Meditation has many health benefits, including a reduced sensitivity to pain. Meditators do feel pain but they simply don’t dwell on it as much, according to a new University of Montreal study. … Read More

Teens that sleep less than eight hours per night eat higher proportions of fatty foods and snacks than adolescents who sleep eight hours or more, according to a new study in the journal Sleep. Short sleep duration may increase obesity risk by causing small changes in eating patterns that cumulatively alter energy balance, especially in girls. Shorter sleep duration is associated with an increase in the percentage of calories consumed from fats and a decrease in the percentage of calories from carbohydrates. Teens who sleep less than eight hours per night consume 2.2 percent more calories from fats and 3 percent fewer calories from carbs than teens who sleep eight hours or more. “The relative increase in fat consumption among shorter sleepers by 2.2 percent per day chronically may contribute to cumulative increases in energy consumption that would be expected to increase risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease,” says author Susan Redline, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. There is also an association between sleep duration and snacking. For each one-hour increase in sleep duration, the odds of consuming a high amount of calories from snacks decrease by an average of 21 percent. There are numerous pathways by which sleep loss may promote weight gain. Reductions in sleep duration may alter metabolic rate and affect hormones that regulate appetite. Sleep restriction may also initiate stress responses that promote overeating and reduce the motivation to exercise. Sleep may be the missing link in obesity interventions that focus only on diet and exercise. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teens get at least nine hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested during the day. Tips for improving sleep: • Relax an hour before bedtime by reducing daily activities. • Ensure lighting, sound and temperature are conducive to sleep. • Exercise regularly. • Avoid sleep medications. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for the treatment of sleep disorders as well as a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

A low-carbohydrate diet in which more fat and protein sources come from plants than animals may be protective against adverse health conditions, according to a recent Annals of Internal Medicine study. In an analysis, a higher-vegetable, low-carbohydrate diet was associated with a 20 percent lower risk of death. Conversely, a low-carb diet high in meat tended to be associated with a 23 percent increased risk of death. “These results suggest that the health effects of a low-carbohydrate diet may depend on the type of protein and fat, and a diet that includes mostly vegetable sources of protein and fat is preferable to a diet with mostly animal sources of protein and fat, “ writes Teresa Fung, Sc.D. of Simmons College in Boston, and colleagues. Low-carbohydrate diets have been associated with weight loss promotion and improved blood cholesterol levels. The researchers examined data from two studies, the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study. A diet assessment of a total of 85,168 women and 44,548 men found that low-carbohydrate diets with more meat tended to be associated with higher all-cause mortality. This could be due to the established health benefits of unsaturated fats, dietary fiber, micronutrients, and other vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that meat-based diets may be lacking. Tips for a healthy low-carb diet: • Avoid processed meats that contain saturated fats and nitrites. • Opt for fish over red meat. • Include nuts, avocados, olives, and other plant fats in the diet. • Eat a diet of whole foods rather than convenience snacks. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Vitamin D may help reduce the incidence and severity of viral respiratory tract infections including influenza, according to a new Yale University School of Medicine and Greenwich Hospital study. To determine if the declining concentrations of vitamin D seen in the fall and winter could be a factor in the seasonal increased prevalence of respiratory viral infections such as the flu, James Sabetta, M.D., and colleagues followed 198 adults during the fall and winter. Of the 18 participants who maintained high vitamin D levels, only three (16.6 percent) developed viral infections. Of the 180 other participants, 81 (45 percent) developed viral infections. Those with the higher vitamin D levels also experienced a marked reduction in respiratory tract infection symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, fever, chills, fatigue, and general malaise. They also had less days ill. The lower levels of vitamin D seen in the winter may contribute to the prevalence of influenza. Indoor crowding is commonly thought to contribute to the influenza epidemics seen each winter. However, influenza epidemics do not occur in summer in crowded workplaces or other gatherings, despite the presence of the virus and a multitude of nonimmune people. Findings have implications for understanding the seasonality of certain infections and higher infection rates among individuals who are predisposed to lower concentrations of vitamin D, such as obese individuals. Vitamin D, which we get partially from exposure to sunlight, has known benefits: • Boosts the immune system. • Decreases high blood pressure. • Reduces the risk of developing arthritis. • Combats viral infections. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for a wide range of health conditions as well as overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Being obese in adolescence increases the risk of being severely obese in adulthood. Individuals with severe obesity encounter serious and potentially life-threatening health complications. … Read More

