Mariah Carey’s husband, Nick Cannon, has spoken out in the wake of his headline-grabbing troubles and revealed that his kidney, blood clots and heart woes are actually the result of a “lupus-type” autoimmune disorder.

More and more, we are all hearing about friends, family, and even celebrities who are “victims” of autoimmune disease — especially lupus.

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease driven by inflammation in which the immune system indiscriminately attacks “self-tissues” throughout the body. It is estimated that more than 16,000 people are diagnosed with lupus each year in the United States. Approximately 1.5 million Americans, and 5 million people worldwide, currently live with lupus.

Lupus autoimmunity can cause variable symptoms from person to person. Parts of the body frequently affected by lupus include the skin, kidneys, heart and vascular system, nervous system, connective tissues, musculoskeletal system, and other organ systems.

Your immune system is the network of cells and tissues throughout your body that work together to defend you from invasion and infection. You can think of it as having two parts: the innate and the acquired immune systems.

The more primitive innate (or inborn) immune system activates white blood cells to destroy invaders. The innate system alerts the body to danger when it senses the presence of parts that are often found in many viruses or bacteria. The acquired (or adaptive) immune system develops as a person grows. It “remembers” different invaders so that it can fight them better if they come back. When the immune system is working properly, foreign invaders (antigens) provoke the body to produce proteins called antibodies and specific types of white blood cells that help in defense. The antibodies attach to the invaders so that they can be recognized and destroyed.

Autoimmune diseases arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body actually attacks its own cells.

Normally the immune system’s white blood cells help protect the body from harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancer cells, and blood or tissues from another person or species. The immune system produces antibodies that destroy these harmful substances.

What causes the immune system to no longer tell the difference between healthy body tissues and antigens is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger some of these changes, especially in people who have genes that make them more likely to get autoimmune disorders.

These diseases tend to run in families. Women — particularly African-American, Hispanic-American and Native-American women — have a higher risk for some autoimmune diseases.

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, and some have similar symptoms. This makes it hard for your health care provider to know if you really have one of these diseases, and if so, which one. Getting diagnosed can be frustrating and stressful. In many people, the first symptoms are being tired, muscle aches and low fever.

The diseases may also have flare-ups, when they get worse, and remissions, when they all but disappear. The diseases do not usually go away, but symptoms can be treated.

An autoimmune disorder may result in:

• The destruction of one or more types of body tissue
• Abnormal growth of an organ
• Changes in organ function

Autoimmune diseases can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, nerves, muscles, skin, eyes, joints, lungs, kidneys, glands, the digestive tract and blood vessels.

The classic sign of an autoimmune disease is inflammation, which can cause redness, heat, pain, and swelling. How an autoimmune disease affects you depends on what part of the body is targeted. If the disease affects the joints, as in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, you might have joint pain, stiffness and loss of function. If it affects the thyroid, as in Graves’ disease and thyroiditis, it might cause tiredness, weight gain and muscle aches. If it attacks the skin, as it does in scleroderma/systemic sclerosis, vitiligo and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it can cause rashes, blisters, and color changes.

Diagnosing lupus can be difficult. It may take months or even years for doctors to piece together the symptoms to diagnose this complex disease accurately. Making a correct diagnosis of lupus requires knowledge and awareness on the part of the doctor and good communication on the part of the patient. Giving the doctor a complete, accurate medical history (for example, what health problems you have had and for how long) is critical to the process of diagnosis. This information, along with a physical examination and the results of laboratory tests, helps the doctor consider other diseases that may mimic lupus, or determine if you truly have the disease. Reaching a diagnosis may take time as new symptoms appear.

Most autoimmune diseases are chronic, but many can be controlled with treatment. Symptoms of autoimmune disorders can come and go. When symptoms get worse, it is called a flare-up.

If you or someone you love is living with an autoimmune disorder, it’s important to get all the facts on the condition. Though researchers don’t know exactly what causes autoimmunity, much has been learned about the risk factors involved. Known connections: Women seem to develop autoimmune diseases more often than men, and some believe that infections may play a role in autoimmunity. After an autoimmune disease diagnosis, your main priority should be getting the care you need to manage your particular disorder, and that may mean finding medical experts who specialize in your autoimmune condition.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself, and live the best life possible!

The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Glenn Ellis is a Health advocacy communications specialist. He is the author of “Which Doctor?” and is a health columnist and radio commentator who lectures, and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health-related topics.

His second book, “Information is the Best Medicine,” was released in January. For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com.

I have become increasingly concerned about the health of our young people. As we continue to see higher rates of typical adult health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and the like in children, it is appalling to know how much of this is the result of the grossly neglect attitude that we as adults have in respect to what we have allowed to be commonplace in their diets.

It’s no secret that for years, low-income communities of color have suffered as grocery stores and fresh, affordable food disappeared from their neighborhoods. But few of us stop and take note of what this is doing to our children.

Have you ever gone late to work, so you can have breakfast with your child at school to see what they serve? How about remembering the last time you took your children to the supermarket to teach them how to shop for food? When was the last time you looked around a typical corner store, paying attention to what many of our children are eating every day?

I recently came across a study that looked at the role of corner stores in our children’s lives. Needless to say, it was a sobering insight into just how poorly we have failed our children in providing guidance and protection as they learn the food habits and behaviors that will surely lead to them being unhealthy and unproductive adults.

The study by Temple University’s Center for Obesity Research and Education revealed that for a “little more than a dollar” city kids can walk into a typical corner store and fill up with unhealthy calories of low-nutrition junk, and for many, it has become a way of life and gateway to obesity. It found that the average Philadelphia student purchases more than 350 calories on each visit to the corner store — and 29 percent of them shop at corner stores twice a day, five days a week, consuming almost a pound’s worth of additional calories each week.

