Category Archives: Integrative Medicine

If youve never heard of Frog pose, TikTokers think you should learn the classic yoga pose. Videos claiming its a cure all for everything from pain to digestion to mental health to better sex are going viral.

TikToker Olga Urbanovich (426.3K followers) posted a video in September 22, 2021, claiming that practicing a daily, one-minute Frog pose position could improve your sex life, strengthen the pelvic muscles, stimulate digestion, and promote better circulation. The video has since garnered 14 million views.

Other TikTokers have been raving about Frog pose and posting their own videos ever since: #frogpose now has 23.1 million views and #frogposechallenge has 289.9 thousand views. They claim the benefits go beyond Urbanovichs list.

TikToker Vanessa Hammond (36.9K followers) posted a video on March 15 with 1.5 thousand likes claiming the pose helps with opening up hips and overall flexibility.

Mariah McLean (5K followers) posted a videoon February 22 with 14.7 thousand views claiming the pose reduces stress and anxiety.

Victoria Sisco (223.9K followers) posted a video on February 10 with 2.9 thousand likes saying Frog pose aids in relieving lower back pain and knee pain and strengthens the back.

Does the pose actually deliver on any of these purported benefits? And should you try it?

Frog pose is primarily a stretching pose for the hips and inner thighs, explains Monisha Bhanote, MD, an integrative medicine physician in private practice in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and a yoga teacher certified by Yoga Medicine. Frog pose is a yoga pose that targets the hips and inner thighs (adductor muscles). Mandukasana is the traditional Sanskrit name for the pose.

You get into the pose by:

Frog pose can provide certain health benefits, Dr. Bhanote says. But, the improvements youll experience depend largely on how much time you spend in Frog pose and your body state.

Frog pose can help with stretching the inner thighs and hips, as well as improving overall flexibility and range of motion particularly around the hips, as those are major areas at play in the posture, Bhanote explains. It also stretches the muscles of the back, so it can help relieve lower back tension, too.

While there arent many studies performed on Frog pose specifically, research says that in comparison to physical therapy, yoga provides equal pain improvement on patients with chronic lower back pain.

Bhanote adds that Frog pose can help strengthen the core and pelvic muscles. Astudy published in May 2017 in the International Journal of Yoga indeed concludes that the core muscles engage for yoga poses that require trunk and pelvic movements; Bhanote says Frog pose is one such movement.

And while studies havent (yet) specifically looked at whether Frog pose can help relieve stress better than other yoga poses, Bhanote says there is evidence that consistent yoga practice can help people manage stress; research shows that just 12 minutes of yogic meditation can reverse neural responses linked to stress.

And if youre doing yoga correctly, youre breathing slowly and deeply, which can also help with stress and anxiety, Bhanote adds. (Other research indeed concludes that breathwork in yoga improves mood and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to a study published inThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicinein March 2017.)

What about the claim that Frog pose can help with circulation? Again, theres little evidence that Bhanote says shes aware of thats specifically looked at Frog pose and circulation, but research does suggest that meditative practices, such as yoga, can help reduce blood pressure. One small study also indicated that practicing simple yoga poses at home may have an antihypertensive effect.

Bhanote cautions that Frog pose, however, will probably not help with knee pain and could actually make it worse. I have seen knee pain aggravated with this pose, she says.

And whether one minute a day is enough to make a difference, Bhanotes says generally the more time you devote to a yoga practice, the more its going to help with any of these things, she says. The more you practice, the more you will benefit.

Frog pose is generally a safe one for most people, Bhanote says. But know that it will yield a pretty intense stretch for the groin, inner thigh muscles, and hips. Start slowly and dont go deeper in the pose if you start to feel pain. Practicing it with consistency will improve flexibility and your ability to sit back farther in the posture, she says.

Additionally, if you feel pain or discomfort, stop and rest in childs pose, Bhanote says with hands and knees on floor in tabletop position, sit back onto your heels and lower forehead toward the ground.

And if you feel too much pressure in the knees, try folding a yoga mat or blanket under your knees and ankles for support or try using a yoga bolster (or pillow) to rest your chest or head on. If you have a previous knee injury or have knee pain, Bhanote suggests skipping the pose.

Pregnant women should be careful doing the pose, Bhanote adds. It may be safe if someone has previous yoga experience, but to know if its okay for you, check with your doctor, she says.

People with knee, ankle, hip, or lower back injuries should also avoid the pose or check with their doctor before trying it.

Frog pose can definitely offer a number of health benefits, namely flexibility and range of motion to the muscles and joints of the hips. But its an advanced position, and can be intense for beginners. If youre going to try it, do so slowly and gently. Avoid (or check with your doctor first) if you are pregnant or have lower body or lower back injuries.

While its possible that Frog pose can offer some of the benefits TikTokers mentioned, Bhanote adds a quick caveat to this generalization: Limited studies are done on individual yoga poses. So its tough to say with certainty if any one position can provide the same health benefits for everyone.

