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Tips for Food Safety

Thursday, October 20, 2011 · Posted in ,

Most often people contract a foodborne illness, commonly referred to as food poisoning, when eating food that was not cooked properly or left out too long. What some may not realize is that foodborne illness can also occur when eating food that has been left in the refrigerator too long.
Over time, bacteria, such as listeria, can grow on foods stored in the refrigerator. Listeria is known to cause listeriosis, a serious infection that effects individuals, like cancer patients, with a weakened immune system. Here are some helpful tips to avoid foodborne illness from foods stored in the refrigerator:


Refrigerator Safety
  • Set your refrigerator temperature below 40°F. This keeps harmful bacteria from growing. Storing food in a refrigerator with temperatures higher than 40° increases the likelihood of food borne illness.
  • Sort through the contents of your refrigerator at least once a week.
Safely Enjoying Leftovers
  • Refrigerate all leftovers promptly. Perishable leftovers should not stay out of refrigeration longer than two hours. In hot weather (90°F or above), this time is reduced to one hour.
FoodKeeps Up To
Cooked fresh vegetables3 to 4 days
Cooked pasta3 to 5 days
Cooked rice1 week
Deli meat5 days
Meat:
- Ham, cooked and sliced3 to 4 days
- Hot dogs, opened1 week
- Lunch meat, prepackaged, opened3 to 5 days
- Cooked beef, pork, poultry, fish and meat casseroles3 to 4 days
- Cooked patties and nuggets, gravy and broth1 to 2 days
Seafood, cooked2 days
Soups and stews3 to 4 days
Stuffing1 to 2 days
Information adapted from American Dietetic Association "Refrigerator Safety"Content provided by the Joan Karnell Cancer Center
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Benefits of Arginine Amino Acid: Arginine Dosage and Arginine Rich Foods

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Special amino acids are of specific interest with regard to growth and development, metabolism, and protection from environmental toxins and diseases; arginine is one such vital amino acid.

Arginine has several
Health Benefits
Arginine Amino Acid: What is Arginine?

Arginine is an amino acid that has an important role to play in wound healing, detoxification, immune functioning and promotion of the secretion of several hormones. By and large, the body makes adequate amounts of arginine, even while the diet is lacking.

Arginine Rich Foods

Foods that are good sources of arginine include: peanuts, beans including lima beans and red beans, almonds, walnuts, cashews, chocolate, buckwheat, salmon, tuna, sardines, sesame seeds and flax seeds. Make sure you have at least one serving of nuts and seeds daily; it will supply the essential amino acid and encourage normal functioning of the body.

Benefits of Arginine: Arginine Uses

Some of the common health benefits associated with Arginine include,
  • Arginine prevents heart diseases: Arginine can help prevent as well as manage angina, hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and peripheral vascular insufficiency. Arginine increases the level of nitric oxide; nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessels and regulates blood flow and reduces blood clot formation and enhances fluidity of the blood.
  • Arginine treats interstitial cystitis: Interstitial cystitis is seen as increased urinary frequency, burning / pain while urinating and urgency to urinate. however, there is no evidence of infection. Arginine helps manage interstitial cystitis by increasing nitric oxide levels. This compound has an important part to play in bladder control too.
  • Arginine is of immense help in male infertility: Atginine can help improve fertility in males; however, the critical determinant is the level of sperm count. If the count is less than 20 million per milliliter, then, arginine supplements are less beneficial. Supplementation an enhance sperm count as well as sperm motility.
  • Arginine promotes the secretion of HGH or the human growth hormone: An extremely popular use of arginine is HGH stimulation from the pituitary gland. The level of HGH secretion tends to decrease with age, thus making you feel tired, increasing the tendency to put on weight and raising the susceptibility to a host of illnesses. Arginine can boost the secretion of HGH from the pituitary gland naturally, thereby, perking up energy levels appreciably, helping build muscle, burning superfluous fat, augmenting hair and skin quality and preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
  • Arginine encourages muscle building: Arginine helps build muscle by boosting the production and release of the human growth hormone from the pituitary. The growth hormone is responsible for stimulating muscle and skeletal growth. Body builders often take arginine supplements to increase the natural output of HGH. HGH improves lean muscle mass and enhances muscle tone. It burns unwanted fat and helps in body contouring.

Arginine Supplements

Our body synthesizes sufficient amounts of arginine; nevertheless, in some instances, the body may not be able to keep up with the increased requirements, and thus, supplementation may prove to be useful.

Arginine Dosage

The therapeutic dose, i.e. the dose that is considered safe is 400 to 6000 milligrams. The dose of arginine supplements varies depending on the disease condition, the person’s health status and administration of other medications. For example, to manage male infertility, experts advocate 4 grams of l-arginine daily for 3 months; for interstitial cystitis, about 1500 milligrams daily for a month is advised. Thus, it is very essential that you confer with your health care professional, before embarking up on arginine supplementation.

