Calcium: beyond bones

It is well established that an adequate intake of the mineral calcium is essential for health bones and teeth. Did you know that calcium also plays an important role in other systems of the body? It circulates in the blood to carry out important functions relating to the clotting of blood, regulation of muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and maintaining a steady heartbeat. Some studies arre suggesting that calcium may also play a role in weight loss, prevention of colon cancer, the control of cholesterol and blood pressure. along with alleviating pre-menstraul symptoms. Is this really so? In this issue of Nayam News we will look at some of these findings, discuss the key functions of calcium in the body and highlight the dietary sources of this nutrient.

Promoting physical activity

As a follow up to the first issue on physical activity, Nayam News continues this series by showing how physical activity can be promoted. First, a historical perspective. In addition to healthy eating, scientists and physicians of many ancient cultures recognised the role of physical activity in promoting the health of mind and body. In China and India, concepts of health and disease prevention were developed as early as 3000 B.C. and both cultures upheld philosophies that emphasized the importance of exercise in preserving good health. This recognition of the relationship between medicine and physical activity is reflected in the writings of Greek physicians such as Herodicus (480BC), Hippocrates (377BC) and Galen (129AD). Today educators, philosophers, scientists and physicians still believe that physical activity is one of the most significant contributors to health and longevity.

Physical activity and cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Caribbean. There are many kinds of cancer: in fact cancer is the general name given to a group of more than 100 diseases which all develop as a result of abnormal cell-growth. The abnormal cells usually form into a tumour (a lump or mass) but there are some cancers, like leukaemia, which do not form tumours, and it must be noted that not all tumours are cancerous. Some of the well-known types of cancer in the Caribbean include breast cancer, prostate cancer, cancers of the colon, cervix, stomach, rectum and lung cancer. Less frequently are ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as leukaemia and cancer found in the thyroid, bladder, kidney and pancreas. Physical activity is said to reduce the chance of developing certain types of cancers, so in this issue of Nayam News, we will be taking a look at the evidence for relationships between physical activity and some types of the disease.

Physical activity and diabetes

The incidence of diabetes continues to increase in the Caribbean due to many contributing factors, but the most significant factors are directly linked to prevalence of sedentry lifestyle, diet and obesity. In this issue of Nayam News we will explore why it is so important to practise a healthy lifestyle through physical activity to prevent or control diabetes. The benefits of physical activity are greates in the early stages of the disease. In fact, studies have shown that exercise and healthy diet can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in people with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT). IGT, often referred to as pre-diabetes is a condition that is developed prior to type 2 diabetes. The problem with IGT and type 2 diabetes is that many people display on symptoms, and are therefore unaware that they are living with the condition. Large population-based studies in several developed countries suggest that moderate reduction in weight and walking wach day for half an hour, reduces the incidence of diabetes more than half in overweight individuals. Thus, regular physical activity is a primary prevention measure for individuals who may be susceptible to the condition.

Physical activity and cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease accounts for most deaths in the Caribbean. Man of these diseases are preventeable by actions of major risk factors including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and smoking. The major cardiovascular diseases include: (1) Coronary (or ischemic) heart disease (heart attack); (2) Cerebrovascualar disease (stroke); (3) Hypertension (high blood pressure); (4) Heart failure; ( Rheumatic heart disease. High blood presure, which affects both children and adults, is a major contributor to heart disease. The favorable effects of physical activity on cardiovascular diseases reflects positively on atherosclerosis, plasma lipid/lipo-protein profile, blood pressure, availability of oyxgenated blood for the heart muscle needs (ischemia), blood clotting (thrombosis) and heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). Other effects of physical activity that may be associated with modification of cardiovascular disease risk include reduced incidence of obesity, healthier distribution of body fat and reduced incidents of Type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity and health

In this final issue of Nayam News in this physical activity series we attempt to collate the main evidence for the various health indicators. Clearly, physical activity is positively related to health. However to reap maximum benefits from physical activity, individuals (2yrs and older) are recommended to participate in a minimum of 30 minutes or more on most or all the days of the week. Health can be defined as a state of physical, emotional, social and psychological well-being. In promoting health, one must take into consideration the importance of psychological well-being. It can therefore be assumed that , in an effort to improve health and wellness, physical activity is of major imortance.

Green tea and your health

Green tea is regarded by many as a "miracle tea" and is reputed to be beneficial for many medical conditions such as: cancer, rheumatiod arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, liver disease, halitosis, infection and impaired immune function. What exactly is green tea, and is it really so special?