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Frog Pose Can It Really Help With Pain, Digestion, and Better Sex? - Everyday Health

Newswise Baltimore, Md. March 23, 2022 Healthworx, the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), and LifeBridge Health selected seven promising healthcare innovators to participate in the second cohort of 1501 Health, an incubator for healthcare startups. 1501 Health provides investment and resources to help early-stage companies develop and scale their healthcare solutions.

1501 Health will officially welcome the second cohort at an event on April 27, debuting its physical incubator space within CareFirsts Baltimore headquarters (1501 S. Clinton Street).

The seven companies, chosen from 112 international applicants, are:

Candoo of New York, NY, helps older adults stay safe, independent and connected by educating them on utilizing digital tools designed for daily use, such as Instacart and Uber. In addition, Candoo offers tech concierge services for troubleshooting, installation help and other digital needs.

Flowly of Los Angeles, CA, helps users manage pain and anxiety through virtual reality experiences as an alternative to medication. Backed by NIH clinical trial data, Flowly uses an integrative medicine approach to care using VR technology at home.

Frame Fertility of San Francisco, CA, serves as a prospective parents personalized fertility guide, offering an assessment to identify barriers to fertility, followed by personalized coaching and care navigation to reduce costly and unnecessary fertility treatments.

Health in Her Hue of New York, NY, empowers Black women and women of color along their healthcare journey by reducing racial disparities in the way care is delivered. Leveraging the power of technology, they connect women of color with culturally competent providers and supportive communities.

Lantern of New York, NY, guides users through death and loss at all stages. The platform can guide users in end-of-life pre-planning. Several supports they offer include establishing a legacy, providing clarity for family before the event, or assisting grieving family members in managing someones affairs with helpful checklists.

Ryse Health of Arlington, VA and Baltimore, MD, is an endocrinology practice using tech-enabled solutions and community-based supports to help patients manage type 2 diabetes. The care team utilizes digital applications to check in with patients frequently as a follow up on each patients custom care plan.

Xploro of Manchester, UK, delivers a platform thats designed for children with preexisting conditions and illnesses, and tested by an Advisory Board of 12 children aged 9-17. The digital engagement platform uses 3D models and gamification to increase health literacy for children.

Six of the seven cohort companies were founded by women.

There is such diversity in this cohort in terms of backgrounds, solutions and stages of development, Jordan Evans, 1501 Health Co-Manager and Innovation Project Manager at LifeBridge Health, said. All of them tackle some of the most pressing issues in healthcare today but from such varied backgrounds and solutions-oriented mindsets. We are excited to see what heights they can reach in this cohort.

Cohort members receive up to $100,000 in investment capital and have access to unique mentorship opportunities and support from payer and provider experts, along with networking and educational events with other startups, investors and stakeholders.

David Black, Co-Founder and CEO of Even Health said of his experience in the first cohort, 1501 Health has helped us and our cohort of companies navigate how our innovations can be successfully adopted into the larger network of solutions and opportunities in healthcare. Without 1501 Healths support, I suspect we would have spent a good deal of time pursuing an incorrect path for growth and adoption in our solution, and every startup knows that we have limited windows of opportunity to make the right decisions to reach new stages of growth.

"Our first cohort made meaningful and impactful progress in just 12 months, Emily Durfee, 1501 Health Co-Manager and Director of Healthworx Strategy and Portfolio Acceleration, said. They scaled digital solutions that have the potential to completely redefine how healthcare is delivered. They are creating access points for people in ways left untouched by traditional healthcare. We are excited to see how the new ideas this second cohort brings change healthcare.

1501 Health is a unique partnership between Healthworx and LifeBridge Health, representing expertise in both health insurance and financing (payers) and healthcare delivery and services (providers). The investment and incubation program empowers entrepreneurs to get their innovative solutions to market and expand their impact in healthcare quality, access and affordability. To learn more about 1501Health, visit http://www.1501Health.com.

About Healthworx

Healthworx operates at the intersection of healthcare and innovation by creating, co-creating and investing in companies that are improving healthcare quality, accessibility, affordabilityand equity. As the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst, Healthworx envisions a healthier future for all people by changing the way health works. To connect with Healthworx about partnering, media interviews or speaking opportunities, email[emailprotected].

About LifeBridge Health

LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Grace Medical Center and related affiliates. For more information, visit http://www.lifebridgehealth.org

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Seven Healthcare Startups Selected for 1501 Health Incubator Second Cohort - Newswise

I started losing my breast milk supply three months postpartum. Along with the breast milk, I had lost about half of my hair and nearly all of my weight. It didn't matter what or how much I ate, I couldn't keep on a pound. It felt like my body was deteriorating.

As I was dealing with my undiagnosed health problems, my newborn was dealing with his own. He was throwing up multiple times a day, unable to keep any food down. So, I focused all of my attention on getting him the help he needed. I was making formula from scratch after losing my milk supply (he wouldn't tolerate anything on the market), I was taking him back and forth between doctors' appointments, and meanwhile, I wasn't getting a minute of sleep.