A diet high in Arginine
can cause herpes
Arginine and Herpes

The herpes virus utilizes arginine, consequently, diets that are high in arginine in those individuals who may be harboring the virus, could lead to reactivation. Thus, you need to balance your intake of arginine, by increasing the intake of amino acid lysine.

Arginine Side Effects and Warnings

By and large, l-arginine is well tolerated, when taken orally, intravenously, or topically applied. However, in some cases, side effects of arginine have been recorded which include diarrhea, nausea, bloating, skin rash, endocrine changes, GI discomfort, increased blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, lower back pain, numbness, or systemic acidosis. 
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E! Reporter Guiliana Rancic Reveals She Has Breast Cancer

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 · Posted in , , ,

It’s a recommendation based on years of research: Beginning at the age of 40, all women should have an annual mammogram to check for breast cancer.
But some doctors are recommending women get mammograms before the age of 40.
Recently, Guiliana Rancic, entertainment reporter for the E! Network, revealed that at the age of 36, she has breast cancer.

Rancic and her husband had been trying to have a baby through in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Before her third treatment attempt, her doctor told her she should have a mammogram. If there was any chance she could have breast cancer, hormones related to her pregnancy may accelerate the cancer.

In an interview on the “Today Show” this week, Rancic said she fought the idea, as she was still under 40 and had no familial history of breast cancer in her family. Soon after her mammogram, she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.

“Usually we don’t recommend routine screening before the age of 40, but each woman should discuss this with her health care provider and weigh her individual risk for breast cancer. Some women at high risk we will begin screening much earlier, even as early as 25 years,” says Emily Conant, MD, director of women’s imaging at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Women who come to Penn Medicine for their mammograms are screened using a revolutionary new imaging process: digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).

“DBT often allows us to see areas better than on regular digital mammograms, because the 3-D technology captures images of the breast at different depths and angles, all during the same compression as the regular mammogram,” says Dr. Conant. “In preliminary research, 3-D tomosynthesis imaging has been shown to reduce the number of false-positives and some false-negatives making mammography using the 3-D technique more accurate.”

Like a traditional mammogram, the breast is compressed for four to five seconds while a series of low-dose X-rays images are taken to capture high-resolution images of the breast. These imaged are then digitally “stacked” to construct a total 3-D image of the breast. This image allows radiologists to scroll through, and “peel apart” the layers of the breast to view the breast tissue at different depths and angles.

“DBT offers Penn radiologists a new kind of clarity, allowing them to manipulate and see parts of the breast that we couldn’t before,” says Dr. Conant. “Therefore, we can reduce some unnecessary imaging and stress for some women.”

Learn more about breast cancer treatment at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center.

The Abramson Cancer Center is pleased to present the Focus on Women's Cancers Conference featuring:
Attend Penn Medicine’s Focus On Women’s Cancer Conference
Friday, October 28, 2011
7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Register and view the full agenda at The Abramson Cancer Center, or register by phone at 800-789-PENN(7366).

Please register for only one conference but feel free on the day of the conference to attend sessions at any of the 3 conferences.

Portions of the program will be livestreamed at PennMedicine.org/Abramson/WomensCancersLIVE on the day of the conference.
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Side Effects of L-Arginine Supplements: Precautions while using L Arginine Supplements

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On the whole, L-arginine supplements are well tolerated when administered intravenously, orally or topically .L- Arginine is an amino acid which plays a crucial role in ammonia detoxification, strengthening the immune system and secretion of certain hormones. Though L Arginine supplements are considered beneficial, there consumption can be associated with certain side effects and precautions are suggested while consuming these supplements

Arginine supplements
can have side effects
Side Effects of L Arginine Supplements
In some cases Arginine is known to cause diarrhea, bloating, hormonal changes, gastrointestinal derangements, hives, increased levels of blood urea nitrogen, blood creatine, and serum creatinine, increased inflammatory response, pain in the lower back, numbness, severe tissue necrosis, systemic acidosis, or venous irritation.
Arginine supplements are also known to set off anaphylaxis in some patients. Symptoms include: hives and rash, itching, breathlessness.

