Monday, December 31, 2012

Rise of the high-flying singletons: Women are more likely to pursue top careers if they fear they might not find a husband

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  • Such women delay starting a family - and when they finally do, they have fewer children, a study found


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    Women who fear they may not find a husband are more likely to pursue high flying careers, a new study has revealed.
    Researchers found that women who consider themselves unattractive work harder to carve out a career for themselves. 
    If they believe there is a shortage of men, they are also likely to delay having children, aiming instead for high-paying jobs and workplace success.
    Powerful: The latest scientific research found that women who feared they wouldn't find a husband were most likely to have high-flying careersPowerful: The latest scientific research found that women who feared they wouldn't find a husband were most likely to have high-flying careers
    Powerful: The latest scientific research found that women who feared they wouldn't find a husband were most likely to have high-flying careers
    Dr Kristina Durante, who led the research, said: 'Most women don't realise it, but an important factor in their career choice is how easy or difficult it is to find a husband.
    'When a woman's dating prospects look bleak, as is the case when there are few available men, she is much more likely to delay starting a family and instead seek a career.'
    In one study, the researchers examined the ratio of single men to single women in each U.S. state and Washington, DC.

     

    They found that as bachelors became scarce, the percentage of women in high-paying careers increased.
    In addition, the women delayed having children and when they finally decided to start a family, they had fewer kids.
    Comparison: Women who judged themselves to be less desirable to men - those who are not like Angelina Jolie - were most likely to take the career path when men became scarce
    Comparison: Women who judged themselves to be less desirable to men - those who are not like Angelina Jolie - were most likely to take the career path when men became scarce
    In another study, researchers led female students to believe there were either more or fewer men on college campus by showing them one of two news articles about the student population.
    When women read there were fewer men than women on campus they became more motivated to pursue ambitious careers rather than start a family.
    Study co-author Dr Vlad Griskevicius, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota, said: 'A scarcity of men leads women to invest in their careers because they realise it will be difficult to settle down and start a family.
    'In fact, the strongest effects were found for women who are least likely to secure a mate.'
    Dr Durante, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Texas, added: 'Women who judged themselves to be less desirable to men - those who are not like Angelina Jolie - were most likely to take the career path when men became scarce.'
    Dr Durante suggested that women's actions in pursuing economic and educational advancement would actually make it more difficult to find a husband.
    She added: 'This is because a woman's mating standards keep increasing as she becomes more educated and wealthy.
    'This further decreases the number of suitable mates.
    'More than ever before, modern women are increasingly forced to make tough choices such as choosing briefcase over baby.'


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2255237/High-flying-females-Women-likely-pursue-careers-fear-husband.html#ixzz2GfroUWl2 
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    Electronic cigarettes 'DON'T help fight addiction and cause harm to health'

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  • New report warns electronic cigarettes do not help smokers quit
  • Gadgets still posed a health risk, although not as serious as real cigarettes
  • Experts warned their use could lead young people on to real cigarettes


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    They are used by thousands of smokers who are either looking to kick the habit or just for a healthier alternative.
    But new research has found electronic cigarettes don't in fact help quit smoking and they still posed a potentially serious health risk because they contained nicotine.
    The report warns the gadgets, sometimes known as e-cigarettes, should not be used by young people as it still delivered nicotine to the body and could lead to them taking up real cigarettes.
    Danger: The report by the Italian Health Ministry says electronic cigarettes may not help people quit smoking and still posed health risks
    Danger: The report by the Italian Health Ministry says electronic cigarettes may not help people quit smoking and still posed health risks
    The Italian Health Ministry issued the warning in a report today described the e-cigarette as 'less toxic' but warned it was not 'totally innocuous'.
    But, an association of electronic cigarette makers said the device was intended to help people who are already smokers, ABC News has reported.
    There has been much debate over the safety of electronic cigarettes, which delivers nicotine through a vapour, as opposed to smoke.
     