Eventually I reached a breaking point and sought out a doctor for myself. I knew I needed someone who would truly listen to menot just draw a lab and dismiss my symptoms. I ended up finding a doctor with an interest in functional and integrative medicine who drew several labs to identify the root cause.

Because of these labs, I learned I had Hashimoto'sand it was severe. As I learned, Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own thyroid and related tissue, often leaving it unable to produce enough hormonesalso known as underactive or hypothyroidism.

The immune response against my thyroid was so strong, it caused the thyroid cells to explode and release tons of hormones into my bloodstreampresenting as hyperthyroidism, and leading to my rapid weight loss. By the time the attack on my body stopped, I was left with about half the amount of functioning thyroid tissue. That was very obvious in my lab results, too.

Suffice it to say, I was not allowed to drive myself home after that visit. After calling someone to pick me up, the doctor prescribed a low-dose hormone replacement medication (similar to the one given in my second trimester) and sent me on my way.

The dosage of the prescription was not nearly enough to cut the thyroid problem, so I made an appointment with an endocrinologistwell, actually, several appointmentsuntil I finally found someone to help with my recovery.

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My Symptoms Were Pinned To Postpartum Then I Was Diagnosed With This Condition - mindbodygreen.com

Evolved for Thirty Years, The Health Coach Training Program Supports Wellness Seekers on Their Journey to Live a Life They Love

NEW YORK, March 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --The Institute for Integrative Nutrition(IIN), the world's leading health coaching and nutrition school, continues to innovate and set the standard for health coaching education with the relaunch of their evolved and reimagined online Health Coach Training Program.

With new expert faculty, expanded curriculum content, and a brand-new, state-of-the-art learning platform and mobile app that is accessible to more students than ever before, IIN is reinforcing its commitment to training the next generation of wellness seekers, entrepreneurs, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches. The success of our graduates, the largest community of Health Coaches in the world (155,000 graduates in 175 countries), is paramount to our mission.

An Integrated Approach Like No OtherIIN empowers individuals to tap into the innate wisdom of their bodies to nourish, heal, and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Students of IIN's Health Coach Training Program gain access to a wide range of perspectives and teachings from over 95 visiting faculty, leaders in functional medicine and nutrition, personal development, spirituality, coaching, and business such as Deepak Chopra, MD, Daniel Amen, MD, Gabby Bernstein, Will Cole, DC, IFMCP to name a few.

The program is hosted online in the IIN Learning Center, built by leading educators and instructional design experts to provide an innovative and intuitive health coaching education that is accessible on any device, from anywhere in the world. The Health Coach Training Program is dual licensed by the New York State Education Department and the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. It is available in six- or twelve-month terms and is the only fully translated Health Coach curriculum in two languages: English and Spanish.

"The past years have emphasized the value of health and well-being. IIN is on a mission to create a ripple effect that transforms the world, starting by unleashing people's innate wisdom and potential to nourish, heal and thrive," said Lynda Cloud, IIN's CEO. "We're honored to play a crucial role in improving the health and happiness of others."

At The Forefront of the Coaching IndustryHoned for over thirty years, the IINtegrative Coaching Method is a life-changing foundation for personal and professional growth. Students learn best-practice coaching skills and cutting-edge techniques.

For more information about the evolved program, visit http://www.integrativenutrition.com.

About Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)Institute for Integrative Nutrition(IIN) is the world's largest and longest-standing health coaching and nutrition school providing a holistic health education. For the past 30 years, IIN has pioneered the field of health coaching. With 155,000 students and graduates spanning 175 countries, IIN is actively changing the wellness of the world. The IINtegrative Coaching MethodTM is IIN's unique approach to coaching and sets a life-changing foundation for personal and professional growth.

SOURCE Institute for Integrative Nutrition

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Institute for Integrative Nutrition Launches the Next Generation of Health Coach Training to Transform the Wellness Industry - PR Newswire

Since it's been a trendy eating habit for a while now, you've likely already heard of intermittent fasting, or IF for short. If you're trying to lower the number on the scale, variations of this diet offer minimalist approaches to losing weight.

"Any time we have a calorie deficit, there will be weight loss," Jenny Fontana, NT, NCRC, NCFAC, who instructs certified nutrition coaches, tells Eat This, Not That!.

There are several different forms of intermittent fasting, some of which may be more practicalweight loss interventionsthan others. A studyrecently published in JAMA Network highlighted three methods found to be particularly effective.

Related: Intermittent Fasting Can Lead to "Significant" Weight Loss, New Research Says

"This study is essentially a review of review articles. It demonstrates that the different forms of intermittent fasting (i.e., alternate day fasting, the 5:2 diet, and time-restricted feeding) are all effective weight loss interventions for people with obesity," Krista Varady, PhD, co-author of the study and a nutrition professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago, told Medical News Today.

Beyond weight loss, IF also offers a wealth of science-backed health benefitshere are seven to be aware of. But first, here's a breakdown of the three forms of intermittent fasting name-checked by Varady.