In fact, according to The Food Trust, in communities that lack supermarkets, entire families depend on corner stores for food purchases. The choices at these stores are often limited to packaged food and carry very little, if any, fresh produce. Corner stores are also frequent destinations for children, many of whom stop daily on the way to and from school for snacks.

In another national survey, fat comprised an averageof 35 percent of total caloric intake in youths ages 2 to 19 years,and almost two-thirds of these youths did not eat recommendedamounts of fruits and vegetables.

A 2009 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that 23.5 million people lack access to a supermarket within a mile of their homes. A recent multistate study found that low-income census tracts had half as many supermarkets as wealthy tracts. Another multistate study found that eight percent of African Americans live in a tract with a supermarket, compared to 31 percent of whites. On the other hand, for every additional supermarket in a census tract, produce consumption increases 32 percent for African Americans.

Studies have shown that a good breakfast boosts not just student nutrition, but also student achievement and health, and reduces absenteeism and visits to the school nurse. This under-nutrition can affect a child’s behavior, school performance and overall cognitive development. Even when a child misses one meal, behavior and academic performances are affected. A hungry child has difficulty learning.

For a school-age child, the act of not eating breakfast can lead to fatigue and a diminished attention span. While the body adjusts to decreased blood sugar levels, the brain struggles to perform its function with a minimal supply of nutrients. Children up to the age of ten need to eat every four to six hours to maintain a blood sugar concentration high enough to support the activity of the brain and the nervous system. Most teachers can quickly identify those children who come to school without breakfast. Their heads are on their desks at 10 a.m. — the peak learning hour. This chronic poor nutrition may cause more serious learning deficits.

The effectiveness of school-based nutrition programs and services can be enhanced by outreach efforts in the surrounding community. At the very least, school personnel should be familiar with the health and nutrition resources available through local agencies. Contact can be made with the health department, community nutrition programs, health centers, local food pantries and fitness programs. Once contacts are established, parents and schools can collaborate with other community agencies to positively influence the health and nutritional status of school-age children.

Junk food is everywhere and it is being consumed by our students in record quantities. “Junk food” is food which traditionally has no nutritional value. It deprives the body of necessary nutrients and its overconsumption over time leads to obesity, medical problems and behavioral problems. Some examples are salted snack foods, candy, gum, most sweet desserts, fried fast food and carbonated beverages.

Junk food consumption is associated with various physical ailments, including obesity, Type II diabetes, heart attacks and decreased life expectancy. Because of junk food, our children’s life expectancy could be lower than our own. Junk food is also a major cause in the 23 percent of — children who are overweight. Fast food and the increasingly available category of junk food are strongly correlated to the “300 percent increase in the rate of U.S. children who are either overweight or obese,” the study says.

While there are no studies specifically linking meals eaten away from home to academic performance, we do know that poor nutrition during the school day can result in behavioral and learning problems. Chronically undernourished children score poorly on standardized tests, are more irritable and exhibit lower energy levels.

Junk food surrounds our children in a new “toxic food environment” which is made worse by a bombardment of advertisements through media directed at children. Junk foods are altering the structure and function of the human brain while increasing and decreasing insulin levels so quickly that junk food leaves students groggy in class. A child’s brain continues to develop through until adulthood; many of the foods that students eat affect the growth of critical areas of their brain. When growth is disrupted, in can cause negative behavior reactions in the classroom. Often, doctors do not seek the root of the problem (food), but instead they mask the behavioral symptoms with drugs such as Ritalin or Prozac which have their own series of side effects, all while the brain development continues to be damaged.

There are many health benefits associated with good nutrition and physical activity. Eating smart and moving more help children and youths maintain a healthy weight, feel better and have more energy. These positive health benefits have the potential to translate into academic benefits at school. Good nutrition and physical activity nourish the brain and body, resulting in students who are present, on-time, attentive in class, on-task and possibly earning better grades. As students work hard to achieve high academic standards, it is more important than ever that we provide opportunities for them to be active and eat healthy throughout the day.

Families, schools, government and communities must share the responsibility of promoting and supporting children and youth to eat smart and move more. We must save the children.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one.

Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Glenn Ellis is a health advocacy communications specialist. He is the author of “Which Doctor?” and is a lecturing health columnist and radio commentator and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health-related topics. His second book, “Information is the Best Medicine,” is due out this fall.

For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com.

Water retention is a type of swelling that occurs due to the abnormal fluid retention in the body. Water retention is medically termed as edema. Hands, arms, face, abdomen and lungs are commonly affected with edema.

In most cases, fluid retention does not cause serious problems. But sometimes, it causes dangerous effects on the body. Conditions that cause fluid retention include heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney failure, premenstrual syndrome and preeclampsia (a harmful condition in late pregnancy). Discuss water retention with a physician if you are concerned about the dangers of this symptom.

The human body, to regulate water levels, uses a complex system of hormone-like substances. Excess water intake one day can be resolved by the kidneys quickly excreting the excess urine, while a lack of fluids on another day may result in much less urination that usual.

Up to 70 percent of our body is water:

Muscle is made up of approximately 75 percent water

Fat consists of about 50 percent water

Bones are made up of about 50 percent water

You can easily retain as much as 5 pounds of water by the end of the day depending on the types of foods you have consumed, your hydration levels, and your activity levels for that day. Carrying excess water weight means you tend to retain more fluids during the day, especially if food intake consists of fatty, processed products.

An increase of sodium in the diet is one of the main causes of excess fluid retention. Unfortunately, sodium is present in nearly all processed foods, as well as some natural foods you consume. Your kidney and hormones naturally regulate a delicate balance of sodium and potassium in your system. Consuming high-sodium foods knocks this system out of balance, causing edema. 