Sugar and your health

Sugar has been, over the years, important to the Caribbean as it is one of our major exports, made from the sugar cane grown in many countries. In addition to using it in sweetening drinks and in cakes, pudding and pastries, we use sugar in our own confectionary such as peppermint candy, tamarind balls. coconut, peanut or almond drops. among many other uses. In this Issue of Nayam News we look at sugar in the diet and whether indiscriminate consumption of sugar leads directly to persons becoming obese.

Fortified water

You're in the gym and you stroll over to the refreshment counter and say " Can I have a bottle water please?" The seller asks " What kind?" You reply, "Bottled". He points to the wide variety of water bottles on display in the refrigerator - the colours are catchy, the labels are bold and you become confused when you are faced with the decision - plain water or water fortified with calcium, vitamin C or fibre? Sweetened with sugar or sugar substitutes? Grapefruit, lime, cucumber, mango or strawberry flavoured? The natural element from the earth is not as simple as it once was and our expectations of it have grown. Over the years, consumers have got accustomed to seeing an increasing variety of bottled waters on the market. This has now been taken to a new level, with a new generation of fortified water being offered to consumers thirsty for the nutritional benefit they claim to offer.

Ginger an your health

Ginger is a perennial flowering plant, native to Southern Asia, and introduced to many parts of the globe. It is now cultivated throughout the humid tropics including the Caribbean (Jamaica, Guyana and Haiti), Asia, and Africa. Ginger's botanical name is Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Though sometimes called a root, ginger is in fact a swollen underground stem - a rhizome.

Obesity stress and depression

Obesity may lead to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Unlike influenza, these NCDs cannot be passed on from one person to another ("non-communicable"), and they are "chronic", that is, once these diseases develop, they would not go away but would require lifestyle treatment. But obesity is also linked to stress and depression.

Diet and pain (1)

Most, if not all human beings have some point in time experienced even the slightest bit of pain which occurs as a result of a minor injury, mentrual pain or the pain which accompanies a sickness/disease; it is known fact that pain is a fairly common occurence and an inevitable part of life.

Diet and pain (2)

There is a strong association between diet and the development of chronic diseases namely, cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, some cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found that a diet low in fat and high in fibre not only helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases but is also essential in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is in fact, a critical aspect in the development of the above-mentioned conditions which are characterised by low-grade inflammation. The pain associated with these conditions may not be immediate as the effects of these conditions accumulate over many years before being detected.

Non-nutritive sweeteners

There are five non-nutritive sweeteners approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in the USA. There are saccharin, acesulfane potassium (Acesulfane-K), sucralose, aspartame, neotame. Cyclamate is also an artificial sweetener approved for use in the European Union but banned for use in the USA. Recently, Stevia, a herbal extract of intense sweeteness has entered the market.

Grocery shopping in a recession

Global recession has caused many consumer goods, particularly food items, to increase while wages and salaries have been stagnant. Although the current financial crisis may look somewhat bleak or depressing, families, especially those in which children are present, need to ensure that in addition to saving money, the health needs of the family members are met. You may be wondering, how it is possible to stick to a budget while maintaining a health conscious diet? All is not lost. Even though prices are higher, healthy living does not have to be expensive. The wise shopper armed with a plan can still make healthful choices and save money.

Fruits, vegetables and cancer prevention - 1

Cancer is the second highest cause of death in the Caribbean. There is a lot of evidence to show that our diets play a role in both the development and the outcome of cancer. Cancer experts report that around one third of cancers are preventable by good nutrition. This is because there are some foods and food constituents that probably decrease the chance of us getting cancer.

Fruits, vegetables and cancer prevention - 2

Plant foods, including vegetables and fruits, are a source of many micro-nutrients and bioactive compounds that may figure protecting against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, colon, rectum, lung and prostate.

Organic foods: are they healthier?

Ever wonder what's this fuss over organic foods? The term organic usually refers to the way in which farmers grow and process their agriculture produce, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products. Organic foods are foods that are grown without chemicals or genetic modification.

Dietary supplements - 1

A dietary supplement is a product taken by mouth which is intended to increase usual intake of dietary ingredients it contains.

Dietary supplements - 2

Based on the perceived need for supplementation, the consumer will be seeking a product to fill the need. While the manufacturer and the regulatory agencies must play major roles in ensuring the safety of dietary supplements available to the public, the consumer who makes the choice to purchase and use dietary supplements can be proactive and take control of what he or she purchases to consume.