Followers of alternate day fasting adhere to a schedule that switches back and forth between eating and fasting. Those who abide by this diet alternate between one feast day and one fast day, which typically includes a 500-calorie meal.

"The trick is to make sure you are still eating healthy on days when you are not fasting," Heather Hanks, MS CAM, nutritionist and medical advisor at Medical Solutions BCN, tells Eat This, Not That!. "If you overindulge in calories from refined sugars and carbs, you'll throw your insulin and hunger hormone levels off and wind up storing more glycogen than you're burning."

Healthline notes that "the most popular version of this diet is called 'The Every Other Day Diet' by [Varady], who has conducted most of the studies on ADF."

Followers of the 5:2 diet eat an unrestricted diet for five days of the week and fast for the remaining two.

When it comes to long term compliance with the first two diets on this list, Shadi Vahdat, MD, the medical director at LiveWell Integrative Medicine, offers a word of caution.

"While the alternate day fasting, 5:2 diet, and time-restricted feeding can all be effective in weight loss, reduction of body fat and the associated metabolic improvements that come with them, long term compliance with the alternate-day fasting or 5:2 diet can become very challenging," Vahdat tells Eat This, Not That!.

There aren't calorie restrictions in time-restricted feeding, but followers of this method only eat during a daily window of four to 10 hours. Fasting occurs outside of that designated eating window.

"The most practical and feasible option for a lot of people turns out to be time-restricted feeding," Vahdat tells Eat This, Not That!. "If done correctly with daily overnight fasting of anywhere between 12-14 hours, then the benefits can be obtained long-term with none to minimal side effects."

To learn more about fasting for weight loss, check out Doing This Before Fasting Can Speed Up Your Fat Burn, New Study Says. Then, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for more of the latest health and food news!

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3 Effective Fasting Methods for Weight Loss, Science Says Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Q: Im looking for ways to feel and sleep better. Could essential oils help?

Jenna R., Freehold, N.J.

A: Thats a good question with a complicated answer, since the benefits and debits of essential oils depend on what you want to use them for, which ones you use and how you use them.

Basically, essential oils are extracts that concentrate some of the phytochemicals in a given plant. For example, it takes 250 pounds of lavender to create 1 pound of lavender essential oil. And about 5,000 pounds of rose petals are needed to make a pound of rose essential oil.

We know that our sense of smell is a powerful tool that is linked to our fight or flight reactions (thats a dangerous smell, run!) and our sense of pleasure, even desire. Thats why aromatherapy, using lemon or lavender oil, for example, is recommended for destressing and to reduce anxiety and depression.

But, cautions the Cleveland Clinics integrative medicine specialist Dr. Yufang Lin, the problem arises in how people use them. Lavender, for example, may be gentle and have many benefits, but there have also been studies that show that some preparations and uses of lavender oil (and tea tree oil) are hormone disruptors. And lemon oil is safe except one study found that when used topically it increases the risk of sunburn. Topical application of many oils comes with risks.

In addition, very few essential oils should be ingested. Since theyre so strong, they may be harmful, advises Lin.

I believe using essential oils only for aromatherapy is the correct way to benefit from them. That is why I helped found Ascents clinical aromatherapy. That companys research shows the appropriate aromatherapy, used correctly, can provide benefits as wide ranging as decreased post-operative pain and decreased anxiety in infants undergoing MRIs. To discover the best aromatherapy choices, check out the Cleveland Clinics oil by oil review of the pros and cons at health.clevelandclinic.org; search for essential oils.

Q: I have developed a persistent cough, and with COVID-19, it makes people nervous. How can I figure out what it is from?

Serge P., Chicago

A: A cough can be a sign of so many things allergies, chronic sinus infections, even some medications, gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. According to most experts, it qualifies as a chronic cough if it persists for eight weeks or more.

Really persistent coughing can cause troubling physical and emotional problems, so identifying the cause is important. Make an appointment with your primary care doc or a specialist pronto, but heres a quick overview of possible triggers.

Asthma and allergies are highly individual and you want to pinpoint your triggers, if this is the source of your cough. See a pulmonologist or allergist for a diagnosis.

Long-term exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes and other lung irritants, including cigarette smoke, can cause emphysema, chronic bronchitis and COPD (both together) all of which trigger coughing. Again, a pulmonologist can home in on the cause and treatment.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes a burning sensation in the esophagus and, in some cases, chronic coughing. If you have reflux and a cough, the two could be partners. A gastroenterologist can help you manage GERD.

High blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors are used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. They frequently cause a persistent dry cough. A study in the British Medical Journal says that may result from increased concentrations of bradykinin, a peptide that promotes inflammation, in the respiratory tract.

As you can see, there are wildly different reasons for a chronic cough. You want to pay attention to when it happens what is in the air around you, what you have eaten, what position you are in (standing, sitting, laying down), what you are doing (exercising, resting) and what medications you are taking. Then report your findings to your doctor and start sleuthing out the cause and a solution.

Contact Dr. Roizen at sharecare.com.