One of the best ways to reduce water weight is by keeping your sodium intake at 1,000 milligrams per day. Read labels on foods and stay away from processed products as much as possible. Also, avoid adding table salt to your foods. Lightly salt meals with sea salt when cooking, and do not add extra salt at the dinner table. 

Calcium supplements reduce your risk of fluid retention. Researchers recommend taking 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. Other ways to reduce water weight include eating small meals during the day and trying natural diuretics such as grapefruit or lemon water. Never take over-the-counter diuretics because you run the risk of potassium depletion. 

Exercising is very beneficial when trying to rid yourself of water weight. Physical activity widens your blood vessels, leading to an increased amount of fluids to the kidneys. Once the fluid reaches your kidneys, it will be excreted. Always remember to stay properly hydrated throughout the day as well. Surprisingly, the more water you drink, the less you retain! 

The most common symptom of edema during the menstrual period is unexplained weight gain. Weight gain may be observed over a period of couple of days all of a sudden. Swelling of the hands and feet, heaviness in the breast are also caused due to water retention. If water content in the body is very high, then if pressed on the skin, an indent may be seen for a few seconds, which is a symptom of water retention.

Excessive fluid build up in the body is usually seen affecting the feet, ankles, lower legs as well as other parts of the body. Most of the time, it is the ankles and feet that swell due to the action of gravity. There are a number of causes that lead to swelling of extremities. Swollen hands and fingers are common signs of premenstrual syndrome in women. Also, many pregnant women often complain of swollen hands and feet. The pressure on the pelvic veins due to the bulging uterus causes the blood to pool. This pressure causes the blood to push water into the tissues and they retain excess water. Thus, the extremities of pregnant women tend to swell. Gym goers, walkers as well as joggers often complain of swelling in their hands and fingers when they begin with a regimen. Carpal tunnel syndrome that affects the upper limb function, also leads to swelling of the upper extremities.

People who tend to stand for long hours like hair stylists, teachers, ticket collectors, etc. suffer from puffy ankles and swollen feet. Also, sitting for long hours or traveling and walking all day will also lead to swollen feet. This is because of poor or reduced blood circulation, obesity, hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, hot and humid climate, etc.

Edema with joint pain may be a sign of an underlying condition like chronic venous insufficiency. When one of the valves in the veins gets damaged, it causes the blood to flow backwards. This causes it to get accumulated in the leg tissues, leading to swelling. Other conditions like congestive heart failure leads to this condition as well. Lymphedema is a condition that occurs due to damaged or blocked lymphatic system; this causes swelling in the arms and legs.

There are many heart, liver and kidney diseases that lead to this condition. These diseases cause fluid to build up and a person to gain weight. Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling in extremities and joint pain. When there are excessive red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet production in the body, it leads to polycythemia. This causes increase in blood thickening and clotting of blood in tiny veins. When this blockage occurs, it may lead to edema of the extremities.

The following self-help measures may help to reduce the signs and symptoms of water retention for some people:

Cut down salt consumption.

If are overweight, lose weight.

Regular exercise.

Raise the legs several times per day to improve circulation.

Wear supporting stockings if the water retention occurs in your lower limbs.

Don’t sit or stand sin one position for too long.

Get up and walk about regularly when travelling by car, train, boat or plane.

Avoid extremes of temperature, such as hot baths, showers, and saunas.

Some types of fluid retention respond very well to medicines. These medicines are called 'water pills' or diuretic medicines. They work by forcing your kidneys - which remove fluid from your blood and produce urine - to work harder. Several ordinary beverages are natural diuretics, including tea, coffee and alcohol. Alcohol is an especially powerful diuretic.

If you are thinking of taking diuretic medicines for fluid retention, here's some important advice. First check with your health care provider to ensure that your heart, liver and kidneys are healthy. Some people have fluid retention as a result of problems with these organs. If this is the case, then do follow your doctor's advice.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Glenn Ellis, is a Health Advocacy Communications Specialist. He is the author of Which Doctor?, and is a health columnist and radio commentator who lectures, and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics.

His second book, released in 2012, is, “Information is the Best Medicine.” For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com.

Thanksgiving pies, holiday turkey, macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, chocolate cake, and even more deliciously bad-for-you holiday treats. We’re all sure to indulge in a little overeating during this holiday season.

•     Intestinal pain

So you can see why the gallbladder is known as the "great masquerader" — when something is wrong with it, there is such a wide variety of symptoms.

A gallbladder attack occurs when a gallstone becomes lodged in the duct of the gallbladder. A gallstone is formed when a substance called bile, which is normally released by the gallbladder to aid in digestion, forms a hard stone that can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. A major cause of gallstones is the presence of too much cholesterol in the bile. This excess of cholesterol is primarily the result of eating a low-fiber, high-cholesterol and high-fat diet, sometimes referred to as the "Western Diet." You know, the kind of stuff that’s going to be everywhere you go during the holidays.

A diet rich in fruits (except citrus) and vegetables (except the cabbage family), vegetable juices, fish, flax or other Omega 3 oils, and certain spices, such as garlic and tumeric, has been shown to promote gallbladder health and prevent the formation of the gallstones that cause gallbladder attacks. Juices or teas made from cucumber, beets and flax seem to be particularly helpful in relieving the symptoms of a gallbladder attack.

Foods to be avoided, especially if you are suffering from a gallbladder attack, include citrus fruit, nuts, beans, onions, pork, chicken, turkey, corn, dairy products, eggs, alcohol, coffee or other caffeinated drinks, and breads.