Precaution for using L Arginine Supplements
  • People having cardiovascular disorders, may see an increase in the WBC count, fatigue, vertigo, increased blood pressure, or increased post-heart attack deaths; after taking arginine. Arginine must be avoided in hypotensive people or those being administered blood pressure lowering drugs. Those who are at a risk for or have a history of cardiac arrest should avoid arginine, because arginine could aggravate the condition and increase the peril of death.
  • Arginine may raise the risk of bleeding. Those having bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding must be very careful.
  • Arginine may alter blood glucose levels. People having diabetes or hypoglycemia must exercise extreme care when taking arginine supplements. In case you need to start supplementation, serum glucose levels should be monitored from time to time.
  • Those having impaired kidney function, those who are at a risk for hyperkalemia (i.e. abnormally high levels of blood potassium), diabetics or people who take drugs which increase potassium levels, must be extremely cautious, since, arginine causes hyperkalemia.
  • Post menopausal women must talk to their health care professional before starting the supplements, given that, flushing and night sweats have been reported.
  • Arginine worsens herpetic infection. The herpes virus makes use of arginine, therefore, a diet that is high in arginine in people who may be sheltering the virus, could trigger a reactivation. It may increase the danger of herpes simplex cold sores. 
Other Side Effects of Use of L Arginine Supplements
  • Headache is reported as a side effect of arginine; hence, must be used cautiously in those prone to headaches.
  • Individuals having immunological disorders must take added care.
  • People diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and hyperchloremic acidosis, should consult their doctor, since, arginine aggravates the symptoms.
  • High-risk pregnancy women and women having multiple medical conditions should not take arginine supplements; arginine given intravenously can trigger premature delivery, pre-eclampsia, and even death. by and large, experts advocate one to avoid arginine during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Avoid arginine with nitrates, as simultaneous usage causes extreme blood pressure-lowering.
  • Asthmatics mustn’t use arginine supplements, since; arginine could trigger an allergic response and worsen inflammation of the airways.
  • Avoid use in breast cancer. 
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Omega-3 fatty acids shown to prevent or slow progression of osteoarthritis

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Ω

New research has shown for the first time that omega-3 in fish oil could "substantially and significantly" reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.

According to the University of Bristol study, funded by Arthritis Research UK and published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, omega-3-rich diets fed to guinea pigs, which naturally develop osteoarthritis, reduced disease by 50 per cent compared to a standard diet.

The research is a major step forward in showing that omega-3 fatty acids, either sourced from fish oil or flax oil, may help to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, or even prevent it occurring, confirming anecdotal reports and "old wives' tales" about the benefits of fish oil for joint health.

Lead researcher Dr John Tarlton, from the Matrix Biology Research group at the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences, said classic early signs of the condition, such as the degradation of collagen in cartilage and the loss of molecules that give it shock-absorbing properties, were both reduced with omega-3.

"Furthermore, there was strong evidence that omega-3 influences the biochemistry of the disease, and therefore not only helps prevent disease, but also slows its progression, potentially controlling established osteoarthritis," he said.

Dr Tarlton added: "The only way of being certain that the effects of omega-3 are as applicable to humans as demonstrated in guinea pigs is to apply omega-3 to humans. However, osteoarthritis in guinea pigs is perhaps the most appropriate model for spontaneous, naturally occurring osteoarthritis, and all of the evidence supports the use of omega-3 in human disease."

Medical research director of Arthritis Research UK, Professor Alan Silman, said: "The possibility that omega-3 fatty acids could prevent osteoarthritis from developing has been a tantalising one. Some limited, previous research in dogs has suggested that we were a long way away from understanding the potential use in humans. However, this current research in guinea pigs is exciting as it brings us closer to understanding how omega-3 might fundamentally interfere with the osteoarthritis process, and that it could potentially be taken as a treatment."

On the back of the results of his study, Dr Tarlton said that following government guidelines on dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids could be effective in reducing the burden of osteoarthritis. Fish oil is far more effective than the flax oil based supplement, but for vegetarians flax oil remains a viable alternative.

"Most diets in the developed world are lacking in omega-3, with modern diets having up to 30 times too much omega-6 and too little omega-3. Taking omega-3 will help redress this imbalance and may positively contribute to a range of other health problems such as heart disease and colitis."

Further studies are needed to determine the influence of omega-3 fatty acids on established disease in guinea pigs, and to confirm the effects in human osteoarthritis, said Dr Tarlton.

Osteoarthritis affects around eight million people in the UK, and is caused when the cartilage at the ends of bones wears away and the underlying bone thickens, leading to stiff, painful joints. Currently, there is no effective treatment to slow down disease progression, and treatment is limited to pain relief and ultimately joint replacement.
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How Weight and Hormones Affect Breast Cancer Outcomes

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Christine Wilson, cancer survivor, shares her experiences from the Abramson Cancer Center’s 2011 Update in Breast Cancer: Coverage of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting CME/CE Certified Course. The course is under the direction of Kevin Fox, MD, medical director of the Rena Rowan Breast Center. This is the third of four posts about the latest findings in treating breast cancer.