>Although a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk for many chronic diseases, Americans just aren’t getting enough. Since 2000, the amount of vegetables Americans are eating has stayed the same and the amount of fruit Americans are eating has gone down. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced trends in fruit and vegetable consumption among adults. The CDC has spearheaded efforts with goals of getting 75 percent of Americans to eat two or more servings of fruit a day and 50 percent to eat three or more servings of vegetables a day. Unfortunately, Americans aren’t meeting these modest targets. The CDC found that only about a third of adults were eating their recommended servings of fruit, and just over a quarter of adults were eating their recommended servings of vegetables. So why aren’t Americans getting their recommended servings of fruits and vegetables? It turns out Americans might be spoiled when it comes to their produce. A national survey conducted by Fruit2day reveals that nearly half of Americans leave fruit in their fridge until it rots, with people in Boston among the worst and those in New York and Los Angeles among the best. Most Americans admit to leaving fruit in the fridge for more than a week. Other findings of the study: Americans choose strawberries as their favorite fruit. Bananas come in second. The reason behind the love of strawberries? Americans see themselves as having sweet, caring personalities like a strawberry. Tips to improve your diet: • Buy pesticide-free organic fruits and vegetables. • Reduce foods with added sugars. • Watch your sodium intake. • Avoid trans fats. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Derived from the cannabis sativa plant, marijuana (hemp) has been used as an agricultural product in the United States to make cloth, lacquer and rope since the colonial period. Recreational drug use of marijuana dates from the 1920s. Those who advocate decriminalization of marijuana argue that legalization would: • Reduce drug-related crime. • Redirect resources used for investigation, prosecution and punishment of drug offenders to more productive purposes. • Reduce prison system overcrowding. • Result in research development of medicinal use of marijuana. “The vehemence of marijuana’s opponents and the harsh punishments routinely administered to marijuana offenders cannot be explained by a simple concern for public health,” writes author Eric Schlosser in The Atlantic Monthly article More Reefer Madness. “The attack on marijuana, since its origins early in this century, has in reality been a cultural war—a moral crusade in defense of traditional American values.” “In order to eliminate marijuana use, state and federal legislators have sanctioned an enormous increase in prosecutorial power, the emergence of a class of professional informers and the widespread confiscation of private property by the government without trial—legal weapons reminiscent of those used in the former Soviet-bloc nations,” says Schlosser. California is leading in terms of progressive drug policy reform, and has become the first state to decriminalize marijuana. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill last month that fully decriminalizes possession of less than one ounce of marijuana in the state, making the maximum punishment just a $100 fine. In November, California citizens will vote on Proposition 19, a ballot proposition to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. … Read More

The psychological and physiological state of individuals experiencing tension headache improves within 24 hours after receiving a 30-minute massage, according to a new University of Granada study. Tension headaches have an increasing rate of incidence among the population. This disorder causes disabling pain and is usually treated with analgesics that relieve symptoms temporarily. One of the main causes of this type of headache is the presence of trigger points. A 30-minute massage on cervical myofascial trigger points focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in the muscles. Trigger point massage improves autonomic nervous system regulation. Massage also enhances your psychological state by reducing the stress and anxiety associated with chronic tension headache. Individuals with chronic headache report a relief from symptoms within 24 hours after a massage. Massage can reduce the pain caused by trigger points, which improves the general physical state. Massage treats a wide range of health conditions. Benefits of massage: • Boosts the immune system. • Reduces stress. • Increases flexibility and range of motion. • Regulates blood pressure. • Reduces pain and stiffness. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers massage therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of acute and chronic headache as well as a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Nearly 80 percent of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Caused by changes in estrogen, hot flashes typically begin with a rise in body temperature followed by perspiration, rapid heart rate and discomfort. Lasting from 30 seconds to a minute, they often occur at night. Women usually experience hot flashes for four years while going through menopause. They may begin two to three years before the cessation of the monthly period and last up to five years after the cessation of menses. Hot flashes are associated with an increased blood flow in the blood vessels of the chest, back, neck, and face. Symptoms of hot flashes may include: • Flushing. • Body warmth. • Night sweats. • Facial redness. Finding effective treatment options for hot flashes can be difficult. Hot flashes have been conventionally treated with estrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, HRT has been linked to an increased risk for heart attack, breast cancer and stroke. Acupuncture is a holistic therapy option for the treatment of hot flashes with virtually no adverse side effects. Acupuncture, when compared to drug therapy, has a longer lasting effect on the reduction of hot flashes. Women also report that acupuncture improves energy and alertness. … Read More

People experience fatigue when they cannot effectively manage daily activities and responsibilities while allowing time for their health. Many feel continually fatigued. Acute or chronic, fatigue can lead to exhaustion and constant low energy. Fatigue is not improved with sleep and can impair functioning and quality of life. … Read More

Consuming fewer sugar-sweetened beverages may reduce blood pressure, according to a new study. Sugar-sweetened beverages, one of the most common sources of excess sugar in the diet, have been previously linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. "Our findings suggest that reducing sugar-sweetened beverages and sugar consumption may be an important dietary strategy to lower blood pressure and further reduce other blood pressure-related diseases," says lead author Liwei Chen, M.D., assistant professor at Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Public Health. “Reductions in blood pressure would be anticipated by reducing sugar-sweetened beverages consumption by an average of two servings per day,” says Chen. Using data on 810 adults with prehypertension and stage I hypertension, researchers concluded that reducing intake of sodas lowered blood pressure significantly. American adults consume an average of 2.3 servings (28 ounces) of sugar-sweetened beverages per day, such as drinks sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, regular soft drinks, fruit drinks, and lemonade. The findings have relevant public health implications, as even minor reductions in blood pressure can have significant health benefits on a population level. The study appears in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Sugar contains empty calories with no nutrients. Read labels and avoid ingredients that are forms of sugar including: • Glucose • Dextrose • Fructose • Maltose Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. … Read More