Before you start your season celebrations and get carried away, consider the following facts about “binge eating”:

1. The most common symptoms of binge eating include excessive intestinal gas, indigestion, bloating and acid reflux. Depending on what you ate, and how much of it that you ate, it’s also very possible that you will suffer from constipation, as a result of not being able to digest all of the food in a timely manner.

2. When you binge eat, you’re making your body work harder to digest all that food. This puts a strain on your body and may increase the risk of health complications.

3. Did you know that binge eating affects approximately twenty five million Americans each year? It’s the most common eating disorder in the United States.

4. When you binge eat, your stomach’s capacity can grow up to 25%… and it can stay that way for up to two weeks, meaning that you’ll need to eat more and more food to become full. Eating more high fiber foods can help you feel fuller, without actually eating as much overall.

5. Binge eating causes your gallbladder to work harder to keep up with fat digestion. In fact, eating large, fatty meals are a common cause of gallstone attacks.

6. Eating a large meal can cause drowsiness, which can be dangerous if you’ll be driving home after your meal.

7. According to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, binge eating a number of fatty foods can lead to blood clotting more easily, which leads to the increased risk of heart attack. There is a fourfold increase in the risk of a heart attack within the two hours following a binge eating session.

These are just seven facts about holiday binge eating that you may not have known about previously. Before you jump into your next big holiday meal, take a minute to remember these facts and slow down-you’ll savor what you’re eating even more, and you won’t feel so terrible afterward.

Although a healthy diet will go a long way toward minimizing the risk of a gallbladder attack, other factors, such as age, gender, race and weight, also play a role. Women have gallbladder disease more often than men. These attacks occur more often after the age of 60. Being obese, having diabetes, and taking estrogen replacement hormones or cholesterol-lowering medications can also increase your chances of developing gallstones or gallbladder disease.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself, and live the best life possible!

The information on healthfinder.gov is not meant to take the place of health care or services you may need. Please see your primary health care provider about any personal health concerns.

Glenn Ellis,  is a Health Advocacy Communications Specialist. He is the author of Which Doctor?, and is a health columnist and radio commentator who lectures, and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics. His next book, “Information is the Best Medicine”, is due out December 2011.

Okay, now the weather is changing, and fall is in the air.

As beautiful as the colors of the leaves are, along with this change comes cold and flu season. As the “bugs” start circulating, and getting passed around, maybe you could benefit from a better understanding of viruses and bacteria. And how do you know if you have a cold or the flu?

Both viral and bacterial infections will make you feel sick and they share many of the same symptoms. But, did you know that:

• A cold or flu virus usually lasts only up to 10 days while illnesses caused by bacteria usually last more than two weeks?

• Cold and flu symptoms — runny noses, watery eyes, dry coughs, sore throats, chills, aches and pains — are caused by viruses, not bacteria?

• Adults who have a sore throat without significant fever most likely do not have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat? Their disease is more likely to be caused by a virus.

• Most coughs do not need an antibiotic?

Although disease-causing bacteria and viruses cause many common infections, they are not the same. Bacteria can live and are found both inside and outside the human body. Viruses, on the other hand, are much smaller in size than bacteria and cannot survive outside the body’s cells. Bacteria contain the genetic material they need to reproduce, while viruses need to invade healthy cells to reproduce.

Most bacteria are harmless to humans. In fact, many are quite beneficial. The bacteria in the environment are essential for the breakdown of organic waste and the recycling of elements in the environment. Bacteria that normally live in humans can prevent infections and produce substances we need, such as vitamin K. Bacteria in the stomachs of cows and sheep are what enable them to digest grass. Bacteria are also essential to the production of yogurt, cheese and pickles. Some bacteria cause infections in humans. In fact, they are a devastating cause of human disease.

One very common type of bacterial attack is tooth decay. Even though not immediately apparent, bacteria that have been allowed to accumulate on the surface of teeth metabolize the sugar in the foods we eat. The organic acids released by the bacteria have a corrosive affect on the enamel surface of our teeth. Several recent studies have shown a link between dental disease and coronary heart disease.

Sometimes it’s difficult to tell. The following are some basic guidelines regarding some of the most common illnesses:

Colds and flu — Viruses cause these illnesses. They cannot be cured with antibiotics. Both children and adults should consider being vaccinated with the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. Ask your doctor or pediatrician.

Cough or bronchitis — Viruses almost always cause these. However, if you have a problem with your lungs or an illness that lasts a long time, bacteria might actually be the cause. Your doctor might decide to try using an antibiotic.

Sore throat — Most sore throats are caused by viruses and don’t need antibiotics. However, strep throat is caused by bacteria. A throat swab and a lab test are usually needed before your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for strep throat.

Ear infections — There are several types of ear infections. Antibiotics are used for some, but not all, ear infections.

Sinus infections —A runny nose and yellow or green mucus do not necessarily mean you need an antibiotic. It is normal for mucus to get thick and change color during the course of a viral infection. For some long-lasting or severe cases, your doctor might decide to prescribe antibiotics.

Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria. They do not work against any infections caused by viruses. If you have a viral infection, antibiotics will not cure it, help you feel better, or prevent someone else from getting your virus.

Usually, antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt or change in a way that makes a specific antibiotic less able to kill them or stop them from growing. These “resistant” bacteria survive and multiply — causing more harm, such as a longer or more severe illness, more doctor visits and the need for treatment with a more expensive and more powerful antibiotic. Over time, more and more bacteria are becoming more and more resistant to some of the most commonly used antibiotics. As this happens, fewer antibiotics are able to treat common, severe and even rare illnesses caused by bacteria.

Many people have asked me to explain the difference between a cold and the flu. I hope this helps:

If you have a cold:

Your illness will usually begin slowly, two to three days after infection by the virus. It will normally last only two to seven days.

