Friday, July 18, 2008 

US scientists scrap major AIDS vaccine test (AFP)

A doctor retrieves a blood sample from a man for an HIV test in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in 2006. US scientists have scrapped plans for a large trial of a HIV vaccine due to concerns about its effectiveness, the government's medical research agency said.(AFP/File/Elmer Martinez)AFP - US scientists have scrapped plans for a large trial of a HIV vaccine due to concerns about its effectiveness, the government's medical research agency said.

Earlier this summer my friend Dan buy bulk l-phenylalanine nutritional powder I were running in a local forest preserve. On a whim, we decided to cut through the woods on some single track trails. Next thing you know, we're weaving through some great scenery, jumping over fallen trees and really enjoying the experience. Since that time I have turned to trail running whenever I need a change of pace. Here are 7 reasons to consider adding trail running to your weekly routine.

1. Break up the routine. Whenever the thought of going out for a run feels like a drag, I usually find myself going out for a trail run. Trail running requires more focus. The obstacles (roots, branches, rocks, etc.) require you to pay attention to the path. No time for mundane thoughts or boredom when you're weaving through the woods.

2. Need a break from the summer sun? Go for a Trail Run. This past summer was extremely hot. The wooded trail setting provides protection from the summer heat.

3. Conversely, if you need a break from the cold winter wind, trails provide protection from the wind chill.

4. The air is cleaner and more abundant on the trails thanks to photosynthesis and protection from the exhaust of the roads.

5. Draw energy from the surrounding beauty. I always get a charge out of running through the forest, over streams and rivers, etc. I never tire of seeing deer and other wildlife on the trail.

6. Get Stronger. Trails require runners to run, weave and sometimes jump over small obstacles. It's a great workout and provides strengthening for ankles, quads and calves.

7. The softer surface of the trail provides much better shock absorption and lessens the chance for common running injuries like shin splints, etc.

Trail Runners need to be aware of potential hazards. Its certainly possible to turn an ankle or fall. Exercise caution, and over time you will develop a sense for this type of running. Be familiar with the local wild life. If you live near dangerous wild animals (i.e. mountain Lions, etc.) it would be best to run with a buddy. Since trails can be secluded, women should never run alone.

Greg is a running enthusiast. A former NCAA Division I Track athlete, Greg is now competing in Marathons and other races including off-road events. Greg lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Carole and four kids. He maintains a site dedicated to running in the Midwest: http://www.midwestrunner.com

 

Nasal antibiotic doesn't get rid of hay fever (Reuters)

Reuters - In patients with hay fever, a nasal ointment containing the antibiotic mupirocin can eliminate Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the nose, but this does not improve symptoms, Israeli researchers report.

Oil from fish contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); both are omega-3 fatty acids.

Where is it found?

EPA and DHA are found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod), anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of EPA and DHA. Fish oil supplements typically contain 18%EPA and 12% DHA, though more purified (i.e. higher in EPA and DHA) fish oil supplements are sometimes available. In addition, DHA is available in a supplement that does not contain significant amounts of EPA.

Benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil

Omega 3 supplement has shown remarkable results in

* Crohns disease (enteric-coated, free-fatty-acid form of fish oil)

* High blood pressure

* High triglycerides

* Rheumatoid arthritis

It also help in

* Asthma

* Atherosclerosis

* Bipolar disorder

* Breast-feeding support

* Cardiac arrhythmia (do not take, or take only with a doctor's supervision, if there is a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation)

* Cystic fibrosis (EPA)

* Depression

* Eczema

* Heart attack

* Immune function (omega-3 fatty acids for critically ill and post surgery patients only)

* Intermittent claudication (in combination with vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid)

* Kidney disease

* Lupus

* Macular degeneration (in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10)

* Multiple sclerosis

* Osteoporosis (in combination with evening primrose oil)

* Phenylketonuria (if deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids)

* Pre- and post-surgery health

* Pregnancy and postpartum support (to prevent premature delivery)

* Psoriasis

* Raynauds disease

* Schizophrenia

* Sickle cell anemia

* Ulcerative colitis

How It Works?

Omega 3 fats are used to make cell membranes, sex hormones and hormone-like chemicals known as series 3 prostaglandins. These perform a wide variety of functions in your body: they helps to thin the blood and break down blood cloths, and also reduce the amount of harmful fats in the blood, which contributes to the risk of heart attacks.

They improve immune system function by reducing inflammation, and help to maintain your body;s water balance.

These fats are crucial for a baby's brain development during pregnancy.

How much Omega 3 Do You Need?

If you have eat several portions of fatty fish per week, you probably no need omega 3 supplement.

Several omega 3 supplements in the market are added with vitamin E, Vitamin E helps to prevent the fish oil from turning rancid. Some evidence suggests that adding vitamin E to fish oil may prevent the fish oil-induced increase in blood sugar levels.

Allan Tan Kim Kia is an nutrition scholar and author of Best Vitamin Supplements Guide who provides tips and advice how to choose and where to buy vitamin supplements online. More Vitamin Information