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Reaping the benefits of essential oils - Houston Chronicle

The latest COVID surge is fueled by the spread of Omicron and has caused the U.S. to reach bleak milestones of record-high cases. The most COVID cases were reported in a week since the beginning of the pandemic according to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus."Last week, more than 15 million new cases of Covid-19 were reported to WHO from around the world by far the most cases reported in a single week and we know this is an underestimate," Tedros said during a news briefing in Geneva. "This huge spike in infections is being driven by the Omicron variant, which is rapidly replacing Delta in almost all countries." Taking precautions and staying healthy is vital during this time and Eat This, Not That! Health talked with Robert G. Lahita MD, Ph.D. ("Dr. Bob"), Director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Health and author of Immunity Strong who explained what symptoms to watch out for and why the surge is happening. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Bob explains, "A COVID surge is when we see a large spike in new cases. We've seen this happen after big traveling and gathering periods such as holidays. Winter is particularly bad because it's also flu season, so we have people getting sick with the common cold, the flu, and COVID at the same time. There are a lot of employee shortages with so many out sick at the same time with different infections. Additionally, the holidays can often stress people out, and stress can dampen your immune system's ability to fight viruses."

According to Dr. Bob, "People should watch for fever, shortness of breath, and loss of taste and smell as these are all possible Covid symptoms."Dr. Teresa Bartlett, senior medical officer at Sedgwick says, "The majority of people are exhibiting a severe sore throat and describing it as swallowing razor blades, stuffy nose, fever, body aches and a cough. Often the virus starts with a headache and many think they have a sinus infection. Be on the lookout for these symptoms. I have spoken to so many patients who think if they did not lose taste or smell they can't possibly have COVID but that simply is not true."

Dr. Shadi Vahdat, an assistant clinical professor at UCLA and medical director at LiveWell Integrative Medicine adds, "For a lot of people infected with Omicron the symptoms will be much like the common cold. In one study from Norway where most people infected with the Omicron variant were vaccinated they reported the most common symptoms as cough (83%), runny nose/stuffy nose (78%), fatigue/lethargy (74%), sore throat (72%), headache (68%) and fever (54%), reduced taste (23%), reduced smell (12%). 42% reported mild to moderate symptoms and none required hospitalization. For many front line workers who are taking care of COVID patients in the emergency rooms and hospitals it seems evident that most of the severely impacted and sick who require hospitalization and ICU admissions the vast majority continue to be those who are unvaccinated."

RELATED: Dr. Fauci Says if You Have COVID, Do This

According to Dr. Bob, "People are still going to the hospital due to COVID, but a smaller proportion of those patients are in ICU or on ventilators. Some data show roughly 50 to 65 percent of admissions in some New York hospitals come in for other issues and then test positive for the virus. The thing with Omicron is that it is EXTREMELY transmissible. If you're in a room with someone who has it, you will probably get it. It's spreading like wildfire, which means a lot of people are going to get it at once, and that means hospitals who are already facing staff shortages and burnt out workers are going to be filling up."

RELATED: The Best Things to Take If You Get COVID

While nobody can know for sure, experts are estimating it could happen later this month, but the next couple of weeks are critical. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, told ABC's This Week."We're seeing two sets of things happening: A lot of vaccinated people getting infected. We're doing fine. Largely avoiding getting particularly sick, avoiding the hospital; a lot of unvaccinated people and high-risk people who have not gotten boosted and they're really filling up the hospitals, and so our hospital systems are under a lot of stress." He continued, "Then we have to start thinking about a long-term strategy for how do we manage this virus and not go from surge to surge feeling like we don't really have a longer-termed approach."

Jha added, "I expect this surge to peak in the next couple of weeks. It'll peak in different places of America at different times, but once we get into February, I really do expect much, much lower case numbers."

"It's simple: They can get vaccinated and boosted. This is the best way to keep yourself out of the hospital and to stay alive," Dr. Bob states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following ways to help stay healthy" "Wear a mask; Stay 6 Feet From Others; Inside your home, avoid close contact with people who are sick; Outside of your home, remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus." So follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you liveget vaccinated or boosted ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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COVID Symptoms to Watch For This Month Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

A premature death is considered to be a loss of life before the age of 75 according to America's Health Rankings. While early deaths happen for various reasons, many can be prevented, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated. "Each year, nearly 900,000 Americans die prematurely from the five leading causes of death yet 20 percent to 40 percent of the deaths from each cause could be prevented." The CDC said, "The five leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and unintentional injuries." With that said: Life doesn't need to be cut short. Living a healthy lifestyle, getting annual check ups and keeping a positive outlook all help prolong our time here. In addition, here's a few ways to help avoid a premature death according to experts Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. S. Adam Ramin, MD, urologic surgeon and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles says, "The immune system is our first line of defense against cancerous cells. Long before a particular type of cancer has grown and multiplied enough times to become detectable by blood tests, imaging, or screening tools, the cancer had initially started with a tiny microscopically sized colony of individual cells. This small population of cancer cells are not detectable by even modern methods of cancer screening. However the amazing human body's immune system is capable of identifying and mounting a strike force against these unwanted mutant cells. By maintaining a healthy vibrant immune system, we give our own bodies a fighting chance at irradiating the cancer cells at their infancy. How do we promote a healthy immune system?