You will most likely first notice a scratchy, sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose.

You may get a mild cough a few days later.

Adults and older children usually don’t have a fever, but if they do, it will be very mild.

Infants and young children, however, sometimes have fevers up to 102 degrees F.

If you have the flu:

You will have a sudden headache and dry cough.

You might have a runny nose and a sore throat.

Your muscles will ache.

You will be extremely tired.

You can have a fever of up to 104 degrees F.

You most likely will feel better in a couple of days, but the tiredness and cough can last for two weeks or longer.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Glenn Ellis is a health advocacy communications specialist. He is the author of “Which Doctor?,” is a health columnist and radio commentator who lectures and an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics.

His second book is “Information is the Best Medicine.” For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com.

Recently, a study, widely publicized in the news, reported that women who took vitamins stood a greater chance of dying than women who didn’t.

Are you considering taking vitamin or mineral supplements? Do you think you need them? Or that they “can’t hurt” so you may as well take them? Here are some questions to ask before you decide to take them:

1. Do I really need them?

First and foremost, nutritional needs should be met by eating a variety of foods. In some cases, vitamin/mineral supplements or fortified foods may be useful for providing nutrients that may otherwise be eaten in less than recommended amounts. If you are already eating the recommended amount of a nutrient, you may not get any further health benefit from taking a supplement. In some cases, supplements and fortified foods may actually cause you to exceed safe levels of intake of nutrients. Fortified foods are those to which one or more essential nutrients have been added to increase their nutritional value.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans makes these recommendations for certain groups of people:

•     People over age 50 should consume vitamin B12 in its crystalline form, that is, from fortified foods (like some fortified breakfast cereals) or as a supplement. (Note: Older adults often have a reduced ability to absorb vitamin B12 from foods. However, crystalline vitamin B12, the type of vitamin B12 used in supplements and in fortified foods, is much more easily absorbed.)

•     Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and adolescent females should eat foods that are a source of heme-iron (such as meats) and/or they should eat iron-rich plant foods (like cooked dry beans or spinach) or iron-fortified foods (like fortified cereals) along with a source of vitamin C.

•     Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those who are pregnant should consume adequate synthetic folic acid daily (from fortified foods or supplements) in addition to food forms of folate from a varied diet.

•     Older adults, people with dark skin, and people who get insufficient exposure to sunlight should consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements.

It is important to note that vitamin/mineral supplements are not a replacement for a healthful diet. Remember that in addition to vitamins and minerals, foods also contain hundreds of naturally occurring substances that can help protect your health.

Here are some questions that the Food and Drug Administration recommends asking yourself and discussing with your doctor when considering whether you should take a vitamin/mineral supplement:

•     Do you eat fewer than 2 meals per day?

•     Is your diet restricted? That is, do you not eat meat, or milk or milk products, or eat fewer than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day?

•     Do you eat alone most of the time?

•     Without wanting to, have you lost or gained more than 10 pounds in the last 6 months?

•     Do you take 3 or more prescription or over-the-counter medicines a day?

•     Do you have 3 or more drinks of alcohol a day?

2. Should I talk to my doctor about taking vitamin/mineral supplements?

Yes, you and your doctor should work together to determine if a vitamin/mineral supplement is right for you.

If you are already taking dietary supplements, you should inform your doctor. Research shows that many people do not let their doctors know that they are taking a dietary supplement or are considering taking one. You may think side effects happen only with prescription medicines, but some dietary supplements can cause side effects if taken with other medications or if certain health conditions exist. Even if you don’t take medication or have a chronic health problem, the wrong dietary supplement or the wrong amount, can cause problems. So check with your doctor before taking a dietary supplement.

3. Where can I find scientifically sound information about vitamin/mineral supplements?

Your doctor is a good place to start. In addition, pharmacists and registered dietitians are helpful.

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements has a series of Vitamin and Mineral Fact Sheets that provide scientifically-based overviews of a number of vitamins and minerals. They can provide a good basis for a discussion with your doctor about whether or not you should take a vitamin/mineral supplement.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a variety of articles and consumer advisories to help consumers inform themselves about dietary supplements, including warnings and safety information, labeling, evaluation information, and FDA’s role in regulating dietary supplements.

4. What should I do if I suspect I may be having a side-effect from a dietary supplement?

First, stop taking the supplement. Next tell your doctor or health care professional.

Many experts consider taking extra vitamins and minerals unnecessary — at least for most in the Western world, where eating a healthful diet is relatively easy.

But for at least a few people, supplements offer clear benefits.

•     Vegetarian women of childbearing age, for instance, may need supplemental iron.

•     Women who are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, should take folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. Some people need to take vitamin D as well.

•     And calcium supplementation — the only type found beneficial in the Archives of Internal Medicine study — can slow the progress of osteoporosis.

In summary, check with your doctor or a registered dietitian about which, if any, vitamin or mineral supplements might be right for you. And remember that while there are circumstances when it may be appropriate to take vitamin/mineral supplements, they are not a replacement for a healthful diet.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should always consult their healthcare providers to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Glenn Ellis is a health advocacy communications specialist. He is the author of “Which Doctor?,” and is a lecturing health columnist and radio commentator, and an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics. His second book, “Information is the Best Medicine,” is due out in fall, 2011. For more good health information, visit www.glennellis.com.

Easter weekend 2012 was full of activity at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where the Black History and Culture Showcase was held.

The Black History and Culture Showcase, formally called the Black History Showcase, added “culture” this year to incorporate themes of art, music, film and literature. The showcase started in 2004 by executive producer Everett Staten. Staten started this event with the idea to spread history of Black culture.

“History is the narrative of the past and history and culture really make up people’s story,” Staten said.