    But about 650,000 smokers are thought to be using the inhalers to help rid them of their addiction to cigarettes.
    Roberta Pacifici, director of Italy Observatory on Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Use at the National Health Institute, who worked on the report, told Italian news agency ANSA, warned she was not convinced the gadgets were entirely safe.
    She said: 'We have to have a prudent approach towards this product as we know little about its worth in stopping people smoking or how toxic it is.'
    Alternative: Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular, but health experts are warning they still post dangers
    Alternative: Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular, but health experts are warning they still post dangers
    Mrs Pacifici said the scientific reports studied 'do not reassure us about the effectiveness or the innocuousness of its use'.
    But she did say while the levels of nicotine could vary in electronic cigarettes, it was usually lower than in a normal cigarette.
    Laws governing the use and sales of e-cigarettes and the liquids vary across the globe,
    But Mrs Pacifici told the La Repubblica daily paper, in Italy: 'Should its efficacy as a means to curb smoking be proven it should still be treated like all the other substitutive nicotine products like nicotine gum and band aids...as a medical device.'
    Health risks: Experts have warned young people could be encouraged to smoke real cigarettes if they used the electronic version
    Health risks: Experts have warned young people could be encouraged to smoke real cigarettes if they used the electronic version
     


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2254900/Electronic-cigarettes-DONT-help-fight-addiction-cause-harm-health.html#ixzz2GfqWjchY 
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    Eat more, not less' Volumetrics diet tops new ranking for best weight-loss plan - and Nineties favorite Slim Fast is not far behind


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    Developed by nutritionist Barbara Rolls in 2000, Volumetrics advocates eating more, not less. The idea is that foods with high water content, such as soup and salad, make you feel fuller and less deprived.
    The Daily Beast found the plan most effective for both short and long-term weight-loss, heart health and diabetes control.
    Close-up of a woman eating broccoli with a fork
    Eat more, not less: The Volumetrics regime, which prescribes plenty of foods with high water content such as soup, salad and low-starch vegetables, has topped a major ranking of diets
    The hugely-popular WeightWatchers and Jenny Craig diets came in second and third place respectively, with the vegan diet and low-carb Atkins regime also placing high.

     

    Also on the list, possibly indicating a comeback, was the Slim Fast plan, which last saw its popularity peak in the Nineties.
    The 'shake for breakfast, shake for lunch, and a sensible dinner' concept, first launched in the late Seventies, delivers on its weight-loss promise, The Daily Beast found, and is good for diabetes control, though data was 'inconclusive' as far as heart health is concerned.
    Surprise entry: Could Nineties favorite Slim Fast be due a revival?
    Surprise entry: Could Nineties favorite Slim Fast be due a revival?
    'We ranked diets based on the most recent published clinical data on long-term and short-term weight loss (as evidenced by 6-month and 12-month weight loss),' The Daily Beast's Lauren Streib wrote.
    'This year we also included a 5-point scale for promoting cardiovascular health and controlling diabetes based on available published research, which affected the rankings.'
    Diets at the lower end of the scale fell short on heart health and diabetes control.
    The Paleolithic diet, for example, which mimics the meat, nut and vegetable-heavy diet of cavemen, cuts all processed food including grains and dairy.
    But while it may be the most effective for maintained weight-loss, the research indicates that it is not the best option for heart health or diabetics.
    It is a similar story with the Glycemic Index and Atkins diets, which can be effective for weight-loss but not for heart health.
    As Streib says of the GI diet: 'Foods that are composed of nearly all protein and fat aren’t really addressed in the diet, since they have no GI value, so the plan can be a hard to follow and assess nutritionally.'

    THE BEST DIETS FOR LONG AND SHORT-TERM WEIGHT-LOSS 


    1. Volumetrics
    What is it? Advocates eating more, not less. The idea is that foods with high water content, such as soup and salad, make you feel fuller and less deprived.
    Benefits: Good for both heart health and diabetes control.
    2. Weight Watchers
    What is it? The Jessica Simpson-endorsed plan, which has 1.4million members, uses a point system to measure nutritional value. Members are offered weigh-in meetings and online guidance.
    Benefits: Good for heart health - for diabetes control, research was inconclusive.
    3. Jenny Craig
    What is it? The Jenny Craig system involves eating the company's pre-packaged, calorie-counted and portion-controlled meals, as well as regular weigh-ins. As the member loses weight, they can cut back on the company's meals to weight-maintain.
    Benefits: Results were inconclusive for both heart health and diabetes control.
    4. Vegan Diet
    What is it? Strictly no animal products, including dairy and eggs as well as meat and fish. Usually adopted for ethical reasons, a low-fat vegan diet can deliver more effective weight-loss results than a traditional low-fat diet.
    Benefits: Good for both heart health and diabetes control.
    5. Low-Fat Diet
    What is it? Simply cutting fat to just 30per cent of one's daily calorie intake (10per cent saturated). It is excellent for cardiovascular health and good for weight-loss.
    Benefits: Extremely good for heart health - for diabetes control, research was inconclusive.
    6. Slim-Fast
    What is it? The 'shake for breakfast, shake for lunch, and a sensible dinner' concept has been popular since the late Seventies.
    Benefits: It is good for diabetes control, but data for effects on heart health is inconclusive.
    7. Atkins Diet 
    What is it? Strictly no carbohydrates allowed, the Atkins diet has been a weight-loss favorite since the Seventies. The downside is that there is no restriction on high-fat meats and cheeses, which is not ideal for those with high blood pressure.
    Benefits: Heart health? No. Diabetes control? Inconclusive.
    8. DASH Diet
    What is it? The DASH diet was designed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and is intended to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Dieters must cut back on processed foods and red meat in favor of legumes, fruits and vegetables.

