enjoyed after a regular walk prepare the whole body for a collection of better experiences. These include;

- motivated metabolism for the next or previous meal
- the benefits of a good night?s sleep
- a growing enthusiasm and happiness in our heads
- recognition of a new energy coming from good feelings
- the blessings of a body being recognized and looked after at the level required of a wonderfully made piece of mechanical equipment.

Feelings about the walking must always remain positive and not allowed to become based around duty or task. Thoughts must always focus on the power of the goodness attached to the daily program. Initial feelings provide the grass roots of every outcome based on a decision.

The energy and good feelings that grow from the walk will play a special role in the positive relationship with family and friends. The condition of the inner house can remain a secret to others if we choose. The obvious level of maintenance of the outer house will create the changing level of respect or concern from the friend or family member.

Our personal area of decision making will become the first and primary area of challenge. We must always have the respect and recognition to be totally in charge of those life changing decisions ??not the ones that determine the color of the bedroom curtains.

A major decision on issues concerning a future is more likely to be made from a smelly bathroom than a bad stomach cramp. The power of the walk can certainly help with the energy and power to prevent the creation of an offending mess while at the same time help to prevent birth or building of the bad stomach cramp.

Regardless of spiritual level there always seems to be a stronger belief that the personal challenge can pass but the smelly bathroom is definitely the chosen indicator of the beginning of the unwanted end.

Any challenge can become an uninvited focus of a future. How each is addressed is vital. Good feelings can provide the power to deal with an issue in an afternoon. Major decision making may not come often but we are more empowered by good feelings to make wise choices on all issues especially when these don?t include our future happiness.

The vital but less obvious benefits from the power of feeling better because of the walk will include the satisfaction of observing a peaceful routine. Dealing with the seemingly not so deep and meaningful outcome from quality house maintenance will contribute to the household variety as well.

Copyright 2006 Patricia Little

Patricia Little is a writer and the editor of a re-released classic ebook- it will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. For more go to ==> http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com

Remarkable "How I Became Young at Sixty" brings renewed vigor to your body, and hope to your mind. You Can Get your Free ebook "How I Became Young at Sixty" by going to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm

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Mental Health Counselling

Mental health counselling can be an effective therapy as part of a wider treatment plan for an individual who is suffering from depression or an anxiety related disorder, or for people who have experienced a traumatic event in their lives and are finding it difficult to cope with, or for those who are struggling to deal with specific problems and issues. It is often a doctor who will recommend mental health counselling, however, many individuals will seek the services of a counsellor themselves, either by asking their doctor for advice or by approaching a counsellor directly.

What is counselling?

Basically, counselling can be described as a type of talking therapy. It is usually delivered in a safe and private setting so that the individual concerned can relax and talk openly and freely about their particular problems or issues and the emotions or feelings that can accompany them.

It is described as a talking therapy because the counsellor will listen empathetically to an individual in order to understand the situation from the individual's point of view. In doing this a trained counsellor will be able to encourage an individual to see their situation more clearly, perhaps from a different perspective, and will be able to help them identify new ways of coping with their problems or circumstances. Counselling usually does not involve giving advice or telling someone what to do with their lives, it is more about exploring problems, identifying possible solutions and choices and obtaining clarity.

For counselling to be effective, it is essential that an element of trust develops between the counsellor and the person or persons receiving the counselling as only in this way can there be an open and free dialogue. It may take time for a person receiving counselling to lose any initial feelings of distrust, fear and embarrassment so quite often counselling will be offered over several sessions in order for a relationship to develop between the counsellor and the patient or client.

There are several types of mental health counselling services available, each drawing on its own particular theory of human psychology and development. There are also many different types of counsellors, some of who are trained to deal with a particular problem or circumstance. For example bereavement counsellors, counsellors who specialise in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, and counsellors who understand the issues surrounding drug and alcohol addiction, as well as many others.

Counselling can take place on a one to one basis, or in group sessions, face to face or over the phone. It can last for just one session, a specific block of sessions or be open ended with no time limit at all. Regardless of the particular type of mental health problem involved, the first step to recovery is recognising that there is a problem in the first place.

When mental health counselling can help

Mental health counselling can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have a tendency to repress feelings like guilt, frustration, anger, resentment, sadness and so on and who find it difficult to cope alone and who for whatever reason, perhaps do not want to discuss how they feel with their friends and family. It can help an individual to gain new insights into their own particular circumstances and problems and to achieve clarity and direction in life. Most of all it can help an individual cope and improve their quality of life.