Dr. Ramin explains, "Foods that are treated with preservatives and are found in a can, a box, or prepared to last a long time may cause cancer. The preservative products and treatment of these foods with heat/radiation may alter their natural chemical makeup. This in turn may contribute to formation of products in our digestive system that cause DNA mutations and eventually cancer."

RELATED: Signs You Must Lose Your Abdominal Now

Dr. Carmen Echols, MD certified Family Medicine Physician says, "Although 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States, early detection plays a key role in prognosis and survival. The earlier the detection, the better the outcome, because the cancer is detected at an earlier stage. Additionally, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with more aggressive breast cancer and more advanced staged breast cancer than their White and Hispanic counterparts; they are also diagnosed at earlier ages as well. Therefore, it is absolutely important to get a mammogram as soon as you are able to based on your age and family history of breast cancer."

RELATED: I'm an ER Doctor and Wish Everyone Knew This One Thing

"The recommended age for colon cancer screening is 45 years old," Dr. Echols states. "Some people avoid the colonoscopy because they dread the required bowel prep process before the procedure. Still, other people avoid getting a colonoscopy because they have regular bowel movements or do not see blood in their stool, and feel it is unnecessary. However, someone can still have precancerous cells or blood in their stool that they are not able to see with the naked eye. A colonoscopy is a procedure that combines diagnosis, prevention and treatment. If there are any polyps found during a colonoscopy, they are removed and sent for biopsy to determine if they are cancerous or not. If precancerous cells are found, then you may need to get a colonoscopy more often than if non cancerous cells were found. Like with breast cancer, when you start colon cancer screening can also be impacted by your age and family history."

RELATED: Omicron Symptoms Patients Mention the Most

Dr. Steve Vasilev MD, quadruple board certified integrative gynecologic oncologist and medical director of Integrative Gynecologic Oncology at Providence Saint John's Health Center and Professor at Saint John's Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA recommends, "Strongly consider getting genetic counseling if you have cancer, have a family history of cancer or are at high risk based on ancestry, such as the case in Ashkenazi Jewish women. Based on this counseling a determination is made regarding whether or not genetic testing is required and what to do depending upon the results. The most widely known test is for mutations of the BRCA gene and its relationship with ovarian, breast, uterine and prostate cancer. These are not the only mutations that are available for testing and the list is growing. In some situations, like that of Angelina Jolie, testing results may even lead to considering prophylactic removal of breast tissue, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. This is highly individualized and is usually not recommended until childbearing is complete at approximately age 40 and depends upon your personal history of cancer, family history and the exact type of gene mutation.

It's important to avoid genetic testing that may be commercially available prematurely (e.g. self-testing sent in assays) but not well worked out yet in terms of meaning. This can lead to unnecessary worry about test results that are questionable or tests that may increase risk of cancer but for which there are no good screening or prevention strategies."

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Dr. Mark Dylewski, Chief of Thoracic Surgery with Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida states, "One of the biggest issues is that many people believe that lung cancer occurs as a result of bad habits, such as smoking. So many people believe that it is an acquired illness and that if people do not smoke, lung cancer will not happen. Unfortunately, about 17% of lung cancer that occurs in the US occurs in non-smokers. So lung cancer is not always a smoker's disease. I believe tobacco is probably one of the worst things someone can put into their body. It contributes to so many other cancers and other illnesses we see everyday such as hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease, etc. Lung cancers that occur in nonsmokers usually tend to occur in females between the age of 50 70 years old. We see lung cancer, unrelated to tobacco use, increasing year after year in non-smokers. There may be environmental triggers or secondary exposure leading to this such as chemicals or environmental toxins. If you have a family history of lung cancer, particularly if the family member was a non- smoker, that is important. This would imply that related family members may be at risk for lung cancer, and this should prompt them to talk to their primary care physician about lung cancer screening. My recommendation would be for patients to ask their doctor if they are at risk for developing lung cancer and if screening should be part of their routine. Most patients are familiar with breast cancer and prostate cancer screenings, but not so much with lung cancer. If someone has ever smoked, you should ask your primary doctor or contact a screening program. They can best provide insight into which patients are best candidates for lung cancer screening."

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According to Dr. Naiara Braghiroli, Chief of Skin Cancer and Pigmented Lesions Clinic at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, "Approximately 75% of skin cancers diagnosed in people of color are in areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as the palms of the hands, nail beds, soles of the feet, inside the mouth and/or the genitalia area. Due to the locations of these skin cancers, there is a higher mortality rate for people of color as diagnosis is often delayed. As such, self-exams are extremely important. It's important to conduct a self-exam at least once a month, using a mirror and, if possible, have a partner help you, paying close attention to areas not exposed to the sun, looking for new black/brown areas, asymmetrical moles, open wounds that don't heal and old scars that develop open wounds. In addition to self-examinations, be sure to visit your dermatologist annually to potentially catch any areas you might have missed. Early detection is key in curing melanoma, so if you find an unusual spot, mole or skin area, it's critical to see your dermatologist right away.