    Benefits: Good for both heart health and diabetes control.
    9. Mediterranean Diet
    What is it? Also known as the Sonoma diet, this is high in fruit and vegetables, and favors beans, nuts and olive oil. No more than 35per cent of the daily calorie intake should be fat.
    Benefits: Good for both heart health and diabetes control.
    10. LEARN Diet
    What is it? LEARN stands for Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, and Nutrition. Developed by Dr Kelly Brownell, the focus is on keeping fat intake down. Just over half of a dieter's calories will come from carbohydrates.
    Benefits: Extremely good for heart health and good for diabetes control.
    11. Ornish Diet
    What is it? Dr Dean Ornish's diet forbids meat, fish, oils, nuts and alcohol. His catchphrase is 'Eat more, weigh less', and he prescribes a high fiber intake of legumes, fruits and vegetables.
    Benefits: Extremely good for heart health and good for diabetes control.
    12. Zone Diet
    What is it? The concept of the Zone diet is carefully-balanced, portion-controlled meals, each with a ratio of 40per cent carbs, 30per cent fat and 30per cent protein. It is believed to keep blood sugar levels under control, but was least effective for weight-loss.
    Benefits: Heart health? Inconclusive. Diabetes control? No.
    13. Glycemic Index Diet
    What is it? Cuts out high-glycemic foods, such as refined carbohydrates. Low-glycemic foods, such as whole grains and nuts, help control blood sugar, so keep you fuller for longer. 
    Benefits: Heart health? No. Diabetes control? Inconclusive.
    14. Paleolithic Diet
    What is it? Mimics the meat, nut and vegetable-heavy diet of cavemen, cuts all processed food including grains and dairy.
    Benefits: Heart health? No. Diabetes control? No.



    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2255355/Eat-Volumetrics-diet-tops-new-ranking-best-weight-loss-plan--Nineties-favorite-Slim-Fast-far-behind.html#ixzz2GfmlTaj2 
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    Keep your smile party-ready WWW.NATURALHEALTHY.CO

     Big Smile.JPG
    .The holiday season is full of late nights and early mornings (so many parties, but you still have to be at work on time!), which means lots of coffee, tea and wine. You know all of the secrets to maintain your trim figure amidst all of the party favors, but your teeth are probably getting neglected.

    Any number of things that pass your lips on a regular basis can stain your pearly whites, but if you follow these simple tips from Dr. Irwin Smigel, President of the ASDA, you’ll have the whitest smile this Christmas.
    Sip Smarter on White Wine
    White wine can actually stain teeth worse than red wine! It’s the high acidity in white wine that make teeth more susceptible to stain from tea, coffee and anything else you eat or drink at the same time that has color. Typical teeth-stainers include ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, spaghetti sauce and all berries.
    Get Some H2O
    Drinking water in between sips of white wine and while eating colored foods will help offset the effect of the stains. One of the best natural at-home whiteners is strawberries. The malic acid in strawberries act as an astringent to remove surface discoloration.
    kmGo Crunchy
    Eating crunchy foods are good for your gums. Certain types of bacteria attach to the enamel which surrounds the teeth. If the bacteria is not removed they multiply and grow in numbers growing a colony of bacteria. Firm, crunchy fruits and vegetables like celery, apples and pears have a high water content which stimulates saliva production, which forces these colonies of bacteria to disperse and neutralize the bacteria in the mouth that causes cavities and bad breath. This also helps to strengthen and toughen weaker gums.
    Keep Flossing
    Be careful of foods that can get caught between your teeth. Salads and greens are likely to get caught which can be embarrassing and cause cavities and gum disease, so always carry floss (and a hand mirror!) for a touch up and to keep food out.
    Stay Kissable
    Carry a breath freshener and whitening gel to use during your date. Dr. Smigel recommends having a no brush/no rinse on-the-go whitening and freshening tooth polish on hand.
    Whiten at Home
    Use whitening toothpaste to brush away stains and add sparkle to your smile.  At-home bleaching systems are okay, but be careful of over-bleaching which will only cause damage and weaken the enamel. If you’re more of a DIY-er, Hydrogen Peroxide (common in many whitening toothpastes) prepares teeth for maximum whitening benefits while tackling the issues such as bacteria-causing plaque, gingivitis and bad breath, which can compromise oral health.
    Don’t Forget Your Tongue
    Do the not-so-ordinary cleaning routines such as using a tongue cleaner. This is the only way to effectively remove plaque and bacteria and prevent bad breath for good.

