Menopause NOT linked to Heart Disease

The latest findings blows the theory that Menopause increases Heart Disease in women.

The research found that aging and not hormonal changes brought on by menopause cause deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease mortality rates in women progress at a constant rate as they age, the research found.

The findings were published in BMJ, the British medical journal.

Hopkins scientists believe the findings could have implications for how heart health is assessed in pre-menopausal women.

“Our data show there is no big shift toward higher fatal heart attack rates after menopause,” said Dhananjay Vaidya, an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the study’s leader. “What we believe is going on is that the cells of the heart and arteries are aging like every other tissue in the body, and that is why we see more and more heart attacks every year as women age. Aging itself is an adequate explanation and the arrival of menopause with its altered hormonal impact does not seem to play a role.”

Vaidya said his team also found that the number of women who die each year from heart disease increases exponentially at roughly 8 percent per year. The statistical death rate curve stays steady throughout life, he says, increasing risk annually in the same way compound interest increases a bank account balance over time.                                    

Anti-Aging from the Outside In and the Inside-Out

I firmly believe in anti-aging from the inside out!

That is one of the reasons why I take Synergy's V3 System, Pro Argi9, Mystify and Pytolife to help with anti-aging inside my body, keeping my organs, blood and muscles working well and giving the body a chance to repair itself.

I also believe in anti-aging from the outside-in and it is so important to look at what we are putting onto our skin.   So many skin care and personal care products contain parabens, mineral oils, PBA's, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurel Sulphate which are chemicals that harm us.  

If you'd like to know more about how these effect us go to http://www.menoqueen.com

There are three companies whose products I use and would gladly recommend to you.

Neals Yard Remedies -NYR Organic have a wonderful range including skin care, body care and hair care, 

click the link to view and buy online. 

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/jotocher/

For those going through Menopause, we are mostly have higher amounts of estrogen and need to be rebalanced with more progesterone.

Kokoro stock a fabulous range of anti-aging face creams which have added Progesterone in natural form incorporated into the cream. http://www.kokorohealth.com/186.html

Morrocan Oil - Argan Oil

Organic Argan Oil, 100% natural product, with no added mineral oil 

   

Argan Repair Serum with Neroli: 

   

Made from concentrated Argan Oil and Neroli which is a 

strong cell regenerator; Argan Repair Serum provides a 

soft, soothing and velvety feel on exceptionally dry or 

damaged skin, including stretch marks and brown spots

Available in 50ml   £32.75  

   

   

Argan Oil & Aloe Vera Oil Body Moisturiser 

 

This Exceptional body moisturiser With Argan Oil, 

Aloe vera Oil, and Carrot Oil will leave your skin 

nourished, fresh and smooth.   Apply after your usual 

shower on your skin as often as you wish.  

 

Available 120ml     £32.75       

Hair Restorer with Jojoba 

 

An easy to use spray to help repair and nourish dry 

and damaged hair. Includes Argan and Jojoba oil.   

 

Available in 120ml    £23.00     

If you'd like to purchase any of the Argan Oil products please email me with your requirements.

Here's to nourishment for our skin the healthy way!

Heart Health & Vitamin K2

Heart Health & Vitamin K2 Among the numerous heart healthy ingredients found in ProArgi-9 Plus is vitamin K2. This important vitamin has been shown to provide powerful benefits to the cardiovascular and skeletal system. Let's take a look at the two forms of vitamin K, the impact vitamin K2 has on human health, and how its combination with vitamin D3 substantially increase its affect. K1 vs. K2 Although vitamin K1 provides many of the benefits attributed to vitamin K, for optimal benefits, vitamin K2 is considered a superior choice. Vitamin K2 is a collective term for a group of vitamin K compounds called menaquinones. Studies have shown vitamin K2 to be more bioavailable and more efficacious in supporting bone mineral density than vitamin K1. Benefits of vitamin K2 Studies on the effects of vitamin K on cardiovascular health show that vitamin K2 significantly improves arterial and cardiovascular health, while vitamin K1 has no effect at all. Vitamin K2 activates the vitamin K-dependent protein Matrix Gla-Protein (MGP) which plays an important role in preventing calcium from depositing in the arteries. Blood coagulation and bone health: Vitamin K was first discovered for activating blood coagulation proteins. The blood clotting role is its most well-known function. Recent research reveals it is a cofactor in bone metabolism as well. Blood vessel wall health: Vitamin K keeps the calcium in the bones and out of the arteries. It prevents calcium deposition in soft tissues (vascular, heart, lung, kidney). Vitamin K2 & D3 Japanese researchers found that vitamin K plus vitamin D increased bone density noticeably better than vitamin K alone. Postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis were divided into 4 different test groups. Calcium was not supplemented or otherwise controlled. Bone mineral density increase was greatest in the K2 plus D3 group—better than the K2 and D3 groups alone. Conclusion Aside from its ability to protect bone health, vitamin K2 has been shown to provide significant heart health benefits by keeping calcium out of the cardiovascular system and in the bones.

A Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart

Today an article was published in The Mirror by Marina Gask, and it included a quote from me....

Hope you enjoy reading it!

How to have a happy heart

Many of us don’t tend to get sensible about our heart health when we’re reasonably young and pretty fit, but this could be a serious mistake.

Experts say the things we do right the way through our lives can have a major impact on heart health, especially after the menopause.

Some people have a higher risk than others. If your family has a history of very high cholesterol, or if an immediate relative has died of heart disease – your mum or sister before the age of 65 or your dad or brother before 55 – you need to get checked out and stay monitored.

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If there are other possible inherited heart diseases in your family, like if there has been a sudden death of a family member at a young age, you should have an ECG and heart scan. If there is Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in your family, have a glucose test, as diabetes can be a high risk factor for heart disease.

Otherwise, if you’re in your 40s or older you can ask for a health check at your surgery – by the end of this year everyone over 40 will be invited to have one.

Senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation Ellen Mason says: “You will have your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart tested and your family health history will be discussed. Then your risk of having heart disease over the next 10 years will be estimated. This test will allow potential problems to be addressed before it’s too late.”

In the meantime, keep active, get your blood pressure checked, eat a healthy diet that’s low in cholesterol, saturated and trans fats, and keep your weight within a BMI of 20-25. Follow these tips to keep your ticker ticking over...

Keep active

We all know exercise is vital for a healthy heart. But a quick jog a couple of times a week is far from enough. According to the British Heart Foundation, being fully active means 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.

This could include brisk walking, cycling, or a Wii Fit session. Those 30 minutes can be broken up into smaller bouts, taking the stairs at work instead of the lift, or getting off your bus a stop early.

Ditch the

bingeing

Avoid alcohol binges and drink in moderate amounts, so no more than two to three units a day. This will help keep your blood pressure down.

But you don’t have to cut booze out altogether. Recent studies show people who drink alcohol in moderation (about one drink a day or less) are 14-25% less likely to develop heart disease than those who drink no alcohol at all.

Have a pint

If you’re going to have a drink, make it beer. Moderate consumption can prevent atherosclerosis which narrows the arteries, which can ultimately cause the heart to stop.

Watch your salt

intake

High blood pressure or not, we all need to watch our salt intake. A new study might have suggested that reducing salt intake is not 100% necessary but the fact remains it lurks highly in processed foods and it doesn’t hurt to reduce levels where you can. Ellen says: “Have no more than one teaspoon a day. It mounts up when you consider the salt that’s ‘hidden’ in food.”

Lower your blood pressure

Around the Mediterranean, the incidence of heart disease is much lower, and this is principally due to the use of olive oil instead of saturated cooking fats. What’s more, olive leaf extract, which has been  used since ancient times to lower blood pressure, has been found to be just as effective as other common medical treatments for hypertension.

Comvita’s Olive Leaf Complex capsules (90 for £28.99) are available from larger Boots stores and branches of Holland & Barrett.

Funny business

Laughter increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack. “What’s more it releases serotonin, the feel-good hormone so comedy is good for your health!” says Lynne Parker, executive producer of leading female comedy brand, Funny Women.

For more information, visit www.funnywomen.com.

Get on song

According to Heart Research UK, singing is good for the heart. It’s an aerobic activity which can increase oxygenation in the blood stream and gives your heart a workout.

Singing also reduces stress which has a further positive impact.

Be a nut job

Several studies have found that eating an ounce of nuts four or five times a week can reduce your risk of coronary artery disease by as much as 40%. Almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts and peanuts are believed to reduce the risk of heart disease.

But, warns Ellen: “Nuts are loaded with calories so just remember to include nuts in your diet, rather than snacking on them all day.”

Get happy

People with a positive attitude appear to be at lower risk of heart disease. Take regular exercise to increase your supply of feel-good brain chemicals – endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. Get plenty of sunlight and good quality sleep.

If none of that works, address the causes of your unhappiness. It’s a shame to waste your life thinking negative thoughts.

Get up, get down

For the many of us who spend our working day sitting at a desk, a European Heart Journal report is recommending that regular breaks are essential both for the waistline and heart health.

Even breaks as short as a minute – to stand up, move around or climb stairs – are of benefit, says a study.

Just say no

Cocaine can cause a heart attack even in someone with normal arteries, and it can happen the first or the 100th time you take it.