Years ago Staten and a team created a Black expo that showed the economic development of Black businesses while incorporating entertainment.

“I met Tuskegee airmen, Negro League baseball players and asked them to be apart of the event,” he said. “We are talking about 15 years ago—we brought them in and I was amazed at how many people were stopping by and talking.”

Inspired by the success of the Black expo, Staten started the showcase and decided last year it was best to move it to Easter weekend.

The showcase took place Saturday and Sunday and kicked off with an “Introduction to Genealogy” session Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday’s events included a WURD Speaks Symposium “The Impact of Race, Culture and History on Body, Mind and Spirit” Part II, a discussion with historian and scholar Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, creator of the first doctoral program in African-American studies at Temple University and concluded with a workshop titled “History Treasures in Your Home.”

Sunday’s events began with a performance from the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, followed by a health lecture and book signing with author and journalist Hilary Beard and health and wellness writer and educator Glenn Ellis. The lecture was followed by a performance from the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz youth jazz band and concluded with a “Marian Anderson Scholars 1939 Easter Sunday Reenactment.” Along with the scheduled events, the showcase consisted of various exhibits that visitors were able to view as they roamed through the convention center.

“We did this event to commemorate and celebrate the African-American experience,” Staten said.

The exhibits included the Lest We Forget Slavery Museum, a Black Inventions Museum, a George Washington Carver exhibit and a Negro League Exhibit.

Sisters Michelle and Beverly Thompson traveled from Delaware to experience the showcase, exhibits and presentations.

“My favorite room is the slavery room and actually seeing the shackles and artifacts and reading some of the stories,” Michelle said. “I didn’t know they used to use little Black babies for bait to capture alligators—I was teary eyed.”

Beverly was also deeply touched by the exhibits and felt the showcase was effective in reaching out to the visitors and exploring important parts of history.

“I really liked that they showcased of Black art — it’s cool because in Delaware we don’t get spots like this where it’s a big community thing,” Beverly said.

“Black history is an essential part of American history,” Staten said. “The more one knows and understands about one’s culture—can foster power and respect between races.”

Caffeine is the world’s most popular drug.

Around 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine every single day in one form or another. More than half of all American adults consume more than 300 milligrams (mg) of caffeine every day, making it America’s most popular drug by far.

Here are the most common sources of caffeine for Americans:

•          Typical drip-brewed coffee contains about 100 mg per 8-ounce cup.

•          Typical brewed black tea contains 50 mg per 8-ounce cup.

•          Typical caffeinated sodas (Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, etc.) contain 40–50 mg per 12-ounce can.

•          Super-caffeinated colas like Jolt contain 70 mg per 12-ounce can.

•          Typical chocolate milk contains 6 mg per ounce.

•          Maximum Strength Anacin contains 32 mg per tablet. NoDoz and Vivarin each contain 200 mg per tablet. Extra Strength Excedrin contains 65 mg per tablet.

•          Energy drinks like Red Bull (8.3 oz-sized can) contain about 80 mg per can.

By looking at these numbers and by knowing how widespread coffee, chocolate, tea, cola and energy drinks are in our society, you can see why half of all American adults consume more than 300 mg of caffeine per day. Two mugs of coffee or a mug of coffee and a couple of Cokes during the day are all you need to get there.

Caffeine is a natural component of chocolate, coffee and tea, and is used as an added energy boost in most colas and energy drinks. It’s also found in diet pills and some over-the-counter pain relievers and medicines.

In its natural form, caffeine tastes very bitter, but most caffeinated drinks have gone through enough processing to camouflage the bitter taste. Most teens get the majority of their caffeine intake through soft drinks, which can also have added sugar and artificial flavors.

Caffeine has long been on the list of don’ts for people hoping to lead a healthy lifestyle. Doctors pointed to caffeine’s negative effects on the nervous system and how it can increase anxiety, stress and food cravings, in addition to inhibiting sleep. Recent studies, however, have shown that coffee and caffeine may actually have some significant medical benefits.

Coffee originated in Africa around 575 A.D., where beans were used as money and consumed as food. Records show 11th-century Arabs drank coffee regularly. Spanish conquistadors first exploring what is now Mexico, were served coffee by Montezuma, the mighty Aztec ruler, in 1519.

There have been more than 19,000 studies on caffeine and coffee in the past 30 years in an attempt to determine their exact effects on the human body. One of the most thorough and exhaustive studies was done by Harvard University, in which they examined 126,000 people over an 18-year period. The findings indicate that people who drink one to three cups of coffee a day are up to 9 percent less likely to contract diabetes. What’s interesting is what happened to those who drank six or more cups of coffee per day — men slashed their chances of contracting diabetes by 54 percent, and women by 30 percent!

Other studies have shown similar results in many facets of human health:

•          Regular coffee drinkers are 80 percent less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.

•          Two cups a day give you 20 percent less risk of colon cancer.

•          Two cups a day cause an 80 percent drop in cirrhosis.

•          Two cups a day prevent gallstone development by 50 percent.

•          It has also shown to be beneficial in asthma, stopping headaches, boosting mood and even preventing cavities.

Some of these findings may have something to do with other healthful properties of the coffee bean, but most can be directly linked to caffeine. Researchers are even developing drugs for Parkinson’s disease containing caffeine derivatives.

Caffeine moves through the body within a few hours after it is consumed. It is not stored in the body, but you may feel its effects for up to six hours if you’re sensitive to it.

Long-term effects of a toxic nature do not appear evident when regular caffeine use is below about 650 mg a day — equivalent to about eight or nine average cups of coffee. Above this level, users may suffer from chronic insomnia, persistent anxiety and depression, and stomach ulcers. Caffeine use appears to be associated with irregular heartbeat, and may raise cholesterol levels, but there is no firm evidence that it causes heart disease.

