Archive for November, 2008

Not so fastso

Published on November 26, 2008 in Dr. Benjamin's blogs. 0 Comments

A Danish study links high levels of the blood fats called triglycerides with an increased risk of stroke. The 31-year study of almost 14,000 Danish men and women found a direct association between higher triglyceride levels and the risk of ischemic stroke, the most common kind that occurs when a clot blocks a brain blood vessel. Those with triglycerides above 443 milligrams per deciliter [of blood] have a three- to four-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke, compared to those with the lowest levels, less than 89 milligrams per deciliter. And the new study did not measure triglyceride levels in the usual way — after an eight- to 12-hour fast. Instead, blood readings were taken at any time, regardless of when the last meal had been eaten. These no-fasting readings are better for two reasons:

First, they are simpler for the patient, and second, they are better at defining people at higher risk of stroke and myocardial infarction [heart attack].

There are some that require extensive therapy – even a blood exchange-like technique to lower triglycerides. However, the majority of people will respond well to fish oil and dietary changes - cheaper and safer than medication rife with side effects. I use fish oil myself. I still check fasting blood sugars (glucose) which combined with a hemoglobin A1C gives me a picture of the patient’s glucose metabolism (diabetes, metabolic syndrome), but I prefer non-fasting studies of serum triglycerides to give me an idea of actual risk.

The melamine threat

Published on November 19, 2008 in Dr. Benjamin's blogs. 3 Comments

If you are a listener, then you know that I am frightened about the safety of you and your family with regard to ANY product that comes from The Peoples Republic of China- foods, teas, toys, jewelry, furniture, sports equipment, etc. The U.S. government for what I believe is political and economic reasons has downplayed the transcendence of this issue in our daily lives and has done essentially nothing to insure the safety of your family in this regard. No medical show (radio or TV) has truly divulged the extent of this danger but I will and I will not stop exposing the dangers and helping you avoid them.

1. What really is poisoned milk?

It is the milk powder mixed with ‘MELAMINE’

What is melamine used for? It is an industrial chemical used in the production of melawares. It is also used in home decoration. ‘US resistant board’ melamine is used in industrial production & it cannot be eaten.

2. Why is melamine added in milk powder?

The most important nutrient in milk is protein. And melamine has a comparable protein that contains ‘NITROGEN’. Adding melamine to milk is cheaper and more profitable. It doesn’t have any smell, so cannot be detected and it looks like milk and can pass simple screening tests for milk.

3. When was it discovered as a contaminant?

In 2007, US cats and dogs died suddenly, they found that pet food from China contained melamine. Starting 2008, in China, an unusual increase in infant cases of kidney stones was noted. In August 2008, China Sanlu Milk Powder was tested for Melamine and found to contain it and at very high levels. Chinese children started being admitted to hospitals with kidney disease. In Sept. 2008, the New Zealand government asked China to check this problem as Chinese products that were contaminated appeared in that country. On Sept. 21, 2008, lots of food products in Taiwan - imported from the Peoples Republic of China tested positive for melamine.

4. What happens when melamine is digested?

Melamine remains inside the kidney where it forms stones. Typically, there is excruciating pain, there may be obstruction of the ureters with subsequent inability to urinate and what is termed hydronephrosis of the kidneys (swelling) and ultimately kidney failure. This can lead to dialysis for the rest of the individual’s life! This occurred to babies in China. There are currently a reported 13,000 babies hospitalized with various stages of kidney disease in China. Who knows how many are really affected and how many have died because there is no real unbiased and uncensored information from either the Chinese press OR about Chinese health agencies.

5. What are the foods to be avoided?

Foods that contain dairy products should be avoided. Remember: foods with creamer or milk should be avoided.

6. Which companies are affected?

Anything that says it is from China must be avoided. Your retail outlet has NO idea of what is safe and what is not! Next, products that you take for granted everyday and that may not say that they have milk products from China: Starbucks ,Coffee Mate, Nestle, Maxwell House, Unilever, Pizza Hut, Dove Bars, Snickers- to name but a few products..The extent of the possible danger is far greater than we have been led to believe and it is a sign of the continuing safety issue that we face from the Chinese (lead, mercury, dangerous construction of consumer products, botanical supplement contamination, etc.)

7. What do we do next?

If you eat in snack bar, restaurant or coffee shops (and who doesn’t?), stop buying foods if they use CHINESE goods. Make them nervous! CONSTANTLY ask them. Do not be afraid to be repetitious or feel that you are being obnoxious, this is your life and the lives of your families. Put the store owners on notice that you will hold them responsible if anything happens to your family as a result of contaminated goods from China (or elsewhere for that matter). Call and write your Congressmen, Senators as well as Arizona state officials with letters of concern.Most are afraid to”upset the apple cart” what with China being our major creditor.Tell your school district that they MUST screen food products for your kids. Buy milk and milk products made right here in Arizona. This is safer and helps opur economy. Times are tough and we should not pay for products with our hard earned money that is contaminated.

BUY AMERICAN WHENEVER AND WHEREEVER YOU CAN!

You can you differentiate which products are made in the USA, Philippines, Taiwan or China. Let me tell you how… The first 3 digits of the bar code is the country code wherein the product was manufactured.

ALL barcodes that start with 690.691.692 until 695 are all MADE IN CHINA.

471 is Made in Taiwan. Nowadays, Chinese businessmen and those who do business with China (EVERYONE - WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO US?) know that consumers are more concerned about products ‘Made In China’, so they carefully avoid displaying where their products are produced! However, you may now refer to the barcode, remember if the first 3 digits are 690-695 then it is Made in China.

00 ~ 13 USA & CANADA
30 ~ 37 FRANCE
40 ~ 44 GERMANY

49 ~ JAPAN

50 ~ UK
57 ~ DENMARK
64 ~ FINLAND
76 ~ SWITZERLAND AND LICHTENSTEIN
628 ~ SAUDI ARABIA
629 ~ UNITED ARAB EMIGRATES
740 ~ 745 – CENTRAL AMERICA
480 - PHILLIPINES

Joy to the world

Published on November 13, 2008 in Dr. Benjamin's blogs. 0 Comments

There are six great pleasures that I must have a “fix” of just about every day: my phenomenal family and friends, great patients, incomparable shows and hosts on KTAR-FM, a small piece or two of dark (70% cacao or more) chocolate, laughter and music before retiring each night. They contribute to well-being and optimal health.

Throw on a little Handel, Bach, Beatles or even Beyoncé, and then sit back and relax in the knowledge that your blood vessels are expanding wide open, letting the blood flow freely. Add a few pieces of dark chocolate and in just 30 minutes blood vessels dilate even more in your heart and even neck-feeding your brain. The rhythm and rate of your heartbeat will often synchronize with the cadence of the music you select. Nothing could be healthier for your mind and body.

This is not just my opinion, medical data worldwide is supporting the notion that laughter (the hosts and team on KTAR and KTAR.com make me think AND laugh), social gatherings with family and friends, listening to relaxing music and enjoying a bit of dark chocolate may provide cardio-protection and immune system support while improving blood flow throughout the body.

This holiday season, with all the economic pressures that now affect all of us every day, these tips provide powerful but very inexpensive tools that can take the edge off the stressors and possibly keep you out of the doctor’s office. What could possibly be the downside of listening to KTAR today and then snuggling with your significant other while enjoying Isaac Watts’ Joy To The World ? Doctor’s Order: A Little JOY in your life - DAILY!