There are numerous circumstances where someone might seek the services of a mental health counsellor or be referred for counselling by their doctor and these include but are certainly not limited to:

??Relationship problems, including separation and divorce
??Problems at work or financial worries, dismissal, redundancy
??Physical, sexual and/or mental abuse
??Bereavement
??Depression and anxiety
??Post natal depression
??Eating disorders
??OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
??Alcohol and drug abuse
??Phobias
??Panic Attacks
??Dealing with stress
??Post traumatic stress

Finding a counsellor

In order to get the right kind of help it is important that you access the most appropriate type of counselling for you and as there are so many available options, it can be problematic if you decide to go it alone.

In the first instance, it would be advisable to speak to your doctor as he or she will be able to take into consideration your full medical history before recommending any particular type of therapy or counsellor. If you decide to seek the services of a trained counsellor independently, it is up to you to check out the cost and the credentials of any potential counsellor before you start.

Many voluntary organisations have counsellors and there are numerous private counsellors advertising in the press, phone books and on the Internet. However, you can find an accredited counsellor from the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy website at www.bacp.co.uk or from the National Board for Certified Counsellors at www.nbcc.org if you live in the USA

Depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information about depression and self help come and visit http://www.fightingdepression.co.uk/

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How To Run Your First 5 Km

Are you new to running or need a new challenge? Running your first 5 km can be motivating, challenging and very exciting.

First, you need to find out when the next local race is. If you are just beginning your running program, look for a race at least 10 weeks away. This will give you plenty of time to get in tip-top shape for race day. Be sure to register early. You will save money and it will motivate you to keep going.

Next, you need to get a good pair of running shoes. Now I do need to stress the importance of "good shoes". You will be training and working hard, you don't want to sabotage all your hard work with shin splits, and sore knees.

Go see a professional about a pair of shoes that fit you properly and suit your needs. When you have the right pair of shoes you will enjoy your running experience so much more.

Now that you are set with proper running shoes and don't forget a bottle of water, you can now begin your training program.

As a beginner runner, you will start with a walk/run 10-week program. The following chart will guide you week by week. Before you know it, you'll be running your first 5 km!

Each week has the same workout days and recovery days. The only change is the time running and walking.

Begin each session with a 5 minute warm up of brisk walking. This is not included in the time totals below.

Week One
You only run Tues., Thurs. and Sat. All other days are rest recovery days. You will run 1 minute/walk 2 minutes and repeat 6 times. Your total run will be 6 minutes. Total time is 18 minutes.

Week Two
Run 1 minute/walk 1 minute-repeat 10 times. Total run is 10 minutes. Total time is 20 minutes.

Week Three
Run 2 minutes/walk 2 minutes-repeat 6 times. Total run is 12 minutes. Total time is 24 minutes.

Week Four
Run 2 minutes/walk 1 minute-repeat 7 times. Total run is 14 minutes. Total time is 21 minutes.

Week Five
Run 4 minutes/walk 1 minute-repeat 4 times. Total run is 16 minutes. Total time is 20 minutes.

Week Six
Run 6 minutes/walk 1 minute-repeat 3 times. Total run is 18 minutes. Total time is 21 minutes.

Week Seven
Run 7 minutes/walk 1 minute-repeat 3 times. Total run is 21 minutes. Total time is 24 minutes.

Week Eight
Run 8 minutes/walk 1 minute-repeat 3 times. Total run is 24 minutes. Total time is 27 minutes.

Week Nine
Run 12 minutes/walk 2 minutes-repeat 2 times. Total run is 24 minutes. Total time 28 minutes.

Week Ten
Run 25 minutes/walk 3 minutes

Feel free to use this template and change it to suit your needs.

There you go. All you need now is to hit the pavement running.

4 Tips when Running your first 5 km

• Keep your shoulders down and back
• Place your head in neutral position without looking up or down, and relax the neck muscles
• Keep arms moving in a straight line, to minimize side to side movement. This wastes energy.
• Avoid bouncing. Run forward, not up and down.

Kelly Parker is an ACE and Can-Fit Pro certified fitness professional and has been helping people reach their health and fitness goals for over 11 years.

Visit http://www.how-to-get-fit.com to learn more on how to burn fat and get the toned body you've been striving for.

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