Regular use of upwards of 350 mg of caffeine a day causes physical dependence on the drug. This means that interruption of the regular use produces a characteristic withdrawal syndrome, the most conspicuous feature of which is an often severe headache that can be relieved by taking caffeine. Absence of caffeine also makes regular users feel irritable and tired. Relief from these withdrawal effects is often given as a reason for using caffeine.

If you have normal blood pressure, caffeine can increase it noticeably, but the increase is temporary and only lasts a short time. The increase generally includes the systolic and diastolic pressure readings, increasing each by approximately 4 to 13 mm Hg, or millimeters of mercury, according to the Mayo Clinic website. That means if you have a normal blood pressure reading of 120 mm for your systolic pressure and 80 mm for your diastolic pressure, caffeine can increase it up to about 133 over 93.

No one is sure why caffeine can increase blood pressure, although the Mayo Clinic site reports a few theories. One is that caffeine may cause your arteries to constrict by blocking a hormone that usually keeps them wider. Another is that caffeine may boost your adrenal glands’ release of more adrenaline, with the greater amount of adrenaline leading to the increase. In either case, the increase is always temporary rather than resulting in long-term increase in pressure.

If you cut down on your caffeine intake suddenly, you may experience headaches, irritability, tiredness, depression, nausea, vomiting and stiff or painful muscles. These symptoms generally appear 12 to 24 hours after you decrease or abstain from caffeine. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal are usually mild and typically go away after a few days.

One thing is clear — despite the recent findings, most doctors still recommend moderation in regard to caffeine intake. While these recent studies give hope to those who are hooked on their morning cup, there is still a long way to go to determine the long- term effects of caffeine use.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should always consult their healthcare providers to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Glenn Ellis is a health advocacy communications specialist. He is the author of “Which Doctor?”, a health columnist and radio commentator and a lecturing and active media contributor nationally and internationally on health-related topics.

His second book, “Information is the Best Medicine,” is due out this fall. For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com.

Are you one of the many people who think you can get rid of that “belly” by strengthening your abdominal muscles? Think again. You can do sit-ups til the cows come home, but nothing short of actual weight loss will do the trick.

It would help if we had a better understanding of those bigger waistlines as we age.

Of course it is on a practical level the result of gaining weight. But ultimately the problem is body fat.

Fat doesn't just sit idle. It acts like an organ that secretes substances.

While visceral fat provides necessary cushioning around organs, it secretes lots of nasty substances that can be absorbed by the neighboring organs.

Visceral fat cells release inflammatory compounds that can lead to insulin resistance and some cancers. Excess visceral fat is linked to greater risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia and cancers of the breast, colon, and endometrium.

There are two types of fat in your abdominal area. The first type is called subcutaneous fat and lies directly beneath the skin and on top of the abdominal muscles.

The second type of fat in your abdominal area is called visceral fat, and that lies deeper in the abdomen beneath your muscle and surrounding your organs.

Visceral fat also plays a role in giving certain men that "beer belly" appearance where the abdomen protrudes excessively but at the same time, also feels sort of hard if you push on it. The average American has about 30 billion fat cells: each of them is filled with greasy substances called lipids. When you pump doughnuts, potato chips and candy bars into your system, those fat cells can expand-up to 1,000 times their original size. But a fat cell can get only so big; once it reaches its physical limit, it starts to behave like a long-running sitcom. It creates spinoffs, leaving you with two or more fat cells for the price of one. Only problem: Fat cells have a no-return policy. Once you have a fat cell, you're stuck with it- they never go away. So as you grow fatter and double the number of fat cells in your body, you also double the difficulty you'll have losing the lipids inside them.

Many of us tend to store fat in our bellies, and that's where the health dangers of excess weight begin. Abdominal fat doesn't just sit there and do nothing; it's active. It functions like a separate organ, releasing substances that can be harmful to your body. For instance, it releases free fatty acids that impair your ability to break down the hormone insulin (too much insulin in your system can lead to diabetes).

Fat also secretes substances that increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as the stress hormone cortisol (high levels of cortisol are also associated with diabetes and obesity as well as with high blood pressure). Abdominal fat bears the blame for many health problems because it resides within striking distance of your heart, liver and other organs - pressing on them, feeding them poisons, and messing with their daily function.

Now we all know the obvious: proper diet; adequate exercise; plenty of water; sufficient sleep. In fact so far, physical activity and weight loss appear to be the key. Several new studies indicate that regular exercise, such as brisk walking for 30 to 45 minutes a day, can significantly decrease such fat.

At greatest risk of developing health problems from too much hidden belly fat are men whose waists are wider than 40 inches and women whose waists are wider than 35 inches.

Tummy fat is the known enemy of the fit-looking body. As most of us get past age 20 or 25, belly fat becomes harder and harder to fend off. Even when we work on each part of our bodies at the gym or through dieting, it can seem asif the tummy fat battle is the hardest one to win.

And, fat around the midsection not only looks bulgy and unsightly, it can also be potentially bad for your health. Men and women with significant amounts of belly fat have been shown to have a better chance of developing heart disease.

People who gain belly fat are at greater risk of serious health problems, even death, than are people who accumulate fat in other areas — and men are more likely than women to gain weight around the waist. Regardless of your overall weight, having a large amount of belly fat increases your risk of:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Some types of cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• High triglycerides
• Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol
• Metabolic syndrome
• Sleep apnea  

So, what to do?

It is vital to drink lots of water throughout the day, as it accelerates the fat-burning process. Water also aids the functioning of the liver, and our liver actually has the ability to burn reserved fat and convert it into energy.