It's also important to know your family history when it comes to skin cancer. Each individual with a first-degree relative diagnosed with melanoma has a 50% greater chance of developing melanoma in the future than those without a family history of the disease. Additional risk factors to be mindful of are having a lot of moles, scars from a previous trauma and chronic/open wounds. Those who have HPV, an autoimmune disease or who are immunosuppressed are also at greater risk."

Follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you liveget vaccinated or boosted ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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8 Ways to Live a Longer Life Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

AUSTIN, Texas Expanding rapid testing stands out as an affordable way to help mitigate risks associated with COVID-19 and emerging variants. Infectious disease researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a new model that tailors testing recommendations to new variants and likely immunity levels in a community, offering a new strategy as public health leaders seek a way out of a pandemic that has so far thwarted the best efforts to end its spread. It is the first study to identify optimal levels of testing in a partially immunized population.

Analysis from the UT Covid-19 Modeling Consortium, published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas, describes cost-effective testing for people without symptoms and recommends isolation strategies to help policymakers safeguard against COVID-19 resurgences linked to new variants. A prior study from the team published in The Lancet Public Health provided optimal testing strategies for a fully unvaccinated population.

As COVID-19 continues to evolve and cause waves of infections worldwide, rapid testing is an economic strategy for slowing spread and saving lives. Our study helps decision makers determine whether and how often to test, said Lauren Ancel Meyers, director of the consortium and a professor of integrative biology and statistics and data sciences at UT Austin. Frequent testing is recommended when the virus is spreading rapidly in a population with low levels of immunity.

The consortium developed a multiscale model that uses how much the virus is circulating in a local population, how much of the population is immunized against COVID-19, and other factors to determine how often people without symptoms should be tested in order to help reduce the spread of the virus.

The study recommends a staged strategy that tracks the changing risks as new variants emerge and subside. If a rapidly spreading variant emerges in a partially immunized population, the researchers recommend testing everyone at least once per week combined with a 10-day isolation of people who test positive and their households. As the level of immunity increases in a population, testing can be rolled back to once per month and eventually suspended. For example, for a variant as infectious and immune-evasive as omicron, daily testing is advised until 70% of the population is immunized against the variant, followed by monthly testing until 80% are immunized.

The U.S. may face future waves of transmission caused by vaccine-evasive variants. The study suggests that proactive testing will remain a cost-effective strategy for reducing risks and avoiding burdensome restrictions as new threats arise. The recommended testing strategies balance the costs associated with administering tests and missing school or work during isolation with the benefits of preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.

As COVID-19 continues to evolve, so does our arsenal of effective countermeasures. Our research shows that mass use of rapid tests coupled with voluntary isolation and household quarantine can be both life saving and cost saving, if tailored to local risks, Meyers said. Now is the time to prepare for yet unknown COVID-19 variants and future pandemics. Proactive testing and isolation can be key to keeping schools and businesses open while preventing overwhelming surges in our hospitals.

Co-corresponding authors are Zhanwei Du, previously of Meyers lab, Yan Bai of The University of Hong Kong and Lin Wang of the University of Cambridge. Other authors are Xutong Wang of The University of Texas at Austin; Abhishek Pandey, Meagan Fitzpatrick and Alison P. Galvani of Yale School of Public Health; Matteo Chinazzi, Ana Pastore y Piontti and Alessandro Vespignani of Northeastern University; Nathaniel Hupert of Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Institute for Disease and Disaster Preparedness; Michael Lachmann of Santa Fe Institute; and Benjamin J. Cowling of Hong Kong University. Meyers is the Cooley Centennial Professor of Integrative Biology and Statistics & Data Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin.

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HK Innovation and Technology Commission, China National Natural Science Foundation, European Research Council and EPSRC Impact Acceleration Grant.

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Adapt the Frequency of COVID-19 Testing Depending on Transmission Rate and Community Immunity, Study Finds - UT News - UT News | The University of...

Davina Davidson is making moves this week.

Her nonprofit, Melanin Moves Project, which seeks to educate members of the BIPOC Black, Indigenous, people of color community about the benefits of overall wellness, is hosting a one-day wellness event, complete with workshops and seminars about movement, meditation and healthy living.

The Wellness Expo is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Yoga Tres, 5427 Bellaire. The cost to attend is on a sliding scale, ranging from $30 to $100.

During the event, guests can catch a stretch therapy demo with Davidson, founder and president of Melanin Moves Project. Attendees will also learn about restorative yoga with instructor Shawn Moore and try a sweat date with high-intensity interval training coach Bertha Rials.

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Chiropractor Kiva Davis will provide a playful rocket yoga class, healer Raquel Nweze will lead a session on essential oils and chakras, and instructor Maria Powell will offer a joint efficiency workshop.