BMI and Cancer Outcomes
In recent years, the belief that obese breast cancer patients have worse outcomes has become somewhat entrenched in the cancer community. A North American Breast Cancer Group study presented in 2010 appeared to be confirmed those findings. But just one year later, data presented at ASCO 2011 data (abstracts 513, 514, 515), appears to contradict that belief.

Angela DeMichele, MD, associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said the combined analysis of five National Cancer Institute studies demonstrate no compelling evidence that obesity, a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, compromises breast cancer survival. The studies also show BMI does not affect estrone (the estrogen left after menopause, made primarily by body fat) levels in postmenopausal women.

Despite the discrepancy in the findings, Dr. DeMichele reinforced the need to encourage obese women to lose weight and provide active support to women undergoing hormonal treatment to help them avoid weight gain.

Exemestane Yields Impressive Results in Prevention Study
One of the most noted studies at this year's ASCO meeting was the MAP3 trial (abstract 504), which presented persuasive evidence that the aromatase inhibitor exemestane, has a significant effect in preventing invasive breast cancer in medium to high risk postmenopausal women. The study, released simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine, represents a "huge victory for chemoprevention," in the words of the Angela Bradbury, MD, who presented the study at the ASCO meeting.

In this large, multinational study, women who received exemestane had a 65 percent reduction in invasive breast cancer. This is a superior result to the 50 percent reduction seen in studies utilizing tamoxifen and raloxifen.

Over a three-year period, exemestane reduced the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ and other precancerous conditions, and appeared to reduce the incidence of more aggressive breast cancers in those women who did develop the disease. In addition, the study found that the side effects; hot flashes, insomnia, and arthralgia; were not excessive and generally well tolerated by the study participants. Serious toxicities including fractures, other cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular events were not seen in the study participants.

While the MAP3 results are without question important and exciting, some experts question whether healthy women will take a drug that is associated with a spectrum of menopausal type symptoms, even to achieve an important goal of reducing invasive breast cancer. The answer may depend on a variety of factors including:

  • Level of individual risk
  • Age
  • Overall health
  • Conversations between women and their doctors as they become aware of this new study and its implications for preventing the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women

Abstracts can be found on the 2011 ASCO meeting website.

Learn more about breast cancer treatment at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center.

Are you at risk for breast cancer? Attend Penn Women’s Cancer Conference – Focus on Your Risk of Breast/Ovarian Cancer

Are you a breast cancer survivor? Attend the Penn Women’s Cancer Conference – Life after Breast Cancer

Coming up next, The Value of Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy.

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Essential Fatty Acids Deficiency: Functions and Foods for EFA

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Dietary fat plays several fundamental roles in the body. Fats are the most concentrated source of energy and provide 9 calories per gram. It is also required for the synthesis of structural components, such as cell membrane.  Since the body has an almost limitless ability to store fat, consuming a diet that is loaded with fats can result in obesity. It is imperative to remember that, just as the amount of fat is important, so is the type of fat that you consume.

What Are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)?
The two official essential fatty acids are linoleic (omega 6 fatty acid) and alpha-linoleic (omega 3 fatty acid); nonetheless, there are other fats which are extremely important too. These two are vital complements for good health and ought to be incorporated in the daily diet.

Function of Essential Fatty Acid: Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids perform some important functions in the body’s metabolic and physiological activities,
  • Cell membrane function: a cell membrane contains 2 layers, each made up of proteins, cholesterol, and fats. when one consumes fat that is mostly saturated fat, trans fat and animal fat, then the cell membrane has much less fluid than the membrane of a person who consumes optimal quantities of unsaturated fats. Without the right type of fats in the cell membrane, the cells fail to function normally, thus triggering a host of lifestyle linked disorders.
  • Conversion to prostaglandins: EFAs are transformed in prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are regulatory compounds that carry out various tasks and govern: your response to allergy, blood clotting, blood pressure, heart, kidney, and GI functioning, inflammation and pain, hormone manufacture, and nerve conduction.

Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency: Deficiency of EFA

The following are the commonly seen clinical manifestations of a deficiency of EFAs:


Walnuts are a good
source of Essential
Fatty Acids
Foods with Essential Fatty Acids: Sources of Essential Fatty Acids

The following foods provide generous doses of omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids; and thereby help in the optimal functioning of the body cells:

  • Cold water fish such as, Herring, Salmon, Mackerel, and Halibut
  • Flax seeds
  • Walnuts along with other dry fruits like Almonds, Cashewnuts, etc 
Essential Fatty Acids Supplements

EFA supplements are recommended in cases of dermatitis, eczema and excessive dryness of the skin, which is invariably triggered by an inadequate intake of essential fatty acids in the diet. Supplements also help manage hair fall and teat dull, lifeless hair. Experts advocate supplementation in cases of arthritis, severe constipation, atherosclerosis, insufficiently performing immune mechanism and Alzheimer’s disease.
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