When it comes to food, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start off your day with a good and healthy breakfast. As mentioned, the frequency of eating is vital, just as crucial is what you eat. There are in fact various foods which aid the loss of fat around your stomach, such as; fish, vegetables, dark chocolate and fruit. However, there are also foods that do the opposite and diminish your ability to lose belly fat, these include foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar, thus you should try and avoid such foods as much as possible.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Glenn Ellis is a health advocacy communications specialist. He is the author of “Which Doctor?,” and is a health columnist and radio commentator who lectures, and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health-related topics.

His second book, “Information is the Best Medicine”, was released in January. For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com.

First we were bombarded with the ads for sexual performance drugs like Viagra and Cialis, informing us that there was a new “medical condition” called erectile dysfunction (ED).

If you’ve watched television lately, you’ve seen your share of commercials talking about “Low T,” and most likely, you have been left wondering half the time what in the world they are talking about.

There are many topics in our society that seem to be taboo in nature. While they go on all around us, people just don’t talk about them. One of those topics is low testosterone. The fact that so many shy away from the conversation can make many males feel embarrassed about it. However, there are many reasons for this to occur, and it is nothing to hide or to be ashamed about. Talking about it can help you to make a plan of action you are happy with.

Testosterone is a male hormone that is found in higher amounts as a person goes through adolescents and into their early 20s. As a person gets older, their testosterone levels decrease. There are small levels of it for females, but their main sex hormone is estrogen.

Testosterone is also a primary element in being able to build muscle. This is one of the prime reasons why men are prone to have more muscle tone than women. When a person exercises, it is the testosterone that helps them to repair the muscles too. It is during the muscle rest and repair period that they also grow. (Note: women have testosterone too; it’s just not present in as high amounts as in males.)

Most of the testosterone in a man’s body is produced in the testicles. It helps:

• maintain reproductive tissues

• stimulate sperm production
• stimulate and maintain sexual function
• increase muscle mass and strength
• maintain bone strength

Just like your cholesterol or blood pressure, there is a numerical range of testosterone levels (also known as T levels) that are considered normal. The brain and the testicles work together to keep testosterone in this range. When levels of testosterone are below normal, the brain signals the testicles to make more. When testosterone levels reach a normal level, the brain signals the testicles to make less.

It’s natural for men to produce less testosterone as they age. What’s not a natural part of aging is a medical condition known as hypogonadism that can be caused by Low T. Symptoms include reduced sexual function, depressed mood and decreased energy.

The signs and symptoms of Low T may be difficult to tell from the changes that occur with normal aging. Symptoms are frequently subtle and are similar to those caused by other medical conditions.

Researchers are unlocking the mysteries of how low testosterone is related to men’s overall health. Along the way, they’re uncovering connections between low testosterone levels and other health conditions.

Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, depression, erectile dysfunction, obesity and high blood pressure have all been linked to testosterone deficiency. Low testosterone isn’t known to cause these health problems, and replacing testosterone isn’t the cure. Still, the associations between low testosterone and other medical conditions are interesting and worth a closer look.

Experts don’t suggest that low testosterone causes these conditions. In fact, it might be the other way around. That is, men with medical problems, or who are in poor general health, might then develop low testosterone.

A link between diabetes and low testosterone is well established. Men with diabetes are more likely to have low testosterone. And men with low testosterone are more likely to later develop diabetes. Testosterone helps the body’s tissues take up more blood sugar in response to insulin. Men with low testosterone more often have insulin resistance: They need to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal.

Beginning in middle age, a man’s testosterone levels begin a steady decline, culminating in the so-called “andropause.” On the same time-scale, men begin to gain weight as fat, and to lose lean muscle mass. It’s now abundantly clear that these two processes are related — that is, the decline in testosterone levels is a direct cause of middle-aged men’s “battle of the bulge.”

Obese men are more likely to have low testosterone. Men with very low testosterone are also more likely to become obese. Fat cells metabolize testosterone to estrogen, lowering testosterone levels. Also, obesity reduces levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that carries testosterone in the blood. Less SHBG means less testosterone. Losing weight through exercise can increase testosterone levels.

When a man has lower than normal levels of testosterone it can lower his libido. It can also result in it being harder to create new muscle mass than before. Low testosterone usually isn’t a problem for women because they don’t have high levels of it in the first place.

Testosterone supplements in men with low testosterone can also reduce obesity slightly. There are various testosterone supplements too that can help boost testosterone production. They are often found in health food stores and online. They seem to offer an all-natural way to increase levels of testosterone. Not all supplements though contain the same ingredients or offer the same overall value. It is very important to follow the directions on how to use them.

There are quite a few different testosterone supplements out there on the market to choose from. They can help to increase the value that people get from their diet and workout. These supplements help the muscles get stronger and to be well defined in less time. They also help with the natural production of testosterone so that the levels don’t get too low.

It is very important that you carefully evaluate testosterone supplements before you buy one of them. Always take a good look at the ingredients that are found in that product. Familiarize yourself with the key ingredients that should be in testosterone supplements. You also want to explore those that you don’t know about. They could include very harsh ingredients that your body doesn’t need. If that is the case, then you should avoid using such products. They can end up doing more harm than good. If you don’t know the difference, you could fall into such a trap.

The signs and symptoms of Low T may be difficult to tell from the changes that occur with normal aging, or may be assumed to be caused by other medical conditions. So if you have symptoms of Low T, talk to your doctor during your routine checkup and ask if you should have a blood test.

Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

The information included in this column is for educational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should always consult their healthcare providers to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Glenn Ellis is a health advocacy communications specialist. He is the author of “Which Doctor?” and is a health columnist and radio commentator who lectures. He is also an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics.

His second book, “Information is the Best Medicine,” was released in January 2012. For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com.