Smokers Warning: Beta-Carotene Supplements May Lead to an Increased Risk of Lung Cancer

Health care professionals are now using caution when recommending vitamin and mineral supplements that contain beta-carotene to smokers. Two major studies, the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET) and the Alpha-Tocopheryl, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study Group (ATBC) suggested a correlation between smokers developing lung cancer and beta-carotene supplementation. The amount of beta-carotene consumed in the study was 30mg and 15mg respectively.
Smokers should use caution and consult their health care professional before deciding to take a supplement that contains beta-carotene.

Source: Bausch & Lomb

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Go Nuts for Lower Cholesterol

We're usually told to stay away from nuts due to their high fat content, but you should think twice about cutting them from your diet completely.

Recently, two separate studies have indicated that eating walnuts and pecans lowers so-called "bad" cholesterol (LDL), and may help to increase "good" cholesterol (HDL).

Nuts are also a good source of nutrients; many are excellent sources of selenium, copper, magnesium and manganese, antioxidants which help to reduce by-products in the body that may contribute to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Just stick to these two rules:

Eat them in moderation ­ although they may help your cholesterol ratio and nutrient levels, nuts are still high in calories and fat.

Limit the amount of salt you add ­ salt can contribute to high blood pressure.

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Another high blood pressure indicator!

Scientists have concluded that memory lapses may be an indication that you have high blood pressure.

When your blood pressure is too high, your blood vessels become thicker and impede the flow of blood throughout your body ­ including the flow to your brain. Lack of blood to the posterior regions of the brain can manifest as loss of memory, and essentially adds to a person's mental age.

So the next time you have a "senior moment" and can't remember your friend's name or telephone number, laugh it off...and visit your doctor to get your blood pressure checked.

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Canadian Scientist moving towards non-invasive colon cancer test

Up until recently, a colonoscopy was the most accurate way to diagnose colon cancer - although also the most invasive and expensive. But Dr. Tedros Bezabeth, a researcher based in Winnipeg, MB is developing a test which will use the patient's stool to make the diagnosis.

Current screening techniques, which include the dreaded colonoscopy, digital rectal examinations and barium enemas, are uncomfortable for the patient and yield only 50 to 75 per cent accuracy. The new test involves collecting a stool sample from the patient, running it through a magnetic resonance spectrometer and using special computer software. To date, the new technique has produced 98 per cent accuracy.

Scientists hope that the option of a non-invasive procedure (which is also significantly cheaper than colonoscopy) will encourage more people to get the test done and identify cancerous and pre-cancerous cells so that they can be treated before the condition becomes more serious.

Age-Related Vision Loss

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65 and the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 50.

What is AMD?

At the back of your eye, in the centre of your retina is the macula, which is made up of light sensitive cells. When you look at something, light is focused onto these cells, which lets your brain know what you are seeing. As we age, the macula weakens and its cells begin to break down. Both distance and close-up vision will begin to fade. Central vision can be heavily affected, while peripheral vision frequently remains the same. Daily activities such as reading or driving can become difficult. In AMD, the macula is damaged ­ either by a buildup of waste deposits or by leaky blood vessels ­ resulting in central vision loss.

Types of Macular Degeneration

The two types of macular degeneration are "dry" and "wet".

Dry macular degeneration is the most prevalent form of the disease. It affects about 90% of those with AMD. A common indication of AMD risk is the existence of drusen. Drusen are yellow deposits found in the retina. As drusen increase in size or number, the risk of vision loss increases.

Wet macular degeneration accounts for about 10% of all diagnosed cases. Caused by abnormal blood vessels forming at the back of the eye, these vessels will leak fluid or blood and blur central vision. The resulting vision loss can be rapid and severe.

AMD often starts in one eye and then progresses to the other eye. Eye Care Professionals screen for and can diagnose AMD during your eye examination.

Protecting Your Eyesight

There are things you can do to protect your eyesight.

• Eat a balanced diet
• Wear sunglasses
• Don't smoke
• Exercise regularly
• Talk to your eye care professional about vitamins and minerals specially formulated for eye-health
• Get regular eye exams