Nearly 30 percent of soldiers returning from combat in Iraq experience posttraumatic stress disorder or depression that affects their daily lives and activities. For as many as 14 percent of these veterans, PTSD and depression can cause severe impairment. Assessing health surveys from more than 13,000 Army and National Guard infantrymen who fought in Iraq, a new Archives of General Psychiatry study has determined that between 9 and 14 percent of the soldiers were diagnosed with PTSD or depression resulting in serious impairment, while 23 to 31 percent experienced some degree of impairment. The pre-deployment rate of PTSD and depression among the soldiers was about 3 to 5 percent, equivalent to that seen in the general population. The risk of mental health problems may be more persistent among National Guard soldiers. A greater proportion of men and women in the National Guard than in the Army were diagnosed with PTSD and depression one year after their return. The standard time between deployments, 12 to 18 months, may not be sufficient for many soldiers to recover, the study suggests. Acupuncture can be an effective addition to treatment regimens for PTSD, alleviating symptoms. PTSD symptoms acupuncture treats include: • Insomnia. • Stress. • Anxiety. • Depression. AMC’s Community Clinic offers free acupuncture to veterans on Fridays. If you are a veteran, call (305) 595-9500 to schedule your free acupuncture appointment. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

The beneficial health effects of exercise—including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes—are well known, but the underlying biological mechanisms of these benefits are unclear. A new study takes a look at how regular exercise impacts health and metabolism. Using a system that analyzes blood samples, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers have developed a "chemical snapshot" of the metabolic effects of exercise. Their findings may improve understanding of the physiologic effects of exercise and may help develop new therapies for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. . The study appears in the May issue of Science Translational Medicine. "We found new metabolic signatures that clearly distinguish more-fit from less-fit individuals during exercise," says study author Gregory Lewis, M.D., of the MGH Heart Center. "These results have implications for the development of optimal training programs and improved assessment of cardiovascular fitness." Benefits of exercise: • Prevents chronic disease. • Aids in weight management. • Boosts energy level. • Regulates sleep patterns. • Lowers blood pressure. After exercising, participants who were more fit had a 98 percent increase in the breakdown of stored fat, sugar and amino acids, while less-fit people had only a 48 percent increase. "Our results have implications for development of both diagnostic testing to track and improve exercise performance and for interventions to reduce the effects of diabetes or heart disease,” says study author Robert Gerszten, M.D. … Read More

Tai chi, a low impact martial art, has been associated with reduced stress, anxiety and depression, and enhanced mood, in both healthy people and those with chronic conditions. A review of the health effects of tai chi, published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that tai chi does appear to have positive psychological effects. "Tai chi, the Chinese mind-body exercise, has been practiced for centuries for health and fitness in the East and is currently gaining popularity in the West. It is believed to improve mood and enhance overall psychological well being,” says Dr. Chenchen Wang, Associate Professor, from Tufts University School of Medicine. Wang and colleagues pooled results of 40 tai chi studies to assess the mental health effects of tai chi. She found that practicing tai chi was associated with reduced stress, anxiety, depression, and mood disturbance, as well as increased self-esteem. "More detailed knowledge about the physiological and psychological effects of tai chi exercise may lead to new approaches to promote health, treat chronic medical conditions, better inform clinical decisions, and further explicate the mechanisms of successful mind-body medicine,” says Wang. Benefits of tai chi: • Reduces stress. • Improves balance and flexibility. • Lowers blood pressure. • Increases energy and endurance. Tai chi improves cardiovascular fitness and is suitable for all ages and levels of physical ability. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Military service is a cause of post-traumatic stress disorder in some veterans and is also associated with multisymptom illness, gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and psychiatric problems such as anxiety disorder, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine, the latest update in a series of reports on the Gulf War and veterans' health. Some veterans suffer a range of symptoms whereas others experience specific, isolated health problems or no ill health. It is likely that post-traumatic stress disorder and multisymptom illness result from the interactions between environmental exposures and genes, and genetics may predispose some individuals to illness. Veterans who continue to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and multisymptom illness deserve the very best that modern science and medicine can offer to speed the development of effective treatments, cures and prevention. Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, veterans can receive free acupuncture treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic, located at 10506 N. Kendall Drive, Miami. Acupuncture can be an effective addition to treatment regimens for PTSD, alleviating symptoms including: • Insomnia. • Stress. • Anxiety. • Depression. If you are a veteran, call today to schedule your free acupuncture appointment at (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More