    Is it love at first sight? Or just lust?

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      Love or lust.JPG
    Anyone who's claimed "love at first sight" might have her L words mixed up. When it comes to instant attraction, your brain—not your heart—kicks your desire into high gear.
    0 to 5 seconds
    You spot a hot stranger, and before you can even say hello, your brain has processed his voice, face, and pheromones (the less like you he smells, the more aroused you'll become).
    Your brain's ventral tegmental area lights up and begins churning out dopamine, the same chemical responsible for feelings of elation—and the addictive high that comes with certain drugs. (Exercise also increases levels of feel-good dopamine. Experience a runner’s high with our 10-Week Half-Marathon Training Plan.)
    At the same time, the areas of your mind that handle negative emotions are suppressed, allowing his irritating habits to go virtually unnoticed.
    If you're ovulating, you may be drawn to more masculine traits like a chiseled jawline or deep voice. If you have your period, a guy with softer, more feminine features is more appealing.
    The spot deep in your brain that deals with memories is recording his every move and feature, subtly comparing him with past loves. Cue: "He looks just like my first crush..."
    After 5 minutes
    Your brain has revved up its hormone control center to shoot out chemical signals to your ovaries. The message: "This guy is hot!"
    The brain also signals the adrenal glands to pump out adrenaline—thus your pounding heart, sweaty palms, and intense focus. (Do you love an adrenaline rush? Resolve to try one of these 10 Fitness Adventures in 2013.)
    Meanwhile, your body is busy producing testosterone, the male hormone often associated with aggressiveness and risk taking. After all, it's hard to flirt when you're feeling shy.
    After 10 minutes
    While you're swooning from the potent cocktail of adrenaline, dopamine, and testosterone, your brain prompts the pituitary gland to produce oxytocin, the hormone thought to promote bonding—and monogamy. (Powerful chemicals can control how your body responds to certain situations. Learn How Hormones Affect Your Body.)
    Within a few months
    If you're truly smitten, your brain steps up its production of nerve growth factor, a protein that may increase mental capacity. Sadly, it ebbs back to normal after a year of commitment. (Want to spice up your relationship? Try these 7 Ways to Prolong the Honeymoon Phase.)
    Newfound passion might also trigger the adrenal glands to shoot out the stress hormone cortisol. But unlike the cortisol that comes with most chronic stress, this short-term version makes you feel all warm and fuzzy and can also boost your arousal.

    Pregnant women who see the hygienist reduce their risk of a premature birth by a third

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  • Severe gum infections cause an increase in the production of chemicals which induce labour
  • Women with gum disease who had a high risk of premature birth benefited from having a procedure called scaling and root planing

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    Severe gum infections cause an increase in the production of chemicals which induce labour
    Severe gum infections cause an increase in the production of chemicals which induce labour
    Pregnant women who go to the hygienist may cut their risk of premature birth by a third, new research suggests. 
    Having a scale and polish removes the build-up of tartar from near the gumline, in turn reducing the risk of severe gum disease.
    Although the link between gum disease and premature birth isn't clear, previous research has shown improving oral health does reduce the risk. 
    Doctors have previously established that severe gum infections cause an increase in the production of prostaglandin and tumour necrosis factor, chemicals which induce labour, to be produced. 
    Preterm births are defined as babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and have historically been linked to poor levels of oral health. In England alone, 54,000 babies are born prematurely each year.
    The new research, published in the Journal of Periodontology, found there was a 34 per cent reduction in the risk of preterm births for expectant mothers suffering with gum disease if they underwent simple treatment at the dentist or hygienist.
     

    The researchers, from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, found that women with gum disease who were at high risk of having a premature birth benefited from having a procedure called scaling and root planing.
    Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said the research affirmed the need for expectant mothers to take care of their oral health during pregnancy.
    He said: 'This paper adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests oral health during pregnancy is particularly important. 
    'While it is unreasonable to expect everyone to have impeccable oral health, all pregnant women should not neglect their mouths, particularly if there is a possibility of it having an impact on the unborn baby.'
    Women with gum disease who were at high risk of having a premature birth benefited from having a procedure called scaling and root planing
    Women with gum disease who were at high risk of having a premature birth benefited from having a procedure called scaling and root planing
    He added that the importance of regular appointments with the dentist and hygienist could not be underestimated. 