Ellen says: “Cocaine can cause a spasm of the arteries, which can cause chest pain that sees partygoers in A&E in increasing numbers.

“Even those who take it regularly can have heart attacks, and once the heart muscle is damaged, you can’t get it back to normal.”

Screen time

One out of two people have heart disease and don’t know. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, have a family history of heart disease or are over 40 and are concerned about your heart health, book yourself a Cardio Pulse Wave Screening.

A quick test costs around £50 and detects hardened arteries and assesses your ‘heart age’. Contact Jo Tocher at www.yourhealthyheart. co.uk for screening in your area.

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health-news/2011/06/06/how-to-have-a-happy-healthy-heart-115875-23182444/#ixzz1OWZoa91f

Device 'could revolutionise blood pressure monitoring'

Device 'could revolutionise blood pressure monitoring'

Heart Health & Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is considered to be the more bioactive form of vitamin D. Scientific studies have shown that vitamin D in the form of D3 is better absorbed and more efficient in raising blood levels of vitamin D. D2 was shown to be less than 1/3 as effective as D3 for raising serum levels. Recently, D3 has become a heavily talked about ingredient in the news. New research continues to be released on its benefits; in fact, new D3 studies seem to emerge on a weekly basis. Studies have shown its beneficial effects on bone health, muscle strength and balance, and cardiovascular health. So since vitamin D is such an important ingredient, let’s consider a few important questions. How much is enough? Well, the answer to this question probably depends on who you ask. Right now the recommended daily intake is 400-600 IU/day; however, this is not considered the optimal amount, it’s simply enough to prevent a deficiency disease like rickets. Researchers say that 10,000 IU per day should be set as the Tolerable Upper Intake level with a minimum of 4,000 IU per day to achieve good vitamin D blood levels. Currently there is varying opinions on what the optimal amount is; however, all experts agree that vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem. What contributes to vitamin D deficiency? Honestly, many things can contribute. For one, the farther away from the equator, the less direct sunlight the skin gets. For example, Boston, MA has a four month “vitamin D winter”, meaning that for 4 months of the year, sun exposure is not enough to allow the skin to produce vitamin D. In northern Canada and Europe this “vitamin D winter” can reach six months. Other factors that contribute include:  Avoiding sun exposure: regardless of where you live, limiting sun exposure by staying indoors, covering up, or extensive use of sunscreen. Darker skin: melanin, the skin pigment, is an effective sunblock thus preventing the skin’s natural ability to produce vitamin D. Elderly: older skin has less of the skin’s compounds required to manufacture vitamin D. Overweight: overweight and obese individuals are often deficient since their body fat removes vitamin D from circulation. What is the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency?  High rates of deficiency have been reported in children, especially obese and dark skinned children, and in most adults. Researchers believe that at least 50% of the world’s population is vitamin D deficient. What next?  Through adequate supplementation you can provide your body with the necessary levels of vitamin D3 needed to ensure proper bone health, increased muscle strength and balance, and enhanced heart health. Synergy products such as ProArgi-9 Plus

To Blog or not to Blog?

Looking at my last blog post I have been a bit remiss in getting a new post out. However, on Friday I attended a Blogging workshop with Heather Waring of www.WaringWell.com and she has given me a new lease of life as far as blogging is concerned!

I don't know about you but the days whizz by and before you know it there's a large gap between your blogs, so my new idea is to blog each week and post it up on a Friday..... so watch out!

Today was an interesting day, as I had a tour around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in White Hart Lane, North London.

This was my very first visit to a football ground and very impressive it was too! I was accompanying a school trip with Tottenham Hotspurs outreach programme. They like to help the community and go into schools to talk to children about healthy eating and keeping active, something that is very close to my heart! So I was invited to go along and supervise a group of children from my kids school (SuperStars). They were so excited to go and see the grounds of some very famous players and something they'll remember when they get older.

Hopefully some of that healthy eating and fitness advice will stay with them, so they'll have healthy hearts!

Until next week.....

Last week of the JanePlan Diet

I'm on the home run!

3 weeks done and 1 to go! So far I've lost 9 1/2 llbs - not bad going and I've been so very good, except last Saturday night I had a night off - I really did want to join in with the family takeaway!

Funnily enough I found my third week the most challenging of all. I had to have some serious talks with myself about getting through the week, but I kept my strength and did it! Which gives me a huge boost, apart from Saturday's misadventure.

I'm feeling strong to get the final week done and having a chat with Jane, who said the right thing, got me back on track once again.

So tune in next week to find out the result!

The Athena Angels had a brilliant walk on Sunday starting at Mile End, we walked along Regents Canal to Limehouse. From there we carried on along the river to London Bridge and crossed over to the South Bank and finished up at St Pauls Cathedral. It was a lovely day and in all we walk approx 5 miles or 7.5 kms.