To register for the Wellness Expo, visit melaninmovesproject.org.

Other presenters include Zevi Ramos, James Elvis Lynn III, Jordan Lynn, Denetrya Brookins and Acufunkture Integrative Medicine.

The expo is twofold, Davidson said. One, it is a celebration of melanated teachers and educators with a wealth of knowledge, and two, it is so fun and exciting to meet new people along your movement journey.

Her sister Amaris Davidson, community outreach program chair for Melanin Moves Project, said previous iterations of the expo were held online due to the pandemic. This year, shes looking forward to the event being held in person again.

Theres something so powerful about being around other people on their wellness journey, she said. Theyre interested in the same tools and resources. To be able to provide that is awesome.

The Wellness Expo is just one of the ways Melanin Moves Project seeks to build awareness of health.

We educate from childhood all the way to adulthood, said Davina, whose main goal is to encourage movement. Theres not one right way but you have to move.

The organization offers workshops year-round on various topics, as well as teacher training and mentorship for yoga instructors. Currently, courses are offered virtually. Before the pandemic, spaces were rented for in-person events.

Last fall, Melanin Moves Project began a collaboration with chef Denetrya Brookins to add a greater focus on nutrition. This month, the nonprofit is launching a mens program.

We strive to create a space where men can fully embrace themselves, Davina said.

The program will center on mental, physical and spiritual well-being, incorporating activism and service, while also providing BIPOC men with the tools and resources needed to reach those goals.

Melanin Moves Project also works with youth, joining with leadership development organization Train Up A Champion to offer a curriculum.

Finding ways to connect and collaborate to reach greater heights is a priority for the program. Melanin Moves Project works with a number of BIPOC-owned businesses that are also interested in wellness. Partners range from the art haven Project Row Houses to Shape Community Center, which offers programs and activities to all individuals of African descent.

The organization began in 2017 as the Melanin Yoga Project.

Davina had gone from working as a school teacher to a yoga instructor. The realization that yoga classes were often filled with affluent, white students made her want to change the equation: According to a 2002 survey, 85 percent of yoga practitioners were white.

Creating Melanin Yoga Project was Davinas response and the nonprofit made yoga available to BIPOC communities, at school and in community centers.

She also started training instructors and offering courses to studios.

Amaris recalled taking Davina to her first yoga class, then watching as her sister became a teacher and started Melanin Yoga Project. Amaris, who was living in LA at the time, would sign up for Davinas classes whenever she visited Houston. She also took the Melanin Yoga Projects online teacher certification, with a final in-person session at the conclusion.

Davina started online well before the pandemic, Amaris said with a smile.

When Davina reached out in February 2020 to offer her sister a role in the growth of the organization, Amaris was unsure what she could contribute. But Davina convinced her that the seven years she spent on her churchs connection team, building community relations, provided just the right experience.

Its the same thing, Davina reminded her.

Amaris jumped on board. Ive been here ever since, she said.

Soon after, Davina broadened the focus of Melanin Yoga Project to include other types of movement and wellness in general.

Its important for us to create a space for everyone whether youre a yoga person or youve never even practiced yoga, she said. We can do all the things. We dont have to do just one.

In June 2021, the nonprofits name changed to Melanin Moves Project with a more expanded mission.

The expansion came from many realizations, Davina said. Yoga is not the only path to healing or liberation for melanated folks. We were missing important pillars, like social justice initiatives, nutrition and mental health awareness.

Her board approved the new vision.

Yoga is a niche market, Amaris said. Now were adding mental health, social justice and nutrition. You can see so many doors opening.

The nonprofit has been moving full steam ahead since its summer pivot.

Each week, Amaris said, theres a Monday brainstorming meeting. Then there are quarterly meetups with community partners.

She and Davina are always talking strategy.

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She likes to have a long vision, Amaris said. She wants to have a community center one day, where everyone can come from everywhere. And Im down for the journey.

Davina envisions a brick-and-mortar center in the future. And not just one, we could have pop-ups all around the U.S., she said. I know that I have to dream big.

In the meantime, she is launching Melanin Moves TV, which can be accessed from anywhere.

In 2018, she started the platform as Yoga with Davina. After the pandemic, and the expansion, she changed the channels name and focus. There are a number of live courses, as well as a video library.

We are back recording, Davina said. There will be cooking classes, talks and programs for kids as well.

The nonprofit is run completely by volunteers and needs more to move forward. Currently, Davina is focused on sharing the Melanin Movement Project with the community.

I want people to know about our offerings, she said. This exists in your city. And were here to stay. We have a desire to impact as many people as we can.

Amaris agreed. Were making wellness accessible and you dont have to do it alone, she said. Were creating a community. And this can go as far as we want it to.

We are so ready to just go, Davina added. Were making an imprint. It might be small, but its just the beginning.

Lindsay Peyton is a Houston-based freelance writer.

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How a wellness nonprofit for Houston's BIPOC community is making moves this week - Houston Chronicle