    'The dentist or hygienist may be able to give you advice on how to care for your teeth at home if you are suffering from morning sickness, not to mention a thorough cleaning and advice on how to look after your teeth and gums at home.
    'Even those with good oral health will experience changes throughout pregnancy. Some women will find their gums will bleed more easily, a problem made worse if you are already suffering from gum disease.
    'As NHS dental care is free for mums to be, visiting the dentist isn’t going to impact on those vital pennies ahead of your new-born’s arrival. All you need is to be a registered NHS patient and to have a current maternity exemption certificate.'


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2255388/Pregnant-women-dental-hygienist-reduce-risk-premature-birth-third.html#ixzz2Gf3lVR6D 
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    The man with the bionic ear: Pioneering implant placed under the skin could restore hearing for thousands

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  • Alastair White lost the hearing in his left ear after suffering mumps
  • Now the first person in Britain to receive the hi-tech implant placed under the skin
  • Sound signals pass through the skin on the deaf side and over to the ear that is still functioning


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    Alastair White was completely deaf in his left ear after suffering mumps
    Alastair White was completely deaf in his left ear after suffering mumps
    A man left completely deaf in one ear after an attack of mumps has become the first person in the UK to have a breakthrough treatment to restore his hearing.
    Alastair White woke up one morning in 2006 to find he had lost all hearing in his left ear. 
    Hearing loss is a well-known side effect of mumps and is usually temporary.
    But doctors told him that he had lost his hearing permanently - and there was nothing that could be done to help him.
    Refusing to give up hope, he asked for a referral to Manchester Royal Infirmary. There, doctors tested him and explained he could be suitable for a new hi-tech implant which is placed under the skin. 
    Mr White, 28, an engineer from Manchester,  became the first person in Britain to receive the 'bionic ear' in a 90-minute procedure at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. He had full hearing back just hours later.
    The device picks up sound from the deaf side and passes it through to the ear that is still functioning. Performed as a day case procedure, for the first time in the world the device was activated on the same day it was implanted.
    Mr White said: 'When I lost my hearing in one ear it was a big shock. Nobody expects to go to bed and wake up deaf.
     

    'I had mumps and I just thought that my glands were swollen. But they didn't go down and it was the worst thing ever to be told that my hearing wasn't coming back.
    'I struggled to hear at parties and in loud environments for six years, so this operation is life-changing. 
    'When it was switched on at the hospital and I could hear even quiet voices, it was just an incredible feeling.
    The device picks up sound from the deaf side and passes it through to the ear that is still functioning
    The device picks up sound from the deaf side and passes it through to the ear that is still functioning

    Mr White became the first person in Britain to receive the 'bionic ear' in a 90-minute procedure at the Manchester Royal Infimiary
    Mr White became the first person in Britain to receive the 'bionic ear' in a 90-minute procedure at the Manchester Royal Infimiary
    'It's also great to have it in time for Christmas and I feel really proud to be the first in Britain to have it. I'm really grateful to the doctors and can't thank them enough.'
    The device, called the Bonebridge implant, has two components: an implant under the skin behind the ear and an audio processor which receives the sound waves.
    The device, called the Bonebridge implant, has two components: an implant under the skin behind the ear and an audio processor which receives the sound waves
    The device, called the Bonebridge implant, has two components: an implant under the skin behind the ear and an audio processor which receives the sound waves
    Sound signals pass through the skin and audio processor and are conducted by the implant to the bone and the inner ear - allowing users to hear properly.
    Other less sophisticated hearing implants are available, but they are not as sensitive and not as likely to work effectively, the manufacturer claims. 
    Mr White does martial arts and other devices would not be suitable as they are not completely hidden under the skin - meaning he would not be able to take part in sport.
    Ear surgeon Kevin Green, who carried out the procedure, said that Mr White was the first patient in the world to have the implant switched on so quickly - within an hour of the operation. 
    He said: 'The device is new to the UK. Alastair had completely lost his hearing in his left ear and really struggled to hear when it was noisy - that's very hard to cope with. He had a really good response to it and we are very pleased. Hopefully the procedure will now help lots of other people, too.'
    Dr Ingeborg Hochmair, managing director of MED-EL, the firm behind the technology, said: 'The Bonebridge will improve patients' lives considerably, because the protective function of the skin is preserved after the operation.'


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2255275/The-man-bionic-ear-Pioneering-implant-placed-skin-restore-hearing-thousands.html#ixzz2Gf1Tv4Mb 
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