This is such a great way to walk, when you have company and lots of different women to talk to along the way. It's also a great networking opportunity!

Week 1 of JanePlan

Week One of JanePlan is complete! I hastily jumped on the dreaded scales after my first week and discovered that I'd lost 2 kilos (4.4 lbs). What a result! I'm over half way to losing my first half a stone.

If I said it was easy, I'd be lying.... If I said I wasn't hungry at times I'd also be lying, but with determination and such an easy plan to follow I powered through.

Day 2 and 3 were the hardest and by day 5 or 6 it seemed easier. I also did quite a bit of exercise during the week which helped. Yesterday I did a 6 mile walk with the group of Athena women, as part of our training for Maggies Night Walk in September and that burned off at least 500 calories!

What is so great about this healthy eating plan is that the food is there for you to heat up, no planning ahead, just making sure you have fruit and vege available and off you go.

It has also helped with portion control. I think that by cutting our usual portions down by 1/3 would be a good way to lose weight.

Jane recommends that when we eat out, take one 1/3 of the food on the plate to one side and leave it.

Will be looking forward to seeing where I am in a week and Jane will call me again on Saturday to find out!

JanePlan Diet

Day One of JanePlan.....

Yesterday a very heavy box was delivered and as I excitedly opened it, I discovered my meals for the next month!

How good is that, breakfast (delicious cereals), lunch, scrummy soups and dinner, a whole lotof different dinners to keep me interested.

I awoke full of enthusiasm because today is the first day on the JanePlan. I prepared my scrummy deluxe muesli, full of nuts, raisens, seeds and oats with natural (low fat of course) yoghurt and off I set for my 3 mile walk with the Athena Angels. (We are a group of women belonging to the Athena network and are in training for Maggie's Night Walk, on Sept 16th).

After I got home I was very much feeling like my lunch and opened my Vegetable Chowder soup which was delicious and finished off with a couple of Clementines.

By 4.pm I started to feel a bit weak and experienced a sugar dip, but had my snack, a low fat cookie with a cup of green tea and that invigorated me until Dinner, Bolognaise Lasagne with broccoli. Delicious!

It is so easy not to have to think about what I'm going to eat as the whole week is planned out for me and all I have to do is heat up, add some vege's and enjoy!

Jane called me personally today, to talk me through the plan and see if I had any questions. This is part of the service and she will call on a weekly basis to monitor my progress. This is great as you feel you're not on your own and her support will be paramount in the coming weeks if I'm to reach my goal - which incidentally is to lose 1 stone.

So far I'm very impressed and look forward to losing about 2-3 lbs per week.

Will keep you posted on my progress :)

Your Diet Designed and Delivered

Most of us love to eat and we all know that we must eat healthily to maintain good health.

However when Christmas comes along we do tend to treat ourselves and there is always so much chocolate around!

So when I found that the christmas glut transpired into January, despite the New Years resolution of getting back on track and the pounds were slipping on unnoticed I suddenly felt it was time to take action!

I met Jane Michell of JanePlanUK -( www.janeplan.com) - at an event and she has put me on her fabulous eating plan.

The great thing about it is that your meals are designed precisely for you and delivered for the whole month, so absolutely no excuses not to eat the right foods!

I'm starting my Jane Plan tomorrow and excitedly await my delivery of yummy, healthy, prepacked food.

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

For more infomation about JanePlan go to her website

www.janeplan.com

Device could Revolutionise Blood Pressure Monitoring

Very interesting article from BBC News today, about the Cardio Pulse Wave device that I screen with.

Hope you find it useful.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12518633

Cut Daily Salt Intake

We have all heard it time and time again, cut down on your salt intake in order to help with high blood pressure.

The above link gives us the reason why.... and it looks like we should sit up and take notice!

So next time you think about shaking your salt onto your food, think about your blood pressure and cut down on your salt intake.

Cardio Pulse Wave Screening

Have you had your arteries screened?

Are you a 40 year old with an 80 year old cardiovascular system or that of a 20 year olds?

Cardio Pulse Wave Screening shows you the elasticity or stiffness of your cardiovascular system.

It's a non-invasive process that uses a watch-like device strapped to your wrist. Within minutes it calculates your personal wave-form profile. The result is an "age ratio" of your entire cardiovascular system. In effect, it tells you how old your arteries are in comparison to your real age.

Previously, the only way to find this out is by using a surgical technique known as Femoral Catheterisation . Cardio Pulse Wave Screening gives 99.17% the same result as surgery.

This is a great way to see where you lie in relation to your age, and you can use this information to help prevent Cardiovascular disease, heart attacks or strokes.